Ideas for Simple Camp Cooking

Camp cooking is always a fun part of rv'ing and camping possibly in part due to the lack of pressure and deadlines. Also it is simply more relaxing and often a shared event. Recently we camped in our trailer off-grid for just over a week and enjoyed being able to catch fish, and prepare simple and nutritious meals daily. We enjoy this no-schedule type of eating and being outside in the elements seems to work up an appetite. Here's some simple ideas, not too taxing, leaving time to fish and relax:

Camp Cooking Appliances:

1. For breakfast we mostly used the gas stove in the trailer
2. We used the Propane stove or BBQ, both set up on the picnic table, for all meals
3. All evening meals were cooked on the camp fire pit - pack a metal grid or grate to use for cooking

Before you leave home:

This is a cheat but I always prepare a vegetarian chilli and a lasagna at home to take with us for the first few days while setting set up. I use a simplified version of the lasagna, cooking a sauce made with homegrown organic tomatoes (onions, mushrooms, fresh basil, dry oregano) with low fat cottage cheese layers topped with light parmesan cheese and it is the best! The chilli sauce I cook and freeze and take kidney beans and chick peas to add later at camp. Both these meals are great served with a salad and fresh sourdough bread.

A Fisherman's Holiday:

As our time away was partly to fish, which we both enjoy, many of the meals were simply fresh fish. We were most fortunate to catch fish every day which meant that we brought home some frozen food we had planned as meals.

Camp Cooking Meal Ideas:

Breakfast:

• Most breakfasts were cereal or cooked oatmeal with fruit and nuts although we had a big "Brekkie" one day with eggs, fried onions, fish and bacon, toast and jam, etc
• We make drip coffee in the trailer at the beginning of the day

Brunch ideas:

• omelette (egg white), eggs, fish, toast, tomatoes

Lunch ideas:

• A light lunch such as a sourdough bread sandwich, wraps, fresh veggies, fish again, or omelette

Dinner:

• Fish with potato salad or campfire vegetables cooked in foil, steak sandwich
• Bonus: a jaffle for dinner or dessert!

Other ideas:

• Fresh fruit and veggies and non-GMO sweet corn daily
• Pre-cooked from Home: lasagna, chilli, mixed up minestrone soup (frozen without beans), frozen vegetarian samosas (my favourite)
• Remember the crumpets and Vegemite!

Notes:

• If you plan to use a fire pit you will need to be able to buy or supply your own fire wood
• It is a good idea to write a 7 day meal plan and make sure you have the supplies and ingredients you will need
• Always let someone know where you are and when you are returning, in case of an emergency.
• For emergencies: if you are off the beaten track there may not be cell phone coverage
• When wilderness camping - remember: what you take in - to take back out

"People start pollution. People can stop it."
~ 1970 Dont Rubbish America video ad

Camp cooking off-grid without fast food restaurants, a "Timmies" or a corner store to pop into may not be everyone's idea for a holiday, but its one of our favourites. We enjoy being able to be outdoors, watch and photo the wildlife, yet be able to enjoy some comforts of home. We have many conveniences, thanks to our solar panel and a generator.   It's great for kids to be able to spend time on a lake, out-of-doors and finding different activities.

Hope you have been able to take some time away this year for some rest and relaxation.

Safe and happy travels!

We didn't realize we were making memories
We just knew we were having fun

Update Fall 2020:

It's almost five years since this article was written and in this time we have followed a Low Carbohydrate lifestyle. This article, and others, remain on my website as there are many positive aspects as well as links of interest. Enjoy and take care during this time of Covid-19 ~ Liz

Disclaimer

The information contained in this blog is based on personal experiences and opinion. It is not to be misconstrued in any way as health care advice but is provided for interest and hopefully learning purposes.
Always seek qualified medical care and guidance if you think you have a health concern.