Preparing for an RV camping trip is as thrilling as the journey itself. The open road, the scenic beauty, the sense of freedom—it’s all part of the allure. But to fully enjoy the experience, mastering the art of meal prep and the joy and importance of camp cooking for your on-the-go lifestyle is crucial. Good news—we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of selecting ingredients, prepping meals, and cooking them over a campfire. The focus? Easy-to-clean, sustainable RVing with as little waste as possible.
The Smart Shopper's Guide to RV Meal Prepping for Your Next Camping Trip
Before we dive into campfire-friendly recipe ideas, let’s talk about shopping. Planning your meals and choosing the right ingredients is key to smooth sailing (or rather, RVing).
- Plan Your Meals: Begin with a meal plan. Decide what you want to eat each day of your trip, including snacks and desserts. Meal planning can be a fun activity for the family to enjoy together.
- Choose Versatile Ingredients: Ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes reduce food waste and the amount of food that you’ll need to pack. Think versatile staples like beans, rice, and pasta that can be adapted to various delicious meals.
- Focus on Non-Perishable Items: Opt for ingredients that don’t require refrigeration, or those that have a longer shelf life, such as canned tuna, chicken salad, or even baked potatoes.
- Select Easy-to-Clean Food: To make your camping trip more enjoyable, choose food that doesn’t create a lot of dishes. Pre-packaged items, canned goods, or food that can be cooked directly on a campfire or grill are all good options.
- Buy in Bulk, but Portion for Your Trip: Buying in bulk is economical and eco-friendly, but you don’t want to overload your RV. Portion out what you’ll need for your trip into reusable containers.
Incorporating these meal planning tips can make preparing meals for your RV camping trip both easier and more enjoyable. With these RV shopping tips in mind, you’re ready to hit the grocery store!
Campfire Cuisine: Meal Planning Tips and Prepping for RV Camping
Meal prepping is one of the best camping hacks for easy, sustainable RVing. Not only does it save time and reduce cleanup, but it also minimizes waste by ensuring you use all the ingredients you’ve brought. Here’s how to do it right:
- Prepare Ingredients at Home: Do as much cutting, marinating, and portioning as you can at home. This will save you time, energy, and dish cleaning on the road.
- Package Meals Individually: Pack each meal in its own container or zip-lock bag. It will keep things organized and ensure faster cooking times.
- Use Reusable Containers: Opt for reusable containers for storage to minimize waste.
- Freeze What You Can: Foods like meats or pre-made meals can be frozen to prolong their freshness.
- Prepare Freezer Meals: Create freezer meals before your trip, offering a convenient option that allows families to spend more time exploring the outdoors and less time cooking.
- Optimize Cooler Space: Use space wisely by packing ingredients for the first meals on top and freeze any meats or meals that you plan to eat later in the trip.
Now that we’ve got the prep sorted, let’s get cooking!
Cooking Techniques for Efficient RV Kitchens
Maximizing your RV kitchen is all about choosing the right cooking methods that save time, conserve energy, and minimize the need for extensive clean-up. When you’re planning your meals, think about incorporating one pot or slow cooker recipes which not only enhance the flavors but also significantly cut down on your dishwashing time.
- Master the One Pot Meal: From comforting soups to hearty stews, one pot meals are perfect for RV cooking. They require minimal setup and cleanup, which makes them ideal for easy camping meals. Try a simple beef stew or a vegetarian chili that can simmer while you enjoy the great outdoors. For a delightful twist, consider using a dutch oven for campfire cooking, where you can create everything from savory meals to sweet treats like Dutch oven peach cobbler.
- Utilize a Slow Cooker: Let your meals cook themselves while you explore your surroundings. Slow cookers are excellent for making everything from bbq pulled pork to chicken tacos, allowing flavors to meld together over several hours. Plus, you can save on fuel and electricity, as these devices require very little energy. A crock pot is particularly handy for preparing dishes such as sausage and pepper freezer meals, offering a well-rounded dinner option for the family.
- Instant Pot Magic: If you’re looking to whip up quick meals without sacrificing taste, an Instant Pot is your go-to kitchen gadget. This versatile tool can handle anything from quick pasta dishes to more complex rice and beans meals, making it a valuable asset for any RV trip.
Each of these methods not only simplifies cooking but also helps in efficiently managing your storage space, keeping your RV kitchen tidy and your fridge and freezer less cluttered.
Fun and Engaging Family Meals for RV Adventures
Mealtime should be a highlight of any RV adventure, especially when traveling with family. It’s a chance to bond, share stories of the day’s exploits, and enjoy delicious food. Engaging everyone, particularly kids, in meal preparation can turn cooking into an enjoyable activity that enhances the overall camping experience.
