When you’re outdoors, connecting with nature, sleeping in a king-size bed, the absolute worst thing that could happen is getting stuck eating mediocre food…ok ok, maybe there are one or two worse scenarios. But we’re not talking about plain old camping here.
So forget the instant ramen and canned chili, and enjoy some of the finer things in life with 7 of the best foods to bring glamping.
7 Foods To Bring Glamping
1. Champagne & Caviar
Champagne & OM Caviar right off the bat? I know, a pretty bold way to start. But what better way to set the tone for a serious glamping adventure than with two of the most luxurious glamorous ingredients around?
This is an especially fitting choice if your trip revolves around a special occasion or celebration. And the best part, there’s no cooking or other prep work involved. Bury your bottle of champagne and tin of caviar in ice, and you’re set.
Add a bag of your favorite potato chips and a little creme fraiche, and you’ll feel like you’re in a five-star restaurant in the middle of nowhere.
2. Dutch Oven Nachos
If caviar doesn’t quite feel right for your glamping group, I’ve never met anyone, young or old, who doesn’t love nachos. Serve them in the great outdoors, and you’ll be a camp kitchen hero.
You can make Dutch Oven nachos as simple or dressed up as you’d like. At the bare minimum, you’ll need some tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a trusty Dutch Oven. But we’re talking about glamping here, so pile on the works and make sure someone brings the guacamole!
3. Meat + Stick + Fire
Roasting hotdogs over a fire is about as classic as camp-fare gets. And I love a good campfire dog as much as anyone else, but I think we can do better.
Almost every cuisine around the globe has some sort of food cooked on a skewer over hot coals, so there’s no shortage of options.
Bring a little bit of Japan into the woods with teriyaki skewers. Or travel to the Middle East for any of their infamous kebabs. Then, once you’ve decided on the main course, bring a couple of side dishes from the same region for a fun international spread.
4. Mexican Street Corn (Elotés)
Corn roasted over an open fire is another campsite classic. But instead of opting for plain old butter and salt, give your corn the glamping treatment and go all out for Elotés.
Elotés are Mexican street food, where grilled corn is topped with mayo, cotija cheese, cilantro, chili, and lime. However, rather than bringing all those ingredients separately, mix them into a single spread before you leave home. Then once your corn is nice and charred, lather ’em up with sauce and add an extra squeeze of fresh lime.
5. Pad Thai
This may not be the first (or 2nd, or 3rd) food you think of when it comes to camping, but for reasons unknown, every mountain town has a resident Thai restaurant. And I’m not complaining.
Eating take-out-style food in a forest is one of those things that might be “wrong,” but it feels so right! And rather than carrying a bunch of styrofoam containers to your glampsite, why not make your own?
Doing all your prep work at home makes this seemingly complicated dish a cinch, even when cooking outdoors. And while you could make this stir fry over a campfire, an outdoor wok burner makes life a whole lot easier. Plus, it opens up endless camp cooking possibilities.
6. Steak Dinner
From cowboys to cavemen, cooking a juicy piece of meat over hot coals is a quintessential backcountry experience. Roast some potatoes in the fire for a simple side, and you’ll have a meal you’re not likely to forget.
Even though some campsites come pre-fitted with a grill, I love using a pan so I can turn all those delicious steak drippings into a rich pan sauce (cavemen did that too, right?).
And while a cast iron skillet might be what pops into your head, I certainly don’t want to lug an 8-pound pan into the woods. Luckily, I’ve got a lighter option. Many of the best carbon steel pans are half the weight but just as rugged and fire-worthy.
7. “Fancy” Cocktails
Drinking a cold beer around a campfire might be one of the greatest joys in life. But when you want to take your food to the next level, it only makes sense to elevate your beverages along with it.
I’m not saying you should pack up your home bar and bring it along. That would be heavy and very breakable. No, the trick here is pre-batched cocktails.
Before you head for the hills, make a large batch of your preferred “juice” (an-old fashioned or sangria are a couple of options that work really well). Then store it in a Nalgene or other non-breakable bottle, and once you make camp, add ice, maybe a garnish for any over-achievers and let the glamping begin.
A Quick Recap
Whatever your flavor, make sure to plan ahead. Your trip is going to be amazing, regardless of what you eat…but, a little effort will go a long way toward creating a satisfying experience. See our full glamping checklist here, and get ready for an amazing sleep under the stars.
