Cheap and Easy Dyi Camp Out Menu

If you like to play all day, then no-cook camping meals will keep you having fun in the great outdoors!

Nope, we're not talking about cold cereal and boring sandwiches. You can have no-cook camping meals that are tasty, healthy and fun to eat. Here's a list of camp food ideas you can make without a stove—or campfire!

Tips for Your Camp Kitchen

The key to cooking less while camping is to plan and prepare ahead of time. I like to have camp kitchen stocked with all of the ingredients, tools and storage that I need.

• Use large reusable silicone storage bags to label meals by days or store cold salads flat.
• Mason jars make it easy to fill up with quick, grab-and-go salads or breakfast and can be a space saver, too.
• I use collapsible silicone bowls and cups that take up less space and decrease trash.

It doesn't hurt to know a couple of vintage camp kitchen hacks, either!

Breakfast

Jump-start the day with foods that will keep you full. Doughnuts may seem like fun camp food, but you are bound to get hungry an hour later. We like to pair proteins (like boiled eggs, yogurt, beans or milk) with complex carbohydrates (like oats, whole grain breads or beans) to fuel our morning adventures.

1. Yogurt Parfaits. Plain or flavored yogurt layered with chopped nuts, chia seeds, muesli or fresh fruit can make for a hearty and quick breakfast.
2. Granola With Milk. If you're running low on cold storage, opt for boxed milk.
3. Boiled Egg Breakfast Sandwich. Yes, a fried egg sandwich tastes great, but so does a boiled egg sandwich. Grab a croissant and fill with premade sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced cheese and ham.
4. Overnight Oatmeal. Grab a mason jar and create a bunch of these before you leave home!
5. Bean Toast Bites. The Brits have long been putting cold beans on toast. Open up a can of baked beans and serve with a piece of crusty French bread.

Lunch

Whether you're out fishing, hiking on a trail or just hanging close to camp, everyone needs to break for lunch. Serve each recipe up on its own or combine together for a memorable meal.

1. Peanut Butter and Honey or Jelly Sandwiches.Here are 15 genius ways to upgrade your PB&J.
2. Stacked Crackers. Pair your crackers with sliced salami and cheese or creamy peanut butter for a quick lunch bite.
3. Hummus and Veggie Sticks. Store-bought hummus works, but making your own definitely is worth the effort. Try this popular Lemon Garlic Hummus recipe.
4. Nutty Berry Trail Mix or Granola Trail Mix. The mix recipes make for a fun lunch add-on or snack between meals.
5. Jerky. Store-bought works, but for those prefer to make their own, try this recipe for easy beef jerky.
6. Sandwich Wraps. Grab a cold tortilla, spread with hummus and your favorite sandwich toppings, like shredded lettuce, cucumber slices and cold cuts.
7. Tuna, Chicken or Egg Salad Sandwiches. Mayo combined with protein, like tuna or chicken, can spoil quickly, so be sure to keep these sandwiches cold until it's lunchtime.
8. Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches. Thick slices of apples topped with creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips can be served up as a snack or a tasty treat after lunch. Here's the recipe for our peanut butter stackers.
9. Layered Fresh Fruit Salad.
10. Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches. Cold bacon still makes for a delicious BLT!

For those who love to cook around the campfire, check out this article that's packed with easy camp cooking ideas.

Dinner

For most dinners, you can opt to make-ahead or tap into convenience foods like rotisserie chicken, salads-in-a-bag or canned foods. Our family favorites include bowls (like you'd have at Chipotle), spiralized veggie salads or pasta salads.

