Our family recently took a three-night trip to the Pacific Rim and stayed at Green Point Campground. We were excited for a fall getaway and wanted to make the most of our time outdoors. To keep things simple, we focused on easy camping meals that were prepped at home, so we could spend more time relaxing and less time cooking.
Planning Meals Before the Trip
Before leaving, we meal planned our dinners and prepared everything at home. Since we were camping three nights, we packed three small coolers—one for each day’s dinner. That way, we only had to open a cooler when we needed it. Each meal was cooked ahead of time, so at camp it was just heat and serve. This made mealtime stress-free.
For this trip, we enjoyed burgers, tacos, and chili. All were prepared in advance, so they required almost no cooking at camp. This method saved time, limited cleanup, and made dinner the easiest part of the day.
Lunches and Snacks Made Simple
Dinners were sorted, but what about lunches and snacks? That’s where our “easy meal bin” comes in. We always keep a plastic bin filled with non-perishable foods like spaghetti, baked beans, and canned pasta. This bin is always ready to toss into the car, and it doubles as emergency food storage at home in case of a power outage.
Having this bin means lunch is never complicated. It’s quick, easy to cook, and doesn’t require refrigeration. When kids are hungry after a morning at the beach or a hike, these meals make the perfect solution.
Avoiding the Eating-Out Trap
In the past, we used to say, “We’ll just buy groceries when we get there.” But we realized this usually turned into eating out every day. While convenient, it’s expensive and not the healthiest option. Now, by prepping easy camping meals at home, we avoid overspending and stick to a plan that works for the whole family.
Pro Tip: Pack Dish Soap Carefully
One lesson we’ve learned is to never leave dish soap sitting loose in the dish bin. If it spills, the taste of soap will coat your dishes and utensils, leaving you stuck rinsing and scrubbing everything. Always seal dish soap in a zip bag or separate container to avoid a frustrating cleanup.
Why Meal Planning Makes Camping Easier
Meal planning doesn’t just save money—it makes camping more relaxing. By prepping at home, using smaller daily coolers, and keeping a stocked meal bin, we spend less time worrying about food and more time enjoying our trips. If you’re looking for more inspiration, CampWreck will soon be releasing a camp cookbook full of tasty, pre-prepped meal ideas for your next adventure.
