Camping 101: Survival Guide to Easy Mealtimes

Warm summer nights are finally here, which means the camping season is in full swing! It’s time for peaceful hikes, delicious s’mores, and nights spent under the stars. But if the whole point of going out into nature is to slow down and relax, why add unnecessary stress to your trip during mealtimes?

This year, make camping even more fun by reducing meal-time hassle with just a few easy steps! Here’s the plan:

1.     Prep in advance. If you’re planning to eat more than hotdogs around the fire, save yourself time at the campsite by chopping your veggies and marinating meats in advance. This will reduce prep time and cleanup at the campsite.

2.     Share the load. When you’re camping with others, don't be afraid to delegate. Even if you're the designated cook, kids, friends, or partners can lend a hand by setting up for meals or helping with cleanup. This not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of teamwork, making the camping experience more enjoyable for everyone.  

3.     Simplify the drink situation. Ever had a bug in your drink or a plastic cup fly away in the wind? We've got a solution. Serve your drinks in lidded cups. We recommend mason jar mugs—they’re sturdy enough to stay put, and the handles make them easy to hold. And for times when you need cans or bottles on hand, a galvanized tub filled with ice makes it easy for everyone to grab their preferred beverage, adding a touch of convenience to your camping experience.

4.     Get disposable everything. Camping is all about simpler things, so ditch the real silverware and dishes for items you don’t have to wash! Disposable plates and pre-rolled napkin and cutlery sets make set-up and cleanup incredibly easy, giving you more time to chill.

5.     Make the food accessible (to humans). There’s no reason to make things extra fancy while you’re in the wild. Instead, opt for meals that are easy for everyone to grab and go. Hot dogs, burgers, kabobs, French toast—you get the picture. Once everything is prepped, set the dishes out with tongs or other serving utensils so your camping companions can help themselves while you sit back and enjoy your meal.

Follow these simple hacks to make your camping trip even more enjoyable and free up more time to spend in nature.