Going for a camping trip but looking for vegetarian meal options? The struggle is truly real. You want delicious food, but you’re a vegetarian.
But vegetarian camping meals can be just as satisfying and easier to prepare. No coolers with meat that might spoil.
You’ll feel better eating lighter, plant-based foods on the trail.
In this blog, I’m going to show you simple, tasty vegetarian recipes that work perfectly for camping. These meals require the tiniest prep and cook easily over a camp stove or fire.
Easy to Prepare Vegetarian Camping Meals
The best camping meals are simple, quick recipes that reduce stress, letting you enjoy nature rather than spend too much time cooking.
1. Oatmeal with Fresh Berries
Cook instant oats with water over your camp stove. Add fresh berries, nuts, and honey on top.
It takes five minutes to make. You can prep individual portions in small bags before your trip for even faster cooking.
2. Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Scramble eggs with peppers and onions in a pan. Soft tortillas over the fire. Add cheese, salsa, and avocado slices.
Wrap everything up tight. These burritos are filling, and you can eat them while walking around camp.
3. Banana Pancakes
Mix mashed banana with pancake mix and water. Cook on a flat griddle over your stove.
Drizzle with maple syrup. Kids love these because they naturally taste sweet. You can make the batter the night before to save time in the morning.
4. Granola Parfait Cups
Layer granola with yogurt in a reusable container. Add dried fruit and a spoonful of nut butter.
No cooking needed for this one. Bring yogurt in a cooler with ice packs. It stays fresh for the first day of camping.
5. English Muffin Pizzas
Toast English muffins on a grill grate. Spread tomato sauce and sprinkle cheese on top.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Heat until the cheese melts. These make a fun breakfast that feels like a treat for everyone.
6. Trail Mix Energy Bowls
Mix together nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.
Add a handful to a bowl with milk. You can eat it cold or let it soak overnight. It’s crunchy, sweet, and gives you lots of energy for hiking.
7. Veggie Hummus Wraps
Spread hummus on a large tortilla. Layer cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded carrots.
Roll it up tightly and slice it in half. No cooking required, and it tastes fresh. Pack the vegetables in separate bags to keep them crisp.
8. Instant Ramen with Vegetables
Just cook the noodles in broth, add your vegetables in the last few minutes, stir in the seasoning, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl in under 10 minutes.
The vegetables make regular ramen feel healthier and more filling.
9. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Butter two slices of bread and add cheese between them. Cook in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
Flip once to toast both sides. Serve with tomato soup from a can. It’s comfort food that’s easy to make outdoors.
10. Black Bean Quesadillas
Spread mashed black beans on a tortilla. Add cheese and fold in half.
Cook in a pan until both sides are crispy. Cut into triangles and serve with sour cream. These are protein-packed and taste great with hot sauce.
11. Pasta Salad
Cook pasta and rinse with cold water. Mix with cherry tomatoes, olives, and Italian dressing.
Add mozzarella cubes if you have a cooler. You can make this ahead and eat it cold. It stays good for two days.
12. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwiches
Spread peanut butter on bread and add banana slices. You can toast the bread over the fire first. Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
No cooking needed, and it’s filling. Kids and adults both enjoy this simple lunch.
13. Veggie Foil Packets
Chop potatoes, peppers, onions, and zucchini. Wrap in foil with olive oil and seasonings.
Place directly on hot coals for twenty minutes. Everything steams together perfectly. The foil keeps the cleanup tiny, and the vegetables taste smoky.
14. Lentil Soup
Bring pre-cooked lentils or use canned ones. Heat with vegetable broth, carrots, and spices.
Simmer for fifteen minutes until everything is hot. This soup is hearty and filling. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
15. Campfire Nachos
Layer tortilla chips in a cast-iron pan. Add cheese, beans, jalapeños, and salsa.
Cover with foil and heat over the fire. The cheese melts perfectly in minutes. Top with sour cream and guacamole before eating.
16. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Fill with rice, beans, corn, and cheese. Wrap in foil and cook over coals.
They take about thirty minutes to soften. These look impressive but are actually simple to prepare.
17. Veggie Stir Fry
Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Toss in chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Add soy sauce and garlic powder. Serve over instant rice. The whole meal cooks in under fifteen minutes.
18. Corn on the Cob
Wrap corn in foil with butter and salt. Place on the grill grate over your campfire.
Rotate every few minutes for even cooking. It takes about fifteen minutes total. The kernels get slightly charred and taste sweet.
19. Chili with Cornbread
Make vegetarian chili with beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Simmer in a pot while you prepare the boxed cornbread mix. Bake the cornbread in a Dutch oven. Both together make a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
20. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Thread mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers onto sticks. Brush with olive oil and season well.
Grill over the fire until slightly charred. Turn them often for even cooking. Serve with rice or quinoa on the side.
21. Mac and Cheese
Boil the pasta until tender, then drain well. Stir in the powdered cheese sauce with a little milk.
Add extra shredded cheese if you want. You can add frozen peas as a vegetable. This classic comfort food is easy to make anywhere.
22. No-Cook Snack Boxes
Pack crackers, cheese cubes, grapes, and baby carrots in containers.
Add some pretzels and cherry tomatoes, too. No preparation needed at the campsite. Just open and eat whenever you’re hungry. Great for lazy lunch days.
23. Avocado Toast
Toast bread over the fire on a grill grate. Mash avocado with salt and pepper.
Spread it on the toast and add a squeeze of lime; optionally include a fried or poached egg on top. You can also top with sliced tomatoes. It’s fresh, healthy, and takes three minutes.
24. Chickpea Salad
Drain canned chickpeas and mix with diced cucumbers.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. No cooking involved, and it’s refreshing. Eat it alone or stuff it into pita bread. The protein keeps you full for hours.
25. Veggie Sushi Rolls
Lay nori sheets flat and spread with cooked rice. Add cucumber strips, avocado, and carrots. Roll tightly and slice into pieces.
Serve with soy sauce for dipping. These are fun to make and feel special at camp.
26. Instant Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Boil water and stir in instant potato flakes. Add butter and milk powder for creaminess.
Pour vegetarian gravy from a packet on top. This side dish is cordial and comforting. Pair it with canned vegetables for a full meal.
27. Fruit and Nut Butter Wraps
Spread almond butter or peanut butter on a tortilla. Add sliced apples, raisins, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Roll it up and slice if needed. No cooking required, and it tastes like dessert. Pack the apples in a container to prevent bruising.
How to Pack and Store Food Items
- Pack non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned beans in waterproof bags.
- Store fresh vegetables in hard containers to prevent crushing during transport.
- Freeze water bottles before your trip to keep food cold and provide drinking water later.
- Bring airtight containers to keep insects and animals away from your food.
- Pre-chop vegetables at home and store them in ziplock bags for faster cooking.
- Label each meal bag with the day and recipe name for easy organization.
- Keep your cooler in the shade and open it as little as possible.
- Pack spices in small containers or use pre-measured amounts in tiny bags.
- Bring extra bags to store leftovers and keep your campsite clean.
Final Thoughts
These vegetarian camping meals prove you don’t need meat to enjoy outdoor cooking. They’re simple, filling, and won’t weigh down your pack.
Remember to store your food properly and clean up thoroughly. Leave no trace behind so others can enjoy nature.
Your camping meals should fuel your body without complicating your trip.
Happy camping, and I hope you enjoy those meals under the stars.
