Camping trips are all about simple, flavorful food that cooks over a campfire or grill with minimal cleanup. Foil packets, campfire cones, and no-fuss sides make meals stress-free while delivering big taste. These camping recipes use everyday ingredients and work perfectly over coals, on a portable grill, or even in an RV oven.
Whether you’re feeding a family, a group of friends, or just craving comfort after a day of hiking, these dishes cover savory mains, sides, and sweet treats. All recipes serve 4–6 people (adjust as needed) and emphasize foil-packet convenience for easy prep and zero pots to wash.
1. Campfire Potatoes (Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potatoes)
These campfire potatoes are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon—perfect as a hearty side or main.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs red potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
- 2 tbsp butter, cubed
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon bits (or 6 strips cooked and crumbled)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep potatoes: Wash and slice potatoes into thin rounds or cubes for even cooking.
- Assemble packets: Lay out large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide potatoes among sheets. Top with butter cubes, bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Seal & cook: Fold foil into tight packets, leaving room for steam. Place over medium campfire coals or on a grill for 25–35 minutes, turning occasionally. Potatoes are done when fork-tender.
- Finish: Open packets carefully (steam is hot!), sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, and green onions. Reseal loosely for 2–3 minutes to melt cheese.
- Serve hot straight from the foil.
Tips: Pre-cook bacon at home to save time. Add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
2. Campfire Cones (Fun Fruit-Filled Dessert Cones)
These campfire cones are a creative twist on s’mores—kids love customizing their own!
Ingredients (per cone)
- 1 waffle cone
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (or chunks)
- ¼ banana, sliced
- 5 strawberries, sliced
- 10 raspberries (or mixed berries)
Instructions
- Fill cones: Layer chocolate chips at the bottom (they melt first), then add fruits and marshmallows.
- Wrap: Wrap each filled cone tightly in aluminum foil, twisting the top to seal.
- Cook: Place on grill grate or near campfire coals (not direct flame) for 5–8 minutes. Rotate for even melting.
- Serve: Unwrap carefully and eat like an ice cream cone—gooey and delicious!
Tips: Try variations with peanut butter chips, nuts, or caramel bits.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Simple yet irresistible—grilled corn on the cob gets smoky flavor from the fire.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
- Butter, softened
- Salt to taste
- Paprika or chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Brush each ear with butter and sprinkle with salt (and paprika for color/heat).
- Wrap: Wrap individually in foil, or place directly on grill for char.
- Cook: Grill over medium coals 15–20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes for even charring.
- Serve: Unwrap, add extra butter, and enjoy hot.
Tips: Soak husks-on corn in water 10 minutes before grilling for extra moisture.
4. S’mores Nachos (Ultimate Campfire Dessert)
Turn classic s’mores into shareable s’mores nachos—perfect for groups!
Ingredients
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, broken into pieces
- 16 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (or equivalent chocolate)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 14 full-size marshmallows, torn or halved (optional for extra goo)
Instructions
- Layer: In a large cast-iron skillet or foil tray, spread graham cracker pieces. Top with chocolate bars/chips, then marshmallows.
- Cook: Cover with foil and place over campfire coals or low grill heat 8–12 minutes until marshmallows puff and chocolate melts.
- Optional broil: Uncover and toast marshmallows 1–2 minutes for golden tops (use a portable torch if available).
- Serve: Dig in with spoons—messy and amazing!
Tips: Add pretzels or nuts for crunch.
5. Cheesy Bacon Chicken Foil Packet
This chicken foil packet combines juicy chicken, potatoes, bacon, and cheese for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 chicken breasts, cubed or sliced
- 1.8 lbs petite red potatoes, halved or quartered
- ½ yellow onion, sliced
- 6 tbsp butter, cubed
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp + 2 tsp paprika (divided)
- ½ tsp chipotle chili powder (optional)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Mix chicken, potatoes, onion, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and half the butter in a bowl.
- Assemble: Divide onto large foil sheets. Top with bacon, remaining butter, and cheese.
- Seal & cook: Fold into packets. Cook over campfire coals or grill 25–35 minutes, turning halfway. Chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Finish: Open, sprinkle chives, and serve.
Tips: Pre-cook bacon and cube chicken at home for faster assembly.
6. Campfire Apple Crisp Foil Packets
Warm, cinnamon-spiced campfire apple crisp in individual packets—dessert heaven!
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 6 medium apples)
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp apple pie spice
- Topping: 1¼ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ¾ cup quick oats, ½ cup salted butter (cubed), ½ tsp apple pie spice
Instructions
- Mix filling: Toss apples with sugars and spice.
- Make topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, butter, and spice until crumbly.
- Assemble: Divide apples onto foil sheets, top with crumble mixture.
- Seal & cook: Fold packets tightly. Place on coals/grill 20–30 minutes until apples soften and topping crisps.
- Serve: Top with ice cream or whipped cream if available.
Tips: Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
General Camping Cooking Tips
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tears.
- Prep ingredients at home; store in zip bags.
- Cook over medium coals (not open flame) for even heat.
- Always use heat-resistant gloves and open packets away from face.
These camping recipes prove outdoor cooking can be gourmet-level fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What foil is best for campfire packets?
Heavy-duty aluminum foil prevents leaking and tearing over hot coals.
Can these recipes be made in an RV oven or home oven?
Yes—bake at 375–400°F for similar times.
How do I keep food from burning on the campfire?
Cook over glowing coals, not direct flames, and rotate packets.
Are these recipes kid-friendly?
Absolutely—especially campfire cones and s’mores nachos for customization.
How long do foil packets take to cook?
Most take 20–35 minutes; check doneness by opening one carefully.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes—skip bacon/chicken; add veggies, beans, or extra cheese.
Conclusion
These six camping recipes—from loaded campfire potatoes and cheesy chicken foil packs to gooey s’mores nachos and warm apple crisp—turn any outdoor trip into a feast. Easy prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor make them ideal for family camping, group outings, or weekend getaways. Fire up the coals, grab the foil, and create memories around the campfire. Which recipe will you try first? Drop a comment below and share your twists!