There’s nothing quite like kicking back around the campfire, but planning your meals ahead of time? That’s the true blue way to make sure your camping trip is top-notch. With these make-ahead camp meals, you can save time, reduce stress, and spend more moments soaking up the bush. From brekkie burritos to BBQ pulled pork, these 16 ripper recipes will keep your belly full and your campfire cooking as easy as pie.

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1. Pre-made Breakfast Burritos

Start your day with a hearty brekkie that’s packed with flavour and energy. These breakfast burritos are perfect for those chilly mornings when you want something warm and filling.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Scrambled eggs
• Cooked bacon or sausage
• Grated cheese
• Capsicums
• Salsa

Instructions:

1. Lay out your tortillas and fill each with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, salsa, and capsicum.
2. Roll them up tightly, wrap in foil, and freeze.
3. When you’re at camp, heat them up over the campfire or on a portable stove for a quick, satisfying brekkie.

2. Marinated Chicken Skewers

Tasty marinated chicken skewers that are easy to prep at home and cook over the campfire for a delish dinner under the stars.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast pieces
• Vegetables (capsicum, onions, zucchini)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken pieces overnight in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and capsicum.
2. Thread the chicken and veggies onto skewers, then freeze them in a zip-lock bag.
3. Grill them over the fire at camp until the chicken is cooked and the veggies are tender.

3. Pasta Salad

A refreshing and easy pasta salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish to your campfire dinners.

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Black olives, sliced
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and let it cool completely.
2. Mix in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Store in an airtight container in the cooler.

4. Pre-made Foil Packet Dinners

Versatile and easy, foil packet dinners are the ultimate campfire meal. Prep them ahead of time and cook over the fire for a no-mess feast.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast or fish fillets
• Sliced vegetables (potatoes, carrots, capsicums, onions)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place a chicken breast or fish fillet on a large piece of foil.
2. Add your sliced veggies and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
4. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze.
5. Cook the packets over the campfire or on a portable stove until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Double up on foil: when making foil packet meals, use an extra layer of heavy-duty foil. This helps prevent any leaks or burning, ensuring your food cooks evenly.

5. Overnight Oats

Simple, nutritious, and easy to prep, overnight oats are a brilliant brekkie option for early mornings in the bush.

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats
• Milk or dairy-free alternative
• Yoghurt
• Honey or maple syrup
• Fresh fruit (berries, bananas)
• Nuts or seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a jar or container, mix rolled oats with milk and yoghurt.
2. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste.
3. Top with fresh fruit and nuts or seeds if using.
4. Store in the cooler overnight and enjoy first thing in the morning.

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6. Pre-made BBQ Meatballs

These juicy BBQ meatballs are a crowd-pleaser and can be prepped ahead for an easy meal at the campsite.

Ingredients:

• Minced beef
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• BBQ sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Mix the minced beef with bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and bake until cooked through.
3. Coat the meatballs in BBQ sauce and freeze.
4. At camp, reheat the meatballs in a foil packet or pan.

Top tip: when freezing pre-made meals, lay them flat in freezer bags. This not only saves space in your cooler but also ensures they thaw more evenly, it also helps keep everything in your cooler cold!

7. Pre-made Veggie Pasta Bake

This comforting veggie pasta bake can be prepped ahead and reheated for a warm, cheesy meal in the bush.

Ingredients:

• Cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
• Marinara sauce
• Diced vegetables (zucchini, capsicum, mushrooms)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce and diced veggies.
2. Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
3. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Cool, cover, and freeze.
5. At camp, reheat in a foil packet or portable oven.

8. Cold Cut Wraps

Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying, these cold cut wraps are perfect for a fuss-free lunch on the go. They’re fresh, filling, and can be prepped ahead of time, making them ideal for your next camping trip.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Sliced deli meats (turkey, ham, roast beef)
• Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or your favourite)
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Mustard and mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface.
2. Layer the sliced deli meats and cheese slices on each tortilla.
3. Add lettuce leaves and tomato slices on top of the meats and cheese.
4. If you like, spread a thin layer of mustard and mayonnaise on the inside of the tortilla.
5. Roll up each tortilla tightly, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
6. Wrap each prepared wrap in foil or plastic wrap and store in the cooler until ready to eat.

9. Veggie and Hummus Wraps

Fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavour, these veggie and hummus wraps are a great light lunch option. They’re quick to make, full of nutritious goodness, and perfect for those hot summer days out in the bush.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas
• Hummus (classic or flavoured)
• Sliced cucumbers
• Grated carrots
• Sliced capsicum
• Spinach leaves
• Avocado slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread a generous layer of hummus over each tortilla.
2. Arrange the sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, bell peppers, and spinach leaves evenly on top.
3. Add avocado slices if using, for an extra creamy texture.
4. Roll up each tortilla tightly, making sure all the veggies are tucked in securely.
5. Wrap the finished wraps in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the cooler until you’re ready to eat.

Top tip: when making foil packet meals, use an extra layer of heavy-duty foil. This helps prevent any leaks or burning, ensuring your food cooks evenly.

10. No-Cook Chia Pudding

When you’re out in the Aussie bush, starting your day with something quick, easy, and nutritious is key. This no-cook chia pudding ticks all those boxes. It’s packed with energy, flavour, and can be made ahead of time so you can enjoy a hassle-free breakfast or dessert under the stars.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• Fresh fruit (like mango or berries) for topping
• Optional: a handful of nuts or seeds for extra crunch

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or large jar, mix the chia seeds with coconut milk until well combined.
2. Stir in the honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
3. Cover and let it sit in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken.
4. Before serving, give it a good stir and top with fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds for added flavour and texture.

Camping Tip: Pack your chia pudding in small, airtight containers so you can grab them easily from the cooler when you’re ready to eat. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast before heading out for a hike or as a refreshing treat after a day of exploring.

11. Cold Pasta Pesto Salad

This Cold Pasta Pesto Salad is a flavour-packed, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner while camping. It’s light, refreshing, and full of vibrant colours and flavours that scream summer in the Aussie bush.

Ingredients:

• 300g pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with pesto sauce until well coated.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and torn basil leaves. Mix gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Store in an airtight container in your cooler and enjoy it chilled when you’re ready for a fresh and tasty meal.

12. Pre-made Cheese and Crackers

Sometimes, the simplest snacks are the most satisfying. Pre-made Cheese and Crackers are an easy, no-cook option that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re relaxing by the campfire or need a quick bite during a hike, this classic combo never disappoints.

Ingredients:

• Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
• Your favourite crackers
• A handful of grapes
• A handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)

Instructions:

1. Slice the cheeses into bite-sized pieces and pack them in an airtight container.
2. Pair with your favourite crackers and add a side of grapes and nuts for a balanced snack.
3. Store everything in your cooler, ready to grab whenever you need a quick and satisfying snack.

13. Trail Mix

Trail mix is the ultimate camping snack—lightweight, energy-boosting, and easy to pack. This mix of nuts, dried fruits, and a bit of chocolate is perfect for munching on the go, whether you’re hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
• 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, and sunflower seeds.
2. Mix well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
3. Portion the trail mix into small bags or containers for easy access during your camping trip.
4. Store in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to hit the trail.

14. Pre-made Energy Balls

Packed with oats, peanut butter, and a touch of chocolate, these energy balls are the perfect bite-sized snack to keep you fueled during your camping adventures. Easy to make and no baking required, they’re a healthy treat that you can prepare ahead and enjoy on the go.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, dark chocolate chips, and chia seeds.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls.
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Store the energy balls in an airtight container and keep them in the cooler during your camping trip.

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