25 Easy Camping Recipes Using 5 Ingredients or Less

When you are out camping, hiking, and backpacking you have a lot on your plate. Usually, gourmet food is usually not one of them. It can be down right impossible to pack enough food and gear to make delicious and varied meals, right? Wrong! With the right know-how you can make amazing food without a lot of gear or ingredients. Check out these 25 easy camping recipes that use 5 ingredients or less and you'll never cook (or eat) the same way again.

Camping Breakfast Ideas

1. Baggie Omelets

• Eggs
• Cheese
• Peppers
• Onion

Easy, delicious protein. There's a reason why eggs are the preferred breakfast of campers around the world. This easy breakfast omelet can be made right in your Jetboil cookpot sous vide style. This one is easy to make, easy to clean up.

Click here for the full recipe. 

2. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

Everything is better over a campfire and cinnamon rolls are no different. A warm and delicious way to start off your day of backpacking and camping right. Great for kids! See The Full Recipe Here.

3. Hot Granola Breakfast 

• Dried Oats
• Water
• Trail Mix
• Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar

"I realize the importance of food for fuel in our bodies and expecting optimal performance from our bodies, we must fuel ourselves optimally. When I am in the backcountry I like to travel extremely light.  I like pushing my body to the limit and expect the same from my equipment, and this Jetboil stove of mine seems to have passed the test. This is a great way to start the day and gives you the desired energy to stick with you for a couple of hours." - Courtesy of Neil Bangs

Click here for the full recipe.

4. Breakfast Power Oats

• Oatmeal
• Edamame
• Dried Berries
• Flaxseed Oil
• Brown Sugar

The simple recipe was created as a filling breakfast, but can also be eaten as a quick lunch on the trail. According to Jack Pine Jim, it keeps you fueled up for 4k vertical and at least 10 miles of hiking. But don't take our word for it, take this one on your next hike and see for yourself. 

Click here for the full recipe.

5. Potato and Egg Scramble

• 2 Diced Potatoes
• 8 Eggs, stirred
• 1 Chopped Onion
• 2 Chopped Peppers (your choice)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter

This wholesome breakfast is an easy camping meal and a great way to start the day. It cooks up in one pan and serves about four.

First, add 1 Tablespoon of Butter into your fry pan and put it on your Genesis or HalfGen at medium heat. Melt it and spread it around.

Second, add the Potatoes, Onions, and Peppers. The Potatoes should be in chunks and the Onion and Peppers should be chopped, but it's your choice. Cook these until the potatoes are tender and the onions and peppers are nice and cooked - about 15 minutes.

Third, add the second Tablespoon of butter and, once it's melted, add the eggs. The eggs will fill all the spaces in between the potatoes, peppers, and onions. But to ensure even cooking time, cover the pan with lid or tin foil and let it cook until the eggs are nice and ready, about 4 minutes.

6. Jetboil French Toast

• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Butter
• Bread
• Syrup
• Bonus: Powdered Sugar & Cinnamon

Camping breakfast doesn't have to be all protein, no fun. After all, camping is supposed to be fun, right? Why not bring your favorite diner breakfast to the campsite with this easy and delicious camping French toast recipe? 

Click here for the full recipe.

Camping Lunch Ideas

7. Backpacker's Pho

• Dry, flat rice noodles
• Pho hoa spice packet
• Bouillon cube (veggie, chicken, or beef flavor)
• Soy Protein
• Dehydrated Onions

This pho inspired recipe is designed for simplicity without compromising on the iconic flavor. Now this dish normally requires hours of preparation and cook time, but we are on the trail and we have 5 minutes. So, take a trip to your local Asian market and let’s get cooking.

Click here for the full recipe.

8. Beef Jerky Ramen

• Mushrooms
• Mixed, dried veggies
• Beef Jerky
• Bouillon 
• Ramen Noodles

Jetboil recommending ramen noodles and beef jerky? Surprise, surprise. All kidding aside, this one is worth it. Simple, protein-packed, and delicious. 

Click here for the full recipe. 

9. Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

• Bread
• Butter
• Marinara Sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Pepperoni

It's part grilled cheese, part pepperoni pizza, and completely delicious. Yes, you could pack some leftover cold pizza on your next camping trip, but why do that when you can enjoy this fresh, hot, cheesy take on two classic comfort foods.

Start as you would with a regular grilled cheese: butter one side of each piece of bread. Place one slice of bread butter-side-down in your Summit Skillet on medium heat. Then add a slice of mozzarella, pepperoni, and another slice of mozzarella. Add the second slice of bread butter-side-up. Cook for 3 minutes or until the bottom slice of bread is golden and toasted. Flip and cook until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Enjoy!

10. Jetboil Camping Mac & Cheese

• Water
• One box of Mac & Cheese
• Hot Sauce

Everyone's favorite comfort food is just as good, if not better, when enjoyed at a campsite or on the trail. It really is that simple, just pack a box of your favorite mac & cheese and add water. Bonus points for brining your favorite hot sauce for a little kick. 

11. Chi Chi Ramen Noodles

• Ramen Noodles
• Dorito chips
• Beef (or preferred protein) Jerky

We like to doctor up ramen noodles, can you tell? This one is as simple as crushing up some chips and adding it to your ramen noodles along with some beef jerky for protein. Simple, warm, and filling. 

12. Caramelized Onions

This simple recipes takes direct heat and sweet onions to create a complex and mouth-watering aroma and flavor that can be added to many dishes or just eaten straight up. See The Entire Recipe Here.

