There’s something undeniably special about cooking in the wild…
The crackle of the fire, the scent of fresh air mingling with sizzling ingredients, the satisfaction of creating something delicious with your own hands—it all transforms mealtime into an experience, not just a necessity.
Yet, too often, when camping, we often default to the easiest option, relying on freeze-dried meals or the same basic recipes trip after trip. While there’s nothing wrong with quick and convenient, why not take outdoor cooking to the next level? The open road isn’t just about the destination—it’s about discovery, and that includes what’s on your plate!
Stepping outside your comfort zone in the kitchen, even one set up under the stars, is part of that adventure. Imagine pulling off the trail, setting up camp, and preparing a meal that’s just as unforgettable as the scenery around you. Fresh, flavorful, and made with a sense of curiosity, each dish becomes a way to connect more deeply with the journey.
Whether you’re grilling over an open flame, mastering the Dutch oven, or putting a creative twist on campsite classics, embracing the spirit of “get out there and try it” can turn every meal into a moment worth savoring. With that, let’s explore a few things you can rely on to make your camp cooking sessions all the better!
Table of Contents
- Get Inspired to Cook Great Campsite Meals
- Freeze-Dried Meals: An Option When You’re In a Pinch
- Cooking Should Be an Experience, Not a Chore!
Get Inspired to Cook Great Campsite Meals
As I noted a moment ago, cooking in the great outdoors should be more than just an afterthought—it should be an extension of the adventure itself. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry, gathered around a campfire with friends, or enjoying a peaceful solo escape, the meals you prepare can be just as rewarding as the journey.
That’s exactly where Outdoor Eats comes in…
Outdoor Eats is a company and community founded by classically trained chef turned outdoor cooking expert Chef Corso. He’s on a mission to elevate the outdoor food experience beyond the packaged fare to meals that you can get excited for and complement your journey in a better way. He’s an avid backpacker from the Pacific Northwest, and on his first trips, he noticed that most folks were just boiling water and adding it to a bag, doing little to complement the experience. He hit the trail and started trail-testing recipes that can support any outdoor adventure.
He has created a line of incredible, pocket-sized cookbooks called Trail Meals.
They aren’t just about feeding yourself in the wild—it’s about transforming outdoor cooking into an experience that’s simple, enjoyable, and packed with flavor. With Outdoor Eats, you’ll gain the confidence and inspiration to ditch freeze-dried meals and create something real, no matter where your adventure takes you.
For those who want it all, Outdoor Eats has a package available called “The Lot”. It’s the ultimate camp cooking collection. This bundle features eight cookbooks and eight eBooks, giving you access to 160 of the best trail-tested recipes from Outdoor Eats. These aren’t complicated, time-consuming meals that require hours of preparation or a suitcase full of ingredients, either…
All recipes are 10 ingredients or less, ready in 30 minutes or less and require no dehydrating. Outdoor Eats has a community of recipe testers around the country that extensively tests all recipes before making the website or getting included in a cookbook. Plus, these recipes are created with fresh, real ingredients that enhance both flavor and nutrition while being mindful of easy packing and low weight—because every ounce matters when you’re on the move!
But The Lot doesn’t just stop at cookbooks. It also includes the Storm King foldable camp knife, a must-have tool for any serious camp cook, along with a handy utensil tote to keep your essentials organized and ready for action. And because Outdoor Eats understands that convenience is key when you’re off-grid, the eBooks are formatted specifically for your smartphone, making it easier than ever to follow recipes on the go. Nice!
Get a load of some of the recipes you get (and that I can’t wait to try!):
- Beef stroganoff with beef jerky
- Jambalaya
- Pad Thai
- Breakfast trail tacos
- Pizza grain bowl
Heck, there’s even a tropical granola recipe that’s sure to fuel you for those long hikes this summer!
Outdoor Eats is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a guide to help you embrace outdoor cooking as part of your overall adventure. Cooking in the wild doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or settling for the easiest option. With Outdoor Eats, you can create meals that are every bit as delicious and fulfilling as what you’d make at home—all while soaking in the beauty of your surroundings.
What makes this even more meaningful is that Outdoor Eats is committed to protecting the places we love to explore. With every cookbook sold, $2 goes toward protecting public lands and supporting community projects. So, not only will you be elevating your outdoor cooking game, but you’ll also be contributing to the preservation of the very landscapes that make these experiences so special.
