10 Awesome No-Cooler Camp Meals
This page is all about inclusivity. Which means helping the most amount of people enjoy and thrive in the outdoors. When we first started out, we didn’t have the money or the means to buy a fancy cooler. And now that we have one, with three kiddos, cooler space is a premium.
That’s why I created this list of 10 awesome no-cooler camp meals. Just because you don’t have access to the latest gear or the best cooler or a whole bunch of space, doesn’t mean you can’t go camping. With simple ingredients that don’t need to be kept refrigerated, you can feed your family in the outdoors and create some lasting memories.
I’ve separated these into Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner—and threw in a few extras for desserts.
Bonus: these are some of our absolute favorite meals! I hope you enjoy these and gain some inspiration to get outdoors with what you have available!
Breakfast—
Pancakes and Bacon, with Fruit and Nuts
All you need for this meal is a pre-made pancake mix. Follow the package directions and just add water when you’re ready to cook them up! For the bacon, buy a precooked, vacuum sealed package (just be prepared to serve it all up, since after opening it will need to be kept cool). Add syrup, you favorite fruit (l like bananas or oranges but you could also use dried fruit) and nuts. It’s a delicious and comforting breakfast around the campfire.
2. Oatmeal with Milk, Brown Sugar, and Dried Fruit
I know you’re questioning the milk—but you can buy individual, boxed milk that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Look for it in the snack section of your grocery store near the juice boxes. Since you’ll be pouring it onto your hot oatmeal, it won’t matter taste-wise that it's not chilled. Cook up your oatmeal and pour on your milk, sugar, and fruit, and you’ve created a hearty breakfast that will fuel your day’s adventures.
3. Freeze Dried Biscuits and Gravy with English Muffins
There are some really great freeze-dried meals. And this Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy is one of them. I haven’t personally tested other brands, but I know there are several out there. These are lightweight and easy to pack—just add boiling water. If you’re feeling a little bit extra, you can toast up some English Muffins and add some bacon on the side.
Lunch—
4. BLT’s
Using that precooked bacon again, you can make a really beautiful sandwich. Warm it up, or not, and add it to some bread with lettuce, tomato and, my personal preference, avocado. I feel like Mayo is a must with a BLT, so I purchase small individual sized condiments. That way they don’t need any refrigeration and after I open the individual sized packet, there’s nothing left over to be refrigerated. You can purchase individual sized condiments from your local Cash & Carry, USA Chef’s Store, or Amazon.
5. Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is so easy to whip up with canned chicken (don’t knock it until you try it) and your individual sized Mayo. I love to shred my canned chicken with Mayo, and a little Mrs. Dash. You can add in dried cranberries or grapes, and sliced almonds if you’d like. Serve it on some whole grain bread or with crackers. (Tuna salad is a great alternative!)
6. Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana Sandwiches
It’s a classic for a reason. Easy to pack and easily devoured on the trail. This one is always worth bringing along for a simple but satisfying lunch.
Dinner—
7. Chili and Tortilla Chips
Chili, or really any canned soup, is a perfect camp meal. I love to bring chili because it’s easy to dress up with jalapeños and tortilla chips. But chicken noodle soup and ramen are also always on our list of camping meals—they’re easy and often have both protein and veggies ready to be served up hot in one delicious bowl.
8. Mexican Chicken and Rice Nachos or Tacos
This Alpine Aire freeze dried Al Pastor with Cilantro Lime Rice is another freeze-dried winner. You could add hot water and eat it as is—but to make this a delicious meal that could feed a family, we serve it on tortillas or with chips like nachos. Add a can of refried beans and you have a delicious and easy Mexican style dinner.
9. Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice with no refrigeration is actually easier than you might think. Instant rice is so easy to cook up and fries in some soy sauce and oil in no time. You can add canned chicken and canned veggies—you can customize it however you’d like! I love this satisfying meal that comes together quickly on the camp stove and is packed full of flavor.
10. Macaroni and Cheese with Vienna Sausages
Finally, an oldie but a goodie. Boxed Macaroni and Cheese is always a winner at our camp. We bring boxed milk and remember, butter doesn’t need to be refrigerated—just make sure to store it somewhere out of the sun and heat. Canned Vienna Sausages make a fun addition and bulk up the Mac and Cheese to make it into a full meal. Serve it with a roll and some fruit.
Desserts—
What’s camp without a gooey, decadent dessert that you only have once a year? Here are my bonus dessert ideas to round out your day of no-cooler camp meals:
Extra Special S’mores
Obviously, graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate are the classic s’more ingredients and they don’t need to be kept chilled. But what makes a s’more extra special? Just a few additions that will up your s’mores game! First, think about fruit—Bananas or canned cherries are a good place to start. Next, consider a spread—Peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut, or cookie butter. Switch up the chocolate—You could go for a dark chocolate or a peanut butter cup. And finally, get creative with your crunch—Chocolate dipped cookies can take your s’mores to a whole new level.
Banana Boats
Another favorite. Slice a banana down the middle lengthwise, leaving the skin on. Stuff it with marshmallows, chocolate, and whatever else your heart desires. Wrap it in foil, and place it on the fire coals until it gets melty and gooey. Perfect ending to a day outdoors.
Camp Fire Cones
Finally, we’re finishing our no-cooler meals with camp fire cones. This is a great dessert for families, because it’s almost like a s’more with a handle. Simply stuff the cones with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, peanut butter or whatever else you can imagine. Wrap it in foil and melt everything over the coals.
I hope you enjoy these simple camp meals and feel inspired to go camping—even if you don’t have a giant fancy cooler—or other gear! You can find a creative way to make what you already have work, and build some wonderful memories with your families.
Happy Adventuring!
