Strategies, Recipes, and Time-Saving Tips for Stress-Free Camping Food
For many of us, weekend camping trips are the perfect escape. But if you’ve ever raced through a Friday workday, packed up the camper, hit traffic, and rolled into your site late and hungry—you know that food can be the most stressful part of the journey.
Over the last 16 years of camping together, we’ve discovered one essential truth: camping food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Whether it’s a Friday night pizza delivery or a leisurely Saturday night steak dinner, the right meal plan can make your weekend getaway smoother and more enjoyable.
Here’s how we plan food for a weekend RV trip—from quick fixes to crowd-pleasing classics—and how you can simplify your own camping meals without sacrificing flavor or fun.
Friday Night: Fast, Flexible, and No Pressure
Friday night dinner sets the tone for the weekend, but it’s also the trickiest meal. Depending on your arrival time, you might be navigating setup with tired kids and rumbling stomachs. Our biggest tip? Let go of the pressure to make a picture-perfect camping meal.
Here are our favorite approaches for a stress-free Friday dinner:
- Order takeout or pizza to the campground. (Yes, it’s okay!)
- Pick up subs on the way and eat in the car before arrival.
- Prepare something mostly premade like walking tacos or chicken salad wraps.
- If camping with friends, let the first family to arrive cook dinner—then return the favor on Saturday night.
If you do want to cook on a Friday night, keep it super simple. Some of our favorite quick recipes from Jeremy’s Camp Griddlemore cooking show include:
- No-Prep Stir Fry (pre-cooked meat + bagged veggies)
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Super Easy Mega Cheesy Quesadillas
- Smashburgers or hot dogs with unique toppings
Bottom line? Don’t let cooking ruin your Friday night vibe. Settle in, enjoy your food, and save the fancy stuff for later.
Saturday Morning: The Big Breakfast Moment
Saturday morning is when camping food really shines in our family. If you’re not rushing off to hike or sightsee, take your time and make something special.
This is the time for:
- Pancakes, bacon, eggs
- Campfire coffee and slow mornings
- Big breakfast spreads that fuel the whole day
Some creative spins on classic camping breakfasts include:
- French Toast Bites with King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- Mini Campsite Breakfast Sandwiches (also on King’s Hawaiian!)
- Pancake Tacos with eggs and sausage
- Scrambled Egg-in-the-Hole with sausage, feta, and hot sauce
Not only are these meals delicious, they’re fun for the kids—and offer great flexibility with portion sizes.
Saturday Lunch: Keep It Simple
After a big breakfast, we tend to go light for lunch. Usually, this means:
- Sandwiches (turkey, PB&J, tuna)
- Hummus and crackers
- Fruit, veggies, chips, leftovers
- Or lunch out if we’re exploring the area
Going out for lunch instead of dinner is a great budget travel hack—and it gives you a break from food prep in the middle of the day.
Saturday Night: Go Big (If You Want To)
Saturday night is the perfect time to cook a fun, elaborate meal. You’re settled in, relaxed, and not rushing. This is when we pull out all the stops:
- NY Strip Steaks with Teriyaki String Beans
- Stephanie’s Sausage and Peppers
- Turkey Club Paninis or Chicken Parm Ranch Sandwiches
- Pizza night using a campfire or portable pizza oven
- Stir fry with fried rice or noodles
If you’re camping with friends, this is a great time to share a meal—but we recommend one family being in charge of the entire dinner, from sides to plates. It avoids the “who brought the ketchup?” problem and makes the whole evening smoother.
Sunday Morning: Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Checkout mornings are not the time for a big mess or heavy cooking. Our go-to Sunday breakfasts are quick, light, and low-mess:
- Yogurt and granola
- Overnight oats with berries
- Protein shakes
- Avocado toast
- Pre-made breakfast burritos or egg bites
This grab-and-go style lets everyone eat when they’re ready and makes packing up the RV much easier.
Final Tips for Weekend Camping Food Success
If meal planning feels overwhelming, try this:
Create a Standard Weekend Camping Menu.
Plan out five meals—Friday dinner, three on Saturday, and Sunday breakfast—and stick with it for every weekend trip. Make a reusable shopping list and save it to your favorite grocery delivery service.
Use shortcuts where they count—bagged salad kits, pre-cut veggies, store-bought sauces. It’s okay to make things easy so that you can focus on what matters: relaxing and having fun at the campground.
Want More Easy Camping Recipes?
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Jeremy’s cooking series Camp Griddlemore on Blackstone’s YouTube channel. He shares camping recipes like smash burgers, skillet stir fries, fun breakfast ideas, and creative desserts.
And don’t forget to listen to the full podcast episode for even more tips, stories, and laughs about easy meal planning for weekend RV trips.
Happy camping—and happy cooking!
