Have you ever wished you could have a weekend’s worth of camping meals all planned out, so you could just grab your gear and enjoy a spur of the moment camping trip?
I’ve got you covered with this Grab and Go camping menu. This camp meal plan is filled with camping food ideas for an impulsive, last-minute weekend camping trip. I designed this Grab & Go menu to be one where you will take the accompanying grocery list, run into any market on the way to the campsite, grab a few convenience foods and easy to prepare items, then be on your way.
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Camping Food Ideas for Last Minute Camping Trip
When you are going camping at the last minute, you don’t have time to spend hours looking for camping food ideas and put together a menu. I have done that work for you with 3 days worth of meals for four people that are quick to prepare, easy to make, and kid-friendly. All you have to do is pack the car and get going!
Campfire Cooking
Cooking over a campfire is probably one of my favorite parts of camping. Food has that unique flavor that you don’t get at home.
For this camping menu, you can set up an over the campfire grill and cook over the open fire or cook on a camp stove with a cooking pot and cast iron skillet. The choice is yours.
When it comes to kitchen utensils and gear, this is what I recommend you also bring:
- Grill Grate(s) or Camp Stove with fuel canisters (2)
- Cooking Pot, 3-3.5 Qt
- Cast Iron Skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board/mat
- Long-Handled Tongs
- Long Handled Spatula
- Long Handled Heat Safe Spoon
- Marshmallow Sticks
- Plates/Bowls/Mesh Kit
- Sharp knife
- Forks/spoons
- Stasher Bags (these are bags made from silicone that are more eco-friendly than plastic Ziploc style bags and are safe to cook in) or Freezer plastic bags
Not that you’ve got all your gear, let’s get over to the Grab and Go Weekend Camping Menu.
3 Day Camping Meal Planner
This camping menu is set up for arriving before dinner on day 1, spending a total of two (2) nights, and leave after lunch on the third day. I planned this to feed 4 people. You can easily double for more people or adjust if you have less.
Convenient doesn’t mean unhealthy
When you decide to go at the last minute, you don’t have a lot of time to plan out a weekend camping menu without adding a bunch of junk food. That’s why this grab and go weekend camping menu is so great. It’s filled with convenient foods that AREN’T junk. You’ll use things like bagged salad, pre-made sandwiches, and dry soup mix to create delicious meals.
Tip: When shopping for this trip, look for products that use ingredients you’d cook with at home. You don’t need to use products full of artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Grocery List
While we have all the content below provided for free, we thought we’d simplify the experience for you with this printable that includes:
- Printable Grocery List
- Weekend meals at a glance list
- Recipes, listed day by day, with step by step instructions for either a camp stove or a campfire with an over the grill grate
- Resource page
- Tips and special notes for easy substitutions
- So simple with everything in one place…and for only $7!
Camping Day 1 Dinner
On your first night, you will be busy getting everything uploaded and set up. Dinner tonight will be SUPER simple and no cook. You can make a hot pressed sandwich in your skillet if you want a hot meal. But totally up to you. Once the fire is going you can pull out the marshmallow sticks and roast some marshmallows for classic S’mores.
- Deli Sandwiches
- Bagged Salad – This is the precut salad in the produce section. Get one you like with dressing and all the extras already included. Mix the salad in a bowl and you’re all set.
- S’mores
Camping Day 2 Morning
This morning you’re making breakfast sandwiches with hidden veggies in the eggs. This hearty breakfast will give you plenty of energy for the day to come.
- Loaded Omelette English Muffin Sandwiches
- Boil in bag omelettes (I use that silicone Stasher Bag I mentioned earlier to boil the eggs in a pot of boiling water), top with cheese & sliced avocado
- Fresh fruit
- Juice & Coffee
There are many ways to make a great cup of coffee outdoors. We share 20+ ways to make great camping coffee here with everything from a coffee bag to a percolator.
Camping Day 2 Lunch
For lunch, use dried soup mix as the base for a semi-homemade soup and add chicken for added protein. If you prefer to make it even easier, buy heat and serve soup. It’s easiest to reheat the soup using your camp stove.
- Chicken and Vegetable Soup (store bought dry mix or pre-made soup)
Camping Day 2 Dinner
Low Country Boil is one of my favorite outdoor meals. It’s a one pot meal that is simple and ideal for gatherings. I include the recipe here and it details how you can create this seafood boil at a campsite without a strainer. (Hint: pantyhose.)
- Low Country Boil (boiled shrimp, sausage, corn, & potatoes)
- Green salad (bagged salad)
- Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores
Camping Day 3 Breakfast
Pull out your cast iron skillet for a classic camp breakfast, pancakes and bacon. Cook your bacon first and drain off some of the fat before making your pancakes.
- Pancakes (store bought mix)
- Bacon
- Juice & Coffee
Camping Day 3 Lunch
This last meal is another no cook idea, It’s great on the trail, at your campsite, or in the car heading home. It’s sliced or cubed cheese, salami and extras for a rustic cheese plate or snacking board. Nothing fancy, but really good as you are packing up your gear to go home.
- Snacking board with deli meat, cheese, crackers, etc.
Camping Snacks
- Hummus with crackers and carrot sticks
- Fresh fruit
While we have all the content free above to piece together from the site, we thought we’d simplify the experience for you with this camping menu printable that includes:
- Grocery List
- Meals at a glance list
- Easy Recipes (listed day by day) with step by step instructions for either a camp stove or a campfire with an over the grill grate
- Resource page
- Tips and special notes for easy substitutions
So simple with everything in one place…and for only $7 or sign up for our newsletter below.!
If you want more camping meal plan ideas, take a look at:
Farm To Table Camping Meal Plan
$50 Weekend Camping Meal Plan
3 Day Camping Menu
Tips for Planning a Camping Menu
This camping menu is a lifesaver! I love the idea of being able to plan last-minute camping trips without the stress of figuring out meals. The suggestions for kitchen utensils are spot-on. I once forgot my spatula and had to improvise with a stick – not ideal! 😅 I’m curious, though, what are some other easy-to-grab snacks that could be added to this menu? And how do you think these meals would fare if you had to cook in the rain?