The unadulterated Complete list of Foods (Sorted by Category) to take camping that need no refrigeration
Camping is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while having a fun-filled adventure. All you have to do is pack the camping gear, get the family ready, and find an excellent place to set up camp. With so many different things to remember to bring, bringing along a huge cooler can easily make an easy camping trip a complicated to-do. How are you supposed to lug that thing all the way to the campsite?
While the cooler may be a pain in the butt, you still have to pack enough food for the duration of your trip. There is no need to worry as there are plenty of delicious, healthy, and yummy foods that you can bring on your trip that does not require any form of refrigeration. Here is our list of the 50 best foods your need to bring on your next easygoing camping trip.
The Staples
#1 Bread
There aren’t many foods that are as versatile as bread- it goes with every meal! Try toasting it over the fire and spread some peanut butter or jam on top. A loaf of bread will last a good week. Be creative when choosing from different types of bread and recipes that you can make with them. Check our this Hungarian dirty bread recipe! http://globaltableadventure.com/recipe/hungarian-campfire-bacon-kabobs/
#2 Bagels and Rolls
A pack of bagels or rolls will go a long way on a camping trip and can last you two to three days. Use them with tuna, peanut butter, or jam.
#3 Butter
If you aren’t camping somewhere that is particularly warm, then you can bring along some butter. Keep it out of the sun and in a sealed container, and it will last you for at least two or three days.
#4 Peanut Butter
An All-American favorite, peanut butter is perfect for jazzing up a bowl of granola, oatmeal, or even spreading a bit on toast or pancakes.
#5 Potatoes
Another all-around useful food, potatoes can last very long without much maintenance and are great to fry up and eat for any meal.
Drink Related
#6 Coffee or Tea
Yes, caffeine is still essential even when you’re camping, and the great news is that they require no refrigeration. For a super easy option, bring a few packets of instant coffee.
#7 Creamer and Sugar
If you aren’t one for black coffee or tea, bring along some sugar and powdered creamer. The powdered creamer is shelf-stable, and the sugar can be packed in a sealable container.
#8 Juice Packs
Grab a variety of juice packs, and the kids will be in heaven. They’re delicious, lightweight, and very easy to keep handy.
#9 Instant Hot Chocolate
Great for the kids – or adults, we don’t judge! Bring a few packs of instant hot chocolate for a late-night treat while you gaze up at the stars.
#10 Powdered Milk
All you have to do is add powdered milk to cold water, and you have the milk that you need for cereal, coffee, or tea. It’s that easy!
Breakfast Cereal Related
#11 Muesli or Granola
Whether you prefer to make it at home or buy it packaged, muesli and granola are great breakfast options. All you need to do is add some water and powdered milk.
#12 Breakfast Cereals
Not every kid wants to eat granola, so bring along a box or two of their favorite cereals to keep everyone happy. For a wider variety, bring a bunch of individual boxes.
#13 Instant Oatmeal
This quick and easy breakfast idea can be made within minutes – just add boiling water, and you are good to go! You can stick with the plain oatmeal or go for a sweeter option by adding honey or maple syrup.
#14 Energy Bars
A fan favorite among campers – these bars are great for breakfast or a snack on the go. They’re very easy to pack along in your pack for when you are ready to explore.
#15 Pancakes
Pancake mix is light and easy to transport, and who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast? These are easy to make and fun to customize.
#16 Maple Syrup
A perfect pairing for your pancakes, maple syrup can last in just about any sort of climate. It is also great for sweetening up to other treats like oatmeal and granola.
#17 Muffins
Muffins can be baked ahead of time and brought on your trip, or you can pick some up on your way to your camping site.
#18 Honey and Jams
Packing a few individual packets of honey and jam is the easiest way to bring more flavor to your food while you are camping.
#19 Fruit
There are many different fruits that you can bring that don’t require any refrigeration, including apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes. Strawberries and raspberries can last a couple of days, as well.
Meats
#20 Dried Sausages
Many excellent cured sausages do not require refrigeration, including pepperoni, Calabrese Salami, Kiełbasa Krakowska, and packaged Genoa salami, to name a few.
Canned Meats
#21 Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a healthy and delicious protein source and pairs very well with bagels, sandwiches, or salads. Bring individual mayo packets to add some flavor.
#22 Canned Beef Stew
If chili isn’t much your thing, a can of hearty beef stew rich with beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas is an easy way to make a complete meal.
