When it comes to the actual cooking of camping meals at the campground, make-ahead camping meals are the way to go for me!
I’m all about kicking up my feet, having a good cup of cowboy coffee, and relaxing in the great outdoors once I actually reach the campground.
Having a good plan and a great list of go-to make-ahead camping meals every year is how I achieve those goals!
Use this RV Camping resource to help you plan a great camping menu without all the prep time at the campground.
Related Reading: Premade Camping Meals
What Food Can You Prep For Camping?
It’s pretty easy to prepare make-ahead meals for camping breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Some easy things to make ahead include:
- Breakfast Burritos
- Meat and Vegetable Packets
- Hobo Meals
- Marinated Chicken Recipes
- Fajita Packets
- and more…
If you’re on a keto diet, there are also lots of keto make ahead meals recipes that you can easily whip up at home.
How Do You Make A Foil Packet For Camping?
- Think protein and a vegetable in most cases
- Avoid overly liquidy foods as foil packets can leak (however, you can use foil pans as a workaround)
- Choose vegetables and meats that roast well.
- Make each foil packet a single or double serving at most.
- Spray your foil with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- Place your protein choice and veggies inside foil and season according to your recipe.
- Fold edges toward each other wrapping the food in a manner that will create a small bowl when opening after cooking.
- Double wrap the packet with another layer of aluminum foil and place the packets in freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible, label freezer bag, and place in freezer until ready to cook.
- Thaw in the fridge (or cooler) 8 hours before ready to cook your foil packet camping meal.
Can You Freeze Foil Packet Meals?
Again, Yes!
With a few simple steps, you can prep these make-ahead camping meals in foil packets and freeze them.
That means when it comes time to get the camper ready for the season, you have one less thing to stress over.
Foil packet meals make the perfect prep-ahead camping meals and will save you tons of time.
They are great to have on hand for an easy-to-cook and cleanup meal over the campfire.
10 Make Ahead Camping Meals
With these 10 easy make-ahead camping meals, you get the best of both worlds: Easy to make (and clean up) camping food that also happens to taste great.
Hobo Dinner Foil Packets (Hamburger & Potato)
The classic hobo dinner foil packet is a great place to start your make ahead foil packet journey.
Corn and Chicken Foil Packet Camping Meal
This hearty and flavorful corn and chicken foil packet camping meal will have everyone asking for more.
Barbecue Chicken Foil Packets
Camping and BBQ go together like Peanut butter and Jelly and this BBQ Chicken Foil Packet is sure to satisfy.
Pineapple Teriyaki Shrimp Foil Packets
These Pineapple Teriyaki Shrimp Foil packets are fresh, light, and flavorful. Add a Mai-Tai and you might just think you are camping in Hawaii (if you aren't that is. 😉 )
Cabbage and Sausage Foil Packets
How about some Cabbage and Sausage Foil Packets? Seriously, potatoes and sausage cooked over a campfire is my kinda comfort food.
Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets
Bring out your inner Cajun with these Cajun Shrimp Foil Packet.
Camping Foil Stew
Evenings getting cool at the campground? Let's have some stew.
Honey Dijon Chicken Foil Packets (Oven + Grill)
Here's yet another chicken recipe bursting with mouth watering flavor.
Pizza Potato Packs
For the kids who are hollering for pizza, try out these pizza potato packs.
Make Ahead Camping Breakfast Burritos for Your RV & Camping Trips
Think that make ahead camping meals only apply to lunch or dinner? No way! How about a breakfast burrito?
Camping Menu Planner Templates
Download A FREE CAMPING MENU PLANNER
More Camping Meal Ideas You Might Enjoy
Related RV Camping Resources
Be sure to check out our RV camping resource page for numerous other resources from top RV Campgrounds throughout the Southeast to RV Camping Organization hacks for the whole camper.