25 Of The Best Backyard Camping Meals

Backyard camping meals offer an exciting and convenient way to enjoy the great outdoors without venturing too far from home. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity or a romantic evening under the stars, backyard camping meals provide the perfect solution. 

With some creativity and preparation, you can transform your outdoor space into a cozy campground and indulge in delicious meals cooked over an open flame.

Preparing backyard camping meals doesn't have to be complicated. You can quickly cook delicious meals with the right equipment, such as a portable grill or fire pit. Make sure to stock up on essential supplies like charcoal, lighter fluid, and cooking utensils to ensure a smooth cooking process. You can also make the meals in the house and bring them outside to enjoy.

From classic campfire favorites to innovative twists on traditional recipes, there is an endless array of options for satisfying your taste buds while embracing the tranquility of the great outdoors. So grab your cooking utensils, and let's explore the world of backyard camping meals together!

What are good meals for backyard camping?

When it comes to good meals for camping in the backyard, the options are endless. Here is a list of delicious and easy-to-make meals that are perfect for your camping adventures:

Chili Dogs

Delicious and comforting, chili dogs are a classic camping meal. Grilled sausages topped with flavorful chili and all your favorite toppings. A crowd-pleasing choice for outdoor dining. The combination of smoky grilled meat, savory chili, and the satisfying crunch of toppings creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors. 

One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot pasta is a convenient and satisfying dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. It's the perfect option for a quick camping meal with uncooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauce simmering together in one pot. Whether you prefer a creamy mushroom pesto or a classic tomato-based sauce, there are endless variations to suit your taste. 

Campfire Chicken Tacos

Campfire chicken tacos are a delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, warm tortillas, and flavorful toppings, creating a fiesta in every bite. Perfect for outdoor gatherings and camping adventures.

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a hearty and portable morning meal filled with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, melted cheese, and your choice of veggies—a delicious way to start your day while camping or on the go. Roll everything up in a tortilla for a hearty breakfast on the go.

Campfire Pizza

Campfire pizza is a symphony of flavors crafted under the stars. Savor the smoky crust, melty cheese, and tantalizing toppings, forging unforgettable memories around the crackling campfire. Cooked over an open flame or on a grill. Each bite is a delightful combination of savory, cheesy goodness that makes camping even more enjoyable.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of grilled shrimp skewers. Succulent shrimp, marinated in a blend of spices, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. A taste of seafood paradise! Marinate shrimp in your favorite seasonings, skewer them, and grill them over the fire for a flavorful seafood dinner. 

Campfire Stew

Campfire stew is a rustic blend of meats, veggies, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked over an open flame for a soul-warming camping feast. Combine meat, vegetables, and broth in a Dutch oven and let it simmer over the fire for a comforting and filling stew.

Grilled Veggie Quesadillas

Grilled veggie quesadillas are a delightful fusion of char-grilled vegetables and melted cheese encased in crispy golden-brown tortillas. These grilled veggies are layered between tortillas and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. With each bite, you'll experience the delicious blend of grilled vegetables, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas, making for a delightful campfire feast.

Campfire Nachos

Campfire nachos are a popular outdoor and camping dish that's both easy to prepare and delicious. They consist of tortilla chips layered with flavorful ingredients like hot tomato sauce, shredded cheese, black olives, green onions, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans.

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms Burgers

Grilled portobello mushroom burgers are a mouthwatering vegetarian option that satisfies even the most discerning palates. These hearty burgers feature marinated, grilled portobello mushrooms as the main attraction, complemented by a variety of toppings like fresh greens, tomatoes, cheese, and flavorful sauces

Campfire Mac and Cheese

Campfire mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist. Made by mixing cooked macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce, it's then cooked in a cast-iron skillet over an open fire, giving it a deliciously charred and slightly smoky flavor. A must-try for any outdoor cooking enthusiast!

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a camping delight that brings out the natural sweetness of fresh corn. The corn is grilled to perfection, giving it a slightly smoky and charred flavor. With a touch of butter and seasoning, it's a simple and delicious side dish for any outdoor gathering or backyard barbecue.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches are pure comfort in every bite. The golden, buttery crust holds together gooey melted cheese that oozes out with each delightful bite. Whether you prefer classic cheddar or a fancy blend, the magic happens when the cheese meets the heat, creating a heavenly combination of crispness and cheesy indulgence. A classic that's easy to make over a campfire.

