Easy Camping Meals for Kids

When it comes to camping, meal planning for kids can be one of the more daunting aspects of the experience. The goal is to provide meals that are simple to prepare, nutritious, and appealing to young appetites, all while keeping the experience fun and stress-free. Over the years, I’ve compiled a variety of easy camping meal ideas for kids that cater to these needs while keeping the cleanup minimal and the cooking time short. Here’s an in-depth look at some popular options and their pros and cons.


1. DIY Instant Oatmeal Packs

Overview:
Oatmeal is a classic camping breakfast choice, but making it even easier is to prepare individualized oatmeal packs in advance. You can pre-portion rolled oats, dried fruit, powdered milk, and any sweeteners or spices like cinnamon and brown sugar into Ziploc bags. On the morning of your camping trip, just add hot water and stir.

Pros:

  • Convenient and Quick: Perfect for busy mornings. Kids can enjoy a warm breakfast without the hassle of measuring ingredients.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients based on what your kids prefer—add in chocolate chips, raisins, or peanut butter for variety.
  • Nutritionally Balanced: Oats provide fiber, and adding dried fruits or nuts adds natural sugars and protein.

Cons:

  • Texture Issues: Some kids may find the texture of instant oatmeal less appealing than traditional stovetop versions.
  • Requires Hot Water: If you’re in a site without access to a camp stove or fire, this meal might be more difficult to prepare.

Kid Appeal:
Kids love the ease of pouring and mixing, and it can be fun for them to choose what mix-ins they want to add. The slight sweetness of the oatmeal appeals to younger campers.


2. Foil Packet Meals

Overview:
Foil packet meals are one of the easiest ways to prepare a full meal at the campsite. You simply layer vegetables, proteins (like chicken, fish, or sausage), and seasonings on a piece of heavy-duty foil, fold it into a packet, and cook it on a grill or open fire. Some popular combinations include chicken with potatoes and carrots, or sausage with peppers and onions.

Pros:

  • Minimal Cleanup: Once the foil packet is cooked, you just need to toss it away—no pots, pans, or dishes to clean.
  • Tasty and Versatile: You can mix up ingredients based on your child’s tastes. The cooking method helps keep flavors locked in, and kids often enjoy the hands-on nature of assembling their own packets.
  • Great for Picky Eaters: If you’ve got a picky eater, foil packets allow each child to customize their own meals, adding or removing ingredients they like.

Cons:

  • Cooking Time: Cooking packets over a fire or grill can take longer than expected (usually 20-30 minutes), so be prepared for some waiting time.
  • Risk of Overcooking: If the packet isn’t sealed tightly, juices can escape, leading to dry or unevenly cooked food.

Kid Appeal:
Kids enjoy the novelty of cooking their food in a foil packet. They also like that it can be personalized to their tastes—whether that means adding more cheese or leaving out the veggies.


3. Grilled Cheese & Soup

Overview:
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a favorite comfort food for most kids, and when camping, they are easy to make with just bread, cheese, and butter. Pair it with a thermos of canned or homemade soup for a cozy, filling meal.

Pros:

  • Simple and Fewer Ingredients: Bread, cheese, and butter are all you need for the sandwich, and you can pack soup in a thermos for minimal cooking. It’s a great option for picky eaters or kids with limited palates.
  • Quick Cooking Time: Grilled cheese sandwiches cook quickly over a grill or campfire, and soup just needs reheating.
  • Versatile: You can change up the types of cheese or add extras like tomato slices or bacon to the sandwiches for a more substantial meal.

Cons:

  • Requires a Grill or Campfire: You’ll need a flat surface to grill the sandwiches, so it may not be ideal for all camping setups.
  • Less Nutritious: This meal can be high in carbs and fat, and while comforting, it might not be as nutritionally balanced as some other camping meals.

Kid Appeal:
Grilled cheese is a universally loved food, and adding a familiar, warm soup makes it feel more like a homey meal. Kids enjoy the hands-on part of assembling and flipping the sandwiches themselves.


4. Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Overview:
Breakfast burritos are a great option for kids, and they’re incredibly versatile. Pre-make the burritos at home by scrambling eggs, adding veggies, cheese, and breakfast meats like sausage or bacon, and then wrapping them in a tortilla. Once at camp, simply heat them up in a skillet or on a grill.

Pros:

  • Quick and Filling: The burritos are hearty and provide plenty of energy to start the day. You can pack them with proteins and vegetables to keep the kids full.
  • Customizable: Kids can pick their favorite ingredients, and you can make a few varieties to cater to different tastes.
  • Prep Ahead of Time: Making these at home means no cooking is needed at camp, only reheating. This makes for an easy and low-maintenance breakfast.

Cons:

  • Storage: You’ll need to keep the burritos cold, which may require an ice pack or cooler.
  • Requires Reheating: While quick to prepare, they need to be reheated on a grill or in a skillet, so it’s not the most hands-off option.

