A day spent hiking, swimming or simply relaxing in a hammock at a campsite can make food taste even better. Since most campgrounds aren't near stores or restaurants, you may want to pack your own food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. You also will need to store it properly to keep it from spoiling and to protect it from hungry wildlife. For the best protection, keep cold foods cold at all times. If you are backpacking or can't take a cooler with ice, stick to non-perishable dried or canned meals.
Step 1
Transfer food to airtight plastic containers, or seal in zip-top plastic bags. This will help keep food from drying out and going stale, and will keep out ants and other bugs.
Step 2
For food that needs to stay cold, such as dairy products, meat, cheese and other perishables, use a cooler with ice. Choose a cooler large enough to hold plenty of ice, in addition to your food. Put smaller items in a tray at the top of the cooler. Place drinks and larger items in the ice at the bottom of the cooler.
Step 3
Pack a separate cooler with drinks and bottles of water. This cooler will be opened more often than your food cooler. It also will keep the food in your food cooler colder and make the ice last longer.
Step 4
Pack food that doesn't have to be refrigerated in a hard-sided container with a lid, such as a plastic storage tote. This will keep fragile food, such as bread or potato chips, from being crushed. Put a bungee cord over the lid of the container to deter small campground thieves, such as raccoons and squirrels.
Step 5
Lock food boxes and coolers in the trunk of your car when you're away from camp, especially if you're camping in an area where there might be bears. In some areas, you may need to store all your food in bear-proof lockers away from your campsite. Ask the ranger at your campground to recommend the safest way to store food.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic containers
- Zip-top plastic bags
- Coolers
- Plastic storage totes
- Bungee cord
Member Comments