Picture this: You’re watching the sun setting over a serene lakeside. You’ve spent the day hiking through lush forests and kayaking across crystal-clear waters, and now it’s time to gather around the campfire with your friends and family. The only thing missing? A delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to whip up in the great outdoors.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a first-time camper, having a repertoire of simple yet ultra-satisfying recipes can transform your next outdoor adventure. Get ready to discover camping meals that require minimal prep, few ingredients, and most importantly, deliver maximum flavor. Gather your gear, pack your cooler, and let’s dive into the delicious world of camping recipes that'll make your trip unforgettable!

16 Camping Meal Ideas to Grill Up or Cook Over the Fire

It’s time to say goodbye to bland, uninspired camping dinner ideas and hello to mouthwatering camping dishes that’ll fuel your adventures. From delicious backyard burgers to out-of-this-world sliders, here’s how to turn your next camping trip into a memorable outdoor adventure.

1. Sausage and Peppers

When it comes to camping dinners, sausage and peppers is a go-to. With just a few key ingredients—sausages, bell peppers, onions, and King’s Hawaiian rolls—you can create a hearty and flavorful meal. To save even more time and cut down on prep, opt for pre-cooked sausages and slice up your veggies at home.

You can cook the sausages directly on the grill, giving them a delicious smoky flavor. The peppers and onions can be placed in a grill basket or wrapped in foil to cook alongside the sausages. Alternatively, combine sliced sausages, peppers, and onions in a large piece of foil, season, then wrap it up and place it on the grill or campfire for easy cleanup.

2. Backyard Burger

Who doesn’t love a good burger? Backyard burgers are a must-have camping food, offering a blend of convenience, versatility, and deliciousness that makes them a staple for any trip. For an easy camping dinner, form your burger patties at home and keep them chilled in a cooler until you’re ready to cook.

Essential components like ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or veggie alternatives), buns, cheese, and veggies are easy to pack and store. Plus, the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers can be pre-sliced at home, simplifying the setup at your campsite.

3. King’s Hawaiian Barbeque Chicken

Our King’s Hawaiian barbeque chicken is easy and straightforward to prepare. You can prepare the chicken in advance at home by cooking and shredding it, then store it in a cooler until you’re ready to use it. Alternatively, if you’re cooking the chicken at your campsite, all you need is chicken, barbecue sauce, onion, and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic.

Once it’s done cooking, enjoy it as a main dish with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. Or, for a quick and easy meal, shred the chicken and build your own sliders. It’s that simple!

4. Pulled Pork Sliders

The best camping meals should be delicious, easy to prepare, and enjoyable for everyone. Pulled pork sliders tick all these boxes—and that’s why they’re a great choice for your next trip. These sliders can be mostly prepared at home, minimizing the work you need to do at the campsite.

Before leaving for your trip, prepare the pulled pork in a slow cooker at home. After it’s cooked, shred the pork and store it in an airtight container or resealable bags. Keep it chilled in a cooler until you’re ready to use it. Then, once you’re at the campsite, warm the pulled pork over a campfire, portable stove, or grill and assemble!

5. BLT Dogs

Craving the classics? These BLT dogs combine the flavors of a BLT with the simplicity and convenience of hot dogs for a hearty camping meal that everyone is sure to love. All you need are easy-to-pack ingredients like hot dogs, buns, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and mayo or your favorite sauce. Plus, you can cook the bacon at home until it’s crispy and then store it in a cooler to save time and effort at the campsite.

6. Buffalo Chicken Burger

When you're out camping, nothing beats a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. As one of our favorite camp food ideas, buffalo chicken burgers combine the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with the simplicity of grilling.

The best part? You can prepare the chicken patties at home by mixing ground chicken with buffalo sauce, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Then, shape the mixture into patties and store them in a cooler until you're ready to cook. Since chicken patties cook quickly on the grill, they require minimal attention while you enjoy your outdoor activities.

7. Nacho Dogs

For a creative twist on a classic, add these nacho dogs to your camping menu. Most of the ingredients, such as shredded cheddar and pre-sliced jalapeños, can be prepared or packed at home. Hot dogs themselves are easy to store and cook. With just hot dogs, buns, cheddar, salsa, and jalapeños, you have a complete meal with minimal fuss.

8. Salmon Burgers

Newsflash: You don’t have to settle for boring, ordinary meals when you can indulge in the extraordinary flavors of salmon burgers. Salmon is a lean source of protein, keeping you energized for your outdoor activities without feeling heavy.

For easy meal prep, form the salmon patties at home and store them in a cooler until you're ready to cook them. Then, grill the burgers over a campfire or portable grill for a smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the salmon. Alternatively, for a convenient and mess-free cooking method, try wrapping the burgers in foil with your favorite veggies.

