15 High-Protein Camping Meals
Camping is all about the great outdoors, late-night campfires, and waking up to birds instead of alarm clocks. But if you’re anything like me, it’s also about staying fueled and full—because hauling gear, hiking trails, and chasing kids takes energy!
That’s why I always plan high-protein meals that are easy to prep, pack, and enjoy without hauling your entire kitchen into the woods.
Whether you’re tent camping or RV-ing it in style, these meals are loaded with protein, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner under the stars.
Here are my go-to first 15 high-protein camping meals to kickstart your trip the tasty way:
1. Campfire Turkey Chili
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili after a long day outdoors. This version uses lean ground turkey for a lighter, protein-rich meal that satisfie
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can black beans (drained)
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook turkey and onion in a skillet until browned.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and chili powder. Simmer 15–20 mins.
- Let cool, pack in containers, and reheat over campfire in a pot.
💪 Protein per serving: ~35g
2. Grilled Chicken & Quinoa Foil Packs
Description:
These are simple to prep at home and cook right in the fire. Juicy chicken + quinoa + veggies = one seriously protein-packed, mess-free meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers & zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper to taste
- Heavy-duty foil
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl.
- Divide into two foil packets and seal tightly.
- Cook on campfire grate for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
💪 Protein per serving: ~40g
3. Protein-Packed Breakfast Scramble
Description:
Start your day strong with this hearty egg scramble. I prep the meat and veggies ahead so all I have to do is crack and cook.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup diced turkey sausage or ham
- ¼ cup chopped onions and peppers
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté meat and veggies in a pan until heated.
- Add beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.
- Top with cheese if desired and serve hot.
💪 Protein per serving: ~30g
4. Tuna & Chickpea Salad Wraps
Description:
Perfect for no-cook days! This filling salad has tons of protein from tuna and chickpeas. We spoon it into tortillas or eat it straight from the bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna (packed in water)
- ½ cup canned chickpeas (rinsed & mashed slightly)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or olive oil mayo
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Tortillas or lettuce wraps
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Spoon into tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Store in a cooler until ready to eat.
💪 Protein per serving: ~28g
5. Steak & Veggie Kabobs
Description:
Tender steak cubes grilled over an open fire? Yes, please. These kabobs are a hit every time—and the protein count is through the roof.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into cubes
- Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
Instructions:
- Toss steak and veggies in oil and seasonings.
- Skewer alternately and pack in a sealed container.
- Grill over fire for 10–12 minutes, turning to cook evenly.
💪 Protein per serving: ~45g
6. Black Bean & Egg Breakfast Tacos
Description:
This one’s our go-to when we want a filling breakfast that’s fast and full of flavor. It’s vegetarian, high in protein, and totally customizable with toppings like salsa or avocado.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup canned black beans (rinsed)
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 4 small tortillas
- Salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a skillet until nearly set.
- Add beans and tomatoes, cook for 2 more mins.
- Spoon into tortillas, sprinkle cheese, and serve hot.
💪 Protein per serving: ~22g (2 tacos)
7. Grilled Salmon with Veggie Packets
Description:
This feels like a gourmet meal in the middle of the woods. Salmon is super high in protein and healthy fats, and the veggies cook right alongside it in foil.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges, salt, pepper, dill or Italian herbs
- Heavy-duty foil
Instructions:
- Place salmon and veggies on foil, drizzle with oil and season.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate until camp.
- Grill over fire for 12–15 minutes.
💪 Protein per serving: ~35g
8. Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew (Make-Ahead)
Description:
This stew is warm, hearty, and surprisingly protein-packed thanks to lentils. I make it at home and just reheat it in a pot at camp—it’s perfect after a long hike.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, pepper, thyme, paprika
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic, then add all ingredients to a pot.
- Simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are soft.
- Cool and store in containers.
- Reheat over campfire or stove.
💪 Protein per serving: ~20g
9. Chicken & Hummus Pita Pockets
Description:
These are quick, cold, and crazy satisfying. I pack grilled chicken and hummus in containers, and we stuff them into pitas for a fresh, protein-rich lunch—no cooking required.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup hummus
- 1 cup chopped cucumber and tomato
- 2–3 whole wheat pita pockets
Instructions:
- Slice pitas open and spread hummus inside.
- Add chicken, veggies, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Store chilled and eat on the go.
💪 Protein per serving: ~30g
10. High-Protein Pasta with Chicken & Veggies
Description:
This one works great as a make-ahead dinner. I cook everything at home, pack it in containers, and just heat it up at the campsite. The protein pasta makes it even better.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup sautéed spinach and bell peppers
- ½ cup marinara or pesto
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in a meal prep container.
- Reheat in a pot or foil over campfire.
💪 Protein per serving: ~35g
11. Quinoa & Chicken Burrito Bowls
Description:
These are great cold or warm—and they pack serious protein. I prep them at home in containers so all we have to do is grab a fork and dig in. Customizable and totally satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ¾ cup grilled chicken breast, chopped
- ½ cup black beans
- ¼ cup corn (optional)
- ¼ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- Fresh cilantro or lime (optional)
Instructions:
- Layer quinoa, chicken, beans, corn, and salsa into bowls or containers.
- Chill until ready to eat.
- Eat cold or reheat over fire/stove if desired.
💪 Protein per serving: ~35g
12. Cottage Cheese & Fruit Power Bowls
Description:
This is my go-to breakfast or midday snack. It’s quick, light, and surprisingly protein-rich. I pack pre-portioned containers of cottage cheese and fruit for an easy grab-and-eat option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup berries or chopped fruit (like pineapple or peaches)
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds or walnuts
- Drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Layer cottage cheese and fruit in containers.
- Add nuts and honey just before eating.
- Keep chilled in cooler.
💪 Protein per serving: ~28g
13. Campfire Turkey Burgers (No Bun Needed)
Description:
High-protein, low-carb, and full of smoky flavor—these turkey patties are easy to make and cook beautifully over a fire. I serve them lettuce-wrapped or with a side of grilled veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- Lettuce leaves or veggies for serving
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients and form into patties.
- Store in a sealed container or freeze ahead.
- Grill over campfire for 5–6 mins per side.
💪 Protein per serving: ~38g
14. Hard-Boiled Eggs & Protein Snack Packs
Description:
Not a full meal, but an absolute lifesaver. These little packs are perfect for grab-and-go protein boosts between meals or after a long hike.
Ingredients:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- A handful of almonds or pumpkin seeds
- Baby carrots or snap peas
- 1 low-fat cheese stick (optional)
Instructions:
- Assemble snack packs in zip-top bags or containers.
- Keep in cooler.
- Eat cold anytime you need a protein hit.
💪 Protein per serving: ~20–25g
15. High-Protein Oats with Peanut Butter & Seeds
Description:
This one’s for chill mornings. I mix it all at home in a jar, and by morning it’s thick, creamy, and ready to eat—no cooking needed! The combo of oats, peanut butter, and seeds is seriously satisfying.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup oats
- ¾ cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or hemp seeds
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a mason jar or container.
- Refrigerate overnight (can stay chilled in cooler for up to 3 days).
- Stir and enjoy cold.
💪 Protein per serving: ~25g
