Food to Take Camping for a Weekend
Remember coolers and storage when you’re choosing food to take camping
It’s going to be a long and fun Dads & Kids Camping Weekend, packed with carloads of kids. Let’s remember, kids aren’t as considerate as adults when it comes to scavenging from cooler to cooler. When you have a large group, there are bound to be kids picking at your Capri Suns. The big take-away? Pack extra.
When choosing food to take camping, many packaged foods and ingredients may be considered. You can go all out with campfire cooking recipes, but keeping an easy menu will result in less time spent preparing and cleaning.
No matter what food you decide to bring, get yourself a good cooler. The Coleman 6-Day 50 Qt. Ultimate Xtreme Wheeled Cooler is a good example of one that will keep your food cold for an entire weekend. If you’re going somewhere with electric outlets (which most campgrounds provide), you might consider something like a Coleman PowerChill Thermoelectric Cooler.
Cheeseburger in a Can
I’ll be listing some basic food to take camping that you can pick up at your local grocery store, but keep in mind that there are also vendors that cater exclusively to campers, like MountainHouse and Alpine Air Foods.
Food to take camping
Basic foods that are ready to eat include bread, buns and bagels, along with Saltine crackers—with which deviled ham is a good match. Peanut butter and jelly will compliment the bread inventory.
The classic staple of trail mix is easily—and more cheaply—made by tossing together various bulk items such as nuts, chocolate bits, and dried fruits.
Food to take camping: the fruits
Fresh fruits that keep well are oranges, apples, pears. and bananas. Cereal bars, chocolate (the darker the better), cake slices, brownies and marshmallows will help satisfy the sweet tooth. Adding graham crackers to the list along with chocolate bars and roasted marshmallows will guarantee s’mores every night.
If you forget the s’mores ingredients you’re going to have some cranky campers on your hands!
Food to take camping: the side-items
Food to take camping can also include beef jerky, cooked bacon (packed in Ziplock bags), and non-refrigerated hard cheeses. Potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and peppers will keep well for several days. With kabob sticks and aluminum foil, only a campfire is needed.
Food to take camping: the veggies
Potatoes (including sweet potatoes) can simply be wrapped in tin foil and placed on the fire, as well as corn on the cob. A pot can be utilized for pasta, rice, hot cereals and heating canned goods. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be added to a dish, along with chopped bacon, vegetables or hot dogs.
Food to take camping: the meats
Hot dogs, of course, are classically enjoyed roasted over an open flame. When refrigeration or a good iced cooler is used, fresh meats for grilling may be brought along. With all of these things, the appropriate seasonings and condiments should not be forgotten.
Food to take camping: the drinks
A good list of food to take camping also includes beverages—drinkable water is a must. Lightweight beverage options are Tang mix, small juice cartons, packets of hot cocoa and electrolyte drinks. For the dads, tea or instant coffee is a great idea for those early mornings.
If you want more tips to plan for a great belly-filled camping trip with your kids, check out my 45-page Dads & Kids Camping Handbook.