Camping Cooking Basics: How to Cook Food You Actually Want to Eat While Car Camping

Let's be honest—some camp meals are more about survival than satisfaction. But when you're car camping, you don't have to make the same sacrifices that you do when you're backpacking. Car camping opens the door to a world of culinary possibilities. Just because you're living out of your car doesn't mean you need to settle for soggy sandwiches or lukewarm chili every night. With the right gear and a little planning, you can make meals worthy of any kitchen. Here's how to cook like a pro while car camping—and eat meals you'll actually look forward to.

Step One: Dial in Your Camp Kitchen Setup

Before you begin, you need to set yourself up for success. Your kitchen setup doesn't have to be fancy, but it does need to be functional.

• Stove: A two-burner propane stove is ideal, especially for more involved meals. A single-burner propane or butane stove works well if you're limited in space. Avoid using a compact backpacking stove if possible, as it will limit the types of pans you can use.
• Cooler or Fridge: If you've got a dedicated food storage system in your car, that's great, but all you really need is a trusty cooler. Yetis and other high-end coolers will keep produce and meat fresh for days on end.
• Cooking Gear: Stick to the essentials—one pot, one pan, a cutting board, a knife, utensils, a mixing bowl, and a few reusable containers.
• Slide-Out Kitchen (Optional but Awesome): If you've outfitted your car with a Camp N Car slide-out kitchen or drawer system, staying organized will be a breeze.

Step Two: Plan Easy, Tasty Meals in Advance

The secret to eating well on the road? Planning meals that don't require five pots and a sous chef. A good rule of thumb: prep as much as you can at home.

Breakfast Ideas

• Overnight oats: Make them in a jar and throw them in your cooler.
• Breakfast burritos: Pre-make and wrap in foil to warm up in the pan.
• Campfire pancakes or French toast: Make the batter at home and use a squeeze bottle to make cleanup easier.

Lunch On the Go

• Wraps and sandwiches: Easy to prep, even easier to eat mid-adventure.
• Grain bowls: Pre-cooked rice or quinoa with veggies, avocado, and your choice of protein.

Dinner to Impress (or Just Satisfy)

• Stir-fry: Cook everything in one pan—use pre-cut veggies and toss in some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
• Taco night: Bring tortillas, beans, pre-cooked rice, chopped veggies, and hot sauce.
• Foil packets: Wrap fish, potatoes, and vegetables in foil and throw them on the fire or in a pan.
• Steak & Veggies: Why not go all in on the experience and cook a meal worthy of an open fire? Cook your steak and veggies in the same pan for an easy cleanup.

Step Three: Don't Forget the Extras

Even basic meals get elevated with a few finishing touches:

• Spices and sauces: Bring a small spice kit with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your favorites. Mini bottles of hot sauce or soy sauce go a long way.
• Olive oil or butter: A small bottle of oil is your best friend on the stove.
• Coffee Setup: Whether it's a French press, AeroPress, or pour-over cone, good coffee makes camp mornings 100% better.

Tips for Cooking Like a Car Camping Pro

• Prep at Home: Chop veggies, marinate meat, or even freeze meals before your trip.
• Clean as You Go: Space is limited—wash up after each meal to avoid the dreaded dish pile-up.
• Keep Wildlife Away: Always store food securely and away from your sleeping area—especially in bear country.
• Embrace One-Pot Meals: The fewer dishes you use, the more time you have to relax and enjoy the sunset.

With the right mindset and a little preparation, car camping meals can be more than just fuel—they can be part of the experience. At Camp N Car, we believe good meals and good memories go hand in hand. Whether you're cooking on a mountain pass or parked at a coastal overlook, we build setups that make it easier to enjoy every part of the journey—including what's on your plate. To build your very own car camping setup or to look for some car camping inspiration, head to our website.