Campfire Baked Apples

Campfire baked apples make for a delightful backyard camping meal that combines the rustic charm of campfire cooking with the sweetness of baked apples. Hollowed-out apples are filled with a delectable mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and oats, then wrapped in foil and cooked over the fire. The result is a warm and comforting dessert that captures the essence of outdoor dining.

Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is the perfect centerpiece for a delightful backyard camping meal, bringing together the joys of outdoor cooking and the tantalizing flavors of fresh fish. With each bite, you experience the smoky char from the grill, complementing the delicate and flaky texture of the fish. Seasoned with herbs, spices, and a squeeze of lemon, it's a satisfying and wholesome dish that captures the essence of outdoor dining.

Grilled Sausages

Grilled sausages sizzle on the open flames, filling the air with their irresistible aroma, as the crackling sounds of the fire create a symphony of anticipation. Whether it's juicy bratwurst or spicy chorizo, the smoky char adds a tantalizing depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the snap of each bite. Enjoyed amidst nature, these grilled sausages transform any backyard camping experience into a mouthwatering adventure.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are the epitome of barbecue bliss. Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is carefully shredded and mixed with a smoky and tangy barbecue sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with every bite.

Piled high on a soft bun, these sandwiches are a delicious combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Make the pulled pork at home, then reheat and serve on buns.

Foil-wrapped potatoes

Foil-wrapped potatoes are a delightful addition to any backyard camping meal. Russet or sweet potatoes are wrapped in foil along with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkling of salt and pepper, and any desired seasonings. 

Cooked directly in the campfire's embers or on the grill, these potatoes emerge with a crispy skin and a tender, fluffy interior. They make for a versatile and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables.

Grilled Banana Boats

Grilled banana boats are a delightful campfire dessert. Whole bananas are slit open and stuffed with sweet fillings like chocolate chips and marshmallows. Wrapped in foil and placed on the grill, the heat gently caramelizes the bananas and melts the fillings, creating a gooey, delicious concoction that's perfect for enjoying under the stars.

S’mores

S'mores are the quintessential backyard camping treat. Imagine roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire until they're perfectly golden, then sandwiching them between crisp graham crackers with a piece of rich chocolate.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch, followed by the gooey sweetness of the marshmallow and the melting chocolate. It's a timeless tradition that turns any backyard campout into an unforgettable event.

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a timeless crowd-pleaser. Imagine bite-sized sausages or hot dogs enveloped in a buttery, flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection. Each piece offers a delightful crunch from the pastry, followed by the savory juiciness of the sausage within. They're an irresistible combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any gathering or simply as a comforting snack.

Dutch Oven Apple Pie

Dutch oven apple pie is a camping game-changer. It is a delightful spin on the traditional apple pie. It brings together the rustic charm of outdoor cooking with the comforting familiarity of home-baked goods. Imagine a pie filled to the brim with tender, spiced apples and encased in a buttery, flaky crust. It's not just a pie; it's an adventure in every bite, bringing a touch of luxury to your backyard camping experience.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

No-bake peanut butter cookies are a sweet, satisfying treat that requires no time in the oven. It is a cookie made with creamy peanut butter, sweet honey or sugar, and wholesome oats combined to make a soft, chewy delight.

The best part? They can be ready in minutes, perfect for when you need a quick snack or dessert. They can be easily customized with add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit. It's an easy, versatile recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes

Pineapple upside-down cake is a feast for the senses. Picture a soft, vanilla-infused cake crowned with caramel-glazed pineapple rings and glistening cherries. It's baked upside-down, then flipped to reveal its stunning fruit topping. The result is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavours that promises to make every bite a delightful experience.

Grilled Blueberry Cobbler

Experience the rustic charm of a grilled blueberry cobbler. Picture the sizzle of fresh, juicy blueberries on the grill, their sweetness enhanced by the heat. They're topped with a buttery biscuit dough, which crisps up to golden perfection. This dessert not only tantalizes your taste buds but also turns an ordinary barbecue into a gourmet feast.