Planning a camping trip with a crowd? These easy camping meals for large groups will make meal times a breeze.
Are you planning a camping trip with a large group of people? Nothing beats camping with your closest friends and family.
Yet, no matter how scenic your destination is, a camping trip is never complete without good food.
We’ve got you covered! From breakfast camping meals to dinner ideas, we’ve compiled a list of 37 easy recipes that will feed your entire group.
Plus, we’ve included some tips on cooking for a crowd and what camp kitchen equipment you’ll need.
You’re sure to find something everyone in your group will love with this impressive list of camping recipes.
And the best part is, all these recipes are easy to follow, and you can make them right on the campsite.
So get ready to eat like kings and queens – without ever having to leave the campground!
Easy Camping Meals For Large Groups | Camping Recipes To Feed A Crowd
You can prepare stress-free and delicious meals on the go by following these camping recipes for a crowd. They need minimal effort to prepare, giving you more time for fun and relaxation. Read our full list of recipes below to build the perfect camping menu for your group.
Camping Breakfast Meals For Big Groups
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you’ve got a full day of fun and adventure ahead of you. Low maintenance and easy meals are ideal in the morning, so you can move on with your day as soon as possible.
Kickstart your morning with these simple and scrumptious RV meals for a crowd.
Skillet Camping Breakfast Hash
We’re starting strong with skillet hash, which perfectly embodies what a camping trip meal should be.
This recipe only has seven ingredients, most of which are kitchen essentials you’re likely to have on hand. It’s simple to prepare but delicious all the same, which is ideal when feeding big groups.
Maple and Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a foolproof meal for every camping trip. They’re great for breakfast when everyone is either too busy getting ready for the day or still feeling groggy after waking up.
They’re quick and fun to prepare since you can pretty much add anything you want for the toppings.
French Toast Foil Packet
French toast has always been a classic breakfast food. However, this recipe puts a fun twist on the traditional French toast recipe by cooking it on a barbecue.
This cooking method fits the theme of your trip. Plus, it makes preparing for large groups easier and more convenient since you can make these packets in large batches.
Nutella Pancakes
Nutella is arguably good with all breakfast food and even on its own. Combine it with pancakes, and you’ve got a yummy and hassle-free breakfast dish.
You can never go wrong with this, and kids will love it, too. Start your day by satisfying your family’s sweet tooth first thing in the morning.
Easy Frittata Recipe
Frittatas are the perfect breakfast dish on the go. This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re in a hurry or running late on your plans for the day.
Eggs are a staple in many breakfast meals. However, these frittatas add a creative and fun twist to such a simple ingredient.
Camping Lunches for Crowds
A filling and energizing meal at lunch will keep everyone satisfied throughout the day. Use these RV meals for a crowd to keep everyone happy and full during your camping trip.
Campfire Nachos
These campfire nachos really capture what true campfire meals should be like, with their simple ingredients and easy prep. In fact, this recipe is one of the quickest and most convenient meals on this list.
Cooking something on a campfire makes the experience feel more authentic when you're on a camping trip. These nachos are no exception.
Lemony Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Are you planning on hosting a summer barbecue during your trip? Don’t miss out on this recipe for lemony chicken souvlaki.
This dish’s rich and flavorful taste is hard to pass up, especially if you pair it with its signature tzatziki sauce. Most importantly, it only takes around half an hour to prepare.
Vegan Pad Thai
This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a filling meal to keep everyone alert and energetic. It’s especially convenient if you have any vegans in your group.
Noodles, in general, are one of the most convenient and filling options for meals for a crowd. Add in some of your favorite vegetables for flavor, texture, and nutrition to make it even better.
One Pot Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese will always be a classic dish you can enjoy on busy or lazy days. This makes it a great meal option for campers in large groups.
Mac and cheese can be made in large batches, ensuring everyone in your group can get a delicious meal without waiting too long.
One Pot Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
Like the vegan pad thai, this one-pot shrimp pasta will seem much more complex and impressive to your group than it actually is.
