When it comes to meal planning for car camping, delicious and easy-to-make meals can make your trip much easier and free up time for the other activities you have planned.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or doing the big lap, having the right recipes and cooking tips can make a world of difference to how well you enjoy your trip. Explore our top family-friendly meals and snacks perfect for car camping, along with essential tips on powering your fridge and using electric appliances.
Camp Cooking Tips
Plan ahead
Planning your meals can save time and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Pre-chop vegetables, marinate meats and pack snacks in resealable bags. Fill up tanks of water to bring with you for cooking and drinking if there is no fresh water available at your destination. Check how much water you need to bring camping in Australia.
Keep it simple
Choose recipes that require minimal ingredients and cooking steps. One-pot meals, foil packet dinners, and easy-to-assemble snacks are ideal for car camping to save you a big job washing up.
Stay organised
Use clear, labelled containers to store ingredients in your esky or camp fridge. Powering a fridge will make organisation on the road easier and maintain food freshness for longer. Put things back in the right place after you have taken them out and stick to your systems.
Camping breakfasts
1. Pancake mix and fresh fruit
Prepare a homemade pancake mix before your trip. Add fresh fruit like blueberries or bananas for breakfast.
2. Breakfast burritos
Wraps are a versatile ingredient to bring along and don’t take up much space. Fill wraps with scrambled eggs, cheese, and pre-cooked sausage or bacon. Wrap in foil and heat on a camp stove or over the fire.
3. Overnight oats
Mix oats, milk, and your favourite toppings in a jar or family-size container. Let it sit overnight in your fridge, and you'll have a quick and nutritious breakfast ready in the morning.
Camping dinners
4. Foil packet meals
Combine protein (chicken, fish, or beef), vegetables, and seasoning in aluminium foil packets. Cook over the campfire or on a portable grill for an easy, no-fuss meal.
5. One-pot pasta
Cook pasta with vegetables and your choice of protein in a single pot. Add sauce and let it simmer for a hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.
6. Grilled kebabs
Skewer pieces of meat and vegetables. Grill over an open flame or on a portable grill for a fun and easy dinner.
Camping snack ideas
- Trail mix
- Fresh veggies and hummus/dip
- Cheese and crackers
- Fruit
- Muesli bars
Power off-grid: 12V and 240V
The best thing for keeping your food fresh and beer cold while camping is a portable fridge that can be powered using your car's 12V outlet. A 12V fridge will enable you to camp for an extended period without worrying about food wastage or running out.
Inverters for 240V appliances
An inverter allows you to use 240V appliances on the go, such as an electric kettle or cooktop. Choose an inverter with sufficient wattage to power your appliances safely.
Using electric appliances while camping
Electric kettle
Once the novelty of boiling water over the campfire wears off, an electric kettle will be your best friend for boiling water quickly for coffee, tea, or instant meals, like 2-minute noodles.
Portable electric cooktop
Handy for when you don’t want to start a fire, a portable cooktop provides a reliable cooking surface. Look for energy-efficient models that work well with your power setup.
Electric fry pan
An electric fry pan is versatile for cooking various meals, from breakfast pancakes to dinner stir-fries.
Camp cooking tips
Use multi-purpose tools
Bring kitchen tools that can serve multiple functions to save space and reduce clutter. A good quality knife, a cutting board, a cast-iron skillet, and a multi-tool can cover most of your cooking needs. Don’t forget washing up supplies.
Practice fire safety
If you're cooking over a campfire, ensure you do so safely. Read up on camping and caravan fire safety, always fully extinguish the fire when you're done cooking and be diligent to keep children 1m away from the fire.
Manage waste properly
Bring reusable containers and utensils to minimise waste. Pack bin bags and separate waste into recyclables and non-recyclables. Leave your campsite as you found it to preserve nature for future campers.
Powering off-grid adventures
Try these recipes and tips on your next off-grid adventure! For more camping inspiration and gear recommendations, visit the power of REDARC blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home kitchen appliances for car camping?
Yes, you can use a portable fridge powered by your car's 12V outlet or a 240V source with an inverter. A dual battery system will ensure you won’t run your vehicle battery dead.
What are some easy camping snacks?
Trail mix, fruit, muesli bars, sandwiches and cheese sticks are convenient and tasty snacks for camping that will keep the whole family well-fed and happy.
How do I keep my food fresh while camping?
Consider using separate eskies for food and drinks so the food esky won't constantly be opened for drinks. For longer trips, using block ice and pre-freezing meals and items like meat you plan to eat later in the trip will allow the food to be kept longer and help keep the esky cool as the ice melts. If you are planning on a longer stay, a portable 12v fridge will be worth your while, meaning you can bring more and camp as long as you like.
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