40 of the Best Camping Recipes to Enjoy This Summer: Campfire Breakfasts, Foil Packets, and Smores Desserts

40 of the Best Camping Recipes to Enjoy this Summer

Welcome to my favorite roundup for summer. This collection presents 40 campfire recipes suited to camping trips and backyard summer gatherings. It spans foil packet dinners, Smores burritos, and many other dishes.

I organized everything into easy groups so you can plan fast. You will find breakfasts, dips and sides, potatoes, main dishes, and desserts. This roundup was inspired by 30 Best Campfire Recipes Camping Backyard Summer Fun. Let us dive in and find your new family favorite.

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Camping Recipes

I still smile thinking about those childhood summers filled with camping trips and camping recipes. Sleeping in a tent was never my favorite part. Waking up to a parent cooking on the camping stove was the best part. Those mornings felt cozy and exciting at the same time.

Fishing outings were followed by a camping lunch cooked on the camp stove, including campfire baked beans. Evenings ended around the campfire with a dessert such as grilled peaches. There is nothing like sitting around a campfire with a plate full of foil filled packets.

I often think about packing the family for a camping weekend just to relive those foods. Good camping memories are tied to good camping food.

If you are wondering what easy camping foods you can take for cooking over a campfire, here is a simple starter list. These are yummy, fun, and easy, perfect for busy parents and kids.

• Smores banana boats using campfire coals
• hot dogs
• bacon on a stick
• grilled cheese, and you can bring a cast iron grilled cheese maker
• Smores
• marshmallows
• corn on the cob using campfire coals
• pie using a cast iron pie maker
• burritos using coals
• popcorn

Keep this list on your phone for your next trip. It makes packing simple and keeps everyone happy.

Let’s Start with Breakfast!

Mornings at camp can be busy. These breakfast ideas are simple and kid friendly. Many are make ahead, so you can relax by the fire. Oh wow, breakfast tastes better outside.

Omelet in a Bag

Make up individual omelets for everyone before the camping trip so breakfast is a breeze. When camping, pour the bagged mixture onto a frying pan and cook it into a campfire omelet. I love how easy this is for families.

Each person gets exactly what they like. No extra bowls to wash at the campsite. It is a delicious start to a day of fun.

Make Ahead Pancake Mix

Before the trip, mix up a batch of make ahead pancake mix for camping. This produces a delicious hot breakfast around the fire. The kids will love watching the pancakes puff up.

It is such a cozy morning treat. Pack the dry mix in a jar and you are ready to go. Yummy and so simple.

Campfire Breakfast Hash

Pack this western campfire hash in a cooler and cook it over the grill. The article presents it as an easy make ahead recipe. It is hearty and perfect for hungry campers.

I love a breakfast that fills everyone up. Serve it hot and watch the plates clear. Such a fun way to start the day.

Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Take along foil wrapped breakfast burritos for an easy breakfast everyone will enjoy. They are a simple make ahead option for busy mornings. Just warm them by the fire and eat.

Kids can hold them with no mess. Pack a few extra because they disappear fast. Recipe credit: Taste and Tell. Oh wow, easy and delicious.

Campfire Doughnuts

Make doughnuts over the campfire for a fun campfire breakfast. The article calls them a crowd pleaser. They are sweet, warm, and so yummy.

Kids love the hands on fun. It feels like a little celebration in the morning. Recipe credit: Must Have Mom. A delicious way to begin the day.

Campfire Breakfast Scramble

This breakfast scramble is described as delicious and as tasting like a skillet breakfast. It is warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Perfect for a chilly morning by the fire.

Everyone can scoop up a big serving. You will want to make this again. Recipe credit: My Organized Chaos. So easy and so satisfying.

Egg Bake Foil Packet

This campfire foil breakfast combines hash browns with eggs and delicious spices. It cooks right in a foil packet, so cleanup is a breeze. The potatoes get tender and the eggs set up perfectly.

It is a yummy all in one breakfast. Recipe credit: Julie’s Eats and Treats. Fun and easy for the whole family.

Campfire Bacon

The article suggests cooking bacon over the fire on a future camping trip as a treat. It notes that foods tend to taste better cooked over a campfire. I completely agree.

Bacon gets crisp and full of flavor outside. It is such a simple joy in the morning. Try it once and you will be hooked. Recipe credit: Zestuous. A real treat for bacon lovers.

Campfire Dips and Camping Side Recipes

Sides make the meal. These dips and sides are easy, cheesy, and kid friendly. They pair perfectly with grilled meats and foil packet dinners. Many can be shared straight from the pan. Let us keep snack time fun.

Grilled Nachos

These grilled nachos can serve as a main meal as well as a side or camping meal. They are melty, crunchy, and so fun to share. Pile them high and let everyone dig in.

Perfect for an afternoon by the fire. Recipe credit: Simply Recipes. Oh wow, so yummy.

Grilled Blooming Onion

A grilled blooming onion is described as a campfire side that would pair with any grilled meat recipe. It looks impressive but is simple to enjoy. The petals get tender over the heat.