Although its long list of ingredients looks daunting, the beautiful blend of flavors is well worth it. The simple prep for this dish is enough to deliver a yummy and nutritious meal for all of your campers.
Easy Campfire Walking Taco Recipe
Whoever thought of using a bag of chips to create a walking taco is a modern-day genius.
While eating this can get a little messy, the cooking and clean-up processes are quick and easy for this dish, and the convenience is hard to beat.
Mexican Street Corn (Torchy's Copycat)
While we’ve included a good amount of Mexican recipes in this list, this recipe for Mexican sweet corn takes the cake.
This recipe recreates Torchy’s Tacos' famous Mexican Street Corn. It can serve as a side dish during your lunchtime or a good snack between meals. Either way, it’s a solid addition to your menu.
Mediterranean Cobb Salad
When people think of lunch during a camping trip, it’s mostly barbecue and campfire meals that come to mind. You can add a healthy twist to your menu by making this Mediterranean cobb salad.
This recipe offers a wide array of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and more. Don’t be deceived by how healthy it looks; chances are, people will come running back for seconds.
Camping Dinners for a Crowd
After everything you’ve done throughout the day, everyone is bound to be starving in the evening.
Dinner may just be the most satisfying part of the day, and you can set the perfect camping mood with campfire and barbecue dinners.
Here are some great camping dinner recipes for large parties for you to try out.
The Best Juicy Burger Recipe on the Stove Top or Grill
Burgers are a known favorite among all campfire trips and barbecue parties, and for good reason.
A good burger after a long day of physical activity and exploration is the perfect way to end your night. You won’t want to miss out on these juicy burgers.
Campfire Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Bacon and hotdogs are arguably two of the most popular and well-loved options for quick and simple meals. Put both of them together, and you may just get the dish of your dreams.
Camping trip or not, these bacon-wrapped hotdogs are guaranteed to be the star of your next barbeque.
Easy Outdoor Cast Iron Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Who knew that mixing everyday kitchen staples could create such an appetizing dish?
The ingredients for this cast iron sausage and peppers skillet are easy to pack, and they last pretty long compared to other ingredients. This makes this dish easy to pack, prepare, and enjoy for your next camping dinner.
Kielbasa and Vegetable Foil Packets
When you’re looking for an easy camping meal for a crowd, foil packet recipes are always going to be great options. They’re quick to prep, cook, and clean up.
This recipe is delicious, flavorful, and not too complicated. That’s exactly what every camping trip dinner for a crowd should be. This is a recipe you need to try at least once.
Orzo Pasta with Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts (One-Pot)
Pasta may not be a common option for camping trip meals, but it won’t hurt to try something new.
Try this orzo pasta recipe; it offers short-cut noodles, veggies, and chicken sausage submerged in a rich, flavorful sauce. Just the smell alone will be enough to make your campers’ mouths water.
Pie Iron Pizza Calzone
Pizzas are a blessing to your camping menu because of their versatility. Just dropping a different set of toppings on the crust every night can guarantee that you’ll never grow tired of it.
This pie iron pizza calzone is one recipe that will have you wanting seconds or thirds, even after your trip is over.
One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This is another awesome pasta dish. This one is perfect if you prefer a creamy sauce over the common marinara base that most pasta dishes use.
The creaminess of this sauce compliments the chicken nicely. Both filling and addicting, this pesto chicken pasta could make a solid dish for your next camping trip.
Pulled Pork Po'Boy Sandwiches
These pulled pork po’boy sandwiches can get a little messy, but that’s because they’re overflowing with the most delectable ingredients.
The tenderness of the meat, the flavor of the sauce, and the added crunch from your chips on the side all work together perfectly.
Two Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
When you’re running low on storage space, seeing only two ingredients in a recipe may seem like a miracle.
This recipe only includes two ingredients but still manages to create a mouthwatering meal. With tender meat and crispy, charred skin, you’ll find yourself wanting more right from the first bite.
Italian Antipasto Salad
This salad is essentially an Italian sub without the bread. If your group is trying to cut down on carbs but still wants a filling meal, then this antipasto salad is absolutely perfect for your camping menu.
