Brittany Schimke

What's the best part of going camping? Actually spending time relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors! The secret to achieving this is simple: put in the work before you go camping. Prepping your meals in advance will reduce the time spent cooking and cleaning, leaving you with more moments to bask in nature's beauty. Here are some fun and practical tips to make your next camping trip a breeze.

Prep the Batter 

Why wrestle with a messy pancake mix when you can pre-make your batter at home? Pour your pancake batter into a squeeze bottle, and voila! When morning comes, just squeeze the batter onto your griddle or pan. Once you're done, toss the bottle away for a quick and easy cleanup.

Foil Packet for the Win

Foil packets are a camper's best friend. Prepare a shrimp fry foil packet with corn, shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, peppers, and potatoes. When you're ready to eat, simply cook the packets over the fire. The result is a delicious, hassle-free meal. There are also endless recipe options to try. 

Burritos to the Rescue

Pre-make breakfast or Mexican-style burritos at home, double-wrap them in foil and freeze them. They'll thaw in your cooler, helping to keep other food items cold. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them over the grill or fire for a warm, satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner with minimal effort.

Egg-cellent Prep

Pre-crack your eggs into a protein shaker bottle or plastic water bottle before you leave. This way, you can easily pour out the eggs when you're ready to cook, without worrying about cracking and discarding shells in the wilderness. And you don't have to worry about eggs getting smashed in the cooler. 

Sandwich Simplified 

Pre-make sandwiches using Hawaiian rolls for a quick and delicious meal option. Take the whole slab of rolls out of the bag and carefully slice them in half horizontally, keeping the rolls intact. Place cheese on the top half and your choice of meat on the bottom half, then add condiments in the middle to prevent the bread from getting soggy. Put the large sandwich back inside the bag it came in. Keep fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes in a separate bag. When you're ready to eat, pull out the big sandwich, add your fresh ingredients, and slice or pull off each individual sandwich. This method ensures your sandwiches stay fresh and delicious, making them perfect for a quick, hassle-free lunch. Easy, tasty, and minimal cleanup required!

Classic Campfire Favorites

No camping trip is complete without classic campfire fare. Hotdogs and bratwursts roasted over the fire are always a hit. They're easy to cook and require minimal cleanup—just the sticks or skewers back into the fire when you’re done. 

Fresh Catch 

Are you planning to fish? Prepare foil packets with lemon slices, spices, and asparagus before your trip. Once you've caught your fish, simply place it into the prepared packets and cook over the fire. This ensures a fresh, flavorful meal with minimal effort. 

Quick Tips for Busy Campers

If pre-making meals before your trip doesn’t fit into your schedule, prep the ingredients. Chop veggies for dinners and breakfasts, and wash all your fresh produce before you leave. This way, you'll have everything ready to go without the hassle of chopping and cleaning at the campsite. 

Integrate some of these tips into your camping trip, and you'll find that camping can be both enjoyable and relaxing. Prepping your meals in advance saves time and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. So, pack up your prepped meals, grab your gear, and get ready for a camping trip that's all about fun, relaxation, and great food! Enjoy every moment in nature, and make your camping adventure truly unforgettable.

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