Camping
beginners guide:
Your Ultimate Guide to a Memorable Adventure

Campfire Cooking Made Easy:

Campfire cooking doesn't have to be complicated, and it certainly doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're using a campfire, a portable stove, or a camping grill, here are some quick and budget-friendly meal ideas that cover both dinner and breakfast and including both refrigerated and non-refrigerated options.

Start simple with campfire classics like sausages, baked potatoes or veggies packs. Some ingredients require refrigeration, so consider getting a good esky or cooler.

Dinner ideas (Refrigeration required)

Grilled Veggie Packets: Create foil packets filled with sliced vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms), drizzle with olive oil, season with herbs and spices, and grill over the campfire. Creamy Pasta: Cook pasta in a pot over your camp stove. Mix in a can of condensed soup (like cream of mushroom or chicken) for a quick and hearty meal. Grilled Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets: Marinate chicken and veggies in a ziplock bag with your favourite seasoning. Transfer them to aluminium foil to wrap and cook them over the campfire or on a portable grill or put them close to the red coals. Couscous Salad: Prepare couscous at camp and mix it with diced cucumber, tomato, and canned chickpeas. Toss with olive oil and lemon juice. Chilli con carne: Make your own style chilli con carne at home and bring it in a cooler. Reheat it on your camp stove or campfire and mix it with corn chips, guacamole or tortilla wraps for a satisfying dinner. One-Pot Pasta: Boil pasta in a single pot, add canned tomato sauce, and your choice of veggies. Simple, filling, and budget-friendly.

Dinner ideas (No refrigeration required)

Campfire Tacos: Pack tortillas, canned beans, canned corn, and pre-made salsa. Heat the beans and corn over the campfire, then assemble your tacos with salsa. Pasta with Pesto: Bring along dried pasta and a jar of pesto sauce. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with the pesto. Instant Noodles:These are lightweight and cook quickly. Just add hot water from your camp stove or a kettle.

Breakfast ideas (Refrigeration Required):

Campfire Breakfast Burritos: Wrap scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheese in a tortilla. Heat them on a skillet or campfire grate for a hearty breakfast wrap. Pancakes:Pack pancake mix and a squeeze bottle of batter. Cook pancakes on a skillet or griddle over your campfire stove. Overnight Oats:Combine oats, milk (or water), honey, and your favourite toppings (like dried fruit or nuts) in a sealable container. Let it sit in a cooler overnight, and you'll have a quick and nutritious breakfast. Yoghurt Parfait:Pre-portion yoghurt into containers and bring granola and fresh berries. Layer them in a cup for a delicious breakfast.

Breakfast ideas (No Refrigeration Required):

Oatmeal: Bring instant oatmeal packets and add hot water. Top with dried fruits, nuts, or honey. Pancakes:Use a premade pancake mix that only requires water. Cook them on a griddle or skillet. Cereal: Pack your favourite cereal and have it with powdered milk. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches: A simple and energy-packed option. Spread peanut butter on bread, add sliced bananas, and you have a filling snack. Trail Mix:Mix together your favourite nuts, dried fruits, and a handful of chocolate chips for a satisfying trailside snack

Pro Tip:
Plan meals that include both perishable and non-perishable ingredients. This way, you have options regardless of refrigeration availability. Invest in a quality cooler to ensure your food stays fresh, especially during Queensland's warm days.

No Campfire Options and cooking gear:

Sometimes, campfires may not be allowed or possible. Here are some alternatives:

Portable Gas Stove:Use a portable camp stove for cooking. They're safe and efficient. Cold Meals: Prepare sandwiches, wraps, or salads with ingredients that don't need refrigeration, like canned tuna, peanut butter, or dried fruits. Cooking Gear:Invest in a portable camp stove if your campsite doesn't allow open fires. Brands like Coleman and MSR offer reliable and affordable options. Firewood: Gather dry firewood well before sunset for your campfire. Many campgrounds provide firewood for a fee.