I personally love to cook (at home and on the road), so having a resource like The Lot to streamline the process without sacrificing flavor or the experience of cooking is absolutely fantastic. I often camp with my young son, and cooking together is one of the best aspects of our trips (though he might not say the same!).
Nevertheless, we get outdoors to make memories, and making a great, tasty meal with your friends and family while enjoying the beauty of nature is an excellent way to add to the experience. Some of my core memories as a child are of cooking with my family on our summer camping trips. I’m making those memories with my own son now – thanks to food that’s easy to make, yet memorable!
So why settle for instant noodles or pre-packaged meals when you can create something fresh, flavorful, and worthy of the adventure you’re on (like the one featured in the video above)? Speaking of which, for other resources beyond the cookbooks, check out Chef Corso’s YouTube channel for recipe tutorials, ingredient tips, and gear reviews. While you’re at it, give Outdoor Eats TV a watch, too! This exciting show is a mix of a Food Network educational show and a travel and adventure show that gets you excited about food.
So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor lifestyle, Outdoor Eats is the resource you need to master the art of overland cooking. Pack The Lot, hit the trail, and get ready to turn every meal into an adventure of its own!
Freeze-Dried Meals: An Option When You’re In a Pinch
Even the most passionate camp chefs know that sometimes, cooking just isn’t in the cards. Maybe a storm rolls in, leaving you scrambling for shelter instead of prepping ingredients. Maybe the trail ran longer than expected, and exhaustion has set in. Or maybe you just need a quick, no-fuss meal before hitting the road again. That’s where freeze-dried meals come in—not as the go-to option, but as a reliable backup when adventure throws a curveball.
While they’ll never replace the satisfaction of a freshly cooked meal, today’s options are far from the bland, just-add-water packets of the past. When time, weather, or sheer exhaustion demand a fast solution, having a few quality freeze-dried meals on hand can mean the difference between going hungry and staying fueled for whatever comes next.
I’ve reviewed a good number of freeze-dried meals. The options discussed below are some of my favorites.
Peak Refuel Biscuits & Sausage Gravy Review
When a fresh-cooked meal isn’t an option, Peak Refuel Biscuits & Sausage Gravy is a fantastic alternative that delivers both convenience and flavor. This freeze-dried meal is incredibly easy to prepare—just add hot water, wait ten minutes, and enjoy a hearty breakfast packed with energy-sustaining nutrients. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry, on an overlanding trip, or simply need a quick meal at camp, Peak Refuel makes it effortless to fuel up without extra hassle.
This meal offers generous portion sizes and decent nutritional value. A single pouch provides 1,100 calories, 34 grams of protein, and 51 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice if you need a high-energy start to your day. And, unlike many competitors that include small biscuit chunks, Peak Refuel provides three full-sized biscuits, ensuring a more satisfying and authentic texture. Breaking them up before adding water helps with hydration, but even straight from the pouch, they rehydrate well and soak up the flavorful, savory gravy.
The taste is another highlight, with a rich, robust sausage gravy that pairs perfectly with the buttery biscuits. This meal rivals fresh biscuits and gravy you’d find at a roadside diner, making it a rare find in the world of freeze-dried food. It’s also lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack for any trip. Plus, if you like to customize your meals, a dash of hot sauce can take it to the next level.
Beyond taste and convenience, Peak Refuel’s Biscuits & Sausage Gravy is a smart choice for long-term meal planning. With a five-year shelf life, it’s perfect for emergency preparedness or stocking up for extended trips. And, as I discuss in my detailed review, it’s my all-time favorite freeze-dried option.
Peak Refuel Coconut Curry Chicken
The Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry is an outstanding freeze-dried meal that delivers both convenience and exceptional taste. As a pre-packaged option, it requires minimal preparation—just add boiling water, stir, and wait ten minutes before enjoying a hot, flavorful dish. This simplicity makes it a perfect choice for those occasions when you need a hassle-free meal on the go. Unlike some other freeze-dried meals, which can be bland or overly salty, this curry strikes a balance with well-rounded flavors and just the right amount of seasoning.
One of my favorite things about this meal is its incredible taste. Made with 100% real chicken and an array of high-quality ingredients like coconut, lemongrass, garlic, and coriander, it delivers a depth of flavor that rivals homemade dishes. The combination of rich spices and hearty rice makes it a satisfying, well-balanced meal. Unlike traditional military MREs or sodium-heavy packaged meals, this curry keeps its seasoning in check, ensuring a delicious yet not overwhelming dining experience.