1. Chicken Bowls. Canned beans (rinsed), shredded lettuce or cabbage, chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, shredded cheese and dressing of choice (ranch, Italian or honey mustard).
2. Taco Bowls. Make taco meat ahead of time or make it meatless with canned beans. You can opt for a layered salad or let the family make their own with corn chips, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, beans, olives and salsa. Top the salad off with a dressing, like a simple squeeze of lime and olive oil or stir taco seasoning into ranch dressing for a creamy topping.
3. Antipasto Salad Platter. Italian cold cuts, canned artichoke hearts, quartered mushrooms, sliced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, kidney or garbanzo beans, feta squares and sliced red onion, all topped with Italian dressing and served with crusty French bread.
4. Sesame Almond Slaw. Serve this slaw recipe with cold rotisserie chicken for a super-satisfying meal.
5. Make Ahead Six-Layer Salad. Add in chopped ham or serve with sandwiches to complete the dinner.
6. Southwest Shredded Pork Salad. Just a handful of chips and this meal is complete.
7. Ham and Potato Salad Sandwiches. Hearty and easy to pull together when you need dinner on the table fast!
8. Charcuterie Board. That's just the fancy way of saying cheese and meat board. Pre-slice your meats and cheese in advance for convenience or stick a knife on the board and let folks cut their own. Grab a box of fancy crackers or make these Cheesy Sun Crisps.
9. Cold Hot Dogs and Canned 3-Bean-Salad. Sounds fancy, right? This was definitely a family favorite in our home. Yes, hot dogs are pre-cooked or smoked, so they are safe to eat cold. But, should someone in your party have a weakened immune system or be pregnant, they should skip cold hot dogs and cold cuts.
10. Caprese Salad Kebabs and Rotisserie Chicken.

Find More Camp Food Inspiration

If you love to cook and are great at planning, check out our collection of easy camping recipes for some fun food-spiration before you head outdoors. You can also find all of our camping food ideas in one spot, here.

Psst!You can check out my camping adventures by following #olafthecampervan on Instagram.

The Best Camping Food Ideas to Pack in Your Bag

Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix

A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington

Ripe fruits are a great food to take camping without a fridge. Check out which fruits keep ripening after they're picked so you choose the right fruit to bring on your trip.

Teriyaki Beef Jerky

Jerky is a fun and portable snack. The meat has a savory flavor and just a bit of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

Mustard Pretzel Nuggets

This quick and fun snack is similar to the mustard pretzels you can buy at the store, but you can make it for a fraction of the price. It's a killer recipe for all kinds of parties and football gatherings. —Sarah Mathews, Ava Missouri

Homemade Honey Grahams

The way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don't last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Are you asking yourself "what food should I bring camping?" If so, these no-bake recipes are always a good choice.

Granola Streusel Cranberry Muffin Mix

These are great for breakfast. Once the family gets a taste, these delicious muffins will disappear quickly! —Karen Moore, Jacksonville, Florida

Slow-Cooker Coconut Granola

Here's a versatile treat with a taste of the tropics. Change the recipe up a bit by using dried pineapple or tropical fruits instead of cherries. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Parmesan-Ranch Snack Mix

This is a quick, easy and delicious snack, especially for kids. No one I've made it for can have just one handful—they always come back for more, and more! So if you're thinking about cutting the recipe in half to make less, I wouldn't recommend it. —Tammy Landry, Saucier, Mississippi

Lemony Snack Mix

I'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas

Cheese Crispies

For years I've taken these crispy, crunchy snacks to work. They get high marks from everybody in the teachers lounge. —Eileen Ball, Cornelius, North Carolina

Roasted Cheddar Herb Almonds

I prepared these one Christmas for my son, who was on a low-carb diet. I was afraid he'd be disappointed because he couldn't eat holiday cookies, but these made up for it—he loved them! Save a handful to chop and sprinkle over a green salad or pasta. —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Tender Whole Wheat Muffins

Simple whole wheat muffins are wonderful paired with soup or spread with a little jam for breakfast. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, NY

Crunchy Granola Pretzel Sticks

I love this healthier portable snack that's sweet, crunchy and fun to make. If you don't have granola, use other cereals or nuts. You can even do bacon bits.—Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma

Sweet 'n' Salty Party Mix

These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa

Homemade Bagels

I always wanted to make my own bagels, so I searched to find a bagel recipe I could try. For variation and flavor, I sometimes add cinnamon and raisins or honey and sesame seeds to the dough.

