15 Cheap and Filling Camping Meals
Camping is the perfect chance to unplug, unwind, and eat like you’ve earned it—without draining your wallet. Over the years, I’ve learned that you don’t need gourmet ingredients to eat well outdoors.
With a little planning, some basic pantry staples, and a trusty campfire or stove, you can whip up budget-friendly meals that keep everyone full and happy.
Whether you’re feeding a family or camping solo, these recipes are made to stretch your ingredients, satisfy your appetite, and keep your belly warm around the fire. Bonus: they’re easy to prep, pack, and cook under the stars.
Let’s get into the first five cheap and filling camping meals that have become must-haves for my camping trips!
1. Campfire Bean & Cheese Burritos
Description:
These are ridiculously cheap, super filling, and great for lunch or dinner. I make a bunch at once, wrap them in foil, and just reheat over the fire. Kids and adults devour them!
Ingredients:
- 1 can refried beans
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 4 flour tortillas
- Optional: hot sauce, salsa, or chopped onions
Instructions:
- Spread refried beans and cheese in each tortilla.
- Add optional toppings, roll into burritos.
- Wrap in foil. Store in cooler or freeze ahead.
- Heat over grill or fire for 5–7 minutes.
💲 Estimated cost per burrito: ~$1.25
2. One-Pot Chili Mac
Description:
This is a hearty crowd-pleaser and easy to cook in one pot at camp. It combines pasta, beans, and a little ground meat (or skip the meat to save more!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- ½ lb ground beef or turkey (optional)
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- In a pot, brown meat if using.
- Add beans, tomatoes, seasonings, and 1½ cups water.
- Bring to boil, add pasta. Cook until tender (10–12 mins).
- Stir and serve hot.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$1.75
3. Campfire Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Description:
Comfort food at its finest! You can prep the soup ahead or use canned. Paired with melty grilled cheese sandwiches, this meal hits the spot and costs next to nothing.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tomato soup
- 4 slices bread
- 2 slices cheese
- Butter or oil for grilling
Instructions:
- Heat soup in a pot over the fire or stove.
- Butter bread, add cheese, and grill sandwich on a pan or over fire.
- Dip, slurp, smile.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$1.50
4. Loaded Campfire Potatoes
Description:
Potatoes are cheap and incredibly filling. This foil-pack meal is endlessly customizable. Add leftover meat or keep it veggie—either way, it’s hot and hearty.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup chopped onions or bell peppers
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
- Spoon into foil packs and seal tightly.
- Cook over fire or coals for 25–30 mins, flipping halfway.
💲 Estimated cost per pack: ~$1.30
5. Peanut Butter Banana Tortillas
Description:
Perfect for breakfast or a quick energy-boosting snack. These are cheap, packable, and no cooking required. My kids call them “campfire crepes.”
Ingredients:
- 2 flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 banana, sliced
- Optional: sprinkle of cinnamon or honey drizzle
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter on tortilla.
- Add banana slices and toppings.
- Roll up and eat cold, or warm over fire in foil for a gooey version.
💲 Estimated cost per wrap: ~$0.85
6. Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
Description:
This one takes ramen from college food to campfire favorite. Toss in a few fresh or frozen veggies and maybe an egg—and boom, it’s a full meal for less than a buck a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack instant ramen (any flavor)
- ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 egg (optional)
- Soy sauce or seasoning packet
Instructions:
- Boil noodles and veggies in 2 cups water.
- Drain most of the water, add seasoning or soy sauce.
- Stir in egg and cook 1–2 more minutes if using.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$0.90
7. Campfire Sausage & Rice Foil Packs
Description:
Sausage + rice + a few chopped veggies = one of the easiest meals to prep and cook over a fire. It’s filling, flavorful, and super budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 smoked sausage link, sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ cup bell pepper and onion, chopped
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika
- Foil for wrapping
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Spoon mixture into foil, seal tightly.
