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<h1>Camping Recipes</h1>
<p>The allure of the great outdoors often goes hand-in-hand with the promise of hearty, home-style cooking. While camping, the simplicity of preparation and the robust flavors that result from cooking over an open fire are part of the experience. Ditch the freeze-dried meals and embrace the tradition of campfire cooking with these time-honored **camping recipes**, each designed to bring a touch of culinary delight to your wilderness adventures.</p>
<p>As Allan Shivers wisely suggested: <em>"Put a pot of chili on the stove to simmer. Let it simmer. Meanwhile, broil a good steak. Eat the steak. Let the chili simmer. Ignore it."</em> This philosophy of relaxed cooking perfectly embodies the spirit of camping. Let's explore some **camping recipes** that will transform your next outdoor excursion into a gastronomic experience.</p>
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<img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9078" title="Camping at the Dalles, St. Louis River, T.W. Ingersoll, 1890. " src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Camping-at-the-Dalles-St.-Louis-River-T.W.-Ingersoll-1890-600.jpg" alt="Camping at the Dalles, St. Louis River, T.W. Ingersoll, 1890" width="468" height="600" srcset="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Camping-at-the-Dalles-St.-Louis-River-T.W.-Ingersoll-1890-600.jpg 468w, https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Camping-at-the-Dalles-St.-Louis-River-T.W.-Ingersoll-1890-600-234x300.jpg 234w" sizes="(max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px">
<p id="caption-attachment-9078">Camping at the Dalles, St. Louis River, T.W. Ingersoll, 1890.</p>
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<p>Consider these **camping recipes** as a starting point, and feel free to customize them based on your own preferences and available ingredients. The beauty of campfire cooking lies in its adaptability. With a little creativity, you can create memorable meals that are both satisfying and uniquely your own.</p>
<p>The best **camping recipes** are simple, use minimal equipment, and deliver maximum flavor. From sweet treats to savory feasts, these recipes are designed to be cooked over an open fire or on a portable camping stove, bringing the taste of home to your outdoor adventures.</p>
<h2>Banana Boats</h2>
<p>A delightful and simple dessert that's perfect for kids and adults alike. Banana Boats require minimal preparation and offer a sweet reward after a long day of hiking or exploring. This is one of the easiest **camping recipes** on the list.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Marshmallows</li>
<li>Chocolate Chips</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Split a banana lengthwise, leaving the peel on to act as a natural bowl.</li>
<li>Fill the split banana with marshmallows and chocolate chips, nestling them into the crevice.</li>
<li>Wrap the filled banana securely in aluminum foil.</li>
<li>Place the foil-wrapped banana directly on hot coals for approximately two minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and gooey.</li>
<li>Carefully remove the banana boat from the coals and let it cool slightly before enjoying. The peel acts as a convenient handle.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Bread on a Stick</h2>
<p>A classic campfire treat that's both fun to make and delicious to eat. Bread on a Stick offers a hands-on experience, allowing campers to actively participate in the cooking process. This is one of the most interactive **camping recipes**.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Frozen Bread Dough (or homemade dough)</li>
<li>Green Stick (stout and safe for cooking)</li>
<li>Butter (optional)</li>
<li>Garlic (optional)</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Thaw the frozen bread dough (or prepare your own dough according to your favorite recipe).</li>
<li>Cut off strips of dough and roll them into elongated segments, approximately 10-12 inches long.</li>
<li>Find a green stick that is fairly stout and safe for cooking over a fire.</li>
<li>Wrap the bread dough in a corkscrew fashion around one end of the stick, pinching the dough tightly to secure it in place.</li>
<li>Cook the bread over hot coals in your fire pit, rotating it slowly and evenly to prevent burning.</li>
<li>Cook until the bread is golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Brushing with butter and garlic during the last few minutes of cooking adds extra flavor.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Burger Boats</h2>
<p>A convenient and customizable way to cook burgers over a campfire. Burger Boats offer a self-contained meal that's easy to prepare and clean up. This is a great option for **camping recipes** that minimize mess.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Ground Beef</li>
<li>Barbecue Sauce</li>
<li>Assorted Vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Lay out a square of aluminum foil.</li>
<li>Take a handful of ground beef and shape it into an oval patty.</li>
<li>Create a well, or boat, in the middle of the patty.</li>
<li>Spread about one tablespoon of barbecue sauce in the hamburger well.</li>
<li>Add your favorite vegetables to the well, such as chopped onions, peppers, and mushrooms.</li>
<li>Season with salt and pepper to taste.</li>
<li>Wrap the foil tightly around the burger, sealing the edges to create a sealed packet.</li>
<li>Cook the burger boats over hot coals until the vegetables are tender and the burger is cooked through, typically 15-20 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Butter Onion Trout</h2>
<p>A simple yet flavorful way to cook fresh-caught trout over a campfire. Butter Onion Trout highlights the natural taste of the fish, enhanced by the richness of butter and the aromatics of onion. This is one of the more elegant **camping recipes**.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Whole Trout (cleaned)</li>
<li>Butter</li>
