16 Quick And Easy Camping Recipes For Kids

Image: MomJunction Design Team

Camping is one of those fulfilling hobbies that teaches children many essential life skills. According to the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, camping emerged as the second most favored outdoor activity among individuals aged 6 to 17, with a participation rate of 26.2%. We bring you some interesting and helpful camping recipes for kids to help them cook using the limited resources available. If you are planning a camping trip with your children, scroll through. We have a collection of easy recipes for children to try in the wilderness.

Quick Tips For Easy Camping Meals

Before we get into the camping recipes, let’s check out some important tips you can follow to make the cooking process fun and convenient.

• A campsite with children can be chaotic and messy. To avoid stress, prep ingredients at home before leaving for camping. So, you can have the eggs beaten at home or have your veggies chopped and stored in an airtight container. This way you save time and can prepare meals quickly.
• Carry resealable bags to store and organize the ingredients easily. This way, you can easily see what is inside and quickly grab what you need to whip up the meal.
• Opt for one-pot or two-pot meals that are great for camping. Cook rice first, set it aside, and use the same pot for veggies or curry. If the rice cools, mix it back in to warm everything before serving. Simple and efficient!
• Carry more frozen foods and less perishable items. Frozen foods can double as big ice packs, and having fewer perishables means less worry about them going bad.

Camping Breakfast Recipes

Children may often be hungrier in the morning and may not have a lot of patience to wait for you to make breakfast in leisure. So you need a few easy camping meals for kids. Don’t worry. We have covered them for you.

1. Instant oatmeal

Image: Shutterstock

Kids may not love it, but oatmeal is one of the easiest campfire breakfast options when you want something ready in minutes. Here is a recipe for DIY instant oatmeal packets you can carry on a camping trip.

You will need:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2tsp dried milk powder
• 2tsp chia seeds
• 1tbsp brown sugar or artificial sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 2tbsp each of add-ons of your choice: dried strawberries, raisins, walnuts, dried blueberries, bananas, apple ginger, dried apricots, chopped dates, cranberry pistachio, etc.
• Ziplock bags

How to:

1. In a Ziplock bag, add the oats, the dried milk powder, chia seeds, sugar, and salt.
2. Make combinations of the add-ons, such as cashew, dates, blueberry almond, ginger apple, and more.
3. To cook, empty the contents of the pouch into a container and add three-fourth cup of water.
4. Let it cook for one and a half to two minutes, or as needed.

Preparation time:

10min

Cooking time: 2-3min

Servings: 1 pack per person

2. Pancakes

Image: Shutterstock

Pancakes in the wilderness? Well, it may be hard to believe but making pancakes when you’re camping is not that difficult with a little bit of preparation.

You will need:

• 200g flour
• 1tsp baking powder
• 4tbsp of milk powder
• 1tbsp sugar
• 1tsp cinnamon powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 eggs
• A cup of fresh berries
• 500-600ml water

How to:

1. Start by preparing the dry pancake mix before you go camping – weigh the flour, baking powder, milk powder, sugar, cinnamon powder, and salt and put them in a glass jar.
2. Add the eggs and water to the raw pancake mix in the glass jar when you want to make the pancakes. Mix properly.
3. Use a non-stick frying skillet and add a teaspoon of oil or butter if you have it.
4. Pour the pancake batter into the skillet and cook for a few minutes until it turns brown or is fully cooked.

Preparation time:

15min

Cooking time: 5min

Servings: 1-2

Quick tip

You may prepare the wet pancake mixture at home and carry it in a disposable or squeeze bottle. It will not only save you the mixture preparation time but will also be easier to carry.

3. Fruit and Nut Tortilla Roll-Ups

Image: Shutterstock

This is one of the simplest camping recipes with a perfect blend of texture and flavor. It is quick to prepare and packs wholesome nourishment your child needs while camping. It is also one of the best examples of fireless cooking for kids, which they can prepare themselves.

You will need:

• 1 pack of tortilla
• 1 cup peanut butter or hazelnut spread
• Sliced banana, apples, and strawberries (other fruits of choice can also be added)
• Walnuts, almonds, and pecans

How to:

1. Take a tortilla and place it on a plate.
2. Choose the spread of your choice. Take one teaspoon of the spread and spread it evenly on the tortilla.
3. Now place fruit slices in order of your choice.
4. Add coarsely chopped nuts over the fruits. You can also sprinkle cinnamon powder over the nuts for flavor.
5. Roll the tortilla and bite it big.