Kid Appeal:
Burritos are fun to eat and easy to customize with different fillings. They’re also portable, so kids can grab one and eat it on the go, whether they’re exploring or enjoying a leisurely morning.


5. S’mores-Inspired Breakfast or Snack Bars

Overview:
S’mores bars are a fun, sweet camping treat that kids will love. These bars typically combine graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a handheld snack or breakfast. You can also make s’mores-inspired energy bars, using oats, honey, and chocolate chips, for a more wholesome option.

Pros:

  • No Cooking Required: Some versions don’t require any cooking at all, making them ideal for low-maintenance days. They’re easy to assemble in advance and can be stored in airtight bags.
  • Appeals to Sweet Tooths: Kids will love the chocolate and marshmallow elements, making them a great treat or snack.
  • Portable: These bars are easy to pack and carry on hikes or outdoor adventures.

Cons:

  • High in Sugar: Many s’mores recipes are sugary, which can lead to an energy crash if eaten in excess.
  • Not a Full Meal: While great as a snack or dessert, these bars won’t provide enough nutrition to serve as a main meal.

Kid Appeal:
Who doesn’t love the fun combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers? These bars tap into the nostalgic appeal of s’mores and offer an easy, enjoyable snack for kids during downtime.


6. One-Pot Pasta Meals

Overview:
Pasta is a universally loved food that is easy to prepare over a camp stove. A one-pot pasta meal involves cooking pasta with your choice of sauce and ingredients like veggies, cheese, or pre-cooked meats. You can even make a creamy mac and cheese using powdered cheese packets or bring along your own cheese sauce.

Pros:

  • Simple and Efficient: You only need one pot for cooking the pasta and sauce, which minimizes cleanup and setup time.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on dietary restrictions or preferences, and you can easily add in extra vegetables or protein to make the meal more balanced.
  • Kid-Friendly Flavors: Pastas like spaghetti or macaroni and cheese are generally crowd-pleasers for kids.

Cons:

  • Requires a Stove or Fire: You’ll need to boil water for the pasta, so having a camp stove is necessary.
  • Not the Fastest Meal: Cooking pasta can take some time (10-15 minutes), so if you’re looking for a quick meal, this may not be the best option.

Kid Appeal:
Kids love pasta, and the customizable sauce options (from tomato to cheese to pesto) keep the meal exciting. The one-pot aspect makes it easier for kids to “help” with the cooking process.

7. Pancakes (with a Twist)

Overview:
Pancakes are a camp breakfast staple, and they’re easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. To make it even more fun, you can bring along premade pancake mix (or make your own at home), and use a camp griddle or skillet to cook them up. You can also add fun toppings like fresh berries, chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even yogurt to boost the nutritional value.

Pros:

  • Quick and Easy: Pancake mixes are simple to prepare, and kids love flipping the pancakes or watching them bubble.
  • Versatile Toppings: Whether it’s syrup, fruit, or even whipped cream, pancakes offer plenty of ways to keep breakfast exciting and customizable.
  • Filling: Pancakes are a substantial breakfast that will give kids plenty of energy for a day of outdoor activities.

Cons:

  • Can Get Messy: The batter can spill, and cooking on a camp stove or open flame can be tricky without a griddle or a non-stick pan.
  • Requires Cleanup: While pancakes cook quickly, the skillet and utensils can require some cleaning afterward.

Kid Appeal:
Kids love the fun of stacking their pancakes and choosing what toppings to add. Plus, the fluffy texture and sweetness make it a breakfast they’ll want again and again.


8. Campfire Quesadillas

Overview:
Quesadillas are an excellent choice for lunch or dinner while camping. You can fill tortillas with cheese, beans, pre-cooked chicken, or other ingredients like bell peppers or corn, then cook them in a skillet over the campfire until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. These can be prepped at home and just require reheating at the campsite.

Pros:

  • Quick and Easy: Quesadillas cook fast, typically in just a few minutes, and require minimal equipment (just a skillet or campfire grate).
  • Customizable: They’re a fantastic way to incorporate various proteins, veggies, and sauces, making it easy to accommodate picky eaters.
  • Interactive: Kids can help assemble their quesadillas and decide on their own fillings, giving them a sense of ownership over their meal.

Cons:

  • Requires a Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for making quesadillas, so make sure you have the right equipment.
  • Can Get Soggy: If the filling has too much moisture (like salsa), the tortilla might get soggy, so it’s best to keep the ingredients well-drained.

Kid Appeal:
The cheesy, crispy texture makes quesadillas a hit with kids. The fun of assembling their own quesadilla is also a bonus for young campers.


9. Trail Mix (and DIY Granola Bars)

Overview:
Trail mix is the perfect snack for kids while on the go. You can create your own trail mix at home by combining nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, granola, and pretzels in a resealable bag. For a more substantial meal or snack, homemade granola bars are easy to prepare ahead of time and offer a more filling option.