You can even switch it up by adding your favorite ingredients.
Smoky Skillet BBQ Baked Beans
Baked beans are an easy meal to whip up since all you need to do is saute everything in a skillet and then bake. However, its simplicity only adds to its charm, especially as a camping trip meal.
Your campers can eat these beans on their own or plop a hefty scoop on the side of some succulent barbeque chicken.
Pineapple Pork Tenderloin
Pineapples in savory dishes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you need to try this recipe at least once.
The sweetness of the pineapple and teriyaki sauce complement the charred flavor of the tenderloin. You need to show this off at your next camping trip dinner.
Easy Desserts Ideas for Large Groups
You can’t forget about dessert. After all those delicious and savory dishes, you need some sweetness to cleanse your palate. Try out these delectable desserts to end your night on a high note.
Most of them are no-bake and straightforward to prepare, which is ideal for camping in large groups.
Campfire Apple Pie Packets
No oven? No problem. These apple pie packets can easily be made on your grill or even over your campfire.
With a little bit of creativity and a little bit of foil, you can enjoy your favorite apple pie anytime and anywhere. Plop a scoop of ice cream on top and enjoy your dessert.
Skillet Apple Crisp
Do you have a craving for some crisp after a nice meal? This skillet apple crisp is the perfect dish to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The crispy texture is glazed with the perfect amount of sweetness for dessert. Peeling the apples can take some time, but other than that, it is incredibly simple to prepare.
Campfire Banana Boats
This recipe doubles as a yummy dessert dish and a fun activity for kids.
If your kids are feeling a little bored, these campfire banana boats are here to save the day. Get creative by adding your toppings to make fun designs. Once the youngsters are done, take a few pics, serve, and enjoy.
Banana S'mores - perfect camping dessert!
These are kind of similar to the last dessert, but they’re cooked differently. For this version, you’ll be grilling the bananas or cooking them over a campfire instead of baking them.
Enjoy the toasted and chocolatey goodness of your campfire banana s’mores. Just be careful not to burn your tongue.
Campfire Dutch Oven Peach Crisp with Almonds
Still craving crisp, but trying to avoid repeating desserts? Try this peach almond crisp.
This recipe is perfect if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth but aren’t in the mood for anything artificially flavored. If peaches are in season during your trip, then you need to try making this dessert.
Cast Iron Orange Olive Oil Upside Down Cake
If your RV doesn’t have an oven, then you should try this recipe. This orange olive oil upside-down cake can easily be made on your grill.
Refresh your taste buds after a big barbecue dinner by trying this recipe. Its citrusy, zesty flavor makes the perfect follow-up for a savory dinner.
Easy Camping Snacks for Large Groups
Since snacks maintain your energy, they’re just as important as all your other meals.
Check out these easy snack recipes so you can take a quick but yummy bite between activities. Most of them only take a few minutes to make, so you won’t have to worry about taking too long to prepare.
Energy Boosting Trail Mix
Trail mixes are lightweight and easy to carry around. If you get hungry in the middle of your hike, then you can whip these out for a quick snack.
This recipe includes raw nuts, seeds, dried cherries, and chocolate.
However, you can switch things up by adding more ingredients. It’s a great energy booster between activities.
DIY No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars
Since this is a no-bake recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy it even if your RV doesn’t have an oven.
Granola bars are one of the most convenient snacks for when you get hungry between meals. They also make a good breakfast option if you’re running late in the morning.
Peanut Butter Date Energy Balls
These little balls of nutty goodness provide a much-needed energy boost if you find yourself feeling a bit sluggish during your trip.
Pass them around the group and share them during a small break. They’re delicious, and they’ll keep everyone from getting hangry while waiting for their next meal.
Guacamole
You can’t go wrong with some guacamole for a small snack break. The preparation is effortless; all you need to do is mash up your avocados and mix them with your other ingredients.
The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to prepare. Pair it with some chips, and you’ve got a yummy snack to tide you over.
Solar Oven Blueberry Cornbread Muffins
These blueberry cornbread muffins aren’t just no-bake — they can also be no-electricity and no-gas if you have a solar stove.
