Camping is a favorite past-time of many Americans. There are hundreds of camping sites across the United States, from canyons, to deserts and grassy fields in nature. Camping requires a lot of manual labor, from putting the tent together, to hiking to find the right spot. Yet it can be very rewarding to spend a few days out in the wilderness with your family. Since there are no refrigerators, stoves, ovens or microwaves in nature, it's important to think about packing foods that will not perish easily, but are still nutritious and tasty.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great snack to take camping because it is high in calories and other essential nutrients. You can prepare a trail mix at home before leaving on your camping trip by combining nuts like peanuts and almonds with dried fruits like raisins and dried cranberries. For a little sweetness, you can even add a few marshmallows or chocolate-coated candies. If you prefer to try a greater variety of flavors, look at the different types of trail mix at your local grocery store or health food store. There are even spicy trail mixes which contain cayenne powder and wasabi peas. Whatever your flavor preference is, you can find it in a trail mix. Then, snack on it as needed while camping.
Textured Vegetable Protein
Textured vegetable protein, also called TVP, is a vegetarian protein source which comes dehydrated in small pieces. It looks like small flakes of dried ground meat, and is easily rehydrated by adding one cup of boiling water to each cup of textured vegetable protein. The Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club recommends taking TVP with you on your camping trip and preparing it in the evening by heating a kettle of water over a fire. Textured vegetable protein is very high in protein and vitamins, but low in fat.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is another high protein option to take when camping. You can eat it plain, add a little mayonnaise from individual packets or spread it onto crackers. The United States Department of Agriculture states that canned meats are shelf-stable and therefore, make great options for camping trip meals. It is important to eat the tuna as soon as you open it, though, since it will spoil without refrigeration. Don't forget to pack a can opener, or else you won't be able to eat your canned tuna.
Dried Fruit
Next time you go camping, try bringing some dried fruit with you to get a little sweet taste into your diet. Foods which are shelf-stable tend to be either bland or soft, without a good texture. Dried fruits are sweet, chewy and full of vitamins. Dried mangos, dried apple slices, dried apricots and dried pears can all add variety into your camping diet. You can dry any fruits at home using a dehydrator, or you can buy them in the store.
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