Camping Food List

If you always find yourself wondering what types of snacks and meals to pack for your outdoor adventures, consider putting together a comprehensive camping food list that you can choose from when it's time to pack for your next outing.

Enjoy tasty recipes when camping!

Creating a Camping Food List

To create a list of foods to take camping, several factors need to be considered. First, consider the preferences of the people you'll be traveling with. Space is always at a premium on camping trips, so it's essential to avoid carrying items that are not likely to be eaten by the members of your party.

It's also important to think about the type of camping you plan to do. If you camp in a motor home or travel trailer, you probably enjoy the benefit of having access to a refrigerator, microwave oven, and stove. If you'll be camping in a tent or pop up camper, you can utilize an ice chest to keep food items cool throughout your trip. Backpacking, however, is another matter entirely. When hiking and camping in the backcountry, it's essential to take foods that don't require refrigeration or preparation, and that are as light as possible for ease of portage.

Food Ideas for RV and "Improved" Camping

• Main courses – Take meats that you can cook on the grill or prepared deli slices that you can use to make sandwiches. Canned foods can also be a good choice for main dishes when you are camping.
  • Beef Stew (canned)
  • Chicken
  • Ground beef
  • Hot dogs
  • Lunch meat
  • Sirloin tips (for shish-k-bobs)
  • Smoked sausage
  • Soup (instant or canned)
  • Tuna fish (canned)
• Fresh vegetables – Choose vegetables that you can use to create salads, use as toppings for burgers and other main courses, and that you can wrap in foil and cook on the grill.
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes
• Prepared sides – Cook side dishes before your trip, or visit the deli section of your favorite supermarket or deli to stock up on prepared selections, being certain that you will have the ability to properly refrigerate your choices during your trip. It's best to avoid items prepared with mayonnaise, for safety reasons.
  • 3-Bean Salad
  • Baked beans
  • Cole slaw (vinegar recipe)
  • Dips (bean dip, hummus, guacamole, etc.)
  • Pasta salad
  • Spinach dip
• Staples and Snacks – Be sure to carry along food choices that will allow you to round out your meals and enjoy snacks throughout the day and evening hours.
  
  • Bread
  • Buns
  • Catsup
  • Chips
  • Chocolate Bars
  • Cookies
  • Crackers
  • Graham Crackers
  • Marshmallows
  • Mayonnaise (individuals packages are best)
  • Mustard
  • Salad dressing
• Beverages – Don't forget to take along plenty of liquid refreshment. It's important to stay hydrated throughout your trip, and you can't be certain that potable water will be available every where you go.
  • Bottled Water
  • Coffee
  • Juice
  • Soda

Food Choices for Backcountry Camping Trips

When preparing for a backpacking trip, space is at a premium. It's essential to pack nutrient-rich food that will provide you with the energy necessary to endure the strenuous nature of the activity that you are engaged in without weighing down your pack unnecessarily. There are many places where you can purchase dehydrated meals designed especially for backpacking trips. See Backpacking Meal Suggestions for ideas on where to find these types of food choices.

Additional items to include on a camping food list if you'll be spending your time in the backcountry include:

• Cheese and cracker packages
• Dark chocolate
• Energy drinks
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Protein bars
• Trail mix
• Water

Remember Preparation and Clean Up

Being sure to pack the items that you'll need to prepare and store your food and to clean up after meal preparation is just as important as taking the right items. Make sure your camping food list also includes the following:

• Aluminum foil
• Charcoal & lighter fluid
• Dish soap
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Paper towels
• Plates
• Utensils (for eating and cooking)
• Other items as needed

• National Parks Camping Guide
• Camping Sites in NC State Parks
• Buy Discount Camping Gear

• Nudist Campsites
• Lightweight Tent Trailers
• Cars That Can be Flat Towed Behind Motor Home
• Nude Camping
• Blue Book Values for RVs