Depending on the type of camping trip that you are planning on taking, you need to come up with smart camping food ideas that will keep you nourished and stay fresh for the duration of your trip. Certainly, someone camping in a tent will have a different selection of foods than someone who may be camping in an RV because you have different storage and often varying cooking capabilities. However, there are some good tips to remember that will help you to come up with good camping food ideas no matter how you are enjoying the great outdoors.
If you are going to be camping with children, it is always a good idea to have foods that will allow them to become involved in the preparation and cooking process. Kids just love to help out with meal times and camping is an exciting time for them. Think about putting together soups that can be cooked over the campfire that they may even be able to gather items to add to it from nature with your supervision and approval. In addition to that, include the cooking of hot dogs on a stick and especially s’mores treats over the campfire at night time.
Whether you are camping with children or not, you can always be sure to have some popcorn kernels on hand to pop over the fire. If you are going to be trying your hand at fishing, there is nothing quite like the taste of a freshly caught fish that you cook over the hot coals of a fire. Just be sure that you pack some dry seasonings or a container of cooking oil to help you out when you are planning on campfire cooking.
If you are going to be going on a lot of hikes, it is important that you think ahead. Take along a variety of dried goods that are lightweight and easy to eat while you are out on the trails. Trail mix, dried fruits, peanuts and even, freeze dried meal options are great to take along no matter what type of adventures await you on your camping trip.
To have the best camping experience, it is best to also plan ahead when you are packing your food. Be sure to bring along resealable bags that you can store unused foods. In addition to that, you need to make sure that you have proper storage for all of your food waste so that you do not attract any unwanted animals at your campsite.
No matter what, the best camping foods will not mean anything if you do not have an appropriate amount of liquids to keep you hydrated. Pack plenty of water in resealable bottles that you can even use at the spigot in your campground or fill up from a stream while you are on a hike. You could even take along flavoring packets that are made to infuse your favorite flavors into your drinking water.