9. Katsu Dogs with Spicy Cucumber

Want to add a touch of Japanese-inspired flair to your camping menu? These Katsu dogs with spicy cucumber can be mostly prepared at home, streamlining the cooking process at the campsite. Simply bread and fry the katsu cutlets in advance at home, and store them in a cooler until you're ready to assemble the dogs.

Then, grill the hot dogs over a campfire or reheat them on a portable stove. Place a generous portion of spicy cucumber on top of each hot dog to add a burst of flavor and texture. Despite their gourmet appeal, you can dig into these dogs without the need for plates or utensils for a simple, portable meal.

10. Hawaiian Pizza Dog

Sure, Hawaiian pizza might be controversial, but everyone is sure to love these Hawaiian pizza dogs. You can easily grill or heat the hot dogs over a campfire or portable stove. Meanwhile, you can slice the pineapple and bell pepper at home for easy assembly at the campsite.

No plates? No problem! You can enjoy all the flavors of Hawaiian pizza in a convenient hot dog form—perfect for eating on the go or around the campfire. And with the toppings neatly nested inside the bun, these pizza dogs minimize mess and cleanup, so you can focus on enjoying the outdoors.

11. Grilled Pepperoni Pizza Sandwich

Looking for easy camping food ideas for picky eaters? This grilled pepperoni pizza sandwich offers a delicious blend of smoky flavors and classic pizza ingredients, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Grilling the sandwich creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and gooey. Plus, you can easily up an assembly station with all the ingredients laid out, allowing campers to customize their sandwiches to their liking.

12. Bratwurst Mini Sub

When it comes to shareable camping meal ideas, this bratwurst mini sub offers a satisfying portion size that strikes the perfect balance for the outdoors. While this recipe is designed for individual servings, these mini subs are great for sharing among family and friends, making them versatile for group camping trips.

You can heat up bratwurst sausages in advance at home and store them in a cooler until you're ready to assemble the subs—or grill them at the campsite for extra flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can quickly assemble delicious mini subs at the campsite. Win-win!

13. Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball

Elevate your camping snack game with the irresistible indulgence of a bacon cheddar ranch cheese ball. Perfect for sharing and snacking, this delicious treat brings together savory flavors in a convenient and portable format.

Mix and shape the cheese ball mixture at home, then store it in a cooler until you’re ready to enjoy it. When it’s time to eat, set out the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, sliced veggies, and toasted bread, allowing everyone to indulge in a tasty snack (or appetizer) together. The best part? There are no utensils required—simply spread the cheese ball onto bread or scoop it up with pretzel sticks for easy, no-fuss snacking around the campfire.

14. Apple Pie S’mores

Let’s face it: Good camping meals aren’t complete without a tasty campfire dessert. To make these nostalgic apple pie s’mores, all you need are marshmallows, King’s Hawaiian buns, and apple butter—ingredients that are easy to pack and transport for camping. After all, why would you settle for ordinary camping desserts when you can elevate your outdoor dining experience with the irresistible sweetness of apple pie s’mores?

Sandwich a spoonful of apple butter, and a toasted marshmallow between a King’s Hawaiian roll, and you’re ready to indulge in campfire bliss. Adding a layer of apple butter between the marshmallows infuses the s’mores with a burst of fruity sweetness and a hint of cinnamon spice, making it a crowd-pleaser among campers of all ages.

15. Strawberry Banana S’mores

These strawberry banana s’mores combine the best of two beloved desserts: the sweetness of strawberries and bananas and the classic indulgence of s'mores. Strawberry jam adds a burst of sweetness, while sliced bananas provide a creamy texture. What’s not to love?

To make these s’mores, sandwich a piece of chocolate, a slice of banana, strawberry jam, and a toasted marshmallow between a King’s Hawaiian roll. Then, sit around the campfire, enjoy the warmth of the flames, and indulge in campfire bliss. For bonus points, try experimenting with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or flavored chocolate bars, to create your perfect combination.

16. Cookies and Cream S’mores

Whether you’re camping overnight or unwinding after a long hike, these cookies and cream s’mores are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The gooey marshmallow perfectly complements the crunchy texture of the cookies, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Plus, crushed cookies add an extra layer of indulgence and a satisfying crunch to create the ultimate s’mores experience.

If you’re camping with little ones, invite them to participate in the assembly process, from roasting the marshmallows to assembling the s’mores. The combination of melty chocolate, marshmallow, and cookies creates a dessert that’ll put a smile on everyone's face.

Food for Any Occasion with King’s Hawaiian

Planning your next camping trip? Count on King’s Hawaiian for delicious camping recipes that will have everyone craving seconds. Whether you’re preparing mouthwatering hot dogs or savory sliders, our buns add that perfect touch of sweetness and softness that’ll take your al fresco dining experience to the next level.

Don’t just take our word for it—explore the amazing recipes and products that we have to offer. Check out our recipes for endless inspiration on how to elevate your camping meals, and browse our products to find your favorites. Make your next outdoor adventure unforgettable with King’s Hawaiian!