Preparation time:

3-4 min

Servings: Customized (depends on the number of tortillas in the pack)

Another delicious variation to this recipe, Campfire quesadillas are also easy-to-make and a perfect meal for camping trips and picnics.

4. Brown bears

Image: IStock

These are great as breakfast sticks or just snacks in the evening. This, without a doubt, is one of our favorite campfire recipes for kids!

You will need:

• 1 pack frozen biscuit dough, easy split
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2/3 cups white sugar
• 3 tbsp cinnamon powder

How to:

1. In a bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon properly.
2. In another bowl, melt the butter and separate the biscuits.
3. Stretch each piece of the biscuit dough into a long strip, but not too long.
4. Wrap the strips around the end of the campfire sticks (clean them beforehand) – make a cap to make them stay on the stick and not fall off.
5. Give one stick each to the kids and ask them to hold them in the campfire for eight to ten minutes.
6. Once it turns brown, as in a little baked, roll the biscuits in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
7. Eat while it is warm.

Preparation time:

1min

Cooking time: 8min

Servings: 8

Camping Lunch And Dinner Ideas

When camping, eating campfire snacks can be a convenient and enjoyable way to satiate your hunger pangs. But do you have to do that when you can actually cook some real food in the wilderness? Explore the lunch and dinner camping food ideas for kids.

5. Ham, egg, and cheese bread bowls

Image: Shutterstock

This lunch or brunch recipe will leave you no dishes to wash. This is the perfect lunch idea for the first day of camping, for you can bake it at home, pack it, and take it with you. Or cook it fresh on the camp fire!

You will need:

• 4 bread rolls
• 4 slices of ham (small)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup finely chopped parsley
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese

How to:

1. Cut off the tops of the bread rolls, such that you have one really thick cup-like slice and another thin slice that can be used as a lid.
2. Scoop the center of the bread roll to make it into a bread bowl – use a small knife for a neat finish.
3. Place the slice of ham at the bottom of the bread bowl.
4. Crack the egg on top of the ham.
5. Put in two tablespoons of mozzarella cheese on top of the egg and place the top slice back on it.
6. Wrap them in the aluminum foil and place it on the grill above hot coals and cook for around 25 minutes. The cooking time may differ based on how hot the coals are.

Preparation time:

15min

Cooking time: 25min

Servings: 4

6. Smoked tofu and vegetable skewers

Image: Shutterstock

These are for the campers who prefer plant-based foods. It is easy to make, crispy, and tasty too. It is also considered one of the easiest cooking activities for kids.

You will need:

• 1 pack smoked tofu
• 1 pound baby mushrooms
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 2 small zucchini
• 1 red onion

How to:

1. Dice the tofu uniformly.
2. Chop the vegetables into equal sizes and skewer them.
3. Spray the veggies lightly with cooking spray or oil.
4. Place a grill over hot campfire coal and place the skewers on it.
5. Grill each side for at least three to five minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked as you want them.
6. Remove the tofu and vegetables from the skewers and serve hot.

Preparation time:

10min

Cooking time: 5min

Servings: 2

7. Spider hot dogs

Image: IStock

Hot dogs slit into different layers – that is what spider hot dogs are. They are easy to cook on a grill and are loved by the kids as well.

You will need:

• A pack of hot dogs (8-10)

How to:

1. it the ends of each hot dog into four parts, up to one-quarter in length.
2. Leave enough – at least one and a half to three inches in the center, to stick a fork for cooking.
3. Cook over the grill for as long as needed. As you cook, the legs will curl out, making the hot dog look like a spider.

Preparation time:

1min

Cooking time: 10min

Servings: 4

8. Campfire burritos

Image: Shutterstock

Burritos can be a great lunch or dinner option when camping with kids. Here is how you can make it.

