When you’re out camping, nothing beats gathering around the fire and enjoying a delicious, hearty meal that satisfies your hunger after a day of outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re grilling over the flames, cooking in foil packets, or preparing a one-pan dish, the possibilities for creating memorable camping dinners are endless.
From savory stews and smoky grilled meats to veggie-packed dishes and flavorful sides, our collection of 25+ camping dinner recipes is designed to inspire your next outdoor feast.
These easy-to-make meals are perfect for any skill level, making it simple to enjoy mouthwatering dishes in the great outdoors.
25+ Must-Try Camping Dinner Recipes for Easy Outdoor Feasts
With over 25+ camping dinner recipes at your fingertips, you’ll never run out of ideas for creating delicious, satisfying meals during your outdoor adventures.
Whether you prefer grilling, cooking in foil packets, or making hearty stews, these recipes offer endless ways to enjoy tasty, crowd-pleasing dishes while embracing the great outdoors.
So grab your camping gear, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a variety of mouthwatering meals that will elevate your camping experience.
Smoky Campfire Chili
There’s something magical about the scent of chili simmering over an open fire, the rich aromas of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika filling the air as the day fades into night. This hearty and savory campfire chili is packed with tender beans, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, offering a satisfying, warming meal after a long day of adventure.
Its smoky flavor from the campfire blends with the robust heat from jalapeños, creating a balanced, rich dish that’s perfect on its own or paired with crusty bread. The texture is wonderfully thick and chunky, each bite an explosion of deep, smoky notes that complement the rustic outdoors.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers
These lemon herb grilled chicken skewers are the ideal balance of fresh citrus zest and earthy herbs, infused with the tang of lemon juice and the deep fragrance of rosemary, thyme, and garlic. As the chicken crisps up over the open flame, the skin becomes perfectly golden, locking in juicy tenderness with every bite.
The tangy marinade enhances the natural flavor of the chicken, while the grill’s smoky kiss adds a layer of charred complexity. With each tender morsel, you’ll taste the harmony of bright citrus and savory herbs, making this a dish that can easily shine on its own or be paired with a vibrant side salad or grilled vegetables.
Vegetarian Campfire Foil Packets
Pack up a delicious, wholesome meal with these vegetarian campfire foil packets, filled with a rainbow of fresh, crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms, all tossed in olive oil, garlic, and aromatic herbs. As the foil seals and the veggies steam over the fire, their flavors intensify, mingling together in a savory, satisfying blend.
The texture is perfect — tender veggies with just the right amount of crispness, complemented by the rich depth of the seasoning. These foil packets can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a grain like quinoa for a more filling option.
Campfire Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this campfire mac and cheese is a comforting twist on the classic, made even better by the smoky, charred flavor from cooking over an open flame. As the cheese melts into the tender pasta, it creates a velvety texture that perfectly clings to each noodle, while the crispy, golden edges from the campfire add a delightful crunch.
The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy milk results in a luscious, indulgent sauce that envelops every bite. Whether eaten alone as a cozy meal under the stars or served alongside grilled meats, this mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite campfire tradition.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Ribs
There’s nothing like the tantalizing scent of barbecue ribs cooking over an open fire, the smoky aroma wafting through the crisp evening air as they slow-cook to perfection. These sweet and spicy BBQ ribs are coated in a rich sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sticky sweetness and a bold, spicy kick, creating a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
The tender meat falls off the bone effortlessly, each bite bursting with juiciness and layered with smoky, caramelized goodness. Whether paired with a simple coleslaw or enjoyed by themselves, these ribs bring the perfect combination of indulgence and smoky depth to any camping dinner.
One-Pan Campfire Paella
This one-pan campfire paella is an explosion of vibrant colors and bold flavors, bringing a taste of Spain to your campsite with each aromatic bite. Fragrant saffron infuses the rice with a golden hue, while fresh shrimp, chicken, and smoky chorizo combine with peas, bell peppers, and onions to create a dish that’s both hearty and fresh.
The gentle heat from the fire allows all the flavors to meld perfectly, and the texture of the rice becomes delightfully tender with a crispy bottom layer that adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is versatile, perfect for a crowd or as a hearty, savory meal enjoyed under the stars.
Campfire Grilled Steak with Garlic Butter
Grilled over an open flame, this juicy steak gets an irresistible smoky crust, while the tender inside remains perfectly cooked to your liking. Topped with a dollop of homemade garlic butter, the rich, creamy finish melts into the steak, adding an aromatic richness that enhances the smoky flavors.
The steak’s savory char pairs beautifully with the silky butter, creating a sensational balance of textures and tastes. Whether enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or paired with roasted potatoes, this steak will quickly become your go-to camping dinner.