Granola Trail Mix

My family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas

Cheddar-Pecan Crisps

Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania

Sweet & Salty Party Mix

My husband doesn't like traditional party mixes because he thinks they're too salty or sweet. He calls this one his favorite—it's just right. —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington

Chewy Honey Granola Bars

There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont

Sweet Chipotle Pretzels

Pretzels are a great snack food. I love this recipe because it is sweet as well as spicy, but not too spicy. It's a great combination for munching. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Really Good Snack Mix

I grew tired of my family picking through a snack mix for their favorite ingredients and leaving the rest. So I experimented using only their most-loved mix-ins and came up with this recipe. Now there's never any left! —Lori Genske, Waldo, Wisconsin

Caramel Apple Muffins

These muffins are perfect for anyone who loves caramel apples. They are particularly good with breakfast or during a coffee break. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana

Cajun Party Mix

I pack this mix in Christmas tins to give to friends and family. They can't seem to get enough-and it's so easy!

Snack Crackers

Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin

Taco Pumpkin Seeds

Here is a hot idea from our Test Kitchen—toast seeds from a freshly cut pumpkin in taco seasoning and a bit of garlic salt. The combination packs a tasty punch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blueberry-Orange Muffins

This recipe was given to me some time ago, and I've used it often since. In fact, it's so good that it won first prize at a county fair! Blueberries are plentiful here in the Midwest, and this is a delicious way to prepare them. —Irene Parry, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Kiddie Crunch Mix

This no-bake snack mix is a delightful treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place in individual bags, or pour some into colored ice cream cones for a fun presentation. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California

Chesapeake Snack Mix

Plain pretzels pale in comparison to this jazzy concoction that microwaves in moments. Pack a pouch to go for an easy at-work or on-the-road snack. —JoAnne Geiger, Baltimore

Party Pretzels

Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

Honey Bagels

Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Light Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Try this zippy twist on a favorite Halloween tradition. These amped-up pumpkin seeds have just enough heat to take the chill off autumn afternoons! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Five-Spice Pecans

Talk about a sugar-and-spice treat! Just try to stop eating these toasty, roasty snack nuts. "They're also great sprinkled on all kinds of salads." Anne Leslie - Chandler, IN

Cinnamon Twists

These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. People can rarely eat just one. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois

Ranch Snack Mix

This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds is easier than it seems. Just hollow a pumpkin out, spice 'em and bake 'em for a fun snack. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota

Nut-Topped Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

A sweet, crispy topping highlights these tender muffins that are filled with two favorite spring foods, rhubarb and strawberries. They're perfect for a brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast. —Audrey Stallsmith, Hadley, Pennsylvania

Nut Butter Cups

My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail Mix

A close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

Wholesome Wheat Bread

My sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen. -Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas

Golden Granola

This crunchy granola—which may be eaten as cereal or used to top ice cream or fruit—makes a welcome gift. Package it in a tin or jar decked with a festive bow. —Maxine Smith, Owanka, South Dakota

Chocolate Chip-Cranberry Scones

My daughter started making these as a "healthy" alternative to cookies since we seem to like cookies of any kind. I've never been able to eat just one, so this recipe seemed perfect for us. —Nichole Jones, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Zesty Snack Mix

Reveals Jeanette Grantstein of Wichita, Kansas, "This crisp snack mix is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy. I've taken it to numerous gatherings. Make a bowlful when the munchies hit."—Jeanette Grantstein, Wichita, Kansas

Herbed Bread Twists

A blend of herbs and a special shape dress up ordinary frozen bread dough in my unbelievably easy recipe. —Deb Stapert, Comstock Park, Michigan

Spicy Mixed Nuts

Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana

Chocolate Yeast Bread

Your family will love this tender loaf of chocolate bread. Slices are excellent when toasted and spread with butter, cream cheese or peanut butter. —Laura Cryts, Derry, New Hampshire

Roasted Fresh Pumpkin Seeds

I learned how to roast pumpkin seeds from my mother, who learned it from her mother. Keep an eye on the seeds so they don't scorch. —Margaret Drye, Plainfield, New Hampshire

Soft Beer Pretzel Nuggets

What goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That's why I put them together into one recipe. I'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas

Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping

My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they're a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Spicy Almonds

We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington

Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers

These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina

Rosemary Walnuts

My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina

Best Ever Breadsticks

Present these delicious breadsticks alongside an Italian favorite like lasagna or spaghetti. They're an attractive and edible addition to the table setting! —Carol Wolfer, Lebanon, Oregon

Monster Munchies

Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Parmesan Scones

The addition of onions gives these scones a nice bite. You can even stir in some basil or oregano if you like. —Jolie Stinson, Marion, Indiana

Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn

Fresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan

2-Ingredient Biscuits

These 2-ingredient biscuits make a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. I never made biscuits until I tried this recipe, now my husband wants them all the time! —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Nutty Berry Trail Mix

This recipe, my son's favorite, earned me an A in my early childhood nutrition course. It lets you take control of what your children snack on! —Cheri Majors, Claremont, California

Homemade English Muffin Bread

Most of my cooking and baking is from scratch, and I think it's worth the time and effort. Everyone enjoys homemade goodies like this delicious bread. —Elsie Trippett, Jackson, Michigan

Spiced Nut Mix

One Christmas, my good friend gave me this recipe and a sack of ingredients. I think of her every time I stir up these pumpkin-spiced nuts. —Patti Holland, Parker, Colorado

Rhubarb Nut Muffins

Muffins are my weakness! When I make these to take to a gathering, I always come home with an empty plate. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, Minnesota

Bananas Foster Crunch Mix

Bananas Foster is one of my favorite desserts. So I thought that a crunchy, snackable version would be a hit. It is heated in the microwave and takes just a few minutes to make. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California

Roasted Cumin Cashews

Kick up parties and get-togethers with this well-seasoned snack. The cashews are sweet, salty, crunchy...and oh, so munchable. —Martha Fehl, Brookville, Indiana

Garlic Pumpkin Seeds

Wondering what to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your pumpkin-carving party? This yummy, microwave-easy recipe is the answer! Save some for yourself before they're gone! —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Walnut Zucchini Muffins

Shredded zucchini adds makes these walnutty muffins extra tender. If you have lots of zucchini in summer as many of us do, this is a good way to use some of it. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana

Wonderful English Muffins

When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho

1-2-3 Snack Mix

Salty and satisfying, this colorful, kid-friendly trail mix provides quick protein and energy by the handful on action-packed summer days. It's great for long car trips, too! —Sue Sherman, Toledo, Ohio

Gluten-Free Chocolate Snack Mix

Being gluten-intolerant, I experiment with a lot of recipes. This sweet snack is fun for kids and adults alike! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

The recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina

Orange-Ancho Spiced Nuts

Get ready for a flavor adventure. These nuts offer a tasty combination of orange, ancho chili pepper and chocolate. The pepper gives a smoky taste. Increase it to add more warmth.—Leigh Doutt, Pueblo West, Colorado

Basic Banana Muffins

This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they're ready, start to finish, in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine

Crunchy Italian Snack Mix

Every time my son visits, he asks me to make "the snack mix." It has become a requirement when we all sit down to play board games. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas

Garlic & Onion Cashews

You'll be set for either a quick snack or an easy hostess gift when you use this recipe. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Your family will be impressed with the soft texture and appealing swirls of cinnamon in this lovely cinnamon bread recipe. —Diane Armstrong, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Sugar-and-Spice Candied Nuts

Here's a wonderful snack to have on hand for entertaining, gift-giving or just munching anytime. With a sweet-spicy coating, the crunchy mixed nuts are hard to resist.—Tonya Burkhard, David, Illinois

Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones

Because cheese and sage go so well with apples, I decided to put them all in scones. These mini treats make a fall weekend brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Chia Seed Protein Bites

I keep these little bites on hand in my refrigerator and grab them for breakfast or a snack when I'm in a hurry. We have a lot of food allergies in our family and I like to keep healthy snacks around that everyone can eat. This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it's the perfect go-to treat in our house. —Tanja Miller, Peoria, Arizona

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/no-cook-camping-meals/

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