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Author :Caleb Summeril in Food

The Best RV Camping Recipes can show you a little home cooking goes a long way! Any night spent in the wilderness or under a vibrant blanket of stars is a night well spent. Add to that night a belly full of delicious food and it’s hard to ask for much more! One of the many benefits to RV living is the ability to bring a kitchen with you just about anywhere. This means with a little planning and some basic cooking knowledge, you can whip up gourmet feast after feast for yourself and those other lucky souls who happen to be on the road with you.

Many people think camping, whether that be really roughing it or RV based, means canned beans and freeze-dried astronaut food. I, for one, refuse to resort to boil-in-the-bag or survival rations unless I’m deep in the backcountry or stranded on an island with no other options. It’s just too easy and satisfying to whip up something tasty, fulfilling and memorable with a little planning and preparation. In an effort to make our grandmothers proud, let’s have a look at some of the best RV camping recipes around and what it takes to pull them off.

The Basics

Before we get into the recipes, let’s talk about the basics. You are RV camping which means you’re afforded a luxury many other campers are not – a kitchen! Take advantage of this wonderful circumstance and stock the cupboards before leaving home. Bring an assortment of pots, pans, utensils, contraptions, spices, sauces, cutlery and anything else you use at home for cooking. You might have to slim down a bit but bringing your favorite essentials will make it easier and more appealing to get started. Make sure to have ample supplies of cooking oil, salt, and pepper – in a pinch those basics can lead to some delicious dishes. Stock up on the fresh ingredients once you are on the road or at the camp store. Fresh meats, veggies, and dairy will last a few days to a week in your fridge or cooler.

Related Read: Kitchen Essentials for the RV

I like to bring a solid cast iron or two for varying situations from sautéing and grilling to stir-frying and baking. A solid cast iron can accomplish just about any culinary endeavor and learning how to use and care for one is highly recommended, not only for life on the road but for at home as well. Lodge makes some of the best irons in the game and it’s an easy investment that can last a lifetime.

An InstantPot is another worthy addition to your RV catering arsenal. These little wonders can cut the time needed for traditionally longer cooking recipes down drastically, making it easy to cook roasts, casseroles and many other options at the campground.

Related Read: 4 Reasons Every RVer Should Own an Instant Pot

A Few Tips Before Getting Started

Be creative. Sometimes the meal is not going to go as planned. You might have to adapt if your RV oven is small or runs cool. The ingredients you’re after might not be available and you’ll need to improvise. This doesn’t mean your meal is doomed, only that you need a little resourcefulness – a necessary skill for any RVer anyways.

Be safe. Check that all your gas lines and gas operated equipment is up and running before your trip. Make sure pilot lights and starters are operating correctly and there are no leaks in the lines. You are in a small space that can fill up with gas quickly, safety is a must!

Have fun. If you’ve never attempted to cook on an open fire before, give it a shot. If you’re used to the canned food while on the road approach, step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You might surprise yourself.

Recipes

Breakfast

I almost always have eggs, bacon, pancakes and toast available for a quick and easy breakfast on the burner or over an open flame but here are some great options to vary up the morning offerings:

Hot Ham and Pineapple Breakfast Sandwiches – an easy an exotic way to start the day!

Campfire Apple Crisp Breakfast – delicious, nutritious, and almost feels like dessert – but its healthy.

Skillet Oreo Cinnamon Buns – you read that right. This is one of my favorite recipes to cook for a crowd. Certain to be a hit with any young ones around.

Dutch Oven Campfire Casserole – Hearty, satisfying and perfect for cold mornings or to fuel up for the day’s adventures.

Beer Pancakes – Another novel but tasty idea. It’s not as weird as it sounds. Pancakes are a must when camping and this variation is worth a try.

Lunch

Cheesy Garlic Fries – An easy lunch that hits the spot, every time. Make sure you have ketchup on board.

S’mores Granola – This one is fun a perfect to enjoy midday or prep early and take it on the trail or road with you.

Campfire Nachos – Everybody loves nachos. This recipe is a winner and one you might consider making at home after you’ve tried it.

Hot Ham ‘n Cheese Croissants – easy to make and always satisfying. Make sure to find croissants in a town before heading to the campground.

Walking Tacos – I love this take on tacos. It’s unique and delicious. Maybe a little different but give it a shot.

Dinner

Chili Campfire Bake – Is it camping if there’s not chili involved? Many excellent chili recipes out there but this one is a favorite.

Red Wine Marinated Hanger Steaks with Flatbreads – time to go a little gourmet here. Don’t be intimidated, it will be well worth it.

Campsite Jambalaya – festive, fun, easy to make and delicious. Extra points for attempting in the south.

Grilled Sausage and Asparagus – This one is easy to prep and cook and leads to a satisfying meal in no time. You can use just about any fibrous vegetable if asparagus is hard to come by.

Southwestern Chicken Packets - I love baked chicken and this camping version does not disappoint. I like to substitute with chicken thighs sometimes. Be sure that the chicken is fully cooked before consuming, having a meat thermometer in your RV is a great idea.