What Food to Take Camping for a Week?

A weekend camping trip is definitely not complete without nutritious foods! But with so many options, you might be having a hard time picking which snacks and meals to prepare. Well, worry not – we will make sure to cover them below!

Camping is such an ideal outdoor escapade. Just thinking about the fresh air, beautiful nature, and all makes you crave for a few days or a week to explore the hidden gem of the wood. But undoubtedly, it is the food that further ignites the experience.

Does campfire food ring a bell? Of course! This is very popular among campers from across the world. But there are actually a lot more options you can consider for your next camping adventure. Get your note as we list some of them here!

Top 5 Foods To Take Camping for a Week

1. S’mores ingredients

Perhaps a week of camping wouldn’t be complete without the sweet smell of s’mores. It is on most of the camper’s food packing lists.

Unleash your inner cooking skills! It’s up to you if you want to try the traditional method – a delicate combination of marshmallows and graham crackers.

Otherwise, you can add chocolate chips, cherries, bananas, and several nuts to achieve a melted treat. Wrap them in aluminum foil and then put them in fire coals.

2. Instant cup noodles and canned goods

We tend to be lazy, cooking our meals at some point. That’s not bad at all, which is why instant cup noodles and canned goods were invented in the first place. Though, you can also mix them with other ingredients to create a portion of super tasty food.

Canned foods give variants and zest to camping meals. Cans with ring pulls are ideal for extra convenience. For instance. A few cans of tuna and tinned fish add protein to non-pasta dishes. It is also perfect for trip sandwiches.

There are chickpeas, beans, and sweetcorn, which can be added to salads, chili, soups, and stews. Include canned vegetables for some added nutrition, then custard and evaporated milk to accompany any campfire dessert.

Whereas, instant noodles shouldn’t just be plain. Boost it up by whipping up some dressings such as sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, tahini, fresh ginger, and soy sauce. Also, add salt and pepper for the final taste.

Pour in vegetable broth and toss together the tomato, red pepper, noodles, as well as a cup of scallions or chives and cilantro. You now have a noodle salad! But if you only need a quick lunch, opening up the noodles and cooking them according to the package’s direction will do.

3. Dairy and eggs

Both are a versatile addition to the camping food list. Eggs are protein-rich and can be easily cooked and served as a main or additional course. You can boil or fry them in just minutes. Or else, add them to a certain dish for an improved taste.

You can try edgy bread for breakfast, the Spanish fashion frittatas, or the ever-popular omelet with some fillings. For campfire eggs, prepare them right over the fire; however you prefer, though, make sure to use butter or cooking spray to prevent stickiness.

Canned meats, canned tomatoes, pancake mix, and salsas can be used on eggs too. How about smoked salmon wraps and scrambled eggs? Ideal for morning meal escapes! Add whatever fillings you like – might be a slice of avocado, a pinch of lime, or some cut tomatoes.

For dairy, have a tube of smoked cheese and cheese triangles. You don’t need to keep them cool. Both are good for camping snacks and lunches.

Parmesan is ideal too, which you can add to pizzas, pasta dishes, or salads. It can also survive without chilling. Just be sure it is not pre-grated!

4. Meats

Hey, meat lovers! There are tons of options you have. There are dried meats like saucisson and chorizo that provide high-energy consumption for snacking or lunches.

Of course, your camping dinners should include minced meat as well. Get your kiddos involved to make a burger, kebabs, or meatballs. Pasta and sauce with sautéed meat or vegetables are appetizing after a long climbing or hiking.  

Meats only tend to last another day if they go in the cooler directly from the freezer. Hence, use them up at the beginning of your retreat, unless you have refrigeration for the extent of your trip.

5. Veggies and fruits (dry and frozen)

Ready to eat, fresh veggies and fruits such as oranges, mangos, apples, watermelon, peaches, bananas, broccoli, carrots, celery, and cauliflower must also be included in your camping food stacks.

Add them to your favorite pasta or other food. Otherwise, tinned fruit makes a delicious camping dessert. Add a special touch by melting some chocolate and dashing hazelnuts.

6. Snacks

For your snacks, try the chewy oat and fruit granola bars, campfire coconut ginger granola, popcorn satchels, or crackers and oatcakes.

They should be full of energy and ready to eat on the go. You can also have snack bars, nuts, dried fruit, crisps and chips, chocolate, biscuits, cookies, or salted peanuts.

7. Instant tea bags and coffee packs

If you’re a coffee-lover, don’t forget to pack instant coffee packets, powdered juices, and tea bags. They will help minimize the weight in your SUV car and even lessen trash. Just pour some in your cup with water and voila!

Of course, don’t forget to pack essential items to help prepare your meals. These include lighter and matches, cooler, ice packs, stove and propane gas, foil (enough to use for a week), knives, paper towels, silverware, cleaning soaps and wipes, resealable bags, trash bags, and mugs, cups, or plastic cups.

Whether it is simple or complicated, camping food must be healthy and appetizing. Don’t settle for fewer alternatives. Your palate deserves better. Make sure to have these nourishing, tasty foods in your camping food storage, and you’re good to go.