20+ Simple Camping Lunch Ideas

Looking for some lunchtime inspiration for your next camping trip?  I’ll show you this some of the simplest and easiest lunch ideas as well as some camping lunch recipes that are a little bit more exciting that will add some wow to your next camping trip.

Lunch is my nemesis.  There I said it.   When lunch time rolls around and we’re on a family camping trip I feel like I’m just getting momentum with the days adventures, yet at the same time my kids are absolutely famished. Even if I feed them a nutritious breakfast, by the time lunch rolls around they all feel like they’re on the verge of starvation. 

When camping with kids the key to a successful camping lunch is planning ahead and keeping things simple. Here are some of our best camping lunch ideas that will not only feel your crews up, but will also give them the energy they need to explore and adventure for the rest of your camping day.

How To Keep Camp Lunches Easy

The biggest tip that I have to share is that lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. We are often on the go, so we look for camp lunches that we can make ahead, or that are fast to make. We also simplify lunch time by avoiding using many dishes that we’ll have to wash. That means that instead of giving the kids a plate for their PB&J, they just hold their sandwich, OR if we do need dishes, we pack some disposable picnicware and a wipeable table cloth! We also simplify lunches by using as few utensils as possible (usually just a pocket knife).

If we do decide to do cooking for lunch, we often roast things over the fire, make foil packet meals for easy cleanup, or try and make a one pot dish!

Lunch Dessert Camping Hack

Whoever decided that it was a good idea to give kids TONS of sugar before trying to get them to sleep in a tent, certainly didn’t have little kids on a camping trip. We’ve found that it can be really hard to get kids to sleep while camping if we give them dessert right before bed. To make everyone’s life easier, we often do LUNCH DESSERT. The kids are thrilled that they’re getting dessert earlier in the day and mom and dads life is easier at bedtime. Make sure to check out all of our easy dessert ideas and delicious s’mores combinations.

No Cook Camping Lunch Ideas

If you can find a good no cook camping lunch, the rest of your day will be easier. We’re sharing some of our favorite camping sandwiches and wraps that are simple to put together and easy to make when camping with kids.

Tuna and veggie wraps

This twist on the classic tuna sandwich will leave your camping family filled up and fueled for the day.   Simply fill a tortilla with tuna, Mayo, and an assortment of fine chopped vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and spinach for a delicious lunch.   I love that this lunch is full of protein, making it especially great for days where we need an extra boost of energy.

Cracker Sandwiches

This is the ultimate in simple camping lunches since aside from slicing, this requires basically no prep work (you can even buy pre sliced meats and cheeses to eliminate all the lunch prep work). 

To make this no-cook camping lunch simply layer your favorite crackers, sliced cheese, and hard deli meats such as salami into a mini cracker sandwich. Although this sounds incredibly simple, I find the kids absolutely love layering and putting together their own cracker sandwiches and forming unique combinations. This is a super easy lunch to put together if not everyone is eating at the same time or if your family is more prone to snacking while camping.

BLT Wraps

Whenever we add bacon to any family camping meal, it suddenly becomes extra special.  We make our BLT wraps easy, by using precooked bacon, and choosing roma tomatoes for less mess.  To make your BLT wraps extra special, add some avocado or sprouts as well.  

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

This is my go-to easy camping lunch. In fact, it’s my go to anything lunch when I’m looking for something easy. Truth be told, my kids are not always completely thrilled about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.   

To make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a little bit more special or camping we often make them on bagels or make peanut butter and jelly wraps with tortillas. Honestly, I feel like the key to getting kids to love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while you’re camping is the sides that go along with it. Bring some veggies and the fun dip or throw together a quick fruit salad. 

Simple Camping Lunches with Minimal Cooking

Want to make your kids camping lunch just a little different? Try one of these ideas. Easy to cook campfire lunches or warm sandwiches are the perfect way to add a little bit of variety to your family lunch.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

One of our favorite easy camping lunches is grilled cheese sandwiches. When we’re camping we like to make our grilled cheese sandwiches a little bit fancier by adding crumbled bacon, pesto, or even some sliced apples.  While cheddar is our go-to cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches with kids, if you’ve got a group that has more refined tastes try provolone, muenster, or even brie cheese on your camping grilled cheese. 

Campfire Hot Dogs

If you’ve got kids, letting them roast hot dogs over a campfire will hands down, be one of their favorite camping meals.   We absolutely love these roasting sticks since they telescope for easy packing but can extend extra long so the kids don’t have to be too close to the fire. While our kids would typically only eat one hot dog at home, their appetites seem to multiply when we’re camping so plan on bringing plenty of extras.

While you’ve got the fire going, this is also a great time to let the kids make some s’mores (to avoid the post dinner sugar rush).

Campfire Pigs In A Blanket

Campfire pigs in a blanket are just a small step up from your regular campfire hot dog. Bring refrigerated biscuit dough, and wrap it around your campfire hot dog and slow roast it over the fire. This can take a little bit longer than your traditional campfire hot dog, but it makes this simple camping lunch just a bit more exciting than a traditional hot dog on a bun.