As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, it’s a sure sign that camping season is winding down. But before you pack away your gear, remember that autumn offers one last golden opportunity to savour the great outdoors. Cooler evenings are ideal for gathering around a campfire, and without any fire bans (fingers crossed!), you can indulge in all those mouth-watering fire-roasted meals that the scorching summer days may have held you back from. Here are some of our family’s all-time favourite camping meals that are light on mess but big on flavour, ensuring your final adventure of the season is as delicious as it is memorable.
Chili
A tried-and-true classic, chili just feels right when you’re camping—cozy and super easy to put together! We start by cooking up ground beef and onions, then add beans, diced tomatoes, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a medley of other spices. Let it cook over the campfire or on a portable stove for about 30 minutes, and you’ve got a meal that’ll warm you from the inside out. The best part? You can make this chili ahead of time and reheat it at the campsite!
NY Strips and Salad
There’s something special about grilling a perfectly simple steak out in nature. We like to fire up a small gas grill to cook juicy New York strips, seasoned the way we like, and serve them with a fresh salad loaded with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil. If you’ve got any steak leftover, slice it up and save it for breakfast. Add it into some steak and egg breakfast skillets the next morning for a delectable start to your day.
Quesadillas
Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, campfire quesadillas are always a hit. We like to assemble them on-site, using gluten-free tortillas or wraps stuffed with shredded aged cheddar cheese, pre-cooked chicken or beef, salsa, and whatever else we have on hand—like black beans or corn. Wrap them in foil and roast them on the fire for 10-15 minutes, and you’ve got a crispy, melty meal that everyone will love.
Taco Bowls
Taco bowls are a camping staple for us—simple, versatile, and full of flavour. We cook up some ground beef with taco seasoning and then add any veggies we have on hand: green onions, peppers, tomatoes, and corn. Pile it all into a bowl with some corn chips, greens, salsa, guacamole, and a splash of hot sauce. It’s a colourful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Grilled Baked Potatoes
If you haven’t tried grilling potatoes over the fire, you’re in for a treat. These spuds cook up as nicely as they do in the oven—maybe even better! Serve them alongside all-beef hot dogs for a classic camping meal. And don’t skimp on the toppings—try them with a bit of aged cheddar, chives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious twist.
Breakfast Burritos
In the morning when we’re camping, our go-to is a batch of breakfast burritos that we prep ahead of time. We cook up diced potatoes until they’re golden and tender, and then scramble some eggs, tossing in whatever veggies we have on hand—like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. For added flavour, we sometimes include a sprinkle of herbs or a dash of hot sauce. Once everything is cooked, we wrap the mixture in gluten-free tortillas or wraps and freeze them before our trip. Come morning, all you have to do is heat them over the campfire or on a portable stove. It’s a wholesome, filling breakfast, perfect for fueling your day of outdoor adventures.
Loaded Nachos
Nachos might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of camping, but trust us—once you try these loaded campfire nachos, you’ll be hooked. With a handful of canned goods, this dish comes together almost instantly. Layer tortilla chips, aged cheddar cheese, beans, corn, and salsa in a cast-iron skillet or foil pan, and let the heat of the fire do the rest. It’s a fun, shareable dish that’s perfect for snacking around the fire.
Breakfast Skillet
This breakfast skillet is a campfire favourite because it’s a breeze to make. Start by sizzling some beef or chicken sausage in a cast iron skillet over your campfire or portable grill. Then, toss in diced potatoes and onions, cooking them until they’re impeccably golden. If you’d like to top your skillet with eggs, crack them directly into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are done to your liking. A splash of maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to this filling, one-pan breakfast.
Pre-Made Pancakes
Pancakes are a camping classic, and we make them even easier by pre-mixing the batter in a plastic bag before we head out. When it’s time to cook, add water to the bag, squish it up to mix, and cut a corner to pour the batter into a hot pan. Add a little maple syrup (because, of course), and you’ve got a simple, satisfying breakfast.
Mediterranean Salad
Our favourite way to get our greens when we’re camping is with a Mediterranean salad. We skip the pasta and instead focus on hearty veggies like olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, topped with a zesty vinaigrette that ties it all together. It travels exceptionally well and is as appetizing on day three as it was on day one as the flavours meld together in the cooler.
As you plan your final camping trip of the season, pack these simple, delicious recipes to make your last adventure of the year a tasty one—get out there, make memories, and soak in everything nature has to offer before winter arrives.
Happy camping!
