Nine camping recipes to try if you’ve already mastered the classics

If you’re a regular camper, you’ve probably got the classics down to a fine art: s’mores, damper, snags on the BBQ. But dehydrated food and beans on toast can get pretty boring after a few back-to-back overnight hikes. If you’re looking for some meal inspiration to refresh your camping menu, or simply can’t stomach the idea of eating anything that was once in powder form, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the internet (i.e. spent hours on TikTok) in search of simple and delicious camping meal ideas. From hearty breakfasts to brownies with a twist, here are nine to try on your next outdoor adventure.

Before we tuck into the food, here are some simple prep tips that will make your life easier:

• Repack herbs and spices into small, stackable containers and use mini reusable silicone bottles to transport cooking oil and sauces.
• Pre-cook meals where you can to save time and clean up on the track.
• Freeze water bottles to keep your food cold and defrost for drinking and cooking water.
• Also check out these food hacks and our tips for a cracking campsite BBQ.

We’re bringing out the big guns first: homemade pasta that would make any Italian nonna proud. It may sound intimidating, but if you’ve got access to a picnic table and some time to kill, this is such a fun meal to make with friends and family.

Orecchiette, or ‘little ears’, requires just two ingredients: semolina flour and water. The ratio is around one part water to two parts semolina flour, but always consult a recipe for exact measurements. To make your dough, combine flour and water and follow recipe instructions for kneading and resting times. Next, you’re ready to roll out your pasta – this is the fun part, and the kids will want to get involved. Simply pinch off a pea sized amount of dough, place it in your palm and use the thumb of your opposite hand to press into it. You’ll end up with small semicircles of pasta that you can rest on a lightly floured surface while cooking your sauce of choice. Carb heaven.

Introducing orange peel brownies, the desert that feeds you twice. First, slice six oranges in half and spoon out the contents, being careful not to make any holes in the skin. Enjoy your oranges while you prepare a standard brownie mixture. Tip: mix your dry ingredients at home and transport in a zip-lock bag to save room.

At camp, add wet ingredients and pour the batter into the empty orange skins leaving a little room at the top, double wrap in foil and place cut-side up on the campfire or in a covered pot on a camping stove. Cook for 20-25 minutes until you get that perfect firm yet gooey consistency. 

With the added aroma of orange and no pan required, these perfectly portioned brownies will make you a real campsite hero.

Every experienced camper knows that you need a few ‘no cook meals’ in your arsenal, and this one’s an absolute doozy. It’s tasty, healthy and quick to prepare after a long day on the track. Simply mix rolled oats, dried berries, chia seeds and coconut flakes, plus any other additions of your choice, with milk (or water and milk powder) and place in small containers to chill in the Esky overnight. You can also make this at home for an even smoother camping experience.

Photo: Taryn Elliott via Pexels

This one requires a little prep work, but the joy of biting into a juicy burrito while you’re watching the sun come up is so worth it. The night before your trip, fry up your favourite burrito fillings, pop the mixture into some tortillas, wrap in a double layer of greased aluminium foil and freeze. Tip: line your burrito with a layer of baking paper inside the foil to avoid direct contact with your food.

When you’re ready to eat, heat the burritos over a grill or campfire for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Simply scrumptious.

This has got to be one of the easiest and most satisfying camping meals. Once again, most of the hard work happens at home where you will pre-cook your potatoes, wrap them up in foil and pop them in your camping kit. (Don’t forget to pack your favourite toppings too!) At camp, throw these parcels of fluffy deliciousness into the fire to reheat. Then, crack them open and add sour cream, cheese, chives or whatever else you fancy on your baked potatoes. This dish gets 10/10 for flavour and heartiness. Plus, there’s no washing up. Winning!

What makes a grilled cheese fancy you ask? It’s all about the condiments. First layer your cheese and meat or veggies of choice. Then, slather with hot English mustard, hot sauce, Kewpie mayonnaise – the options are endless really. Butter the outsides of the sandwich and you’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll. This is a great one to prepare in advance for larger groups or families. Simply transport in foil and toast directly on the BBQ at your campsite.

One pot meals are always a winner when you’re camping, and this one is a real crowd pleaser. It requires a Dutch oven, so it’s best for drive-in campgrounds. Start by frying up your meat mixture or go meat-free with tins of refried beans and black beans. Once you have all the fillings ready, work in layers: chips, protein, cheese, avocado, fresh veggies. Repeat until you’re happy with the quantities. Then, pop the lid on and cook over a campfire or grill for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted. You can eat directly out of the pot to save on dishes.

No dutch oven? No problem. You can make this tasty dish with a camping stove. Simply make a foil bowl and pile on your nacho ingredients.

Lightweight, quick and heartwarming – there’s a reason why ramen is a hiking staple. With the innovation of food-grade silicone pouches, it’s now easier than ever to enjoy this snack on the track. We recommend packing pouches with some pre-chopped veggies (think: carrots, mushrooms, scallions) before your walk. All you need to do when you’re ready to snack is drop your ramen noodles and seasoning into the pouch, and cover everything with hot water until your noodles are cooked. Too easy!

Looking for more food pouch ideas? Make a mess-free gourmet omelette by cracking eggs directly into the pouch and adding toppings. Seal the pouch and pop it into a pot of boiling water until your omelette is cooked through.

These leightweight meals are a great option for multi-day hikes like the Murramarang South Coast Walk where every gram you carry matters.

You might’ve tried the pancake mix in a tomato sauce bottle camping hack, but if you’re ready to take it up a notch may we introduce you to instant French toast. Pack your ingredients and an empty jar. When you’re ready to cook, grab your jar, crack the eggs, add ingredients (like cinnamon) and shake. Then, pour this mixture over your bread and fry. Serve with strawberries and syrup for a mouthwatering campsite meal.

Photo: I Do Nothing But Love via Unsplash

That’s it, campers. Over to you to plan your next camping adventure where you can road test these dishes and let us know how many stars you’d give them. Happy cooking!