You will need:

• 1 pound taco meat
• 1 cup cooked rice
• ½ cup salsa verde
• ½ cup grated cheese
• 4 tortillas
• Cooking spray
• Foil

How to:

1. Mix the meat rice, salsa, and cheese in a zip pouch or a box and freeze it. This makes it easier to carry the filling when you go camping.
2. Thaw the filling before you want to make the burritos.
3. Fill each tortilla with the filling mix and roll it halfway. Fold the ends to seal the burrito.
4. Spray the inside of the with the cooking spray and place the burrito in it. Fold and seal the foil.
5. Cook the foiled burritos in smoldering coals for three minutes.
6. Flip and cook for another three minutes.
7. Let it cool before opening the foil to eat.

Preparation time:

30min

Cooking time: 6min

Servings: 4

9. Impossible quiche

Image: Shutterstock

The impossible quiche is impossible only when you do not have the recipe. But hey, who says you don’t?

You will need:

• 4 eggs
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½lb cooked sausage, chopped
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup Bisquick
• 2tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

1. Prepare the quiche mix at home – blend the Bisquick, milk, salt, pepper, and butter. Put it in a sealable bag.
2. At the campsite, add the chopped onions and eggs to the Bisquick mix.
3. Heat a Dutch oven or a skillet. Brush the inside with a little oil and pour the egg mixture like you would for a pancake.
4. Top it with chopped sausage and cheese.
5. Let it cook for 20 minutes, or until it is cooked properly.
6. Serve hot.

Preparation time:

30min

Cooking time: 20min

Servings: 4

Quick tip

Coat all your camping utensils with a thin layer of dish soap on the outside. This will reduce your cleaning time because any food particles or debris stuck on the surface will come off easily.

10. Campfire mac and cheese

Image: Shutterstock

Mac and cheese are one thing kids will love to eat anytime, anywhere. So here is how you make it for them during a camping trip.

You will need:

• 1 pack elbow macaroni
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3tbsp butter
• ½ cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

1. Cook the pasta in a bowl of water and let it cool.
2. Stir in the cream, add the butter and cheese to it.
3. Stir in the salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the foil packs with cooking spray and pour the prepared pasta into it.
5. Spray another sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray and use that to cover the foil packs with pasta. You can freeze these pasta packs before going to the camp.
6. Cook above hot coals (on a grill three inches above it) for ten to 12 minutes or until hot and cheesy. You can also savor it with campfire nachos.

Preparation time:

10min

Cooking time: 20min

Servings: 2

11. Campfire pizza

Image: Shutterstock

Pizza is a delightful food children across age groups love to devour. Here’s a simple campfire pizza recipe that’s impossible to resist!

You will need:

• 1 tube of frozen dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 jar of pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups of cheese (grated)
• 1 cup chopped veggies (onion, tomato, corn, mushrooms, and bell peppers)
• 1/4 cup pepperoni
• Oil

How to:

1. Grease a cast iron skillet or pan with oil. Alternatively, you can use a pizza stone or a baking tin.
2. Spread the pizza dough evenly in the pan.
3. Put it on the stove or the barbecue and cook until the bottom turns golden brown.
4. Once done, take it off the heat and flip the crust.
5. Apply pizza sauce and spread veggies and pepperoni in layers. Generously sprinkle cheese.
6. Put the pan back on the heat and cook the pizza until the crust and the veggies are fully cooked.
7. Transfer the pizza to a serving plate and enjoy!

Preparation time:

5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 1 pizza

Camping Dessert Recipes

Camping desserts needn’t mean fruits or gummy bears. You can make delicious sweet camping food for kids, even on hot coals.

12. Cake in an orange peel

Image: YouTube: NorthSurvival

Here is a classic camping dessert recipe that your kids will love!

You will need:

• 1 pack of chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup of water
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 10-12 oranges

How to:

1. Prepare the cake batter using the direction on the pack.
2. Slice the top of the oranges (save it for later) and scoop the pulp out. You can eat fresh pulp for breakfast.
3. Fill two-thirds of the hollow oranges with batter.
4. Place the top of the orange back and wrap an aluminum foil around it. Seal the foil tightly to pack the oranges tightly.
5. Put the oranges in the campfire and let them cook for 15-20 minutes.
6. Rotate once or twice in between.
7. Remove from the fire, check if they are fully cooked and enjoy.

Preparation time:

10min

Cooking time: 15-20min

Servings: 8-10

13. S’mores banana boat

Image: Shutterstock

This is yet another traditional camping dessert that you can make in little time.