Spicy Campfire Tacos
Get ready for an explosion of flavors with these spicy campfire tacos, where sizzling ground beef or chicken is spiced with smoky chipotle peppers, cumin, and garlic, wrapped in a warm, toasted tortilla. The smoky heat from the campfire elevates every bite, while the crunch of fresh lettuce, creamy avocado, and tangy salsa bring a burst of freshness.
The combination of spice and cool, creamy toppings creates a perfect balance that dances on your taste buds, making each taco uniquely satisfying. These tacos are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, and their versatility means you can easily swap in your favorite protein or vegetables.
Campfire Breakfast Skillet
Start your camping morning off right with a hearty breakfast skillet that combines sizzling bacon, eggs, and crispy potatoes in one pan over the campfire. The smoky aroma of the bacon blends with the earthy scent of fresh potatoes, creating an irresistible scent that signals a delicious day ahead.
As the eggs cook to perfection, the crispy edges form a slight crunch, while the potatoes and bacon add a savory depth. This skillet meal can be enjoyed as a standalone breakfast or served alongside fresh fruit for a satisfying, energizing start to your day outdoors.
Campfire Shrimp and Grits
Take your taste buds on a journey with this decadent campfire shrimp and grits, where smoky grilled shrimp are paired with rich, creamy grits, infused with a subtle hint of garlic and butter. The shrimp, perfectly seared over the flames, offer a juicy pop, while the velvety grits provide a soft, indulgent base.
The combination of smoky, succulent shrimp with the comforting, creamy grits is truly a match made in campfire heaven. Whether enjoyed for a special dinner or as a hearty breakfast, this dish brings a touch of luxury to your outdoor experience.
Campfire Pizza
Why settle for a traditional camping meal when you can create your own delicious, wood-fired pizza right at the campsite? Fresh pizza dough is cooked to golden perfection over the flames, topped with tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, from pepperoni to mushrooms and fresh basil.
The smoky flavor from the fire adds a unique depth to the pizza, enhancing every bite, while the crispy crust provides a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a casual meal shared with friends or family, these pizzas can be customized to suit any taste and are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Garlic Butter Campfire Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn on the cob slathered in garlic butter and seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper is the ultimate summer camping treat. As the kernels cook over the fire, they take on a subtle smoky flavor, while the buttery coating enhances their natural sweetness, creating an irresistible combination.
The corn remains tender yet slightly crisp, with every bite bursting with flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own as a side dish or as part of a larger meal, this garlic butter corn is a simple yet delicious way to elevate any camping dinner.
Campfire Stuffed Bell Peppers
These campfire stuffed bell peppers are a perfect balance of fresh, vibrant vegetables and savory filling, offering a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Each pepper is filled with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and melted cheese, creating a deliciously hearty, slightly smoky dish when cooked over the flames.
The peppers soften perfectly, their natural sweetness blending with the savory filling, while the cheese creates a gooey, flavorful contrast. Whether served as a main course or paired with grilled meat, these stuffed peppers are versatile and sure to please any palate.
Campfire Beef and Vegetable Kabobs
These beef and vegetable kabobs are skewered with tender chunks of marinated steak, colorful bell peppers, onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all grilled over an open flame to smoky perfection. The marinade, rich with garlic, herbs, and a touch of soy sauce, infuses the beef with deep, savory flavor, while the vegetables add a fresh crunch and a hint of sweetness.
The sizzling kabobs on the grill offer an irresistible aroma, and with each bite, the combination of juicy beef and perfectly charred veggies creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether served on their own or alongside rice, these kabobs are perfect for a quick and satisfying camping dinner.
Campfire Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives
These campfire-baked potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, cooked directly in the embers to achieve a perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Topped with creamy sour cream, fresh chives, and a sprinkle of salt, they offer a simple yet satisfying side dish or a meal on their own.
The smoky aroma from the fire gives the potatoes an added depth, while the creamy toppings enhance their natural flavor. Whether served with grilled meats or enjoyed solo, these baked potatoes bring a hearty, flavorful element to any camping dinner.
Campfire Chicken Fajitas
These campfire chicken fajitas are a flavor-packed meal, where tender grilled chicken is combined with sizzling bell peppers, onions, and a touch of smoky seasoning. The fire’s heat infuses the ingredients with a delicious char, while the chicken stays juicy and perfectly cooked, offering a satisfying bite with every mouthful.
The combination of smoky spices, crispy vegetables, and a fresh squeeze of lime on a soft tortilla makes for a flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and deliciously customizable. Whether served with guacamole or salsa, these fajitas are the perfect way to spice up any camping dinner.
Campfire Grilled Fish Tacos
Fresh fish grilled over an open flame creates a smoky, succulent taco filling that pairs wonderfully with a crunchy slaw and tangy salsa. The fish flakes beautifully, absorbing the smoky flavor from the fire, while the sweetness of the slaw and zesty salsa add a delightful contrast.
