Camping is an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. During a camping trip you are away from your kitchen making it difficult to prepare home-cooked meals. A camping menu doesn't have to contain only trail mix, energy bars and sandwiches. Whether you are camping from your car or in the wilderness, with planning and preparation before the trip, you can have a camping menu that features gourmet food for every meal.
Step 1
Arrange the itinerary and details of the camping trip; camp setting, duration of the trip and number of people in camp. The camp setting will dramatically change the food on the menu by changing the availability of cooking sources. For example, if you are in a modern campsite you will have access to a cooler, pantry, Dutch oven, camp oven, campfire, camp grill or other cooking surface. Wilderness camping during a backpacking trip limits your ability to pack perishable foods and cooking sources are limited to a backpacking stove and campfire. Plan for the appropriate number of days for the trip and number of people in camp so you have enough food planned for every meal.
Step 2
Make a plan for each meal. Use a camping menu planner to outline general ideas for three meals per day---breakfast, lunch and dinner---with one or two snacks for each day. Each meal will consist of a main dish, one or two side dishes, drink and a dessert. Adjust your camping gear list to plan for the appropriate cups, plates and utensils needed to prepare and eat each meal. Aim for reusing the utensils to save space and reduce waste.
Step 3
Create a balanced menu to provide ample energy. During the camping trip, you will participate in high-energy activities such as hiking, fishing or bike riding. The foods on the menu should provide a balanced amount of lean protein, good carbohydrates and healthy fats. For example, use fresh vegetables or dried fruit as side dishes for good carbohydrates and raw, unsalted nuts as a snack for healthy fats. Other food ideas for a balanced menu include oatmeal, fruit bars or granola bars for carbohydrates, trail mix for healthy fats and lean meat or sliced deli meat for protein.
Step 4
Plan ahead and prepare the food before the trip. Make a grocery list on the bottom of the menu planner and purchase perishable foods a day before the trip. Pack the food accordingly in a camping pantry or cooler packed with ice. You can use vacuum sealed bags or zip-lock bags for dry goods such as oatmeal or cereal. Pack materials for food preparation such as a spatula and clean-up materials such as rags.
Tips and Warnings
- Use foods you typically enjoy to eat. Keep all perishable food in a cooler packed with ice. Wash and reuse all camping utensils. Pack it in, pack it out. Always make sure campfires are completely extinguished.
- Store food in a bear-safe container or away from your campsite to prevent animals from invading your campsite.
Member Comments