Making amazing camping meals with just a handful of quality ingredients plus a few basic staples makes camp cooking a much easier experience.
You’ll find some deliciously easy camping meals in the collection below plus tips on the equipment you’ll need, camp oven recipes and how to approach campfire cooking.
Camp cooking equipment
Whatever your camping plans, you’ll need to consider what you’ll eat as well as how you’ll cook your food, how much space you’ll have to store it and how you’ll keep it fresh and cold. You’ll need to plan your camping meals and equipment around these parameters. Remember, when camping, less is best.
Don’t take your best pans, especially when cooking over a fire. Check out camping supply stores or second-hand stores for good cast-iron pans or light pots that are easy to carry. While a camp oven is not absolutely necessary, if you’re going to be doing a lot of camping and if you’re mostly cooking over an open fire, you will find a camp oven is versatile to cook a roast dinner, crusty damper or a winter pudding. Follow the instructions to clean and care for your cast iron pan or camp oven and it will serve you and your family for many years. It’s a good idea to buy a lid-lifter as well.
Gas stoves and camping rings are quick, clean and easy to use. Open fires are a more exciting cooking option and sitting around a campfire at the end of the day is the epitome of relaxation. The drawbacks are the weather, fire bans and the time it takes to let the fire die down to glowing embers for cooking (about 1-1½ hours). It’s good to have a back-up gas option if you’re planning on using a camp fire.
Campfire cooking
It’s best to have some dry bricks or large pieces of wood to elevate the pan or camp oven over the embers, or a tripod to hang a camp oven from. It’s very important not to use wet bricks or stones as they can explode when heated. Move some of the embers to one side, using enough to get the pan to the right temperature. Use the embers to add more heat when needed, or to pile on top of a camp oven lid. Adjust the heat by the amount of embers or by elevating or lowering the pan or oven. It just takes a little practice.
Make sure the fire is completely extinguished when finished. The ground will remain very hot for many hours afterwards so make certain the area is confined.
Camping meals: preparation & storage
Some recipes use fresh herbs which won’t always be ideal – 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of dried. Start with less intensely-flavoured dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and sage.
Most recipes that use milk or cream can be substituted with UHT (long-life) versions or canned coconut milk; keep a few in reserve.
Pre-measure dry baking ingredients and pre-chop vegetables at home to cut down on prep time. Place in containers or snap-lock bags.
Have one meal already cooked at home so that the first meal is quick and easy after setting up camp. For example, make a bolognese sauce at home and freeze it, allowing it to thaw in the cooler box during the day. Just boil the spaghetti and reheat the sauce when you arrive.
Make up a jar of salad dressing at home.
Have some empty jars and stackable containers for open packets or liquids.
Cacio e pepe gnocchi with pumpkin
Campfire whole snapper and potato wedges
Crispy tofu katsu burgers
One pan mac and cheese
Baked eggs with spiced lamb
Easy chicken and corn soup
Pork stir-fry with noodles
Chorizo & potato frittata
Spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli
Campfire pancake recipe
Cheesy cob loaf baked rolls
How to bake basic damper while camping
Camp oven lamb roast with vegetables
Three ingredient banana and peanut butter pancakes
You’ll need these
01
Campmaster Single Butane Stove
RRP $25 at Big W
A butane gas stove is a fast, easy and budget-friendly choice for outdoor cooking. Remember to add a pack of butane gas cartridges to your cart.
Key features:
- Easy to clean, store and pack
- 2-stage overpressure safety shut off
02
OZtrail Mess Kit 5 Piece
RRP $30 at Big W
This non-stick aluminium set, including a small frying pan and pot, is a great option for a short getaway or cooking for two.
Key features:
- Frying pan, pot, lid, plate and cup
- Lightweight and compact
- Folds into itself for storage
03
3-Piece Pre-Seasoned Large Cast Iron Skillet Fry Pan Set
$59.50 (RRP $79.98 at Kogan
This versatile set is non-stick, hard-wearing and perfect for camp cooking – from pancakes to stir-fries.
Key features:
- 3 pan sizes – 25cm, 20cm and 16cm
- Non-stick, pre-seasoned cast iron
- Suitable for campfires, ovens and stovetops
04
OZtrail Double Camp Kitchen with Windshield
RRP $129 at Big W
If you have a little more space in your car boot, a portable kitchen will keep your campsite essentials organised for easier cooking.
Key features:
- Folds down into a carry bag
- Windshield for gas cooker table
- Storage shelves with zip-up fabric
05
Portable Water Tank 40L with Wheels
RRP $109.95 at Myer
With its slim design and handy wheels, this high volume water tank is a must-have for easily accessible drinking and cooking water.
Key features:
- Flexible pipe and tap
- Durable and simple to use
- Easy to transport
06
No Fly Zone Food Cover
RRP $21.95 at Big W
Keep flies off your food with this mesh table cover. No Fly Zone folds out to 98x98cm and has weighted corners to keep it in place.
