This is the easiest and best way to make camping food EVER. Period. I’m not even going to beat around the bush about it. You need to know the secret to these 30 camping side dishes right this very second.
Think cheesy, smoky, and perfectly charred. Think foil packs, easy prep, and zero mess. Ummmm hi, that’s all. These are the recipes that will make you a campfire legend.
1. Camping Mac n’ Cheese
Okay, let’s just state facts: this is the one camping dish that no one, and I mean no one, can say no to. Mac n’ cheese! This one is a total family favorite, and just so good.
It’s got three kinds of melty, gooey cheese, plus cream and Alfredo sauce. This is pretty much peak comfort food right here!
2. World’s Best Campfire Queso Dip
Are you wondering what I’m making on my next trip? Oh, just this ridiculously good queso! I am SO into this. It’s a hot, melty, ooey-gooey dip that is just pure joy.
We’ve got two kinds of cheese, salsa, jalapenos, and ground beef. And let me tell you a secret: it is SO easy. Yes, it’s a total indulgence. But we’re camping! All bets are off.
3. Campfire Potatoes
These potatoes? They are a MUST-MAKE on my camping trips. I’m telling you, breakfast dinner, they are always a total win. We’re talking super cheesy, loaded with bacon, and just perfectly fork-tender.
A little tip: slice the potatoes thin so they cook up faster. And make sure your coals are hot, not a big roaring fire. You don’t want these delicious spuds to burn!
4. Campfire Chili Cheese Fries
Long day on the trail? Or maybe just chilling by the lake? You need to treat yourself to these chili cheese fries. They are SO cheesy, super meaty, and just… wow.
The best part? You only need three ingredients. And cleanup is so, so easy. Look, I know it’s not health food. But you’ve been outside all day. You’ve earned this!
5. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Your fellow campers are going to go crazy for this bread! It’s cheesy, garlicky to the max, and just loaded with carbs. Seriously, this stuff is addicting. Fresh parsley is amazing on top, but let’s be real, delicate herbs can be a pain in the cooler.
I sometimes just use dried parsley instead. Whichever you use, this pull-apart bread is perfect for a crowd, making it a total winner for a bigger group.
6. Campfire Nachos
Campfire nachos are one of those perfect sides that can also just be dinner. Yes! Get out your heavy-duty Dutch oven and layer those chips with all your favorite fixings.
These are loaded up with cheese, black beans, avocado, onion, cilantro, and hot sauce. But really, you can use any toppings you love. Just let it cook over the fire until everything is nice and melty. That’s it. Dinner is served.
7. Grilled Blooming Onion
You are going to want to get in on this one before it’s gone! Crispy on the outside, with a sweet and tender inside… blooming onions are just impossible to resist. And yes, you can absolutely make them at camp.
The whole secret is in how you cut the onion. You have to slice it but keep the root intact. That’s how you get that perfect “blooming” thing to happen. Got mayo and BBQ sauce? Mix ’em together for a quick-fix dipping sauce. SO GOOD.
8. Campfire Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a total camping staple. It has to happen. The prep is just so easy, cooking is simple, and it seriously goes with everything you grill. Plus, everyone can customize their own.
This method is especially awesome for camping. It lets you grill the corn perfectly while leaving the husks on. A total game-changer.
9. Campfire Glazed Carrots
I know it’s easy to let healthy eating slide when you’re camping. So, add these glazed carrots to your dinner! They are super simple, budget-friendly, and taste amazing.
That smoky char mixed with the sweet honey and fragrant rosemary makes them just so delicious. Everyone will be eating their veggies, guaranteed.
10. Grilled Brussels Sprouts
These grilled sprouts are like candy for those of us who love Brussels sprouts. I mean, between the smoky char, that tangy-sweet sauce, and the tender leaves… they are just perfect.
Load them up on a skewer and toss them right on the grill. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them. It would be a total bummer if they burned.
11. Easy No-Cook Healthy Southwest Camping Salad
No-cook camping recipes are just THE BEST. No messing with the campfire, no trying to find a flat spot for the stove. And more importantly, you get to eat yummy sides like this salad.
It’s zippy, fresh, and healthy, and so easy to just pack in the cooler. Plus, it’s affordable and goes with so many proteins. Hot dogs, burgers, sausages… you name it. Serve up a big bowl and it’s basically a meal all on its own.
12. Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Grilled asparagus is such a simple vegetable side to make at camp. Just bundle up the spears in foil with a dab of butter and a sprinkle of seasoning. Then, toss them right on the campfire grate.
Sometimes I like to add a few slices of lemon, too. It adds a little extra pop and the grilling gives the lemons a new depth. Need a vegan version? Just use non-dairy butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
13. Cast-Iron Skillet Cornbread
Are you making a big pot of cozy campfire chili or a hearty stew? You NEED to pair it with a side of cornbread. Skillet cornbread is so easy to make. Mix the batter, prepare the skillet, and pour it all in.
