Make ahead meals for RV camping help you save time and effort in preparing meals. After all, spending all that time on the road traveling, hiking, and sightseeing can work up an appetite. You’ll want to dig into a good snack or meal as soon as possible.
You’ll be glad to know that there are countless meals that you can prepare ahead of time. We’ve collected some of the easiest make-ahead meal recipes that you might want to try as RV camping food. Plan out entire courses for the whole day with these pre-made meal ideas for a camping trip.
37 Easy Make Ahead Meals For RV Camping Trips
RV camping trips are the perfect way to get out and explore nature. But even the most experienced campers know that preparing food on-the-go can be a challenge. That's why we've put together this list of easy make-ahead recipes for RV camping trips.
Make-Ahead Camping Breakfast Ideas
There’s nothing better than having a good breakfast ready to enjoy as soon as you wake up at your current stop. Thank your past self for preparing your present self’s most important meal of the day. Here are five easy RV meals for breakfast to try.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
What makes breakfast important is your body’s need for essential vitamins and nutrients, all of which you can get in a mason jar of fruit and Greek yogurt parfait. Check out this recipe for parfait ideas.
Make Ahead Breakfast Tacos
Who doesn’t like tacos? They’re easy to make and easy to eat. Talk about convenience. Plus, you have free rein over what to fill your tortillas with. Mix and match your breakfast tacos with this recipe.
Breakfast Burritos
Make-ahead breakfast burritos are freezer safe, ideal for those long rides that limit your cooking time. Simply prepare your burritos ahead of time and then pop them in an oven toaster or microwave. Get started with this recipe.
Blueberry Almond Overnight Oatmeal
Not in the mood to reheat anything for breakfast? Try this recipe for overnight breakfast oats, fit for the summertime. With about half an hour of prep, you’ll have a refreshing meal packed with protein and fiber.
Breakfast Pancakes
Save time from having to deal with several ingredients to make this classic breakfast meal with this make-ahead recipe. With it, you might as well say goodbye to store-bought pancake mixes. View the recipe now.
Pre-Made Meal Ideas for Camping Lunches
Nourish your body with a good lunch to get energy that lasts you the rest of the day. Lunchtime meals are also important for concentration and focus, which you’ll need if you have a long, midday drive planned. Here are seven recipes for camper meals to prepare for lunch.
Quiche
This make-ahead quiche is suited for times when you have leftover meats, such as ham, sausages, or bacon. Whenever you don’t feel like cooking, try this meal on for size.
Bruschetta
Enjoy a fun lunchtime without all the work with this make-ahead bruschetta recipe. This recipe is suited for meals you want to schedule up to two days ahead of time. Try this recipe and rest assured that the bread won’t get soggy.
Campfire Pizza Sandwiches Recipe
Craving pizza while in the great outdoors? This recipe solves your problem. Enjoy these hand-sized pizza sandwiches by simply toasting them when you’re ready for lunch.
Shredded Leftover Chicken Sandwich (or Turkey Sandwich)
Got any leftovers from last night’s roast chicken or turkey? Make them into sandwiches for your lunch tomorrow. Enjoy up to four servings of make-ahead chicken sandwiches with this handy recipe.
Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Making this meal is a great way to get kids involved in preparing your lunches. Getting your rice balls the perfect shape can be fun and challenging. Enjoy a complete meal with this make-ahead tuna onigiri recipe.
Easy Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
This recipe only calls for minimal prep, great for when you don’t feel like turning on the oven. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful salad.
Spinach and Feta Galettes
In the mood for a savory pastry for lunch? Prepare galette ingredients and simply assemble them for lunch. What’s great about this recipe is your freedom to use as much cheese as you like.
Make-Ahead Camping Dinner Ideas
Dinner is an important meal because you need to refuel yourself after a long day on the road. At the same time, healthy dinner meals help you sleep better. It might just be as important as breakfast. Here are eight RV dinner ideas to add to your camping menu.
Make Ahead Ribs. Braised until tender then grilled to perfection!
So, you want tender and juicy ribs without having to spend time slowly cooking your meat. This make-ahead ribs recipe will solve your cravings. Learn how to braise ribs for storage and then grill them for future dinners.
Shepherd's Pie - A Really Easy Make Ahead Recipe
Are you on the road on a cold winter’s day? This make-ahead shepherd’s pie recipe is great for those nights that are especially freezing. Enjoy this classic family dinner with this easy recipe.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Upgrade your traditional sloppy joes with this make-ahead recipe for Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes. Enjoy a fancy dinner without the work to bring it to life.
Healthy Freezer Chili
This make-ahead recipe can feed your family for up to three months! Enjoy a freezer-friendly version of your favorite chili dish with this RV camping meal recipe.
Vegan Irish Stew
Need something comforting after a long day on the road? Try this versatile and convenient make-ahead Irish stew recipe. Choose between meat and vegan substitutes and put them all in one pot.
