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Finding foods that your kids will eat can be hard enough at home, but as soon as you leave for a camping trip with kids, that challenge can be extra difficult. To help you find more foods that your kids will love to eat, we’ve put together a list of the best camping meals that kids will love, and that parents will enjoy as well. No, we’re absolutely not talking about roasting hot dogs on a stick here.
Aside from packing (we’ve made a printable list for you), family camp cooking can be one of the hardest things about camping with kids. Of course, you’ve got the cooler to manage (hopefully you’re using one of these coolers), but there’s something about being out in nature that makes even the most simple meals more complicated to make. So to take the brainwork out of camp meal planning, we’ve put together a list of amazing camping meals that the kids will love and won’t make you go crazy.
Best Gear for Camp Cooking
Although it seems nostalgic and Instagram perfect, cooking your meal over an open fire isn’t usually vary practical. For that reason, we ALWAYS take a stove with us for our family camp cooking. When we are backpacking, we like to keep things super lightweight, so we take this tiny pocket stove with us.
When we are going camping just for a night or two or only have easy one pot meals, this stove is my go-to. I love that it’s compact with only one burner, yet it still cooks incredibly well. We’ve had it for over 15 years and never had a single problem with it.
If we’re going for more than a couple of days, I always take this trusty propane stove. It’s a true workhorse, and with it’s double burners, I can bust out a massive stack of pancakes in no time, and then end off the day with a fancy camping dinner over a fancy camping table setting or picnic spread! Oh, and don’t even think of making pancakes unless you’ve got a good griddle (the time it takes on a camping frying pan, just might make you nuts)
Best Camping Cookware
To keep all our camping cookware organized, the secret to my success is always storing it TOGETHER. I store everything in a plastic file tote (I love the smaller size compared to most large plastic totes), and then when it’s time to go camping, I just grab it and GO. I’d much rather spend my time putting together amazing camping meals than worrying about packing the can opener (our favorites are here, here, here, here, and here) .
The real truth behind what we take camping, is incredibly inexpensive. All our dishes, cooking utensils, cups, knives, and cutting boards come from either Walmart or the Dollar Store. The truth is that we regularly lose something when we go camping, or my kids end up digging in the dirt with it so I don’t really want to eat on it again. We save tons of money on camping items at the Dollar Store and Walmart so that we can spend money where it really counts.
By saving money in some areas, it’s allowed us to feel great about spending more in other areas. We absolutely LOVE this pot with it’s folding handle and lid that clamps on (PS – the cheap bowls from Walmart stack wonderfully inside of here – I can fit 7 camping bowls inside). It’s also wonderful for backpacking since it’s lightweight and compact.
A good frying pan is also worth investing in, especially if you are camp cooking for a family. Our old one bit the dust last year, so I’m planning on getting this frying pan with a folding handle. It really caught my eye since it’s so nonstick that you don’t need butter or cooking oil to coat it (which I often forget).
Another area that we splurge a bit on is in our silverware for our kids camping meals. I know it’s quirky and weird, but we bought some sporks a few years ago, and have never looked back. The kids are so obsessed with eating camping meals with them, and as a mom, I love that I don’t have to rummage through all our cooking materials to find a fork, knife, and spoon, since it’s all in one.
I also keep my camp kitchen box stocked with a few spice essentials. I’ve found that having a few of my go-to spices on hand in portable containers always seems to be a lifesaver on camping trips. I figure the less I have to remember to pack for our camp meal planning, the better.
Best meals for camping with kids
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no gourmet cook when we go camping with kids. If it’s easy and moderately nutritious, that’s usually what I’ll cook for the kids while camping. So, I turned to my favorite food bloggers and asked them for their best camping with kids recipes, and they didn’t disappoint one bit.
If you’re trying to put together the best family camping meal plan then you’ll want to include some of these recipes. Many of these easy camping recipes are so simple your kids can help make them as well. The best part is that all of these kid camping recipes are so delicious that even adults will love them.
If your family is vegetarian, make sure to check out our 25 best vegetarian camping meals, which has lots of camping meals that kids will love.
Camping With Kids Recipes
Kid Friendly Camping Breakfasts
Are you ready for some delicious camping breakfasts that kids will love? We've put together a list of some of our favorite kid friendly camping breakfasts that won't just please the eye, but will also help you start your day with lots of energy. As an added bonus, all of these kid friendly camping breakfasts are things that the kids can help you make too!
French Toast Sticks
French Toast Sticks are a fun, easy, and fast breakfast that everyone in your family will love!
Pie Iron Apple Turnover Recipe
We love making these pie iron apple turnovers for breakfast or as a snack or for dessert while camping. Honestly, they are a tasty treat for the kids anytime!
How to Make Eggs in a Basket
An egg in a hole is a delicious combination between french toast and an egg with toast. It's easy to create while camping in a cast iron skillet, frying pan on the camp stove, or in a pie iron.
Create Perfect Omelets in a Bag
Omelets can get messy at home and while camping. So we use a silicone bag to make omelets a snap, plus clean up is much easier too. Try this one with green chili.
How to Make Campfire Cinnamon Buns
Do you kids love a little sweetness for breakfast? Then they'll be thrilled when you make them cinnamon buns for breakfast! Check out this amazing recipe for making cinnamon rolls while camping!
