20 Easy Camping Dinner Ideas

There’s just something about summer camping with kids that makes everything feel a little simpler—and a lot messier in the best way. After a long day of hiking, fishing, or just exploring the woods, nobody wants to spend hours cooking over a campfire. That’s why I always keep a handful of easy, no-fuss camping dinners in my back pocket. These are the kinds of meals that come together quickly, don’t require a ton of cleanup, and still feel like a treat after a full day outside.

Most of our favorite camping dinners are made right over the campfire, usually wrapped in foil or cooked in a trusty cast-iron skillet. Foil packet meals are a staple for us—just toss in some seasoned meat, chopped veggies, a little butter, and let the fire do the work. Walking tacos are another go-to, especially with kids. They love building their own, and I love that there are hardly any dishes. And of course, you can’t go wrong with classic hot dogs and grilled cheese, especially when cooked over an open flame.

What I’ve learned over the years is that the best camping meals aren’t complicated—they’re practical. I try to prep as much as I can at home, like chopping veggies or pre-mixing seasonings, so when it’s time to cook, we can focus on enjoying the moment instead of juggling ingredients. Plus, when you’re cooking outside, simple really does taste better. Even something as basic as sausage and potatoes cooked in foil somehow feels like a feast when you’re sitting around a fire.

If you’re heading out on a camping trip this summer, these easy dinner ideas will help take the stress out of mealtime so you can spend more time making memories. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire or a small camp stove, these meals are family-friendly, filling, and perfect for those long, slow summer evenings under the trees.

Campfire Chicken Nacho Foil

Is there anything kids love more than nachos and cheese? This recipe works great if you bring along some shredded chicken. Plus, foil packs can typically be prepared ahead of time; I would just put the cheese on later to avoid soggy chips.

Fiesta Chicken Foil Packets

Fiesta Chicken is a delicious mix of chicken, peppers, corn, beans, and cheese. If you wanted, you could even bring tortillas and make a fajita with these foil packs. It would be a delicious lunch or dinner while camping!

Honey Dijon Chicken Foil Packs

These amazing Honey Dijon Chicken Foil Packets are a quick and easy 30-minute meal filled with fresh and colorful seasonal vegetables, juicy chicken breasts, and a delicious sweet and tangy honey dijon sauce. This recipe would taste great over the campfire!

Fire Grilled Nordic Salmon

If you want to cook over an open fire, this recipe features Norwegian salmon with potatoes and cream. They show you how to make this whether you are camping or grilling, and it’s sure to create a meal to remember. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you can’t have a delicious meal to remember.

Grilled Habanero Marinated Chicken Skewers

Does your family like a bit of heat? Grilled habanero marinated chicken skewers are spicy and oh-so flavorful. They’re easy to create ahead of time and marinate in a blend of herbs, spices, and habanero peppers. If your kids dislike heat, marinate only a few with habaneros. Skewers are one of my favorite meals for summer cookouts and camping dinners.

Pork Chop Foil Pack with Veggies

These pork chop foil packets are delicious and so easy to put together with whatever vegetables you have on hand in your kitchen. I bet green beans and potatoes would be delicious!

Dutch Oven Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This one-pot Dutch oven spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic comfort meal, adapted to be cooked in your cast-iron Dutch oven over the campfire. It’s the ideal camping dinner (especially if you have picky kids) or anytime you need a hearty meal at camp.

Sausage and Shrimp Foil Packet

Sausage and Shrimp Foil Packets are a quick and easy grilling recipe using fresh vegetables, potatoes, shrimp, and chicken sausage. Add your own spices and grill these for a protein-packed, easy clean-up meal!

Grilled Cheesy Sausage Pineapple Skewers

Skewers are convenient as a camping dinner idea because you can make them ahead of time. These are easy to make and take only a few minutes to cook over the grill. The combination of sweet, salty, cheesy, and smoky is a hit for everyone.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Foil Dinner

This is another foil dinner – I really do love them! – that takes 5 ingredients and only 30 minutes to cook. That’s perfect for when the kids are hungry and ready to eat after a long day of swimming. Plus, adults love BBQ chicken as well!

Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches

As soon as I saw these, I knew I HAD to include them. French dip sandwiches are one of my favorite meals. This recipe only takes five ingredients, perfect for lunch or dinner. I can’t get over how easy yet delicious these are. Kids will love them with a side of au jus!

Caprese Gnocchi Foil Packs

These caprese gnocchi foil packets have the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil mixed with tender potato dumplings to create an easy and satisfying vegetarian camping meal that requires minimal cooler space.

Hot Dog & Potato Foil Packs

Hot dogs and kids go together like peanut butter and jelly. These foil packs combine a kid classic with potatoes, cheese, herbs, BBQ sauce, and garlic for a family-friendly camping dinner. Everyone will love these!

Pie Iron Pizzas

Hot pie iron pizzas are perfect for camping with kids! These personal-sized pizza pockets are not only quick and easy but also totally customizable—fill them with your favorite ingredients and make each one your own. Whether you’re craving classic pepperoni, gooey cheese, or a veggie-packed creation, the options are endless.

Camping Walking Tacos

Another kid favorite is walking tacos. It’s a handheld meal that is made with ground beef and all your favorite taco toppings inside a bag of Doritos or your favorite nacho chips. It’s family-friendly, easy to toss together, and customizable for picky or non-picky eaters.

Make Ahead Sloppy Joes

Sometimes, my favorite camping dinners are the ones I make ahead, so I only need to heat them. Sloppy Joes are the PERFECT make-ahead and take-with-you recipe. Just make sure you have some burger buns, and my kids LOVE sloppy joes paired with corn on the cob – yum!

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

If you’re looking for a better camping dinner, try a smoked beer can chicken! This Smoked Beer Can Chicken was rubbed with a variety of spices like paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and herbs. It was smoked for several hours, then finished off at a higher temp for the most delicious, crispy skin.

Shrimp Foil Pack with Zucchini

Another make-ahead camping dinner idea is a shrimp foil packet with zucchini. It’s full of shrimp, quick-cook veggies, and spices. You can easily adjust the pack to fit your preferences before you leave for camping. So easy!

Hobo Burger Campfire Packets

Burgers are a classic camping dinner, and this campfire pack gives them a new spin. You cover the whole burger in cheese and bacon with thinly sliced veggies. Wrap it up in foil and cook it over the campfire. A yummy, hearty meal outside!

Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs

These campfire foil packs are loaded with steak, provolone cheese, peppers, and onions. Pile it all on a bun after you cook it over the fire, or eat it right out of the foil. Either way, it’s delicious.

20 Easy Camping Dinner Ideas