Camping Dinner Ideas

13. Sesame Chicken

• Packet of Riced Cauliflower
• Olive Oil
• Canned Chicken
• Salt & Pepper
• Sesame Marinade

Craving some takeout on the tails? Bring those takeout vibes right into the backcountry with this easy Sesame Chicken recipe. A sweet and savory mix of chicken, cauliflower, and a delicious sesame marinade make this an easy dinner that’s sure to satisfy no matter where you’re headed.

Click here for the full recipe.

14. Dutch Oven Pizza

• 1 Pizza Crust
• 1 Can Tomato Sauce
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
• 20 Slices of Pepperoni

The Dutch Oven is a great and effective place to cook a pizza. Take out your Pizza crust and place it in the bottom of your Dutch Oven. If you want to bring Pizza Dough, just let the Dough cook up for about 5 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients to give yourself a nice base on which to build.

Next, layer out your Tomato Sauce. Try not to use too much, a little bit goes a long way. You can substitute the tomato sauce for things like Buffalo Sauce, Barbecue Sauce, or Store bought Pizza Sauce.

Now Add the Cheddar Cheese. Spread it out so you have even coverage. I prefer to have my Pepperonis not too crispy so I like to add them next. Make sure they are flat and that you have even coverage. Now add the Mozzarella.

Put your Dutch Oven onto the coals. Now place the lid on the Oven and put five or six coals on top of the lid. This will cook the Pizza from both sides so it should only take about 10 minutes.

15. Bacon, Beef, and Bean Casserole

• ¾ Pound Bacon
• ¾ Pound Ground Beef
• 20 Ounces Canned Baked Beans
• ½ Cup Steak Sauce or Barbecue Sauce
• 1 Can of Biscuits

This tasty and filling Dinner is just perfect for cold evenings. Grill up the bacon in a skillet at medium heat. Once done, remove it from heat, drain, and chop. Now cook the Ground beef until it is just done. Add the chopped Bacon, Baked Beans, and Sauce to the skillet. Stir this until it becomes well mixed and comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and layer out the biscuits on top of the Meat and Bean mixture. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the biscuits are golden, brown, and delicious.

16. Camp Quesadillas

• Tortillas
• Cheese

The cheesy and filling Camp Quesadilla takes things to a whole new level when it's prepared at camp with friends. It doesn't get much simpler than a quesadilla: it's just cheese and tortillas. We can't think of any other meal that's so good, but involves only two ingredients. Prep work is a breeze, the components are all extremely portable (keeping cheese cool is easy to do), and the actual cooking doesn't require anything fancy or elaborate. Just fire up your Jetboil system, add the Pot Support and a Summit Skillet and you'll be eating in minutes. 

17. Bubble and Squeak

A great name and an even better meal! This British one-pot meal will leave you feeling full, warm, and just plain old happy. Get The Full Recipe Here.

18. Dehydrated Backpacking Meals

• Water
• Dehydrated Meal

If you get to camp late, or are ultralight backpacking, dehydrated backpacking meals are a quick way to make a delicious dinner that provides nutrition and energy for recovery. It's no secret that at Jetboil we're fans of just-add-water meals. Don't for a second think that these meals require sacrificing quality ingredients or taste, the quality of dehydrated meals has improved exponentially in recent years. We've even noticed that kids love to eat these at camp, even when fresh options are available. Maybe it's just better to eat your meal out of a bag.

Camping Snack Ideas

19. Protein Bars

Protein bars are a favorite choice for hikers, kayakers, runners, and anyone on outdoor adventures. With so many varieties to choose from, whether you prefer low-carb, all-natural, or high-calorie options, there’s something for every need. Top brands include Larabars, Clif Bars, Luna Bars, and Quest Bars. You can find them just about anywhere—sporting goods stores, grocery stores, online, and even at gas stations.

20. Tuna (or Chicken) Packets

Tuna packets are an excellent choice for camping and hiking, offering a lightweight, portable, and protein-rich meal. They’re easy to pack, require no refrigeration, and are quick to prepare. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, tuna packets provide a nutritious, filling option for most outdoor adventures.

21. S'mores

S'mores are a classic campfire treat loved by kids and adults alike. With simple prep—just graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—it's a fun, no-fuss snack. The perfect combination of sweet and gooey, s'mores offer a delicious, nostalgic taste that brings joy to any camping trip, especially for little campers.

22. Dark Chocolate-Covered Fruit

Dark chocolate-covered fruit is a tasty, energy-boosting snack for camping and hiking. The rich antioxidants in dark chocolate pair perfectly with the natural sweetness and hydration from fruit, providing a satisfying, nutrient-dense treat. Portable, easy to pack, and delicious, it's an ideal snack to fuel your next camping trip.

23. String Cheese

String cheese is a perfect snack for family camping trips due to its portability, mess-free nature, and long shelf life. Packed with protein and calcium, it’s a nutritious option for both kids and adults. Easy to pack, it’s ideal for quick, satisfying bites during your next camping or hiking trip.

24. No Bake Energy Bites

No-bake energy bites are perfect for camping and hiking trips because they’re easy to make, portable, and packed with energy-boosting ingredients. Full of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, they offer a quick, nutritious snack to keep you fueled on the go.

25. GORP - Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts

GORP (Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts) is a classic camping and hiking snack due to its simplicity, portability, and high energy content. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, it provides lasting fuel. Typical ingredients include peanuts, raisins, chocolate, and sometimes seeds or trail mix additions, making it customizable and nutritious.