Doing last-minute packing for a camping trip is often the greatest barrier to getting out and enjoying the outdoors. Forgotten essentials can turn what would have been a great trip into an uncomfortable and disappointing experience. Camping USA’s Campsite Cooking Checklist will help you get on the road with all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable trip.
Camping Cooking and Meals
- Propane or White gas stove (can be 1-4 burners)
- Charcoal or wood grill/BBQ
- Dutch oven
- Steel grill for top of fire pit
- Firewood, propane, white gas, or other fuel
- Cooking skewers (for hot dogs, s’mores, etc.)
- Cutting board
- Frying pan, large cook pot, skillet
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Can opener (if you have canned food)
- Pot holders or pot lifters
- Large (18-30 gal) Rubbermaid(tm) container for food storage
- Ice Chests
- ICE!
- Cooking utensils (soup ladel, spatula, tongs, knives, etc.)
- Strainer
- Thermos
- Veggie Peeler
- Plates, , bowls, cups, glasses, eating utensils (reusable or disposable)
- Tin foil
- Plastic bags various sizes (for leftovers or lunches to go)
- Dish pan
- Dish soap
- Garbage disposal bags
- Paper towels or napkins
- Scrub pad and sponge
- Mixing bowel or salad bowel
Camping Meals and Food Ideas
- Breakfast
- Bacon – 2 slices per person per day
- Eggs – 2 per person per day
- Hash-browns or breakfast potatoes (pre-cut or frozen work well)
- Bread (for toast or french toast)
- Pancake mix (blueberry is fun)
- Fruit pre-sliced melon variety in a bag or tuperware)
- Malt-o-Meal or other hot cereal (oatmeal comes in single serving packages)
- Coffee, milk, juice, tea
- Syrup, butter, honey, peanut butter, jelly/jam
- Lunch
- Bread
- Sliced meats and cheeses
- Tuna
- Hot dogs
- Hot dog buns
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, or favorite)
- Peanut butter, Jelly, honey
- Fruit (apples, oranges, or other fruit that will travel well)
- Soups
- Potato or Corn chips
- Salsa or chip dips
- Cookies
- Dinner
- Beans
- Bouillon cubes (chicken & vegitable)
- Cheese (cheddar, swiss, etc.)
- Corn on Cob
- Vegetables (squash, broccoli, green beans, etc.)
- Steaks, pork chops, or chicken (pre-seasoned makes for less work)
- Hamburger
- Pre-made salad or the fixings and make on site
- French bread or other diner bread
- Noodles (for spaghetti or other pasta dish)
- Onions, lemons, mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots
- Rice
- Taco stuff (tortillas, other stuff is listed above)
- Chilli
- Snacks and Treats
- Marshmallows, Graham Crackers, Chocolate bars (S’mores)
- Cookies
- Candy bars, licorice, or favorite sweets
- Popcorn (either jiffy-pop or kettle style)
- Jerky (beef or chicken)
- Snack bars (granola, or similar)
- Trail mix
- Brownies
- Mixed nuts
- Dried fruit
- Beverages
- Soda
- Water
- Sports Drinks
- Juice
- Milk
- Beer
- Alcohol for mixed drinks (don’t forget the mixers)