The smoky and savory fish, combined with the bright crunch of cabbage and the cooling bite of lime, make these fish tacos an incredibly refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect for a light, flavorful camping dinner, these tacos are easy to make and perfect for enjoying by the campfire.
Campfire Beef Stew
There’s nothing more comforting than a rich, savory beef stew cooking slowly over a campfire, filling the air with the scent of simmering vegetables, tender beef, and earthy herbs. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it stews with carrots, potatoes, and onions, absorbing all the rich flavors of the broth.
Each spoonful of this campfire beef stew is a hearty bite of warmth, with the soft vegetables and perfectly seasoned beef creating a satisfying texture and flavor. Whether enjoyed alone or with a slice of crusty bread, this stew brings a sense of home and comfort to your outdoor adventure.
Campfire Jambalaya
Bring a bit of Cajun flair to your campsite with this flavorful campfire jambalaya, where smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and seasoned chicken come together in a rice dish bursting with aromatic spices. The deep, savory flavors of the andouille sausage and shrimp meld with the rich seasoning, making each bite an exciting mix of heat, smoky goodness, and savory depth.
The rice, cooked to perfection with the juices from the meats, is fluffy and infused with all the delicious spices, while the vegetables add a burst of freshness. This one-pan dish is as hearty as it is flavorful, perfect for feeding a hungry group under the stars.
Campfire Queso Fundido
Melted cheese and spicy chorizo served with warm tortillas make this campfire queso fundido the ultimate cheesy indulgence. As the cheese melts over the sizzling sausage, the combination of rich, gooey cheese with spicy, smoky chorizo creates a mouthwatering flavor experience that’s hard to resist.
With every dip, the smoky, savory chorizo and the creamy melted cheese offer an unbeatable texture contrast, while the tortillas are perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness. This dish is great as a decadent appetizer or a crowd-pleasing side to any camping dinner.
Campfire Risotto with Mushrooms and Parmesan
A creamy, earthy risotto cooked slowly over the campfire, this dish features sautéed mushrooms and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and rich meal. The campfire’s heat brings a subtle smokiness to the risotto, while the texture of the rice becomes creamy and tender with each bite.
The earthy mushrooms enhance the richness of the dish, and the sharpness of the Parmesan adds the perfect finishing touch. This campfire risotto is ideal for a warm, satisfying dinner, perfect for those who want to indulge in a more sophisticated camping meal.
Campfire Grilled Veggie Burritos
These grilled veggie burritos are a vibrant, flavorful meal packed with charred vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, along with black beans and creamy avocado. Grilled directly over the campfire, the vegetables get a smoky, tender texture, while the black beans provide a hearty, satisfying base.
Wrapped in a soft tortilla, the burritos are filled with the perfect balance of smoky vegetables, creamy avocado, and a hint of lime for brightness. These burritos are perfect for a light yet filling camping dinner and are easily customized with your favorite toppings or proteins.
Campfire Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A classic grilled cheese sandwich paired with a rich, tangy tomato soup is the ultimate comfort meal, made even better by cooking it over an open flame. The sandwich turns perfectly crispy with a golden, buttery crust and gooey melted cheese inside, while the smoky tomato soup offers a warming, savory contrast.
Each bite of the grilled cheese, with its melt-in-your-mouth filling, is complemented by the smooth, velvety tomato soup that’s infused with a hint of smokiness from the fire. This nostalgic campfire duo is perfect for a cozy, simple meal under the stars.
Campfire Tofu Stir-Fry
For a healthy and flavorful vegetarian option, try this campfire tofu stir-fry, where crispy tofu cubes are sautéed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas in a savory soy and ginger sauce. The campfire’s heat adds a smoky touch to the dish, enhancing the stir-fry’s natural flavors and giving it a satisfying depth.
The tofu crisps up nicely on the outside, while staying soft and tender on the inside, offering a delightful texture contrast with the crunchy veggies. This dish is perfect for a wholesome, vegetarian camping dinner that can be enjoyed with rice or on its own.
Campfire Nachos
Layered with gooey cheese, tangy salsa, smoky meats, and fresh jalapeños, these campfire nachos are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s full of flavor and texture. The crispy tortilla chips melt under the heat of the fire, becoming perfectly crunchy and golden, while the cheese melts to create a gooey, cheesy layer.
Each bite is an explosion of savory, spicy, and crunchy goodness, with the smoky flavor from the campfire enhancing every layer of the nachos. Whether served as a side or a main dish, these nachos will be the highlight of your camping dinner.
Conclusion
After a day of hiking, fishing, or exploring, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of a flavorful, easy-to-make camping dinner. From smoky grilled meats to veggie-packed dishes, these 25+ camping dinner recipes provide a variety of options for any taste or dietary preference. Whether you’re cooking for a group or preparing a solo meal, these recipes are sure to inspire your next outdoor adventure. So go ahead, get cooking, and create lasting memories around the campfire with these delicious dinner ideas!