It is a fun side for the whole table. Recipe credit: Diethood. Delicious with burgers and chicken.

Campfire Macaroni and Cheese

The article notes that having macaroni and cheese on a camping trip would be a treat. It is creamy, cozy, and kid approved. What could be better by the fire.

This one always brings smiles. Recipe source: Lauren’s Latest. A true comfort food outdoors.

Foil Packet Grilled Corn on the Cob

The article describes corn on the cob as a summer favorite. It says this foil packet grilled corn on the cob would be popular on a camping trip. Sweet corn gets tender in the packet.

Kids love peeling it open. Recipe source: Eating on a Dime. A summer must have.

Cheesy Grilled Tomatoes

The article presents cheesy grilled tomatoes as a summer side dish suited to camping trips. It says they complement any grilled meat.

Warm cheese and juicy tomatoes are so tasty. They add bright flavor to the meal. A simple side that feels special.

3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

The article describes a 3 ingredient chili cheese dip as easy to make. It is suited to an afternoon snack at the campsite. Warm, cheesy, and perfect for dipping.

Everyone gathers around for this one. The article also points to a grilled bean and cheese dip. So easy and so fun.

Campfire Potatoes

Potatoes are technically a side dish, but this article considers them deserving of their own section. I agree. Potatoes are hearty, kid friendly, and perfect in foil packets. Pack these cheesy foil packet potatoes in the cooler and watch the kids ask for seconds around the fire. Oh wow, they are that good.

Cheesy Grilled Potatoes in a Foil Packet

Cheesy potatoes cooked in a foil packet. That is the simple joy of this recipe. The potatoes turn tender and the cheese melts into every bite.

It is an easy side for any campfire meal. Kids love the cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy parents who want no fuss cooking.

Campfire Loaded Potato Bundles

This entry features Loaded Potato Bundles from Let’s Lasso the Moon. The savory campfire potatoes combine cheese, onions, garlic, and spices. They cook up tender in individual bundles.

Each packet is like a little gift. A recipe for cheesy potatoes in a foil packet can be found on Kid Friendly Things To Do. So hearty and yummy.

Cheesy Garlic Fries in a Foil Packet

These cheesy garlic fries are described as looking amazing. They would make a great potato side to bring camping. Crisp fries meet melty cheese and garlic flavor. Kids will cheer when they see them. Serve them with our Dutch Oven Pot Roast for a hearty meal. Recipe source: Damn Delicious. Fun, easy, and delicious.

Foil Packet Chili Cheese Fries

This dish could serve as a camping side or a fun camping meal. It consists of fries in a foil packet topped with chili and cheese. Warm, hearty, and super shareable.

Perfect for a crowd by the fire. Recipe source: The Kitchen Magpie. Oh wow, comfort in a packet.

Campfire Potatoes

Campfire potatoes are buttery potatoes cooked with onions and seasonings. They turn golden and tender over the heat. Simple ingredients make the best flavor.

This is a classic side everyone loves. Recipe source: Sweet and Simple Living. A delicious staple for your trip.

Ranch Grilled Potatoes

Ranch grilled potatoes are savory potatoes cooked in a foil packet. They are drizzled with ranch and sprinkled with cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

Kids ask for seconds every time. Recipe source: Gather for Bread. An easy winner for the whole family.

Main Dishes

Now for the hearty stuff. These main dishes are built for the campfire. Many use foil packets for easy cooking and quick cleanup. Most can be prepped at home to save time. Your family will love these yummy dinners.

Brats in a Foil Packet

Brats in a foil packet are cooked with sauerkraut and green pepper as a campfire meal. The flavors meld together beautifully.

Hearty and satisfying after a day outside. No extra pans needed. A delicious and easy dinner by the fire.

Grilled Naan Pizza with Salami and Zucchini

This grilled pizza uses naan bread instead of pizza dough, so the ingredients can be brought along on a camping trip. Add all the toppings and grill. It is such a fun twist for kids.

Crispy edges and melty cheese make it a hit. The linked recipe is for grilled pizza with pesto and salami. If you love grilled food, see our Grilled Kabob Recipes for Summer for more ideas.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders can be cooked over a campfire in a foil packet. They make an easy meal that can be prepared ahead of time. Warm, melty, and perfect for little hands.

Great for lunch or dinner. Recipe credit: Dessert Now Dinner Later. So simple and so tasty.

Southwest Chicken Foil Packets

Southwest chicken foil packets are prepared at home and then grilled at the campsite for a camping dinner. Bold flavor with almost no cleanup. Everyone gets their own packet.

It feels special and fun. Recipe credit: Dessert No Dinner Later. A family favorite.

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches in a Foil Packet

This version of ham and cheese sandwiches is cooked in a foil packet and topped with butter and garlic. Warm and melty with a delicious savory top. Kids love the buttery flavor.

Easy to make for a crowd. Recipe credit: Tase and Tell. Yummy comfort food.

