Camping is a popular activity, and in some locations you can camp any time of the year. It takes a lot of preparation to have a successful camping trip, but follow TheBackpacker's suggestion to keep the weight down and the food small, and bring food that won't spoil for a safe, satisfying food experience.
Snacks
If you hike or do other physically activity on your trip, you will be hungry throughout the day. Plan to bring at snacks for each day that you are out in the wilderness. Pack snacks that do not take up a lot of room in your pack but are nutritionally filling. Choose from dried fruit, nuts or protein bars. If the weather is not too hot, bring a chocolate bar for a sweet treat.
Breakfast
Breakfast is often the most relaxing meal you will have during your camping trip, because you are well-rested. You can make pancakes with premeasured pancake mix, a skillet, a little water and some syrup. If you do not want to cook, bring cold cereal or granola and powdered milk. When you are preparing for the trip, discard all the extra packaging and pack your food in plastic bags, which are lightweight and easily transported.
Lunch
You often eat lunch on the go when you are camping. If you are backpacking during your camping trip, bring hearty breads that do not crush easily, such as bagels, tortillas or pitas. Use squeeze tubes of peanut butter, available at camping stores, to make sandwiches on the trail. You also can use dried meat and hard cheese in your sandwich. Add in a piece of fruit, some nuts, a cold drink and a treat for a lunch that will keep you going.
Dinner
Dinner is a time to relax after a busy day of activities. Unless you are camping in an RV, you must use mainly non-perishable foods. You can use dehydrated food packages, but there are tastier alternatives. Fire up the grill or get the campfire roaring and make macaroni and cheese, soup, or chicken and rice. After your healthy meal, cook some smores using chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers for a classic camping treat.
Considerations
When camping, be mindful of food safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends keeping cold foods cold in a cooler and heating hot foods to the proper temperature. Perishable food spoils quickly at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees. Avoid cross-contamination of foods by keeping any raw meat away from uncooked foods and washing your hands regularly. If you will not have access to safe drinking water, boil your water or use water purification tablets and a water filter.
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