Camping meal plan for family
Make your next outdoor trip a breeze with our Camping meal plan for family. This plan includes kid-friendly meals and snacks that everyone will love. Spend less time worrying about food and more time enjoying nature together.
Meal plan grocery list
- Apples
- Bananas
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Chicken breasts
- Ground beef
- Hot dogs
- Bacon
- Sausages
- Ham
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Bread
- Tortillas
- Rice
- Pasta
- Beans
- Canned tuna
- Canned corn
- Peanut butter
- Granola bars
- Oatmeal
- Trail mix
Meal plan overview
The camping meal plan for family is tailored to please both adults and kids with simple, tasty meals. This plan includes family favorites like pasta, burgers, and fruit kebabs that are easy to prepare and enjoy together. Meals like spaghetti with marinara sauce, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pancake breakfasts keep everyone happy.
Ideal for family trips, this meal plan ensures everyone gets fed without the stress. It focuses on meals that are easy to cook in large batches, making camp cooking fun and manageable for the whole family.
Foods to eat
- Kid-Friendly Fruits: Apples, bananas, and grapes for easy, healthy snacks.
- Whole Grain Options: Whole wheat bread, tortillas, and pasta for balanced meals.
- Protein Choices: Chicken tenders, cheese sticks, and yogurt for family-friendly protein sources.
- Healthy Snacks: Hummus with carrot sticks, and whole grain crackers with cheese.
- Hydrating Foods: Watermelon and cucumber slices for staying hydrated and refreshed.
✅ Tip
Create a build-your-own taco bar using pre-chopped veggies, grilled meats, and cheese to satisfy every family member's taste.
Foods not to eat
- Sugary Snacks: Candy, cookies, and sugary cereals that provide little nutrition.
- High-Sodium Foods: Packaged snacks like chips and salted nuts that can lead to dehydration.
- Soda and Sugary Drinks: Opt for water or natural fruit juices instead.
- Processed Meats: Hot dogs and deli meats with added preservatives and unhealthy fats.
- Fragile Foods: Avoid foods that can spoil or get crushed easily, like berries and tomatoes.
Main benefits
Camping meal plan for family fosters togetherness by involving everyone in meal preparation, making it a fun group activity. It ensures that everyone's dietary needs are met, leading to happier and healthier family members. Additionally, it can be cost-effective by minimizing the need for dining out.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To keep your family meals fun and healthy while camping, consider these family-friendly swaps:
- For a different protein, turkey burgers can replace hot dogs, providing a leaner, healthier option.
- To add variety to your vegetables, sugar snap peas can replace broccoli, offering a crunchy and sweet alternative.
- For a dairy option, provolone cheese can replace mozzarella cheese, offering a mild, creamy flavor that melts well.
- To switch up grains, couscous can replace rice, providing a quick-cooking, fluffy grain that pairs well with many dishes.
- For a new snack, trail mix with dark chocolate chips can replace granola bars, offering a sweet and energy-boosting treat.
How to budget on this meal plan
Creating a camping meal plan for a family involves choosing budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dishes. Think big pots of chili or pasta that can be made in advance and frozen. Inexpensive vegetables like carrots and potatoes are great for roasting over a campfire. Bulk-buying snacks like granola bars and fruit can also save money and keep everyone happy.
Download the grocery list for FREE
- ✔️ Add and remove items
- ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
- ✔️ Share the list with your partner
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack ideas for a camping meal plan for family:
- Sliced apples with peanut butter
- Homemade trail mix
- Fruit kabobs
- String cheese and whole grain crackers
- Veggie sticks with ranch dip
- Popcorn with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
- Yogurt cups with fresh fruit
What should I drink on this meal plan?
On a family camping meal plan, prioritize water and diluted fruit juices for hydration. Offer milk or non-dairy alternatives for kids. Herbal teas and hot chocolate can be enjoyed by everyone around the campfire. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas to maintain a healthy balance for all family members.
How to get even more nutrients?
A camping meal plan for family should include a variety of foods to meet everyone's nutritional needs. Pack whole grain wraps, lean meats, and cheese for quick, balanced meals. Include fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and bell peppers for snacks. Bring along nuts, yogurt, and hummus to provide healthy fats, proteins, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Meal plan suggestions
Camping Meal Plan for Family
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Toast
- Lunch: Chicken Salad Wraps with Lettuce and Tomatoes
- Dinner: Grilled Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli
- Snack: Yogurt with Granola
Calories: 1800 Fat: 90g Carbs: 150g Protein: 100g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with Sliced Bananas
- Lunch: Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Carrot Sticks
- Dinner: Beef Tacos with Bell Peppers, Onions, and Cheese
- Snack: Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Calories: 1900 Fat: 85g Carbs: 160g Protein: 110g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos with Sausage, Eggs, and Cheese
- Lunch: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
- Dinner: Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce
- Snack: Trail Mix
Calories: 2000 Fat: 95g Carbs: 170g Protein: 115g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Bacon
- Lunch: Ham and Cheese Sandwiches with Spinach Salad
- Dinner: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Snack: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with Tomato Slices
Calories: 1850 Fat: 88g Carbs: 155g Protein: 105g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Breakfast Hash with Potatoes, Onions, and Eggs
- Lunch: BLT Sandwiches with Carrot Sticks
- Dinner: Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
- Snack: Banana with Peanut Butter
Calories: 1950 Fat: 90g Carbs: 165g Protein: 112g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Sliced Strawberries
- Lunch: Hot Dogs with Grilled Bell Peppers and Onions
- Dinner: Pasta Carbonara with Bacon and Peas
- Snack: Granola Bars
Calories: 1800 Fat: 85g Carbs: 155g Protein: 100g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Ham and Toast
- Lunch: Chicken Quesadillas with Salsa and Sour Cream
- Dinner: Baked Potatoes with Chili (using Ground Beef)
- Snack: Cheese and Crackers
Calories: 1950 Fat: 92g Carbs: 160g Protein: 108g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ 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.
