Best and Worst Food Items To Bring Camping

Many people love camping trips, but an important thing to consider before you head out is what type of rations to bring. Spending time in the great outdoors requires food that can give you plenty of strength and energy, but you don’t want to bring anything that’s difficult to manage.

Choosing the right foods can save you a lot of hassle when you’re out at a campsite. Here are a few of the best and worst food items to bring camping.

Best Foods for Convenience and Nutrition

A good rule of thumb for camping is to keep your food simple, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Consider a few nonperishable canned goods such as baked beans or soup. They don’t require refrigeration, and many come with a pull tab, so you don’t need a can opener. You can easily cook them in a pot on a camp stove or over a fire.

You should also consider foods that offer a lot of calories and nutrients such as trail mix or energy bars. If you prefer something sweet, consider bringing along some fresh apples or oranges. These can give you some much-needed energy and taste great when you’re outdoors.

Foods To Avoid Bringing on a Camping Trip

Avoid bringing food that spoils quickly or requires constant refrigeration such as uncooked eggs, dairy products, or raw meat. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that have a distinct or strong odor such as seafood because these can attract wildlife to your campsite.

However, there are situations where some of these food items are acceptable to bring along. For example, if you portion them correctly and use them the night you arrive at camp, it may be safe to bring them in a cooler. If you’re camping in an RV with a refrigerator, you can keep these items fresh with less worry. However, it’s a good idea to carry backup refrigerator parts in your RV in case something breaks down while you’re in the wilderness.

Another type of food to leave at home is junk food. While chips and candy may seem tantalizing, they can leave you feeling dehydrated and don’t provide a lot of energy for outdoor activities.

Choosing Packaged Foods for Flexibility and Simplicity

When thinking about the best and worst food items to bring camping, take a moment to think about space and convenience. Try to bring things that don’t require a lot of ingredients or prep space to put together. Many campers love freeze-dried meals or instant oatmeal packets.

Another thing to think about is packaging. Consider bringing food with water-resistant packaging in case you find yourself stuck in the rain. You don’t want to have to worry about soggy cardboard and ruined food if the weather turns south. Try to pack practical, appetizing food that will give you plenty of energy, fill your belly, and not create a lot of hassle when you’re trying to put it all together.