Grilled Steak Fajita Foil Packets
Nothing is quicker and more efficient than foil packet recipes. This one features grilled steak fajitas, ideal for warm summer days when you don’t want to spend time heating things up for ages.
Beef and Guinness stew
Long cooking hours are essential to get beef tender enough for stew. This recipe guides you through that extended process and offers tips to prepare the dish for later.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Foil Packets
Make-ahead shrimp foil packets are suited for rainy days. Imagine the taste of grilled seafood without having to get the grill going.
Easy Make-Ahead Snack Recipes
Craving something light while on the road? Perhaps you just want something to nibble on while lounging. Either way, pre-made snacks are great supplements to your make-ahead RV meals for camping. Here are five easy make-ahead recipes for classic snacks your entire family can enjoy.
Easy Crunchy No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
This snack only needs five ingredients to keep you full and nourished for the whole week. You don’t need to bake anything, either. Simply combine wet and dry ingredients, chill, and then cut into bars.
Fudgy Chewy Guinness Brownies
Feeling festive while on the road? St. Patrick’s Day may have passed, but you can still enjoy these make-ahead brownies. After all, you never know when you’ll crave a chocolatey snack.
The Very Best Potato Pierogi Recipe
Indulge in savory snacks any time while on the road with these cheesy potato dumplings. This make-ahead recipe may need a few hours to prepare, but the payoff is certainly worth the effort.
Healthy Carrot Cake Bites
Trying to maintain a healthy diet but don’t want to cut down on snacks? Try this make-ahead recipe for carrot cake bites. It’s low-carb, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, sugar-free, and, best of all, guilt-free.
Healthy Trail Mix Recipe - A Sweet and Salty Snack
Satisfy your cravings for something crunchy with this versatile, make-ahead recipe. Trail mix is a traditional traveling snack that any adventurer must have on their RV journey.
Make-Ahead Side Dishes for RV Camping Trips
Accompany the best meals for RV camping with equally tasty side dishes. Side dishes can be important additions to your meals for extra vitamins and nutrients that your main dish might lack. They can also enhance your meal’s flavors. Here are seven make-ahead side dish recipes.
Vegan BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce goes well with more than just barbecued meats. Use it as a chip dip or a topping for hotdog sandwiches or burgers. But, first, you must make the sauce. Here’s an easy recipe for this versatile dressing.
Roasted Cornish New Potato Salad
Enjoy a naturally fat-free side dish with this potato salad recipe. This make-ahead recipe features Cornish new potatoes to cut down on prep time. In short, these potatoes don’t need peeling.
Easy Garlic Herb Steak and Potato Foil Packs
Whether you’re planning a weekend picnic or simply want a savory side dish, this steak and potato recipe will satisfy you. Prepare a hearty and flavorful meal for later in only 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Sunflower Crunch Salad
Craving something crunchy and healthy to go with your other meals? This cabbage salad is the answer. It features sunflower seeds to give you that extra crunch while upgrading the dish’s nutritional factor.
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans
Balance your protein intake with a side dish of Boston baked beans. This recipe may take over an hour to prepare, but it offers 12 servings. Try out this easy recipe to complement your outdoor picnics.
Slow Cooker Chicken Ratatouille
Enjoy your spring and summer meals with this hearty side dish. You don’t need to be a master chef to prepare this French vegetable stew for the road. Try it with the vegetables in season.
Amish Macaroni Salad Recipe
This tangy side dish partners well with nearly any meal you prepare. So, why not prepare it beforehand as well? You can make this make-ahead macaroni salad recipe three days ahead of your intended serving.
Delicious Make-Ahead Dessert Recipes for RVing
Give your make-ahead camping meals a sugary finish with pre-made sweet courses. After all, there’s always room for dessert. Eating sweet treats can help you feel happier and more satisfied after having your main meal. Try these five sweet RV cooking ideas.
Make Ahead Crumble Topping Recipe for the Freezer!
This make-ahead recipe is freezer-friendly, making it a great dessert for the summertime. Simply separate the wet and dry ingredients and assemble them when you crave something cold and sweet.
S'mores Hand Pies
Another summer treat, these s’mores hand pies are modern takes on the classic favorite. Plus, no RV camping trip is complete without s’mores. So, why not try it to stay on brand?
BEST Berry Fruit Salad with Easy Honey Lime Dressing
Enjoy a balance between sweetness and tartness with this summer fruit salad recipe. Simply combine your favorite in-season fruits and top them with a honey-lime dressing. Learn how to make it with this recipe.
Summer Berry Meringue Roulade
Having a fancy summer dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. Try out this roulade recipe that serves up to eight people. Perhaps you can make it ahead of a special occasion that might occur while camping.
Blueberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake
Forget about baking times with this no-bake cheesecake recipe. It balances tart blueberries and delicate white chocolate. Plus, natural sweeteners can eliminate the need for sugar.