You will need:

• 4 bananas
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup mini marshmallows
• ½ cup cereal of your choice

How to:

1. Cut the foil into four sheets of 12-inches each.
2. Slit the bananas lengthwise, along the curve. Open the slit to make a pocket.
3. Fill the gaps between the slits in each banana with two tablespoons each of marshmallows, chocolate chips, and cereal.
4. Wrap the banana in a foil and seal it on top. Cook it in the campfire for eight to ten minutes, using tongs.
5. Remove from the coals, peel them, and enjoy the delicious campfire banana boats.

Preparation time:

5min

Cooking time: 15min

Servings: 4

14. S’more sandwich

Image: Shutterstock

The best part of camping is you get to eat a lot of marshmallows. Here is the classic nighttime treat made from graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate.

You will need:

• 1 pack graham crackers
• A bag of marshmallows
• A bar of chocolate

How to:

1. Break the graham crackers in half, so you have two square-shaped crackers.
2. Place the crackers face down on a plate. Place one square of chocolate on one of the crackers.
3. Toast the marshmallow on the grill or in the campfire using a skewer, until it turns a little brown.
4. Place the marshmallow on the chocolate on the cracker and cover it with the other cracker.
5. Press the top cracker down to squeeze the warm marshmallow into something creamy.
6. Wait till the marshmallow cools down before eating it.

Preparation time:

5min

Cooking time: 10min

Servings: 10-12

15. Peanuts and almond cluster agave snack bar

Image: Shutterstock

This is a snack you can make at home and carry on your camping trips. Filled with nuts, this snack bar also doubles up as an energy bar and is one of the simplest and family-friendly meals.

You will need:

• ½ cup cashews
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup peanuts
• ½ cup shelled sunflower seeds
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown rice syrup

How to:

1. In a bowl, combine all the nuts and seeds.
2. Mix honey and brown rice syrup and pour this mixture over the nuts. Mix it well.
3. Place a parchment sheet on a baking tray or pan and pour this honey nut mixture on it.
4. Bake for 20 minutes at 350ºF.
5. Let it cool and leave it on the counter overnight, to let it harden and stick together.

Try and cut it into bars using a knife or just crumble it into smaller pieces and carry it when you go camping.

Preparation time: 5min

Cooking time: 20min

Servings: 6 bars

16. Camp pie

Image: Shutterstock

Cooking a pie during camping may seem like an awful lot of work. But it needn’t be. Here is how you can make a blueberry hobo pie with fresh bread slices, instead of dough.

You will need:

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 tbsp softened butter
• 3 tbsp apple pie filling

How to:

1. You will need a pie iron to make this hobo pie.
2. Spray the inside of the hobo pie iron with cooking spray.
3. Place the slice of bread in it and spread the apple pie filling over it.
4. Butter another slice of bread and place it on top of the apple pie filling.
5. Close the pie toaster and cook for four minutes over the hot campfire.
6. Serve the warm and savory campfire apple crisp pie.

Preparation time:

3min

Cooking time: 4min

Servings: 1

Family Cooking Activities

Involve your child in cooking activities at the camp to make the experience more memorable for them. Here are a few ways to get them to help you cook.

• Ensure your child is near you while cooking and observing the entire process, which can eventually boost their interest in cooking. You can even tell them why you are adding certain ingredients and the effect they will have on the taste.
• If your child is enthusiastic about helping, you can ask them to do minor tasks like measuring ingredients or mixing the batter. You can also have them sprinkle a little salt or other minor ingredient.
• If you are not confident about letting your child near the stove, you can ask them to help you set up the cooking area. They can even pass you spoons, ladles, and other cooking utensils to feel involved in the cooking process.
• Including your child in simple meal prep activities like smashing avocados for guacamole or wrapping up sliced apples in foil can also make them feel included.

Infographic: How To Maintain Safety While Cooking During Camping

One of the highlights of camping is the delicious and mouthwatering food. But before you enjoy the delicious meal, cooking at campsites entails some rules and safety guidelines to be followed to keep yourself and the environment safe. Use this infographic as a checklist for yourself and your children to follow while cooking.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Quick And Easy Camping Recipes For Kids

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Check out this video for 25 delicious make-ahead camping meals! Perfect for your next outdoor adventure!

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