Cooking while solo camping doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can prepare tasty and satisfying meals over a campfire. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a filling dinner, or a sweet treat to end the day, these solo-friendly campfire recipes will keep you well-fed on your adventure.
1. Campfire Breakfast Scramble
A protein-packed, easy-to-make breakfast that will give you energy for the day ahead.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- ½ cup chopped veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or whatever you have)
- 1 small sausage or a few strips of bacon (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a small pan or cast-iron skillet over your campfire.
- Add butter or oil, then cook the sausage or bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the chopped veggies in the same pan until softened.
- Beat the eggs and pour them into the pan, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese and cooked sausage/bacon, mixing everything together.
- Cook until eggs are fully scrambled, then season with salt and pepper.
This breakfast scramble is filling, delicious, and easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have.
2. Foil Packet Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies
An all-in-one meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 small chicken breast (or 1 boneless thigh)
- ½ cup chopped potatoes
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, or green beans)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Cut a large piece of aluminum foil and place the chicken breast in the center.
- Add the chopped potatoes and vegetables around the chicken.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the foil over the ingredients and seal the edges tightly.
- Place the packet on hot campfire coals and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Carefully open the foil (watch out for steam) and enjoy a juicy, flavorful meal.
Foil packet meals are great because they keep food moist, require no dishes, and can be customized with different meats and veggies.
3. Campfire Grilled Cheese with a Twist
A comforting classic made even better with a few simple upgrades.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp cooked bacon bits or sliced ham (optional)
- 2 slices of tomato (optional)
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place a slice of bread, butter-side down, on a pan or cast-iron skillet over the campfire.
- Add cheese, bacon or ham, and tomato slices.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a minute before eating—it’ll be hot and gooey inside!
This sandwich is easy to make, filling, and perfect for a solo camper looking for comfort food.
4. One-Pot Campfire Chili
A warm and hearty meal, perfect for chilly nights by the fire.
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef or turkey
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup corn (optional)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a small pot over the campfire and brown the ground meat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices.
- Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.
This one-pot chili is simple, hearty, and makes great leftovers if you have a way to store them.
5. Campfire Banana Boat Dessert
A quick and easy sweet treat to end the night.
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp mini marshmallows
- 1 tbsp crushed nuts (optional)
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Cut a slit down the length of the banana, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the opening with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts.
- Wrap the banana in aluminum foil.
- Place it on the campfire coals and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted.
- Carefully unwrap and enjoy with a spoon!
This dessert is effortless, requires no dishes, and is the perfect way to treat yourself after a long day outdoors.