You can also cook them on a regular stove. It’s a quick and convenient snack that doesn’t require too many materials or ingredients, which makes it a must for large groups of campers.
Shenandoah Camping & Campfire Breakfast
This is labeled as a breakfast dish, but it’s so easy to make that it also passes as a pretty good snack.
The combination of potatoes, eggs, cheese, and sausage can be a bit filling, so it’s perfect if anyone gets hungry hours before your next meal. Make sure your campers never go hungry, especially on long days.
Meal Planning Tips for Group Camping
When it comes to camping with a large group, meal planning is essential.
Not only will it save you time and money, but it will also ensure that everyone has enough to eat.
Here are some tips for making sure your camping meals go off without a hitch.
Opt for Simple Recipes
To make meal planning for group feasts easier, try to find camping recipes that are easy to make and don’t require too many ingredients.
For example, one-pot dishes like chili or stew are great options because they’re easy to prepare and can feed a lot of people.
If you’re looking for something more creative, try making kebobs with different types of meat and fresh veggies. You can also use pre-made dough to make pizza or calzones over the campfire.
Choose recipes with no-meat options in case anyone in the group is vegan or vegetarian.
Breakfast is also an important meal when camping with large groups, so consider making big batches of oatmeal or biscuits and gravy.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
It’s also important to think about snacks when camping with large groups.
Stock up on plenty of fresh fruits, nuts, chips, and other snacks that will keep everyone full throughout the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making s’mores over the campfire!
Finger foods are filling enough to satiate your hunger but not enough for you to feel too stuffed for your next meal.
They’re also a good source of energy if you get tired.
Plan as a Group
Planning meals for group camping trips together is crucial for ensuring everyone’s preferences and dietary needs are met.
By involving all members in the planning process, you can create a more inclusive and enjoyable meal experience for everyone.
Plus, everyone can ensure their own meals take into account any food allergies they have.
It also helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone knows what to expect at mealtime.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity for bonding and building camaraderie within the group.
Have a Daily Meal Plan
A daily meal plan helps streamline the decision-making process and ensures that everyone knows what to expect at each meal.
By planning meals in advance, you can avoid the stress of last-minute decisions and make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand.
Additionally, a daily meal plan allows you to plan for variety and balance, ensuring that your group’s meals are both enjoyable and nutritionally sound.
Write a Shopping List
A comprehensive shopping list is essential when camping with a large group.
It helps ensure you have all the necessary ingredients for your planned meals and minimizes the risk of forgetting important items.
This is particularly important when camping, as running to the grocery store may not be a convenient option.
A well-organized shopping list also makes packing and transporting food more manageable and helps prevent overbuying, which can lead to wasted food and increased costs.
Share Out Tasks
Dividing meal preparation tasks among the camp crew is an effective way to lighten the workload and ensure everything gets done efficiently.
With a large group, it’s especially important to delegate tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing supplies.
Sharing responsibilities also helps create a sense of teamwork and collaboration, making the entire camping experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Save Weight with Dry Foods
Incorporating dry foods such as pasta and rice into your camping menu is a practical way to save weight while still enjoying satisfying and delicious meals.
Dry foods are not only lightweight but also compact, making them perfect for camping trips where you need to minimize the load you’re carrying.
Here’s how using dry foods can be helpful when camping with large groups:
- Easy to transport – they’re lightweight and take up less space in your backpack or vehicle compared to fresh or canned items.
- Long shelf life – so they can be stored for extended periods without spoiling. This is particularly beneficial when camping with a large group, as it reduces the risk of food spoilage and waste.
- Versatile meal options – combined with various ingredients to create a wide range of delicious and satisfying meals.
- Energy-dense and filling – dry foods are often energy-dense and filling, providing the necessary fuel to keep your group energized throughout the day.
What Kitchen Equipment Do You Need?
- Portable stove or outdoor grill: Your RV will most likely have a stove, but it’s best to be ready. RV stoves are often smaller than standard home stoves, so you may need to bring out an extra outdoor grill to cook large meals faster.
