How To Eat Well When Camping

We know that not everyone got Glastonbury tickets (we know this from painfully personal experience) but that doesn’t mean a proper camping trip shouldn’t be on the cards for you this summer. When the weather’s great, there’s nothing like it. Eating food in the great outdoors, even if all you’re scranning is a bag of salty tortilla crisps, can be a nice way to go back to nature and get back in touch with the way your prehistoric ancestors used to live. No, they probably weren’t eating tortilla crisps way back when… but still, the point stands. Camping is about adopting a more simple, stripped back mindset and that relates back to the sort of food and drink you enjoy while camping, too.

If you like the idea of eating under the stars with minimal equipment, then we hope you’ll find plenty of helpful advice in this article we’ve written on how to eat well when camping. In partnership with Stella Artois and their unfiltered lager, we’ve come up with these essential tips for planning a successful camping trip. From campsite selection and meal planning to beer-pairing suggestions, we’ve got you covered.

When it comes to camping, selecting the right campsite can significantly enhance your dining experience. And your overall camping experience. Try to look for a site that provides a balance of safety, convenience, and ambiance. Things like easy access to water, level ground for cooking, and areas free from (some) insects and (most) wildlife can make your life a hell of a lot easier. A location with a beautiful view can also add a little something special to your outdoor meals. I’m not saying a tin of cold baked beans will taste like a Michelin star meal when you’ve got your eyes on Helvellyn… but it won’t hurt, will it?

Efficient meal planning is key to enjoying delicious and hassle-free camping meals. Try to go for foods that are easy to prepare, require minimal equipment, and have a relatively long shelf life. Consider packing non-perishable items like tinned fish, crisps, and dried fruits. Y’know: the three major groups. Preparing and packing ingredients in advance can save you time and ensure you have everything you need. Making a salad or two the day of your journey and packing it with you is also a rather good idea. Just make sure you don’t end up cooking it in a backpack.

When it comes to camping cuisine, simplicity and versatility are key. Focus on foods that are easy to cook, provide energy, and satisfy hunger. Some excellent choices include:

Packaged meals: We know we’re usually all about getting you to cook as much as humanly possible but, honestly, ready-to-eat camping meals are convenient and come in a variety of flavours nowadays that aren’t horrible. They require minimal preparation and often come in lightweight packaging, which makes them ideal for carrying around with you, too.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: Like duh. Not only do these provide essential nutrients and hydration but they’re incredibly delicious, too. Choose sturdy produce like apples, oranges, carrots, and bell peppers that can withstand outdoor conditions and a bit of argy bargy with your tent. No, bananas are not a good idea.

Canned goods: Tins of fish, beans, and soups are durable, require no refrigeration, and can be easily incorporated into heaps of recipes. All you have to do is apply a bit of heat (more on that later) and the job’s a good ‘un.

Shelf-stable proteins: Stuff like beef jerky, nuts, and protein bars can be a good way to keep your energy levels up when doing any sort of strenuous activity. They’re also great for snacking on when you’re sitting down and staring up at the stars.

When it comes to cooking while camping, there are several methods to consider:

Campfire cooking: Cooking over an open flame can give you that rustic and authentic camping experience but it can be a little difficult to manage, especially if you’re not well-versed with that sort of thing. You can cook meals on a roaring flame using a grill grate, skewers, or even tin foil packets. Go wild. But be responsible.

Camping stoves: Portable camping stoves are great for convenience and control. They’re compact, lightweight, and typically run on either gas or propane. You can use one of these to boil water for your morning coffee or re-heat one of those tins of soup you brought along for the ride.

Portable grills: Compact grills are great for cooking meat, fish, and vegetables. They’re dead easy to transport and set up, giving you the chance to have a proper barbecue experience while you’re there out in mother nature.

To elevate your camping dining experience, you should really consider pairing your meals with the right beer. Stella Artois Unfiltered, or as they call it ‘beer, au naturel’, is a crisp and refreshing beer which perfectly complements a variety of camping cuisines. A more natural beer, full of flavour, it pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables, matching the natural surroundings and quenching your thirst at the same time.