#23 Canned Soups with Meat
There are many canned soups that have meat that make for a great dinner option. Chunky makes beef vegetable, chicken corn chowder, beef pot roast and many more varieties. The thick and hearty options make an incredibly filling meal after a day spent outdoors.
#38 Canned Chili
Open a few cans of chili and heat them over the fire for a hearty and filling meal. Add some toasted garlic bread for a little something extra.
#25 Canned Shredded Chicken
Another shelf-stable protein source, canned chicken, can be used in salads and sandwiches to create a filling and delicious meal.
Canned vegetables | Fruit
#26 Baked Beans
A camping classic, baked beans are easy to pack, delicious, and make an easy and quick meal. Add some nachos on the side for more flavor and a filling meal.
#27 Canned Vegetables
You can be creative and roast some canned corn with some canned potatoes over the campfire with some fresh chopped jalapenos and fresh squeezed lime.
#28 Canned Fruit
Another convenient option is fruit that’s canned in water or juice or fruit cups. This is a quick and easy way to ensure that your kids are eating enough fruits on your trip.
Healthy Options
#29 Grilled Veggies
Wrap a few individual portions of veggies in foil and grill them over the campfire. For extra flavor, sprinkle them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
#30 Fresh Cut Veggies
A healthy and delicious snack or side for a sandwich, a few portions of fresh-cut veggies is a quick and easy option. Eggplant, green peppers, onions and avocado can go days without refrigeration.
Other staples
#31 Instant Potatoes
Craving mashed potatoes? Make it easy with a box of instant potatoes – just add some water and bring to a boil for an easy and delicious side dish.
#32 Pasta and Sauce
There is no easier way to make a quick dinner than boiling some pasta and adding your favorite jar of tomato sauce.
#33 Mac and Cheese
Maybe it is not the fanciest meal, but it gets the job done, and it usually very tasty. A box or two is a quick way to fix something up for you and the kids.
#34 Hard Cheeses
As long as the weather isn’t too hot or humid, a block of hard cheese will last you a couple of days without refrigeration. A container of grated parmesan cheese will pair nicely with your pasta!
#35 Packaged Rice
Rice is an easy side to add to any dish and is perfect for Mexican-inspired dishes, as well. All you have to do is get a pot of water boiling over the fire and add the rice.
#36 Cooking Oil
If you aren’t a fan of butter, cooking oil can hold up in any kind of weather conditions and is a healthier alternative to butter.
#37 Lemons and Limes
If you are looking for a way to add something to your dishes and your water, packing a few lemons and limes is an easy and effective way to add a bit of flavor.
Snacks
#38 Cookies
You can make a homemade batch or pick some up from the grocery store! Your kids will love the sweet treat at the end of a long day.
#39 Brownies
Brownies are another dessert that requires no refrigeration and are just as easy to pack as cookies.
#40 Jerky
A tasty snack and a great source of protein, beef or turkey jerky pairs well with crackers and veggies to make a filling meal.
#41 Trail Mix
You can make your version or buy your favorite variety from the store. This is a snack that is easy to take with you when you are on the go.
#42 Crackers
Crackers are a great snack when paired with peanut butter, jelly, Nutella, or other flavorful spread.
#43 Chips and Pretzels
A perfect complement to that tuna or chicken salad sandwich, having a few crunchy snacks around is excellent for an easy and quick fix.
#44 Popcorn
Packaged popcorn or kernels that you can pop are easy to transport and make a delicious snack to help soothe grumbling tummies.
#45 Smores
Not a camping trip would be complete without some smores! All you need are marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, and you are good to go.
#46 Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a sweet and healthy snack that is easy to pack and holds up in almost any climate.
#47 Nuts
Always a healthy snack to keep on hand. Nuts are delicious, filling, and taste great!
#48 Pudding or Jello Cups
Maybe not the healthiest, but indeed a tasty treat that doesn’t have to be kept cold to be enjoyed.
Spices
#49 Nacho Ingredients
Canned corn, a jar of salsa, and taco seasoning are easy to pack and perfect for whipping up a yummy plate of nachos.
#50 Herbs and Spices
Just because your camping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Keep a variety of herbs and spices in a sealed container and pull them out when you are ready to add a bit of flavor to your food.
#51 Pesto
If you are looking for something slightly different from your typical tomato sauce, pesto makes a fantastic sauce and doesn’t require any refrigeration.
Last modified: January 25, 2021