- Dutch oven, cast iron skillet, pot, and pan: Cast Iron is built durably, so it’s often used to cook on more substantial fires like charcoal grills or campfires. If you’re traveling in groups of more than 8 people, go big with 2-liter and 4-liter pots. A slow cooker or pressure cooker makes a fine addition to your RV kitchen too.
- Reusable plates and utensils: Save up on disposable utensils and bring reusable ones instead. You can also reduce the amount of trash on your site while doing this. It’s best to bring plastic, durable plates.
- Collapsible sink: Your RV should already have a sink, but if you’re cooking and cleaning up after a large group, the extra space to get things done faster.
Camp Cooking Tips for Big Crowds
Optimize Food Storage
Proper food storage will ensure that food remains fresh, safe, and easily accessible throughout the trip.
Choose lightweight & compact foods
- Lightweight and compact foods like pasta, rice, and dehydrated meals are easier to transport and store, especially when space is limited.
- Selecting canned goods with pull-tab lids simplifies the opening process and eliminates the need for additional tools.
Pack smart
- Sturdy, stackable containers protect food from damage and make organization more manageable.
- Labeling containers and coolers allows for easy identification and prevents confusion in the camp crew.
Keep perishables cold
- Well-insulated coolers with ice packs or frozen water bottles help maintain proper temperatures for perishable items, ensuring food safety.
- Separating raw meats from other foods prevents cross-contamination and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Streamline Meal Preparation & Cooking
Efficient meal preparation and cooking will make sure that everyone is well-fed and satisfied without placing undue strain on the designated camp cook.
Divide and conquer
- Assigning specific tasks to group members distributes the workload evenly and encourages collaboration.
- Rotating cooking duties allows everyone to have a chance to relax and enjoy the camping experience.
Cook in bulk
- Preparing large quantities of food at once minimizes the overall time and effort spent on cooking.
- Chop up your fresh veggies ahead of time and store them in your RV fridge. This speeds up the cooking process and helps you finish faster.
- Opting for one-pot meals or dishes that can be easily scaled up, like chili or pasta, simplifies the cooking process and ensures there’s enough food for everyone.
Make-ahead meals
- Preparing certain dishes or components in advance, such as marinating meats or prepping veggies, reduces the amount of work on camp.
- Utilizing slow cookers or portable ovens allows for meals to be ready when you return from activities, providing a convenient and welcoming dining experience.
Practice Safe Food Handling
Safe food handling will help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures that everyone remains healthy throughout the trip.
Keep it clean
- Regularly washing hands and surfaces, especially when handling raw meats, promotes cleanliness and reduces the risk of contamination.
- Using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods prevents cross-contamination and ensures food safety.
Cook to proper temperatures
- A food thermometer ensures that meats are cooked to safe internal temperatures, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Maintaining appropriate temperatures for hot and cold foods helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures food quality.
Store leftovers safely
- Promptly refrigerating leftovers in airtight containers helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage.
- Reheating leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C) before serving guarantees food safety and quality.
More RV Meal Ideas & Camping Recipes
Looking for more inspiration or wondering what to feed your family on your RV camping trip? Check out our other incredible RV meal ideas and some of our favorite camping food and recipes, and never be short of inspiration again.
In Conclusion
Good food is one of the best parts of going camping. You can’t deny that bonding over the campfire as you eat a nice meal makes some great memories.
Take the time to plan out your menu so that your trip goes as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.
These easy camping meals for a large group are great options to save time and effort, so be sure to try them out.
Angela Devaney
Angela Devaney, a former IT project management professional, embarked on an adventurous journey of full-time travel, which included touring West Africa in a converted overland truck and converting an ex-military 4×4 Sprinter van into a camper for a five-year South American expedition. She now utilizes her hands-on experience to create practical RV living and van life advice as a full-time digital media producer, reaching over a million users annually through her YouTube channel, blog, and newsletter. Angela also lends her expertise as the editor-in-chief of the Campervan Electrics Handbook.
Great article