Camp Cooking: What to Prep at Home
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Planning ahead and prepping some ingredients at home can truly be a game-changer for your outdoor and camping meals. Imagine cooking without the stress of chopping, measuring, or scrambling to find ingredients.
Doing some prep ahead not only saves you precious time (and stress!) when you’re out in nature, but also helps cut down on the number of dishes you’ll need to wash, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. That’s a double win in my books!
Other outdoor cooking tips & tricks
Worthwhile meal prep steps to tackle at home before heading outdoors:
Cleaning & pre-chopping ingredients
Wash, Chop, and Pack Ahead:
- Wash your fresh ingredients then chop, dice, or slice them as needed based on your meal plans.
- Pack your prepped ingredients in reusable bags or airtight containers to keep them fresh and organized.
- Labeling each container can help you quickly find what you need at meal time.
 Fruits & Vegetables:
- Dice vegetables and herbs like onions, peppers, carrots, and celery, which are versatile for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries.
- Consider prepping extras for easy add-ins to omelets or wraps.
- Slice fruits like apples, oranges, and pineapples for quick, healthy snacks. Add a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning on fruits like apples.
- Pre-portioned fruit slices are perfect for breakfast add-ons, campfire desserts, or a refreshing addition to water bottles.
Proteins & Cheese:
- Slice proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu into bite-sized pieces for skewers or pan-frying.
- Consider marinating the proteins beforehand and store them in sealed containers to amp up flavours and save prep time at camp.
- Shred or slice cheese ahead of time so it’s ready to be added to any meal on the fly.Â
Pre-making marinades & marinating
Prepare your marinades at home to streamline your camping meals and have everything ready to go! Prepping your marinades in advance offers several advantages:
- Reduce packing load by eliminating the need to bring multiple individual ingredients.
- Enhance flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld and develop depth before you even get to camp.
- Save valuable time at camp by skipping the mixing step and diving straight into cooking.
Take it a step further by marinating your proteins and/or vegetables at home, then store them in sealed containers for easy grilling or cooking when you arrive. This simple prep will make mealtime effortless and flavorful!
Pre-measuring spices - or make a spice kit!
Pre-mix the spices and seasonings for your meals in advance to save time and avoid the hassle of measuring at camp. Simply label each mix with the meal it’s intended for to keep things organized and easy to use.
Create a compact spice kit to ensure you have a variety of flavours on hand without the need for multiple bags or containers. Include some staples such as:
- SaltÂ
- PepperÂ
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- CuminÂ
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Thyme
- Cayenne PepperÂ
- CinnamonÂ
- Ground GingerÂ
- TurmericÂ
- Lemon PepperÂ
- Brown SugarÂ
- Crushed Red Pepper FlakesÂ
- Rosemary
- CorianderÂ
Tip: a pill organizer or two works perfectly for storing and organizing your spices in a compact, space-saving way!
Pre-cook meals (or portions of them)
Consider pre-cooking ingredients that serve as versatile bases or add-ins for a variety of dishes. This is especially helpful for items that require longer cooking times and reheat well. Such as:
- Potatoes: Cooked potatoes (whether boiled, roasted, or mashed) are incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from breakfast hash to potato salads to hearty sides. Pre-cooked potatoes also hold up well on the go and can easily be reheated over the campfire or stove.
Rice or Quinoa: Cook large batches of rice or quinoa before your trip. These grains are perfect for a range of meals—from stir-fries to grain bowls to side dishes. They reheat easily and can be mixed with different spices, vegetables, or proteins to create a variety of meals.
Beans or Chickpeas: Pre-cook beans or chickpeas (or use canned for convenience) and store them in airtight containers. These legumes are perfect for adding protein to salads, wraps, stews, or chili. They also hold up well when reheated, making them an excellent, nutrient-rich base for your camping meals.
You can also fully prepare and cook other meals in advance that reheat easily, making mealtime even more convenient.
Freeze drinks & reheatable meals
Cook, freeze, and transport meals in your cooler—they’ll serve as ice packs and be ready to reheat once you’re at camp. Easy, reheatable options include:
- Chili
- Stews
- Soups
- CurriesÂ
- Pasta sauces
Tip: Freeze water bottles or juice pouches to help keep your cooler cold while providing refreshing drinks on the go!
While adding a bit of extra prep work at home before heading to camp might seem daunting, you’ll be incredibly grateful for the effort once you’re out there! By tackling some of the meal prep ahead of time, you’ll save yourself from the hassle of chopping, measuring – or spending hours cooking and cleaning your camp kitchen. This means more time to relax by the campfire, explore your surroundings, and truly immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of nature.
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.
