Campfire Cuisine: The best camp meals to make

There is something special about cooking outdoors, especially when surrounded by the fresh air, the sound of the fire crackling, and especially when you are sitting down for a meal after a day exploring the Cornish coast.

Whether you’re staying in a caravan or pitching a tent, planning your camp meals can make your holiday far more relaxed and enjoyable. With the right ideas and a little preparation, campfire cooking can be easy, tasty, and surprisingly satisfying and an excellent experience for the whole family.

In this guide, we have put together some easy camping recipes and cooking tips which can work when cooking outside.

Why Camp Meals Matter

When you are cooking whilst camping, it is about more than just filling up on delicious food, as well-planned camp meals can save time and help you make the most of your days out exploring.

Simple, one-pan dishes will mean less washing up and more time to relax and enjoy your holiday and planning ahead helps avoid overpacking or relying on a last-minute run to the shops.

Cooking tends to bring everyone together when you’re camping. Whether it’s breakfast before a day out or an easy meal in the evening, these shared moments often become part of the holiday memories.

READ MORE: Cornwall travel tips: Planning the perfect getaway

Essential Gear for Campfire Cooking

When camping, you tend to be limited on space, but you don’t need a lot when cooking outside, just a few essentials. You will only need items such as a portable camping stove, lightweight pans, foil, and heatproof utensils, which are usually all you need for most campfire recipes.

 Breakfast Ideas for Campers

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you are on a holiday in places such as Cornwall, where you will probably be doing lots of walking and exploring. Choosing simple options such as overnight oats is perfect and needs no cooking, but for something warmer, bacon or sausage baps are always a favourite and don’t take much time or effort to prepare.

However, if you prefer a lighter or more nutritious start, healthy camping recipes such as yoghurt topped with fresh fruit, peanut butter on toast, or a simple one-pan breakfast with eggs, mushrooms, and tomatoes are easy to make and keep you fuelled for the day ahead.

READ MORE: 5 top Cornwall attractions for families

Lunch on the Go

Lunch while camping is often about convenience, so making wraps, sandwiches, or pasta is always a good idea if you are heading out for a picnic, as these can be prepared before you head out for the day. If you’re staying close to your pitch, one-pot camping meals such as soup, noodles, or pasta can be cooked quickly and shared without much fuss.

Hearty Dinners by the Fire

Dinner is where campfire cooking really shines and is the most anticipated, and almost anything can be cooked on a stove. Grilled meats, vegetable skewers, and simple pasta dishes are also reliable favourites and don’t take much effort to prepare.

If you’re new to outdoor cooking, campfire recipes for beginners are best kept simple. Stick to familiar flavours and ingredients and what you enjoy making at home, and you will still end up with a comforting, filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

Sweet Treats and Snacks

No camping trip feels complete without a few treats, such as toasted marshmallows, but fruit skewers, flapjacks, and homemade energy bars are just as popular and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Snacks are convenient when camping with the whole family, helping to keep hunger at bay between meals without the constant need to cook.

READ MORE: Best beaches in and near Looe

Cooking in a Caravan or Tent

When staying in a caravan or going camping, space tends to be limited, so choosing easy-to-prepare meals is key. Dishes that use minimal equipment and ingredients are ideal, especially if you’re relying on a portable camping stove when camping, so stir-fries, pasta dishes, and simple rice meals all work well in compact kitchens.

Cooking outdoors can be simple and enjoyable with a bit of forward planning, so whether it’s an easy breakfast or a relaxed evening meal by the fire, food becomes part of what makes camping in Cornwall feel like a proper escape and brings everyone together.

Looking for the perfect place to try these recipes? Explore our campsites in Looe and enjoy the best of coastal camping.

For more articles and guides like this, make sure you explore our blog.

FAQs

What are the easiest meals to cook while camping?

Simple one-pot meals, foil packet dinners, and wraps are among the easiest and most reliable options.

How do you cook safely on a campfire?

Use stable cooking equipment, keep flames controlled, and never leave food unattended while cooking.

What equipment do I need for campfire cooking?

A portable stove or grill, lightweight cookware, foil, and basic utensils are usually enough.

Can you make healthy meals while camping?

Yes, with simple ingredients like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, healthy camping recipes are easy to achieve.

What are the best caravan-friendly recipes?

Meals that use minimal space and equipment, such as pasta dishes, stir-fries, and one-pan breakfasts, work exceptionally well.