<li>Onion (sliced)</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Clean the trout thoroughly, removing the scales and innards.</li>
<li>Leaving the fish whole, stuff the insides with butter, salt, pepper, and sliced onions, packing as much as possible into the cavity.</li>
<li>Place the stuffed trout on a sheet of buttered aluminum foil and wrap it up securely.</li>
<li>Place the foil-wrapped trout over the fire for 7-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.</li>
<li>Carefully open the foil pack, peel the skin off the trout, and enjoy the flavorful fish.</li>
</ol>
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<img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8087" title="California Camping, 1907." src="https://www.nativehistory.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CampingCalifornia1907-275.jpg" alt="California Camping, 1907." width="265" height="275">
<p id="caption-attachment-8087">California Camping, 1907.</p>
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<h2>Campfire Blooming Onions</h2>
<p>A fun and impressive appetizer that's perfect for sharing around the campfire. Campfire Blooming Onions transform a simple onion into a visually appealing and flavorful treat. This is one of the more festive **camping recipes**.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Large Onions</li>
<li>Butter</li>
<li>Garlic Cloves</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
<li>Ranch Dip or Hot Sauce (optional)</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Peel the onions and cut each one into quarters, being careful to keep the base intact so the onion remains together.</li>
<li>Place one tablespoon of butter and one garlic clove in the middle of each onion.</li>
<li>Double-wrap each onion securely in aluminum foil.</li>
<li>Place the foil-wrapped onions directly on hot coals and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and caramelized.</li>
<li>Carefully remove the onions from the coals and unwrap them.</li>
<li>Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Ranch dip or hot sauce, if desired.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Campfire Corn on the Cob</h2>
<p>A simple and delicious side dish that's easy to cook over a campfire. Campfire Corn on the Cob is a classic camping staple, offering a sweet and satisfying taste of summer. These **camping recipes** are a must-try.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Ears of Corn (still frozen)</li>
<li>Butter</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Place individual ears of corn, still frozen, on a piece of heavy aluminum foil.</li>
<li>Top each ear with a pat of butter, salt, and pepper.</li>
<li>Wrap each ear of corn tightly with foil, twisting the ends to seal. The foil wrap should resemble candy wraps.</li>
<li>Place the foil-wrapped corn directly on an open fire or on a grill.</li>
<li>Cook for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and cooked through.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Campfire Potatoes</h2>
<p>A versatile and satisfying side dish that's easy to customize. Campfire Potatoes are a hearty and flavorful addition to any camping meal. These **camping recipes** are also easy to cook at home.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Onion</li>
<li>Bacon Bits</li>
<li>Dill</li>
<li>Butter</li>
<li>Parsley</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Slice the potato almost all the way through, but leave enough intact to hold it together.</li>
<li>Slice the onion and place one slice in between each potato slice.</li>
<li>Sprinkle with bacon bits and a little dill. Season with salt and pepper.</li>
<li>Wrap the potato well with heavy aluminum foil.</li>
<li>Bury the foil-wrapped potato in the coals of the fire and leave untouched for about 45 minutes.</li>
<li>Test for doneness by piercing with a fork. The fork should lift out without lifting the potato. Cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes and the strength of the fire.</li>
<li>Serve with a pat of butter and a few sprigs of parsley.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Campfire Pot Roast</h2>
<p>A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that's perfect for a crowd. Campfire Pot Roast is a satisfying and comforting dish that's ideal for cooler camping evenings.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Beef Roast</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Carrots</li>
<li>Onions</li>
<li>Celery</li>
<li>V-8 Juice</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Soup Mix</li>
<li>Flour</li>
<li>Heavy-Duty Foil Bag</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Place the roast in the foil bag and surround it with potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery.</li>
<li>Mix V-8 juice, water, soup mix, and flour in a separate container.</li>
<li>Pour the mixture over the roast and vegetables.</li>
<li>Close the bag securely and grill over medium heat for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the roast is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Chicken in a Hole</h2>
<p>An adventurous cooking method that results in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. Chicken in a Hole is a unique and memorable camping experience that's sure to impress.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Whole Chicken</li>
<li>Garlic Cloves</li>
<li>Onion</li>
<li>Chicken Spices</li>
<li>Cabbage Leaves (optional)</li>
<li>Cheesecloth (optional)</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Wipe the chicken dry.</li>
<li>Push cloves of garlic between the skin and the flesh of the chicken.</li>
<li>Stuff an onion into the cavity of the chicken. Sprinkle your favorite chicken spices inside and outside the chicken.</li>
<li>Wrap cabbage leaves around the chicken (optional) to help prevent burning. Or wrap the chicken in cheesecloth (optional) to make the skin easier to remove after cooking.</li>
<li>Wrap the chicken in two or three layers of aluminum foil and freeze it for later use at the campsite.</li>
