Camping is a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, escape fast-pace of modern life and to get fit. An enjoyable camping trip requires good, healthy food. Planning and cooking food in the wilderness can be part of the fun and adventure of connecting with nature. When packing food for camping, you must consider the conditions at the campsite, how long you will be camping and the cooking equipment you may have available. If you are backpacking, weight may play a role; however, if you are site camping you will have more food options. Rely on fresh, non-processed food for a healthy take on camp food.
Equipment
In addition to packing food for camping, bring appropriate cookware for the outdoors. Consider what equipment to bring during your camping trip. Plan what equipment to bring considering if you can start a camp fire. If you can't have an open fire, bring a camp stove. Bring a pot, pan, and utensils. Pack a camping box filled with basic equipment while being safety and space conscious, according to California State Parks.
Food staples
If you will be able to cook while camping, bring food staples that you will need to cook on the open fire. Think beyond marshmallows and hot dogs, and try to bring healthy alternatives. Pack vinegar and dried herbs and spice in addition to salt and pepper, according to California State Parks. Staples such as a heart healthy cooking oil and herbs are needed to cook a fresh meal. Remember to bring items for a healthy breakfast such as instant oatmeal and whole grain cereals.
Fresh food
Store perishable food in a cooler with ice to prevent spoilage. Any dairy products, meats or eggs will require cold storage according to the USDA. Fresh fruits and vegetables will stay fresher if kept in a cooler, according to California State Parks. You can cook meat on a grill on an open pit fire. Wrap vegetables such as potatoes in aluminum foil and cook near the coals. Marinated vegetables cooked on skewers make a healthy, nutritious side dish.
Dried food
Dried food serves as a light-weight alternative to regular food. Ideally, if you are backpacking or survival camping, you will need to rely on foods that will not go bad during your trip. If you carry your food, canned goods may weigh too much to pack in your backpack. Dried fruits such as cherries, raisins, cranberries, apples provide vitamins and sugar while you are back packing. When eaten with nuts, trail mix provides protein to keep you energized. Add dried vegetables to stews and soups. Freeze dried packets may also be an alternative. Freeze dried foods require minimal cooking since they are pre-cooked. They need to be reconstituted with water. Pack dried, instant rice and beans or pasta with an instant sauce if you are backpack camping.
Snacks
You can rely on dried fruit for snacks. Bring peanut butter and crackers for a high-protein snack. Avoid peanut butter with added sugars, many all-natural peanut butters provide nutrients and protein without a high sugar content. A staple snack for campers includes trail mix. Prepare your own from organic dried fruits and nuts. Many organic stores carry beef jerky that has been dehydrated without chemicals such as monosodium glutamate.
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