Sausage Dinner in a Foil Packet

A foil packet dinner combines sausage, asparagus, and onion with seasonings. Everything cooks together for easy flavor. Hearty and colorful on the plate.

Minimal cleanup is a win for parents. Recipe credit: Kleinworth and Co. A simple one packet wonder.

Barbecue Chicken Dinner in a Foil Packet

This foil packet barbecue chicken dinner can be assembled in advance at home, then grilled once you reach the campsite. Sweet and savory and so satisfying. Prep ahead makes camp life easy.

Everyone loves this classic flavor. Recipe credit: Life in the Lofthouse. Delicious and fuss free.

Coconut Lime in a Foil Packet

These coconut lime shrimp foil packets are prepared ahead, kept cold in a cooler during transport, and cooked at the campsite. Bright and fresh flavors make them special. They feel light yet satisfying.

A fun change from the usual. Recipe source: The Baking Fairy. Oh wow, so tasty.

Cajun Shrimp Foil Packet

This Cajun shrimp foil packet is a camping meal cooked on the campsite grill. The packet is made ahead, carried in a cooler to the campsite, and served for dinner. Zesty and fun with a little kick.

Easy to prep and quick to cook. Recipe source: Favorite Family Recipes. A delicious dinner under the stars.

Quesadillas in a Foil Packet

Campfire quesadillas made in a foil packet are described as a fitting meal to prepare for kids on a camping trip. Cheesy, warm, and easy to hold. Kids can help assemble them.

They cook up fast over the fire. Recipe credit: Cupcake Diaries. A kid friendly win.

Stuffed Pepper in a Foil Packet

These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and make an enjoyable dinner to eat around a campfire. They are hearty and full of flavor. Each pepper is a complete little meal.

Fun to eat outside with family. The linked recipe is Beef Stuffed Pepper Boats from Peg’s Home Cooking. So cozy and delicious.

Hot Dog Foil Packets

This entry features Hot Dog Packets from Growing Up Gabel. A fun twist on a campfire classic. Everything warms together in one packet.

Kids love the familiar flavor. Easy to serve to a crowd. Perfect for a laid back night by the fire.

Finally, Desserts

Save room for something sweet. These desserts are pure campfire magic. From Smores twists to warm fruit treats, there is something for everyone. Kids will love helping with these. Let us end the day on a yummy note.

S’mores in a Bag

These walking S’mores are a fun dessert and snack for the end of the day. They are described as a hit at the campfire. All the classic flavor with no mess.

Kids can carry their own bag. Recipe source: Walking S’mores from Thirty Handmade Days. So fun and so easy.

Upside Down Cake in a Foil Packet

This pineapple upside down cake made in a foil packet is described as perfect over the campfire. Warm, sweet, and caramelized in the packet.

It feels like a real treat outdoors. Easy to share with the family. A delightful end to the day.

S’more Burritos

A camping dessert that combines s’mores ingredients with a burrito wrap, which is then wrapped in foil. Warm and gooey with every bite.

Such a clever twist on a classic. Kids will giggle with delight. A delicious campfire favorite.

Grilled Pie

A berry pie that is baked on the grill, described as a homemade pie to enjoy in the evening around the campfire. The berries get jammy and sweet.

It is cozy and comforting. Perfect for sharing under the stars. A lovely way to end the night.

S’mores Nachos

A camping dessert made by loading a foil pie pan with s’mores ingredients and placing it on the grill. Everyone can scoop and share.

Melty, crunchy, and chocolatey. It is a party in a pan. So fun for the whole family.

Poundcake Campfire Dessert

A campfire pound cake dessert made by putting pound cake and other treats into a cast iron skillet and grilling it. Warm cake with melty extras is pure joy.

Serve it straight from the skillet. Kids will ask for more. A simple and delicious treat.

Banana Boat S’mores in a Foil Packet

This camping dessert involves splitting a banana open and filling it with S’mores ingredients, making a kid friendly treat. Warm banana with melty chocolate is oh so yummy.

Easy to make in a foil packet. Recipe credit: Crafty Recipes as Banana Boat S’mores. Kids absolutely love it.

Campfire Apple Crisp Dessert

This campfire dessert is an apple crisp that can be prepared easily at the campsite. Warm apples with a crisp topping are so cozy.

It tastes like fall by the fire. Simple to make and share. A delicious finish to your camping menu.

More from Kid Friendly Things To Do

Want more ideas for family fun. This collection also points to other kid friendly favorites. You will find simple recipes and crafts for the whole year. Here are some highlights to explore next.

• Dinner Rolls without Yeast
• tissue paper flowers
• Grinch Juice
• Camping Checklist Printable
• Camping Craft for Preschoolers
• Ocean Craft Cup Octopus Printable
• Summer Bucket List Printable for Kids
• Buttermilk Pie Recipes

I hope this list inspires your next adventure. Pack the cooler, grab the foil, and enjoy every bite around the fire.