- Breakfast Burritos: Kick start your morning with easy camping breakfast burritos. Set up a filling station with eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausage, and let everyone create their own custom wrap. It’s a fun, quick way to fill up and get ready for the day. For those who prefer a sweet start, preparing French toast with a variety of toppings can be another delightful breakfast option that families can enjoy making together.
- Sandwich Station: For an easy lunch, why not try a make-your-own sandwich bar? Lay out various breads, meats, cheeses, and veggies along with condiments and let family members assemble their perfect sandwich. This activity not only caters to individual tastes but also uses up leftovers, minimizing food waste.
- Dessert Under the Stars: End your day sweetly with a DIY dessert night. From s’mores by the campfire to foil-wrapped baked apples, cooking desserts together can be a delightful treat. Use chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for a touch of sweetness. Adding to the fun, preparing BBQ hot dogs over the fire can be an exciting dinner idea that brings everyone together.
Incorporating these fun meal preparations not only makes each dish special but also helps in creating lasting memories. Plus, by involving kids in safe and simple cooking tasks, you foster a love for food and teach them valuable skills in a setting that’s as educational as it is entertaining.
10 Campfire-Friendly, Easy-to-Clean Camping Meal Prep Ideas
While staples like hot dogs and marshmallows are essential for camping meals; not every camping trip needs to be limited to those options. Snacks like string cheese, trail mix and fresh fruit are always a hit and a nice relief from fast food. For dinner time, we can help out with awesome meal planning ideas for your next camping trip, many of which can be assembled ahead of time:
- Hobo Packs: These are individual meals prepared in foil packets. Mix chopped veggies, proteins like chicken or beef, and your choice of spices in a foil pouch. Just toss it onto the campfire and enjoy a one-pack feast.
- Skewered Kebabs: Prepare kebabs at home by skewering marinated pieces of meat, vegetables, or tofu. Wrap them in foil and refrigerate. They’re ready to go straight onto the campfire grill when you’re ready to eat.
- Pre-made Burgers: Form patties at home, then freeze them. Once at your campsite, thaw them for a quick and easy campfire meal.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with pre-cooked rice and a protein of your choice. Wrap in foil and heat over the campfire for a delicious, self-contained meal.
- Campfire Pizza: Pre-make pizza dough at home and bring along your favorite toppings. You can cook your pizza directly on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet.
- Corn on the Cob: Soak corn (husks and all) in water before your trip. Place the corn directly on the campfire for a quick, tasty side dish.
- Bannock Bread: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and water to make this simple bread dough. Wrap the dough around a stick and cook it over the fire.
- Pre-marinated Meats: Marinate your favorite meats at home and let them absorb the flavors during your drive. They’ll be ready to cook on a grill or in a cast-iron pan over the campfire.
- Campfire Nachos: Layer nacho chips, cheese, and pre-cooked beans or seasoned meat in a cast-iron skillet. Cover and heat over the campfire until the cheese is melty and delicious.
- Foil-Wrapped Baked Apples: Core apples and fill them with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Wrap each apple in foil and place them in the campfire coals for a sweet, warm treat.
For the full recipes and instructions on these great dishes, including some of our culinary tips and top-secret recipes - check out our post covering 10 simple campfire meals!
Easy Cleanup Camping Hacks
Camping trips should be planned for enjoyment and relaxation; not extra, unnecessary work. The best cooking methods for your next camping trip should incorporate simple cleanup so that you can spend your time unwinding. Here are a few tips that you can plan ahead of time to reduce waste for easy cleanup:
- Go Foil-Heavy: Cooking in foil drastically reduces cleanup. Use it for grilling, baking, or even just warming up food.
- Prep Ahead: Cut, marinate, and package your food at home. This saves time at the campsite and reduces the number of utensils you need.
- Choose Multi-Use Tools: Opt for utensils that can perform multiple tasks. This reduces the number of items you need to bring and clean.
- Embrace Cast Iron: Cast-iron skillets and dutch ovens are versatile and perfect for campfire cooking. They're easy to clean and practically indestructible.
- Consider a Collapsible Sink or Basin: For easy clean-up, bring a collapsible sink or basin. You can fill it with hot water from your RV for dishes, or even for a quick hand wash.
- Repurpose Leftovers: Cook in quantities that allow for leftovers, then get creative with their use in subsequent meals. This saves time, fuel, and water for cleaning.
From thoughtful shopping and meal prepping to cooking on a campfire and cleaning up afterward, this guide equips you with everything you need to turn your RV camping trip into a gourmet adventure. With careful planning and sustainable practices, you can minimize waste and maximize flavor, turning your RV into a moving feast. So gear up and get ready for a memorable journey, both on the road and on the plate!
For more RV tips, tricks and information, check out our other posts:
RV Safety in Canada: Top Tips For Safe Camping