Did you know that over 77 million Americans go camping every year?
Lots of people love the idea of camping, but there are plenty of aspects about it that discourage people from ever trying. One of the most challenging parts of camping is figuring out how to feed yourself with high-quality meals.
Do you need help figuring out how to cook while camping? Keep reading for 5 tips that can help you eat like royalty no matter where you go.
- Create an Easy Menu
Cooking on a camping trip doesn’t have to consist of hotdogs and canned beans. While it’s fairly simple to create decadent dishes in the great outdoors, you have to be creative and know your limitations. This is why browsing for recipes that are specifically designed for camping can help you plan the perfect menu.
- Make a Packing Checklist
When you’re cooking outdoors with no other people or stores nearby, there’s nothing worse than realizing you can’t finish your meal without a specific ingredient or tool. As tedious as it may be, sitting down to brainstorm everything you could possibly need during your trip can save you from this disaster. For example, if you’re bringing canned goods, you can’t afford to forget a can opener.
One of the most important multi-use camping tools is a knife. You can read more about the best options on the market for your trip.
- Meal Prep as Much as Possible
If you’re afraid of cooking while camping, it’s possible to prep all of your meals in advance so all you’ll have to do is roast it or reheat it. People who don’t have time to prepare entire meals can still benefit from doing some prep work like chopping up veggies or slicing meat into more manageable pieces.
- Be Savvy With Your Cooler
Packing a cooler is perhaps the most intimidating part of camp cooking. Your cooler is your lifeline, so it’s understandable why you may have anxiety about any of your food going to waste.
Instead of wasting valuable cooler space with ice, you should freeze some water bottles and meat so they can keep the rest of your food chilled and be useful later. While you pack, try to keep temperature-sensitive foods like refrigerated meat and pre-cooked grains closer to the bottom so you can have peace of mind that your food won’t spoil.
- Always Have Extra Food on Hand
Even people who have tons of experience with campfire cooking know that accidents can happen anytime. Whether you scorch your food in the fire or your meat doesn’t survive long enough in your cooler, there’s always a possibility that your meal won’t go according to plan. This is why it’s essential to have backup food so you don’t have to starve.
Some great shelf-stable camping foods that can give you plenty of energy include jerky, peanut butter, trail mix, and whole-grain crackers.
Now You Know How to Cook While Camping
If you follow these key tips on how to cook while camping, you can enjoy the great outdoors without having to sacrifice during mealtimes.
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