Camping Meal Plan and Packing List

Olivia Willis
Sep 2, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Jan 29, 2024

The most frequent question I get asked is, what do you eat and how do you cook when you go camping. It really depends on two variables - will I have a cooler or not. If I don’t carry a cooler with me, then I am limited to a few foods. My go-to camping food will always be pita bread, however I do like to spice things up. Here are a few meal options with and without a cooler!

The Meal Plan

It is essential you don't bring too little or too much when you are camping.

You are sure to work up an appetite after a day of exploring. These meals are simple and save time, rather than working for your meal. Here are a few things I always bring with me when camping.

Non-Perishables:

Olive Oil for Cooking (only if you’ll have temp control)

Hot Coco Powder

5.3-gallon Drinking Water: Generally, this is enough for two people drinking and cooking. BUT if you don’t have a water source at your campsite, consider bringing more for washing dishes.

Condiments: (I use a Multi Spice Shaker)

Perishables:

Butter

Milk (I drink vanilla almond)

Condiments: Mustard, Mayo, and Ketchup

Snacks and Drinks:

Granola Bars, Trail Mix, Pretzels, GoGo Squeez, and Chips

Steak Kabob's: Onions, Zucchini, Squash, Peppers, and Steak Tips

Lil Smokies Toasted Sandwich with Eggs: Pre-cracked or Packaged eggs, Lil Smokies, Bread, and Butter (plant butter with olive oil)

Grits and Summer Sausage with Cheddar Cheese: Instant Grits (cooks within minutes)

Cooking Essentials

I can always count on my Coleman Portable Stove to get the job done, easy to use and not too bulk. If I am bringing a cooler with me, then I also use either freezer bags or containers to store my cold food. Check out my camping gear below for more insight on what I bring camping!