<li><em>At the Campsite:</em> Take out the chicken to thaw. Dig a hole about a meter deep and about a half meter square. Line the walls of the hole with wood. Put hot coals in the bottom of the hole, or make a fire in the bottom of the hole. The wood along the walls should burn down to coals. Sprinkle dry sand lightly over the coals at the bottom of the hole.</li>
<li>Put in the chicken. Sprinkle dry sand and hot coals around the chicken. Cover the chicken with a light layer of dry sand. Put hot coals on top of the chicken. Put dry sand on top of these hot coals. Fill in the hole.</li>
<li>Go away for a game drive or other activity for about 3-4 hours. When you return, find the hole, dig up the chicken, and eat it.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Cook-Out Ice Cream</h2>
<p>A fun and interactive dessert that's perfect for a hot day. Cook-Out Ice Cream offers a hands-on experience, allowing campers to create their own frozen treat. This might be the most fun of all the **camping recipes**.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Large Coffee Can</li>
<li>Small Coffee Can</li>
<li>Homemade Ice Cream Ingredients</li>
<li>Ice</li>
<li>Salt</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Put all the ice cream ingredients in the small can, put the lid on, and place in the big can.</li>
<li>Place ice and salt in between the large and small cans. Put a lid on the large can.</li>
<li>Sit in a circle or at either end of a picnic table and roll the can back and forth.</li>
<li>On particularly warm days, you’ll need to add ice frequently. Check occasionally, adding ice as needed until you see ice cream.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Dead Dog Pie</h2>
<p>A hearty and rustic dish that's perfect for using up leftovers. Dead Dog Pie is a filling and flavorful meal that's sure to satisfy hungry campers.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Cooked Meat (beef, pork, or chicken)</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Onion</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Spices (to taste)</li>
<li>Cheese</li>
<li>Leftover Bread</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Cook the meat until brown.</li>
<li>Drain the grease, add the potatoes, onion, and pepper to the pan, and cook until tender.</li>
<li>Season the mixture with the spices, and after 2 minutes, add the cheese, stirring constantly.</li>
<li>Serve with some hard leftover bread.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Egg Sausage Bake</h2>
<p>A hearty and satisfying breakfast that's perfect for fueling up for a day of activities. Egg Sausage Bake is a filling and flavorful meal that's easy to cook in a Dutch oven.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Sausage Links</li>
<li>Potatoes (drained)</li>
<li>Eggs</li>
<li>Water</li>
<li>Onion Powder</li>
<li>Mushrooms (drained)</li>
<li>Cheese</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Build a fire for using a tripod Dutch Oven. Spray the bottom and sides of the Dutch oven with non-stick cooking spray.</li>
<li>Place sausage links in the bottom of the pot. Drain potatoes and layer them over the sausage. Sprinkle with pepper and seasoned salt.</li>
<li>Whip eggs with 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. Add drained mushrooms to the egg mixture. Pour over potatoes and cover with cheese.</li>
<li>Secure the lid tightly, or use foil. Place on a tripod at a medium height for 35 minutes.</li>
<li>The egg bake is done when a knife inserted comes out clean.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Pocket Wonders</h2>
<p>A customizable and convenient way to cook individual meals over a campfire. Pocket Wonders allow campers to create their own personalized dishes using their favorite ingredients. These **camping recipes** are also very easy to clean after use.</p>
<p><em>Ingredients</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Carrots</li>
<li>Tomatoes</li>
<li>Mushrooms</li>
<li>Peppers</li>
<li>Onions</li>
<li>Green Beans</li>
<li>Lemon</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Olive Oil</li>
<li>Cayenne Pepper</li>
<li>Beer or Water</li>
<li>Aluminum Foil</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Instructions</em></p>
<ol>
<li>Tear off a 12-inch sheet of foil and fold it back over your fist, making a “pocket.”</li>
<li>Roll the sides in a few turns so the pocket is only open at the top, and roll a turn or two up from the bottom for extra strength. The pocket must be leak-proof and formed well enough to withstand cooking directly in the coals. If your foil is thin, you may need two layers.</li>
<li>Start by lining the bottom of the pocket with thin slices of lemon. This helps keep the food contents from burning and also imparts flavor to the meal.</li>
<li>To prepare your meal, chop potatoes and carrots (cut small enough to cook all the way without overcooking everything else), tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, onions, green beans, etc., and stuff the pockets.</li>
<li>For seasoning, use garlic, salt and pepper, olive oil, and a dash of cayenne. Add 1/4 cup of beer or water, fold the top edges of the pocket closed, and set directly into the hot coals.</li>
<li>It takes anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how everything’s cut. All the veggies slow roast in their own juices!</li>
</ol>
<p>Updated November 2024.</p>
<p><strong>Also See:</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/we-dutchoven/">All About Dutch Ovens</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/we-dutchoven/2/">Dutch Oven Recipes</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/66-recipes/">Flavors of the Mother Road</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/we-frontierrecipes/">Frontier Recipes</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/we-oldfashrecipes/">Good Ole’ Fashioned Recipes</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/we-oldwestrecipes/">The Chuckwagon – Western Recipes</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.nativehistory.info/we-hillofbeans/">A Hill Of Beans – Baked Beans That Is</a></p>
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