I wish somebody told me earlier about make-ahead meals to be a key to a great family camping trip.

Last year we got to the campground late and as I didn’t plan any meals ahead of time. The next morning we drove to the camp store and got a box of Crispy Cream doughnuts.

I think it’s a fantastic breakfast, but I am also old enough to know that I can’t serve a box of sweets to my family for breakfast more than once.

Why didn’t I cook anything myself? I am not a big fan of cooking from scratch over the campfire while supervising three children.

Most of the time I have enough energy to chase the youngest one, make sure the middle one doesn’t get himself in trouble, and keep an eye on the older one.

Besides that, trying to figure out what food to take camping is a project of its own.

Since sometimes cooking while camping can be more hassle than it’s worth, I gathered up 20 Make Ahead Meals for Camping – best-camping meals I know you’ll love!

Keep reading for camping kitchen tools that will ensure you can make the best camping meals fast!

20 Make-Ahead Meals for Camping

When camping, it’s harder to wash dishes, and after a long hike, the last thing you want to do is prepare a meal from scratch.  Having some make-ahead meals ready for camping is a lifesaver.

These are simple to make in advance, and they store wonderfully. You can also reheat these easy camping meals easily over an open fire.

Hold a foil pack above the fire, so it doesn’t burn, and you got yourself the best camping meal EVER!

Camping Snacks

1. No-Bake Energy Bites
2. S’mores Bars
3. Protein Lovers Trail Mix

Camping Breakfasts

1. Healthy Banana Bread Muffins
2. Homemade Honey Almond Granola
3. Cranberry Breakfast Cookies
4. S’mores Oatmeal Cookies
5. Chewy No-Bake Granola Bars
6. Hot Ham and Swiss Croissants

These few might be enough to get you started with camping breakfasts but if you are looking for more delicious breakfast camping recipes, check out 25 camping breakfast recipe ideas.

Camping Lunches

1. Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
2. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls
3. Stuffed Mushroom Caps

My personal favorites are the easy camping meals in the foil bags. While it’s not entirely made ahead of time meal, these camping recipes still require some planning.

And we have some pretty cool camping lunches –  20 Foil Packet Meals for you to check out.

Camping Dinners

1. Roasted Poblano Sweet corn Hummus
2. Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers
3. Best Southwest Couscous Salad
4. Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Another great idea is to plan a few one-pot meals as it only needs one pot. Unless you have a portable dishwasher, you will probably agree that dishwashing activities might be challenging to do while camping.

That’s where one big pot comes in! Check out our One Pot Meals for Camping for some camping dinner inspirations.

Camping Desserts

1. Boozy Tropical Fruit Salad
2. Sour Cherry Graham Flour Hand Pies
3. Candied Walnuts
4. Honey Roasted Chickpeas

This list is a great place to begin when planning your upcoming camping trip.  Make-ahead meals are a great way to make your camping trip more of a glamping trip.  

With so many delicious and healthy options on this list, you can have no guilt about heading out to go camping!

Have no time for make-ahead camping meals? Easy Camping Recipes

If you are anything like me, you pack as your significant other start loading the car. Yeah, it might not be too late for the make-ahead meals. Guess what?

We have plenty of camping cooking ideas you can put to good use right on the spot as long as you make a stop at a store first.

1. Walking Tacos from The Girl Who Ate Everything
2. Chili Campfire Bake from Six Sister’s Stuff
3. Camping Mac and Cheese from Lauren’s Latest
4. S’mores Campfire Cones from Frugal Coupon Living
5. Campfire Monkey Bread from Say Not Sweet Anne
6. Campfire Breadsticks from Shock Munch
7. Campfire Chili Cheese Fries from The Kitchen Magpie
8. Campfire French Toast from This Lil Piglet
9. Campfire Mushrooms from Mushroom Info
10. Banana Boats from Suburbia
11. Campfire Pies from Andrea’s Recipes
12. Fudge Striped Cookie S’mores from Butter with a Side of Bread
13. Campfire Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich from Twin Dragonfly Designs
14. Camp Cooker Pizza from Twin Dragonfly Designs
15. Campfire Spinach Dip from Twin Dragonfly Designs
16. Campfire Style Burritos from Taste and Tell Blog
17. Campfire Beer Pancakes from Chow Hound
18. Campfire Bacon from Zestuous
19. Campfire Breakfast Burger from Jelly Toast Blog
20. S’mores Dip from Hungry Brownie
21. Campfire Donuts from Must Have Mom
22. Campfire Orange Cinnamon Rolls from Oleander and Palm
23. Campfire Tarts from Cooking Classy
24. S’mores in a Bag from A Girl and a Glue Gun

And here is a little something extra to glampifiy your camping experience. Warning: This is a frozen dessert so it requires some planning ahead, but as long as you can keep it cold, this extra effort will go a long way as it is absolutely delicious!

Easy Vanilla Pudding and Chocolate Chips Sandwiches Recipe

Makes 24 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 24 whole graham crackers, broken in half
• 1 package of vanilla pudding
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cups of whipped topping
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips

Directions

• Mix the vanilla pudding and milk together. Refrigerate for one hour.
• Add in whipped topping and mini chocolate chips to pudding.
• Place 24 halved graham crackers on a baking sheet. Top each will 2-3 tablespoons of filling. Top with another halved graham cracker.
• Wrap in plastic wrap or in an airtight container and freeze for one hour before serving.

The only thing you have left to do is to figure out what food you need to take with you. 

Yield: 24

Easy Vanilla Pudding and Chocolate Chips Sandwiches

Print

Ingredients

• 24 whole graham crackers, broken in half
• 1 package of vanilla pudding
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cups of whipped topping
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Mix the vanilla pudding and milk together. Mix it well and refrigerate it for one hour.
   
2. Add in whipped topping and mini chocolate chips to pudding. Mix it well.
   
3. Place 24 halved graham crackers on a baking sheet. Top each will 2-3 tablespoons of filling. Top with another halved graham cracker.
   
4. Wrap in plastic wrap or in an airtight container and freeze for one hour before serving.

Let me also share some incredible portable kitchen tools that will take your camping experience to a whole new level (like Where have you been all my life?).

These things are all about great protection for your food items and convenience for you.

Camping Accessories for Best Camping Recipes

• Over fire camp grill
• Extendable Roasting sticks
• Coleman folding double wash station
• Nonstick grilling basket
• Light my Fire snap oval waterproof containers

As you can see, these items are made specifically to keep you safe while also making mealtime easier.  

From using waterproof containers to keep your ready-made meals safe from melting ice, to having a double wash station to sanitize plates and utensils – this list is perfect.  

No matter where you and your family head out camping this year, these fascinating make-ahead camping recipes and accessories are a must!