Episode Details

Strategies, Recipes, and Time-Saving Tips for Stress-Free Camping Food

For many of us, weekend camping trips are the perfect escape. But if you’ve ever raced through a Friday workday, packed up the camper, hit traffic, and rolled into your site late and hungry—you know that food can be the most stressful part of the journey.

Over the last 16 years of camping together, we’ve discovered one essential truth: camping food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Whether it’s a Friday night pizza delivery or a leisurely Saturday night steak dinner, the right meal plan can make your weekend getaway smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s how we plan food for a weekend RV trip—from quick fixes to crowd-pleasing classics—and how you can simplify your own camping meals without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Friday Night: Fast, Flexible, and No Pressure

Friday night dinner sets the tone for the weekend, but it’s also the trickiest meal. Depending on your arrival time, you might be navigating setup with tired kids and rumbling stomachs. Our biggest tip? Let go of the pressure to make a picture-perfect camping meal.

Here are our favorite approaches for a stress-free Friday dinner:

• Order takeout or pizza to the campground. (Yes, it’s okay!)
• Pick up subs on the way and eat in the car before arrival.
• Prepare something mostly premade like walking tacos or chicken salad wraps.
• If camping with friends, let the first family to arrive cook dinner—then return the favor on Saturday night.

If you do want to cook on a Friday night, keep it super simple. Some of our favorite quick recipes from Jeremy’s Camp Griddlemore cooking show include:

• No-Prep Stir Fry (pre-cooked meat + bagged veggies)
• Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Caesar Wraps
• Super Easy Mega Cheesy Quesadillas
• Smashburgers or hot dogs with unique to