Kid Friendly Camping Main Dishes
Are you looking for some great main dishes that your kids will love while camping? We've got lots of family friendly camping recipes with everything from cheesy potatoes, to campfire pizza, and even sloppy joes! Make sure to add some of these to your family camping meal plan.
Campfire Potatoes - Campfire, Grill or Oven
These campfire potatoes are so delicious and easy to make, they are an absolute must-try this summer either on your next camping trip or even right on your grill!
Foil Packet Grilled Coho Salmon
This easy grilled salmon recipe cooks in foil packets, making it perfect for camping! As a bonus, the clean up is incredible easy!
Campfire Pizza Bake
I seriously couldn’t be more excited about a camping recipe. It’s beyond easy to make and a total crowd pleaser, especially with the kids. You are going to want to add it to your camping meal planning asap!
Campfire Nachos - How to Make Nachos on the Grill, Campfire or Oven!
This Campfire Nachos Recipe makes for the crunchiest, cheesiest, and most delicious nachos around a campfire that you’ll ever have!
One Pot Vegan Minestrone Soup • Happy Kitchen
This hearty vegan minestrone soup is packed with seasonal vegetables, beans, lentils and whole grains. Perfect comforting vegan soup full of flavor and nutrients, packed with lots of ingredients that kids will love.
One Pot Red Lentil Sloppy Joes
These Red Lentil Sloppy Joes are a plant based take on the original camp classic. These are a great lunch or dinner idea for family camping trips and are a recipe that the kids will love.
Chicken and Potato Bake with Cheese
This Cheesy Chicken and Potato Bake is a delicious and easy one pan or foil pack dinner – it’s almost effortless! A scrumptious family favorite!
Greek Inspired – Grilled Ground Beef and Cauliflower Foil Packets (Keto-friendly)
Hobo meals or foil packets are a staple on our camping trips. Instead of the standard meat and potatoes, we like to mix it up with this one with ground beef, Greek olives, cauliflower, and feta cheese. It's keto and gluten free too.
Pizza Potato Packs
Pizza Potato Packs are the ultimate campfire recipe with a wholesome potato base and topped with pizza flavors you won’t be able to resist. Grab this almost effortless foil pack meal that will become a new family favorite.
Chili SPAM & Eggs
Chili SPAM & Eggs is a hearty meal suitable to make whilst camping, packed with nutritious ingredients it will keep your fellow campers happy and healthy! Your kids will also get a kick out of learning about Spam as a staple from other generations!
Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
These Cheesy Campfire Potatoes cook in foil for a simple side dish you can cook entirely on the campfire or grill! Quick and easy to prep, they turn out soft buttery and are always a hit with the kids.
Cauliflower Curry Grill Packets
Do your kids like a little bit of extra flavor to their camping meals? These Cauliflower Curry Grill Packets are about to be your new summertime staple! Perfect for camping, BBQs, and grilling at home, they are packed with flavor and easy to make! Let’s get grilling!
Foil Stew Hobo Dinners
Foil Stew Hobo Dinners are easy, fun, and so good that you’ll want to make it even when you aren’t camping.
Instant Pot Family Camping Recipes
Are you and your Instant Pot inseparable? Then you're going to love these kid friendly camping recipes that you can make right from your Instant Pot. Of course, this only works if you are going to be at a campsite that has electricity hookups.
Instant Pot Baked Ziti With Homemade Ragu
I made this a zillion times for the kids when tent camping. Instant Pot Baked Ziti With Homemade Ragu Sauce is a favorite in the Milner household. It is easy to make and provides you with the ultimate creamy sauce for your baked ziti. Loaded with cheese and vegetables our Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a family winner.
Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa
This is a good meal as it uses mostly pantry staples that keep while travelling. Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa is a delicious fast Mexican quinoa that is vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and perfect for a healthy instant pot lunch or dinner. It is similar to a rice casserole and is loaded with sweetcorn, black beans, salsa and wholegrain quinoa.
Camping Deserts that Kids Will Love
Are you looking for some amazing campfire deserts that your kids will love? We've rounded up some of the best recipes for family camping deserts so that your kids can end their day on a sweet note!
Campfire Apple Crisp Foil Packets {Vegan, Gluten Free}
Easy campfire foil packets dessert recipe lovers, this one is for you. We have Campfire Apple Crisp Foil Packs full of sweet juicy apples, cinnamon and granola. The kids are sure to love this treat, and you can love that it's not completely loaded with sugar!
Campfire Banana Boats 9 Ways
Banana Boats are a classic camping dessert. In this post we share nine fun topping ideas, so everyone can make it their own!
Campfire Nutella S’mores
These utterly delicious Nutella S'mores are a tasty twist on the classic campfire treat.
CAMPFIRE CONES! Stuff it, Grill it, EAT IT!
Campfire Cones are a great alternative to the messy s’mores and the perfect camping recipe! Stuffed with chocolate, marshmallows, strawberries, bananas and anything else you have around the house!
Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Create a little culinary magic! Bake up this nearly fool-proof Dutch Oven Pineapple Upside-down Cake on your next camping trip – or in your own backyard.
Are you looking for more family friendly camping desserts? Make sure to check out our guide to making the best S’mores. We’ve put together the most mouthwatering s’mores combinations as well as some great s’mores alternatives (and even a few healthy s’more recipes).
Wow! So many recipes that I’ve never believe it is possible to cook them on a campfire!