Planning a Camping Trip: Camping Menus

Camping has long been a way for families to bond together while saving money. With more and more families cutting back on vacation expenses, camping has seen a resurgence in popularity. Planning a family camping trip together can be a wonderful way to create memories with each other, but it takes thoughtful planning for the trip to be a stress-free vacation.

One of the most important aspects in planning a camping trip is preparing the camping menu. Camp food can make or break a camping trip. Most people have fond memories of cooking over an open fire, eating s'mores or roasting hot dogs. Clearly, camp food plays a big part in the camping experience.

Gathering Ideas for Camping Menus

There are many places to get ideas for a camping menu. Simply browse through a favorite family cookbook, and you'll discover there are many recipes that can easily be adapted while camping. The Internet is another excellent resource to help gather ideas for camp cooking. And finally, don forget to consult friends and other families members who regularly camp. They can give you plenty of ideas, and tell you what they like to do for food while camping. Think outside the box- hot dogs, chips, s'mores and pancakes have long been camping menu staples, but they are not the only options when it comes to eating in the outdoors.

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing camping recipes is your family's food preferences. Just because a certain recipe might be easy or appealing to try out doesn't mean it will be a good fit for your family. Take everyone's likes and dislikes in mind when selecting a camping menu.

Sample Camping Menus

Although many people will be able to come up with new adaptations for their favorite family recipes, some do not know where to start. Below is a sample camping menu for a three day, two night camping trip. Taylor this menu to meet your family's preferences, and you'll be well on your way to planning the perfect camping trip!

Day 1- Dinner- Pasta with canned sauce. Desert- S'mores

Day 2- Breakfast- Scrambled eggs with Sausage or Spinach and home-fries. Lunch- Trail mix, granola bars, fresh fruit, string cheese. Dinner- Hot Dogs or Hamburgers with baked beans and grilled vegetables. Desert- Hot chocolate

Day 3- Breakfast- Pancakes with fresh fruit. Lunch- Cold cut sandwiches, chips and baby carrots.

Essential Camp Kitchen Equipment

After planning out the menu and purchasing the food, you have to have some basic camp kitchen equipment in order to properly prepare the food. Below is a list of items needed for any camping excursion.

• Camp Stove- These can be purchased for relatively cheap at camping supply stores and discount retailers. If you have a small family, a one burner stove should be sufficient. However, if you will be cooking for a large group, consider buying at least a two burner stove to help speed up meal preparation. Remember to get the proper fuel for your stove as well.
• Camp Utensils- You will need a spatula and a ladle at the very least. Also make sure to have plenty of plastic knives, spoons and forks to cut back or eliminate dish washing.
• Tablecloth- Most picnic tables at campsites are tough to prepare food on without the aid of a tablecloth. Not only will it be easier to clean up with a wet wipe, but it's more sanitary (especially if camping in bear country).
• Measuring Cup- This is for basic recipes. Get one with markings on the side for different measurements.
• Cooler- Make sure to get one with at least a 5 day rating. These hold up the best and will keep your food nice and cool. Keep in mind that 20-30% of the cooler will be taken up by ice. Always make sure you have enough ice to keep your food cool to avoid spoilage.
• Cast Iron Skillet- Cast Iron holds up well to the rigors of camping, and it can be used either over a camp stove or over a campfire.
• Cast Iron Dutch Oven- Dutch ovens are perfect for camping and provide much variety by enabling one to cook an abundance of recipes.
• Paper Towels, Trash bags, Zip lock bags, Wet-Wipes- Always make sure to have an abundance of these items on hand. They are indispensable when it comes to camping!

Cooking Camping Meals

There are three basic options for cooking a camping meal. The most obvious is a camp stove. These are great for when the weather turns sour, and you're unable to make a fire. Many campgrounds often will not allow campfires due to the risk of forest fires, but they will provide a grill. This is another option for camp cooking, but make sure to have plenty of coal. A third option for camp cooking is using the campfire. This is classic way to prepare camp meals, and it can be a memorable experience for the whole family. If planning to cook over a fire, take into consideration things like adequate firewood and fire starter for the trip.

With proper planning, a camp meal can be a satisfying and memorable part of any camping trip. As you take more and more camping trips, your family will develop its own traditions when it comes to camp cooking, and planning the menu will get easier and easier.