- Cook over campfire for 15–20 minutes, turning once.
💲 Estimated cost per pack: ~$1.50
8. Pancakes from Dry Mix
Description:
You can prep the dry pancake mix at home and just add water at camp. These are cheap, easy, and perfect for lazy campsite mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pancake mix
- ¾ cup water
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional: syrup, peanut butter, or fruit
Instructions:
- Mix dry pancake mix with water until smooth.
- Pour onto a greased skillet or griddle.
- Cook until golden on both sides.
💲 Estimated cost per 3 pancakes: ~$1.00
9. DIY Instant Oatmeal Packs
Description:
Forget store-bought packets—make your own for pennies. These are great for breakfast or snacks and take just hot water to make.
Ingredients (per pack):
- ½ cup quick oats
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp raisins or dried fruit
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients in a zip bag or container.
- At camp, pour into a bowl and add ¾ cup hot water.
- Stir and let sit 2–3 minutes.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$0.40
10. Campfire Fried Rice
Description:
Got leftover rice? Turn it into a satisfying skillet of fried rice with whatever veggies or meat you have on hand. Super filling and surprisingly delicious at camp.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups cooked rice
- 1 egg (optional)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- Soy sauce, garlic powder
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet, add veggies and cook 2–3 mins.
- Stir in rice, cook until hot.
- Push rice to side, scramble egg (if using), then mix in.
- Add soy sauce and serve.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$1.10
11. Foil-Wrapped Campfire Nachos
Description:
This is one of our fun “treat meals” and it costs barely anything! Layer chips, beans, and cheese into foil, toss it on the fire, and dig in with a fork or fingers. Easy, gooey, and oh-so-good.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- ½ cup canned black beans (drained)
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- Optional: chopped onions, jalapeños, or olives
Instructions:
- Layer all ingredients in the center of foil.
- Wrap tightly and place on a grill or hot coals.
- Heat for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Carefully open and enjoy straight from the foil.
💲 Estimated cost per pack: ~$1.50
12. Hot Dog & Potato Skillet
Description:
One pan, cheap ingredients, and maximum satisfaction. This one brings nostalgic camp vibes and keeps everyone full—especially after a long day of adventuring.
Ingredients:
- 2 hot dogs, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- ½ small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet, add potatoes and cook until browned.
- Add onion and hot dogs, sauté for 5–7 mins until crispy.
- Season and serve hot.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$1.20
13. Creamy Peanut Butter Noodles
Description:
A weird-sounding combo? Maybe. But it’s crazy cheap and surprisingly satisfying. It’s creamy, nutty, and perfect after a long hike when you’re craving carbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz spaghetti or ramen noodles
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Water to thin
Instructions:
- Cook noodles and drain.
- Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and 2–3 tbsp hot water.
- Mix until creamy. Eat warm or cold.
💲 Estimated cost per serving: ~$0.90
14. Egg & Black Bean Breakfast Wrap
Description:
These are protein-packed and incredibly affordable. You can make them fresh at camp or prep ahead and reheat. We always bring extras—they disappear fast.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup black beans
- 1 small tortilla
- Salt, pepper, optional cheese or salsa
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in skillet.
- Add black beans and cook until warm.
- Spoon into tortilla and roll up.
- Eat immediately or wrap in foil to reheat later.
💲 Estimated cost per wrap: ~$1.00
15. Banana Boat Dessert (Budget Edition)
Description:
Okay… not a “meal,” but every good camping trip needs a dessert! And this one uses just three ingredients, no plates, and costs next to nothing.
Ingredients:
- 1 banana (unpeeled, slit down the middle)
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Slice banana lengthwise (don’t cut all the way through).
- Fill with chocolate and marshmallows.
- Wrap in foil and place on campfire coals for 8–10 minutes.
- Carefully unwrap and enjoy with a spoon.
💲 Estimated cost per banana boat: ~$0.75