Beyond taste, the practical benefits of Peak Refuel meals make them an excellent choice for outdoor adventures. They take up minimal space, which is crucial when packing for an overlanding trip where gear storage is at a premium.
Additionally, these meals provide substantial nutrition, offering 44 grams of protein per package along with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium. When you’re exerting energy outdoors, having a nutrient-dense meal like this can make a significant difference in keeping you fueled and ready for the next challenge! Read more about this meal in my Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry Review.
Peak Refuel Sweet Pork and Rice
The Peak Refuel Sweet Pork and Rice meal is a quick and easy option if you’re looking for a flavorful, hassle-free meal. Preparing it is as simple as adding boiling water, stirring to ensure even rehydration, and waiting ten minutes. This method results in a well-mixed dish without any dry spots, making it an ideal solution for those who need a satisfying meal without much effort. Like other Peak Refuel offerings, the convenience factor is high, which is always a bonus when cooking in the great outdoors.
What truly sets this meal apart is its flavor profile. Unlike many freeze-dried options that lack depth, this dish is packed with spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and red chili flakes. Ingredients such as red bell peppers, black beans, and corn further enhance the meal, providing a balance of sweetness, heat, and savory richness. The pork is tender, the rice is well-cooked, and the textures are distinct—making for an experience that feels far more like a home-cooked meal than a typical freeze-dried offering.
Nutritionally, this meal provides ample fuel for adventure, offering 800 calories per pouch and 40 grams of protein. It also contains valuable minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium, though the sodium and carbohydrate content is on the higher side—something to keep in mind for those monitoring their intake.
However, for an easy-to-prepare meal that delivers both taste and sustenance, these trade-offs are reasonable. Notably, the dish rehydrates well, avoiding the mushy consistency that can sometimes plague freeze-dried meals.
Ultimately, the Peak Refuel Sweet Pork and Rice is a good option for anyone seeking a reliable, great-tasting camp meal. Its five-year shelf life makes it a solid addition to any overland pantry, and the combination of bold flavors, good texture, and ease of preparation makes it a worthy choice for those who want more than just a bland, just-add-water experience. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or simply need a quick, delicious meal at camp, this dish is sure to satisfy. Read my complete review for more details.
Backpacker’s Pantry Lasagna
I was skeptical when I first tried Backpacker’s Pantry lasagna. However, as I discuss in my review, it shines as a fantastic last-minute option. With no prep work beyond boiling water and waiting a few minutes, this freeze-dried meal offers a convenient and stress-free way to enjoy a hot, satisfying dinner at the campsite. Its quick cooking time and minimal effort make it a perfect solution for when you’re too tired to cook but still want something hearty and delicious.
Beyond its ease of preparation, this lasagna stands out for its impressive flavor and texture. Unlike many freeze-dried meals that can turn out bland or mushy, Backpacker’s Pantry nailed the seasoning, achieving a rich, gourmet-like taste with a perfect cheese blend that enhances both flavor and texture. The pasta cooks to an ideal consistency, making the entire eating experience feel more like a home-cooked meal rather than something rehydrated on the trail. For a freeze-dried option, this meal delivers an unexpectedly high-quality dining experience.
Another key benefit of this lasagna is its practicality for camping. The two-serving pouch makes it a great option for sharing, whether you’re with a friend, partner, or child. It also provides a solid amount of protein and sustenance without requiring you to pack a ton of ingredients or cooking gear. While it is high in sodium, the overall nutritional value and convenience outweigh this minor drawback, especially when considering the energy needs of outdoor adventures. Plus, the meal has a long shelf life, making it a reliable backup option to keep in your camping kit!
Cooking Should Be an Experience, Not a Chore!
Photo by Rawpixel.com via Shutterstock
Cooking in the wild isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s an opportunity to embrace the adventure in every aspect of your journey. Just like exploring new trails and tackling tough terrain, experimenting with camp cooking can be an exciting challenge that rewards you with incredible flavors and unforgettable experiences. You have the power to make each meal a chance to connect more deeply with the great outdoors and those you share it with!
So, don’t be afraid to get creative and push beyond the basics. Let cooking be an extension of your adventure, not just a task to check off the list. Take the time to savor the process, enjoy the flavors, and make lasting memories around the campfire. After all, some of the best stories are shared over a great meal—so why not use a tool like Outdoor Eats to make your next one a delicious part of the journey?!
Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.
Hero photo by Ivanko80 via Shutterstock