The weather might be getting a little cooler, but that doesn't mean you can't still get outside and enjoy the last few weekends of the season. Many campgrounds are still open for several more weeks, so why not pack up your car and take a trip to a scenic spot near you? Along with all of your camping gear, you'll need to bring an assortment of edibles that are easy to cook and don't make a huge mess. If you're not sure what to bring, check out some of these tasty ideas.
Breakfast
No day of camping fun can start without a good breakfast to restore your energy levels. Make sure you bring some of these easy choices:
Instant oatmeal: Whether you go with the preflavored packets or make your own recipe with quick-cooking oats, there's no denying the appeal of a hot bowl of oatmeal on a chilly morning in the woods. All you need is a pot with a lid to boil the water in on the fire or your gas stove. Add chia seeds, cinnamon, sugar, maple syrup or local berries to your oatmeal for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Eggs and bacon: Eggs and bacon are a classic combo, and just because you're not at home doesn't mean they can't make an appearance on your plate. You'll need to bring a cooler, of course, and you can avoid having to haul cartons of eggs by cracking the yolks into water bottles beforehand for a no-mess solution. Just bring a skillet along to cook them in.
Hashbrowns: Cooking up a load of hashbrowns is easy with a little tinfoil. Just cut your potatoes into cubes before you head out on your trip. Toss them in some butter, salt and pepper, then throw them into tinfoil packets and cook on the fire until they're soft.
Cereal: As long as you have a cooler for the milk, this is the easiest breakfast option there is. Stock up on a selection of single-serving cereal boxes or bring a box of your favorite brand.
Peanut butter and banana sandwich: Bread, peanut butter and bananas don't need to be stored in a cooler. Just make sure you put the bread on top of your other gear so it doesn't get squished!
Lunch
After a busy morning spent outside, lunchtime can't come soon enough. Satisfy yourself with some of these options:
Sandwich wraps: You can make all kinds of different wraps with just a few ingredients. Pack the wraps themselves, then choose an assortment of deli meats, spreads and veggies so everyone can make their favorite. Don't forget staples like lettuce, tomatoes, turkey, ham, roast beef, hummus and mayonnaise.
Tuna, potato, pasta or chicken salad: This is a good option for the first day of your journey because you can make it beforehand and it'll stay good in your cooler. You can eat them with crackers, make sandwiches with them or add them to other salads.
Salad jars: Salad jars are the ultimate on-the-go lunch because you can customize them however you'd like. Whip them up before you leave using sturdy veggies, salad dressings, protein and other favorite ingredients. They'll stay good for a few days in your cooler, especially if you vacuum-seal them.
Grilled cheese: You can buy a pie iron at many camping supply stores, and they'll help you make the perfect grilled sandwiches. Just spray both sides with cooking spray, add in the bread, cheese and other fixings, then cook in the fire.
Dinner
Everyone needs a hearty meal after a day spent outdoors. Don't forget to pack meals like:
Hamburgers and hot dogs: There's nothing easier than throwing a few hamburgers on the fire grill and using sticks to cook hot dogs. Bring plenty of condiments and rolls to dress them up.
Pizza: Believe it or not, pizza is totally possible when you're camping. Just throw some dough, cheese, sauce and other toppings in your cooler and put them all together in a large skillet or pizza stone over the flames.
Chili: Chili is another easy meal to make if you bring a dutch oven and get it cooking well before dinnertime. You could even make a big batch before you leave home and just heat it up over the fire later on.
Soup: Any kind of soup is easy to heat up in a sauce pan over the fire. Bring along a few cans of your favorites, or stock up on some dried soup packets and mix them with boiling water.
Dessert
You can't curl up in your sleeping bag without dessert. Be sure to bring:
S'mores: No camping trip is complete without this gooey classic. Bring graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows, then just find a good roasting stick around your campsite. You can make them more delectable by using different kinds of chocolate or adding fruits.
Popcorn: This late-night snack is a cinch to make over the fire, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.