Pros:

  • Portable and Mess-Free: No cooking required, and kids can snack on it during hikes or other activities.
  • Customizable: You can make trail mix with all kinds of ingredients—adjust it based on dietary preferences or food allergies.
  • Nutrient-Dense: A good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from nuts and dried fruit can help keep kids fueled throughout the day.

Cons:

  • Can Be Too Sweet or Caloric: Depending on the mix, some kids might find trail mix too sugary or caloric if it’s packed with candy or chocolate.
  • Potential Allergies: If camping with others, be mindful of nut allergies. You can opt for nut-free versions or add more dried fruits and seeds.

Kid Appeal:
Kids love the variety in trail mix, and it’s an easy snack they can nibble on as they play, hike, or explore the campsite.


10. Hot Dogs & Veggie Skewers

Overview:
Hot dogs are an iconic camping meal, and they can be grilled over the campfire or cooked on a camp stove. Pairing them with veggie skewers (using peppers, zucchini, onions, and even pineapple) adds a healthy touch and makes the meal more fun.

Pros:

  • Fun to Cook: Kids enjoy roasting their own hot dogs over the fire, giving them a hands-on cooking experience.
  • Quick and Tasty: Hot dogs cook quickly, and veggies can be prepped and skewered ahead of time for a simple, satisfying meal.
  • Customizable: You can top the hot dogs with mustard, ketchup, or other condiments based on your child’s preferences.

Cons:

  • Requires Fire or Grill: This meal requires a campfire or grill for optimal flavor and cooking.
  • Not the Most Nutritious: Hot dogs are highly processed, so while tasty, they should be balanced with plenty of vegetables or whole-grain buns to make the meal more nutritious.

Kid Appeal:
The interactive aspect of roasting their own hot dogs makes this meal exciting for kids, while the veggie skewers add some color and fun to the plate.


11. Campfire Nachos

Overview:
Nachos are a fantastic, easy-to-prepare camping meal. Layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, pre-cooked chicken or beef, and any other toppings (like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole) and heat them up in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire.

Pros:

  • Customizable: Each camper can adjust the toppings to their liking, making it perfect for picky eaters.
  • Fun to Eat: Nachos are casual, shareable, and engaging for kids to dig into as a group meal or snack.
  • Quick Cooking Time: Once everything is assembled, it only takes a few minutes to melt the cheese and heat the nachos.

Cons:

  • Can Get Soggy: Be mindful of not using too many wet ingredients (like salsa) to avoid soggy chips.
  • Requires a Cast-Iron Skillet or Foil: You’ll need a skillet or foil to prevent the nachos from falling apart and ensure even cooking.

Kid Appeal:
Kids love nachos because of the interactive, customizable nature of the meal, and it’s a fun, finger-food option for camp.


12. Campfire Veggie Burgers

Overview:
Veggie burgers made from black beans, quinoa, or lentils are a healthy and hearty alternative to regular burgers. Pre-made veggie patties or homemade veggie burgers can be cooked over the fire and served with all the traditional burger toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles) on a whole-grain bun.

Pros:

  • Vegetarian Option: A great choice for families with vegetarian kids or those who want to offer a plant-based meal.
  • High in Protein: Depending on the ingredients, veggie burgers can be quite filling and nutritious, offering plant-based protein and fiber.
  • Customizable Toppings: Kids can add their favorite toppings to make the burger their own.

Cons:

  • Can Be Fragile: Homemade veggie burgers can break apart if not cooked carefully, so it’s important to keep them intact during cooking.
  • Longer Cooking Time: Veggie patties often need more time to cook than meat patties, so be prepared for a longer grilling time.

Kid Appeal:
Veggie burgers are a fun twist on the traditional camping burger, and kids love stacking their burgers with their favorite toppings.


13. Pizza on a Stick

Overview:
Who says you can’t have pizza while camping? Pizza on a stick involves wrapping pizza dough around a skewer and then cooking it over the campfire. Once the dough is cooked, top it with pizza sauce, cheese, and any other desired toppings, then cook a bit longer until everything is melty.

Pros:

  • Interactive: Kids can create their own “pizza” by customizing their dough and toppings.
  • Fun and Novel: Cooking pizza over a campfire is an exciting experience for kids that adds an element of novelty to mealtime.
  • Portable: The pizza is on a stick, so it’s easy for kids to eat without needing plates or utensils.

Cons:

  • Can Be Tricky to Cook: Getting the dough cooked all the way through without burning the outside can take some practice.
  • Requires a Skewer or Stick: You’ll need to find a suitable stick or skewer, which may be harder in certain campsites.

Kid Appeal:
Kids will love the novelty of pizza on a stick and enjoy customizing their pizzas with their favorite toppings. It’s a perfect fun meal for the whole family.