Imagine the smell of wood smoke drifting into the evening air, the soft crackle of the flames, and the sizzle of something delicious cooking away. There’s something so raw about cooking a proper meal in the great outdoors. No kitchen gadgets, no electric rings—just you, the fire, and some fresh ingredients.
Camping food does not need to be about settling for bland cans of beans or depressing instant noodles. With a little planning, it is possible to make good meals that are rich in flavour. Whether you’re parked by a lakefront or enjoying the full amenities of a Premium RV Camping Experience, these vegetarian camping recipes will have you well-fed and actually anticipating meals.
Getting Your Campfire Ready for Cooking
The key to campfire cooking success is a steady, manageable flame—not a raging bonfire. If you’re cooking over an open flame, you’ll want to let it burn down a bit first so you have hot coals rather than leaping flames.
Smoky Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
Campfire tacos are easy to put together, quick to cook, and packed with smoky, charred goodness.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, diced
1 can black beans, drained
1 small red onion, sliced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Soft tortillas
Optional toppings: avocado, lime, fresh coriander, hot sauce
Method:
Toss the sweet potato in a little oil and wrap it in foil. Place the meat on the coals and let it cook for about 20 minutes, flipping it occasionally.
Meanwhile, heat a pan over the fire. Add the onion and let it soften. Stir in the black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Toast the tortillas over the fire for a few seconds on each side.
Fill all tortillas with sweet potato, black beans, and your choice of toppings.
Campfire One-Pan Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when preparing a meal outdoors, but it’s surprisingly simple and does not need constant stirring.
Ingredients:
1 cup arborio rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
200g mushrooms, sliced
500ml vegetable stock
1 teaspoon thyme
50g parmesan or nutritional yeast (as a vegan substitute)
Salt and pepper
A knob of butter or a sprinkle of olive oil
Method:
Heat some butter or oil in a heavy pan over the fire. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until softened.
Add the mushrooms and thyme. Cook until the mushrooms release their juices, several minutes.
Add the rice and mix well so that it’s coated in the flavours.
Pour in one-third of the stock and simmer. Stir from time to time, adding more stock as it is absorbed.
When the rice is cooked and creamy, stir in the parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Season to taste and serve hot.
A Few More Campfire Cooking Tips
Minimal washing up is required. Good fresh ingredients, some quality seasonings, and a hot fire—that’s all you need, nothing fancy. Prepare ahead. Chop vegetables and pre-mix spices before you leave home to make cooking easier while you’re outside. Don’t overlook dessert! Toasted marshmallows are a classic, but grilled bananas or peaches with a chocolate drizzle are next.
The most memorable meals aren’t necessarily about the food—although the food is definitely a highlight—but about the experiences around the campfire, the comfort of a warm meal after a day spent outside