Camping meal plan for dinner
End your day with delicious meals from our Camping meal plan for dinner. This plan includes easy-to-cook dinner recipes that will satisfy your hunger after a long day outdoors. Enjoy hearty and comforting meals around the campfire.
Meal plan grocery list
- Chicken breast
- Ground beef
- Hot dogs
- Canned tuna
- Sliced ham
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Whole milk
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Apples
- Bananas
- Berries
- Oranges
- Bread
- Tortillas
- Pasta
- Rice
- Canned beans
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Honey
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on July 2, 2024.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
Meal plan overview
The camping meal plan for dinner focuses on comforting, filling meals that are simple to prepare in the great outdoors. Think foil packet meals with meat and veggies, hearty stews cooked in a Dutch oven, and grilled fish or kebabs. These dinners are perfect for winding down after a day of adventure.
Designed to be cooked over a campfire or portable stove, these meals are easy to customize and can be prepped ahead of time. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just a couple of hungry campers, you'll appreciate the simplicity and flavor of these outdoor dinners.
Foods to eat
- Grilled Vegetables: Easy to prepare and full of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, or tofu cooked over the campfire for a nutritious meal.
- Whole Grain Pasta: Pairs well with a variety of sauces and vegetables.
- Legumes: Beans and lentils for a hearty and protein-packed dinner.
- Quinoa: A complete protein that cooks quickly and easily.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Sodium Canned Foods: Such as soups and ready meals, which can lead to dehydration.
- Processed Meats: Hot dogs and lunch meats, which are high in sodium and preservatives.
- Heavy Sauces: Cream-based sauces that can be difficult to store and prepare while camping.
- Refined Grains: White pasta and bread that lack nutritional value.
- Sugary Desserts: Save the sweets for occasional treats to avoid energy spikes and crashes.
Main benefits
Camping meal plan for dinner offers the benefit of winding down the day with a hearty and fulfilling meal, aiding in muscle recovery and relaxation. This plan can include comfort foods that are easy to prepare, enhancing the camping experience with satisfying end-of-day meals.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To keep dinner hearty and delicious while camping, consider these dinner-friendly swaps:
- For a lean protein, turkey breast can replace ground beef, offering a lower fat content and a mild flavor.
- To diversify vegetables, butternut squash can replace potatoes, providing a sweet and starchy alternative that's lower in carbs.
- For a dairy option, Parmesan cheese can replace mozzarella cheese, offering a sharp and nutty flavor.
- To switch up grains, couscous can replace rice, providing a quick-cooking, fluffy grain that pairs well with many dishes.
- For a new vegetable, artichokes can replace bell peppers, providing a hearty and low-carb option.
How to budget on this meal plan
For a dinner-focused camping meal plan, one-pot meals like stews and casseroles are both economical and easy to prepare. Using cheaper cuts of meat that benefit from slow cooking over a campfire can save money. Stock up on hearty vegetables and grains to bulk out meals without adding much cost.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack ideas for a camping meal plan for dinner:
- Grilled veggie skewers
- Whole grain pita with hummus
- Mixed nuts and seeds
- Roasted chickpeas
- Cheese and whole grain crackers
- Fresh fruit slices
- Popcorn
What should I drink on this meal plan?
On a camping meal plan for dinner, drink water, herbal teas, or light broths. Green tea or chamomile tea can aid digestion. Consider a small glass of natural fruit juice or a diluted electrolyte drink if needed. Avoid caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
How to get even more nutrients?
For a camping meal plan focused on dinner, include grilled meats or fish for protein. Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables for fiber and vitamins. Use whole grains like quinoa or brown rice as a base. Include a healthy fat source like olive oil or avocado to complete the meal.
Meal plan suggestions
Camping Meal Plan for Dinner
Day 1
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with roasted potatoes and carrots, side of spinach salad with tomatoes and bell peppers
Calories: 600 Fat: 20g Carbs: 50g Protein: 50g
Day 2
- Dinner: Ground beef and bean chili with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served with a side of rice
Calories: 700 Fat: 25g Carbs: 60g Protein: 45g
Day 3
- Dinner: Hot dogs with cheddar cheese, onions, and bell peppers, served with a side of roasted garlic potatoes
Calories: 650 Fat: 30g Carbs: 50g Protein: 30g
Day 4
- Dinner: Canned tuna salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, served with a side of bread and butter
Calories: 550 Fat: 20g Carbs: 40g Protein: 35g
Day 5
- Dinner: Sliced ham and cheddar cheese tortillas with lettuce and tomatoes, served with a side of yogurt and berries
Calories: 600 Fat: 25g Carbs: 50g Protein: 30g
Day 6
- Dinner: Spaghetti with ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, served with a side of spinach salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing
Calories: 700 Fat: 25g Carbs: 80g Protein: 40g
Day 7
- Dinner: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic, served with a side of rice
Calories: 650 Fat: 20g Carbs: 70g Protein: 45g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.