Make sure to cover it with foil, and then just let it cook. See? Super simple. Plus, everyone is going to love digging into a warm slice.
14. Easy Campfire Beans
Campfire baked beans are a total classic. And this is possibly the most simple side you could ever make. Just add pinto beans, onions, BBQ sauce, and mustard into a sturdy pot.
Let them cook for about 30 minutes. While they’re simmering, you can get the rest of the meal ready. I’m thinking cornbread, roasted veggies, and ribs. Yes, please!
15. Campfire Baked Sweet Potatoes and Chili
Looking for something that is comforting, hearty, and healthy all at once? These baked sweet potatoes check all the boxes. You cook them in the embers until they’re perfectly fork-tender.
While that’s happening, start the kidney bean and beer chili in a big pot. After 30 minutes, everything is ready to assemble. This is one of those recipes that works as a side or as the main event. Love that.
16. Grilled Corn Salad
This grilled corn salad is so easy and so tasty… it’s a must-make. You grill the corn until it gets a nice little char. Let it cool down, then slice the kernels off the cob.
Now, mix it with all the other good stuff: bell pepper, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime, and spices. It’s a total party in a bowl. Fresh, a little smoky, zippy, and spicy.
It tastes amazing with grilled chicken. And even better with that trout you just caught. UMM, YUM!
17. Rustic Campfire Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Here is a side that is guaranteed to make everyone happy. Fluffy, buttery, and loaded with garlic , these rustic potatoes are just pure comfort. Pair them with a protein like grilled steak, chicken, or fish. Maybe add a salad.
Or, just turn the mashed potatoes into a meal all by themselves. Hey, you’re camping! You do you.
18. Easy Panzanella Salad for Camping
Fresh bread on a hot camping trip can get stale so fast. So what do you do? You make panzanella! The bread soaks up all that yummy vinaigrette, making it taste even better with all the fresh veggies.
And the best part? No cooking required. Done deal.
19. Campfire Zucchini Foil Packets
Before you zip up that cooler, here is one last side you HAVE to make. These zucchini foil packets are so easy to add to any meal. You just season up zucchini and onions with Cajun powder, wrap them in foil with some butter, and that’s it!
They go with everything. You can even customize them with other veggies. And let’s be honest, we can all use a few more veggies when we’re camping.
20. Campfire Popcorn
Remember Jiffy Pop? This is how you make it, DIY-style. Add your oil and corn kernels to a cast iron pan, then cover it up with foil. Place it over a hot fire and give it a shake until all those kernels have popped.
The whole family will love hanging out around the campfire with this super fun treat.
21. Campfire Carne Asada Fries
If you want to level-up your loaded fries game, go big with carne asada. The combo of juicy carne asada, tender fries, and that fresh pico de gallo is just… next level.
These might not be your normal taco shop fries, or your normal camping meal for that matter. But they are 100% legendary.
22. Campfire Pesto Pasta
This rustic pasta tastes like a gourmet meal, and it’s all made in one pot! We’re talking tender penne coated in pesto and nutritional yeast.
Then it gets tossed with capers, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and salmon. You could totally leave out the salmon for a vegetarian version. And just use a non-dairy pesto to make it vegan! So good.
23. Campfire Red Potato Hash
One of the best things about camping is cooking a big breakfast. And this hash will get any sleepy camper out of their tent. It’s a glorious mess of potatoes smothered in cream with eggs, pancetta, and mushrooms.
Add some jalapenos to make it spicy, and season it up with smoked paprika. You can also skip the meat to make it vegetarian. Either way, it has plenty of fuel for a big day.
24. Campfire Taco in a Bag
The kids are going to LOVE these tacos in a bag! Each nacho cheese chip bag gets stuffed with hamburger, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Add some salsa and sour cream, and your tacos are ready.
Those mini chip bags are perfect for individual servings. But you can also use a big bag and make it family-style. Are you a hot sauce fan? Go ahead and add a few dashes of your favorite. Yum!
25. Campfire Roasted Veggies
Roasted veggies are just the perfect side for camping. They go with everything… and you can just toss them on the fire! Plus, you can mix and match any veggies you like.
This recipe uses carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. Chop and season all your veggies at home and put them in a zip-top bag. When it’s dinnertime, just wrap them in foil and fire them up! So, so easy.
26. Campfire Baked Potatoes
These baked potatoes are a total genius campfire cooking hack. Season the potatoes, wrap them up in foil, and nestle them right into the hot coals. (Using a trusty pair of tongs, of course!)
Turn them every so often for about 40 minutes, then add all your favorite toppings. A total deliciousness bomb.
27. Easy Grilled Broccoli Foil Packets with Lemon
Here is another super easy veggie side for your meal. It’s as simple as wrapping broccoli in foil with some ghee and lemon. That ghee makes it so rich and yummy.
But, butter or olive oil will work just fine, too. It also really helps to use heavy-duty foil. The thinner stuff just rips on the camping grates.