5 Benefits of Meal Prepping for RV Camping Trips
- Save Time: No more spending hours wondering what you’ll have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner since they’re all there, ready to eat.
- Healthy Eating: When you meal prep, you have more control over the ingredients that go into your food. This means you can make healthier choices, such as choosing leaner meats or lower-sodium options.
- Save Money: You’ll be buying ingredients in bulk, saving on your overall costs. At the same time, you get to avoid spending on take-out.
- Save Space: Prepare your meals beforehand to avoid having bulky ingredients to store. This will declutter your kitchen and give you more space to move around.
- Avoid Food Waste: With all your meals portioned out and organized, you’re less likely to let food go to waste. If you do have leftovers, save them for another meal.
Essential RV Meal Prep Supplies
- Storage Containers: Consider light-weight glass or plastic containers to separate your different meals, ziplock bags to store things like soups or granola bars, and even mason jars for meals like oats.
- Portable Coolers: You can never have enough storage space. Fill up a cooler with ice and take it with you on the road for additional room to keep your make-ahead meals and snacks fresh.
- Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is an excellent addition to your RV as it can cook your meals while you’re on the go with minimal attention. You’ll be able to focus on other things while your food simmers in the background. It’s also great for batch-cooking ahead of time.
- Pots and Pans: You’ll need ample pots and pans to prepare, cook, and reheat food while on the road.
Helpful Tips for Meal Prepping in Your RV
- Plan: Know what you want to serve each day. Planning is key for successful meal prep. Without a plan, it’s easy to end up with unhealthy or expensive meals. Choosing at least some recipes you can make in advance will help get you started.
- Portion: Divide ingredients according to how many people you intend to serve. This will help avoid leftovers and ensure that everyone gets a nutritious meal.
- Utensils & Storage: Make sure you have the right supplies for storing and reheating food. An RV kitchen is often smaller than a home kitchen, so it’s important to be efficient with your space.
- Leftovers: Use leftovers in other recipes. Cooking extra portions for dinner means you can have a quick, ready-made lunch the following day
- Enjoy: Choose the dishes you know you like. If you’re trying a new recipe, make sure to test it out ahead of time. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a meal you don’t enjoy.
Meal prepping in your RV can be a breeze with these tips in mind. By being organized and efficient, you’ll be able to whip up delicious meals.
How Do You Make A Meal Plan For Camping?
Meal planning is an essential part of any camping trip. Not only does it help to make sure that everyone gets enough to eat, but it can also save time and money.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to planning meals for a camping trip.
First, it is important to consider the number of people you will be feeding and any special dietary needs. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough food to last the entire trip. That means packing enough for every meal, plus snacks and emergency rations.
Second, you’ll need to take into account the cooking situation. If you’re camping in an RV or car camping with a camp stove, you’ll have more options than backpacking and relying on a campfire.
Once you have an idea of what you will be cooking, you can start to put together a list of ingredients. It is always a good idea to pack more food than you think you will need and some snacks and drinks for the journey.
Third, you’ll want to consider the type of food that will be easy to transport and keep fresh. Canned beans, rice, pasta, and Trail mix are all good options.
With a bit of planning, your camping trip is sure to be a delicious success.
Can You Precook Meat For Camping?
Cooking while camping can be a bit of a challenge. Not only do you have to deal with sometimes less-than-ideal cooking conditions, but you also have to worry about food safety. After all, you don’t want to spend your vacation dealing with food poisoning.
One way to make things easier, especially for weekend RV trips, is to precook some of your meals before you leave. This way, you can simply reheat the food once you’re at your campsite.
Precooked meals also have the advantage of being easy to transport. Simply pack them up in a cooler, and you’re good to go. Of course, not all foods lend themselves to pre-cooking. Raw meat, for example, should be cooked before eating. However, pre-cooking can be a great way to make mealtime easier while camping.
There are a few different methods to precook meat for camping. One is to cook it in a slow cooker before you leave. All you’ll need to do is reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Another option is to pan-fry or grill the meat before you go. Just be sure to wrap it tightly so that it doesn’t dry out.
Whatever method you choose, pre-cooking your meat before camping can be a huge timesaver. Just pack it properly and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to eat.
Can You Cook Pasta Ahead Of Time For Camping?
Any experienced camper knows that food preparation is key to a successful trip. Meals need to be easy to cook and clean up, and they should also be lightweight and versatile.
Many campers opt to pre-cook their pasta for these reasons before heading out into the wilderness. Pasta is an excellent camping food because it can be cooked ahead of time and stored in a bear-proof container.
Additionally, it is quick to boil over a campfire and can be easily paired with various other ingredients. While some campers may choose to bring along dry pasta, others prefer to cook their pasta ahead of time and then pack it in a zip-top bag with olive oil and spices. Either way, pre-cooked pasta is a great option for an easy and delicious camping meal.
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.
