I’ve learned that the key to easy camping meals isn’t fancy food. It’s simple, flexible, and delicious RV camping meals that don’t leave you stuck with washing the dishes while everyone else is roasting marshmallows.
Here I’m going to share my tried and (tasted) approach to RV meals that work for real life on the road. These are meals that fit in small RV kitchens, don’t use much equipment, and can be adapted for families, couples, kids, vegetarians, and even big camping groups.
Before we dive into recipes and ideas, I’ll say this: RV cooking is different. You don’t have unlimited counter space, storage, or patience after a long drive. That’s why planning easy RV meals is essential.
One thing that will definitely help is a meal planner.
I’ve put one together using everything on this page, which you can print off here.
When I’m planning my camping meals, I go for:
- Fewer ingredients
- Minimal prep and cleanup
- Flexible recipes
- Meals that can be cooked indoors or outdoors
- Food that travels well
These meals are practical, realistic, and repeatable, perfect for RVers.
Jump to:
- Family Camping Meals
- Make Ahead Camping Meals
- Camping Meals For Kids
- Vegetarian Camping Meals
- Camping Meals For A crowd
- 5 Day Meal Planner
Family Camping Meals Everyone Will Actually Eat
Family camping meals need to be filling, familiar, and flexible.
When I’m cooking for a family in an RV, I like to think in terms of “build your own” meals which I find generally keep (most) picky eaters happy.
Here are some of my favorite easy camping meals for families:
RV Taco Night
Brown some ground beef or turkey on the stove or outdoor griddle. Set out tortillas, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and canned beans. Everyone builds their own taco.
Foil Packet Dinners
Protein + veggies + seasoning wrapped in foil. These can be cooked on a grill or campfire and need zero cleanup.
One Pot Pasta Meals
Spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, or sausage and penne. One pot, lots of calories, and leftovers for lunch.
Make Family Meals Stretch Further
I always plan meals that will pull their weight:
Dinner one night
Leftovers for lunch the next day
Saves money, fridge space, and time.
Make Ahead Camping Meals That Will Save Your Sanity
Make ahead camping meals are the secret weapon of experienced RVers. When I prep food at home, my trips instantly feel more like vacations and less like work.
These meals are lifesavers after long drive days or busy adventure filled afternoons.
RV camping meals for lunch should be quick, portable, and flexible. I usually treat lunch as a grab and go meal, which keeps me fueled up without interrupting the day.
These RV lunch ideas are all easy to prep ahead and store well in a cooler or RV fridge.
Make Ahead Wraps & Sandwiches
These are staples for RV camping meals because they require zero cooking.
Top tip: Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper first, then foil. They stay fresh for longer.
Turkey & Cheese Wraps
Spread tortillas with cream cheese or hummus, layer turkey, cheese, and spinach, then roll tightly and wrap in foil.
Veggie Hummus Wraps
Use hummus, shredded carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and greens. These hold up better than lettuce and tomato.
Chicken Salad Croissants
Make the chicken salad at home using rotisserie chicken. Store separately and assemble it when ready to eat.
Make Ahead Pasta & Grain Salads
Cold salads are some of my favorite RV meals because they get better with time.
These salads are perfect for beach days, hiking lunches, road travel days.
Italian Pasta Salad
Pasta, salami or chickpeas, olives, cherry tomatoes, and bottled Italian dressing.
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and lime dressing.
Orzo Salad
Orzo pasta, feta, cucumbers, olives, and lemon vinaigrette.
Leftovers That Work for Lunch
When planning dinners, I intentionally cook meals that can become lunch the next day.
Great leftover easy RV meals include:
Grilled chicken sliced for wraps
Chili over baked potatoes
Taco fillings in quesadillas
Stress Free RV Dinners – Make Ahead to Reheat
Dinner is where make ahead camping meals really come into their own. These meals can be reheated quickly or finished with minimal effort at the campsite.
They’re perfect for busy RV days when you still want something warm and satisfying.
Freezer Friendly RV Dinners
If you have a freezer in your RV, here are a few meals you can pull out on a whim.
Chili or Stew
Freeze flat in gallon bags. Thaws quickly and reheats evenly.
Lasagna
Assemble in disposable foil trays at home. Cook or reheat in an RV oven or grill.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll and freeze ahead. Add sauce and cheese before reheating.
Foil Packet Dinners (Prep at Home)
Foil packets are one of my favorite easy camping meals because there’s virtually no cleanup.
Prep at home by layering ingredients, then store in the fridge until cooking time.
Popular combinations:
Sausage, potatoes & peppers
Chicken, broccoli & rice
Tofu or chickpeas with mixed veggies
When you’re ready to use them, place packets on the grill or over the fire for 20–30 minutes.
One Pot Meals
These RV meals are perfect for small kitchens and if you don’t have lots of cookware.
Pre Cooked Taco Meat
Reheat and serve in tortillas or over rice.
Pulled Pork
Cook at home in a slow cooker, then reheat and serve on buns or over baked potatoes.
Curries and Soups
Freeze in portions and reheat on the stovetop.
Make Ahead Grilled Dinners
Marinating meat ahead of time for dinners will save you a ton of time.
A few ideas:
BBQ Pork Chops
Grilled Veggie Packs
Marinated Chicken Thighs
Once at camp, all you need to do is fire up the grill.
How Long Do Camping Meals Last With Only a Fridge?
Most RV fridges run slightly warmer than a home fridge and are opened more often, so I always plan on the shorter end of food safety timelines.
Fully Cooked Meals (3–4 Days)
These are your safest make ahead RV meals.
Examples:
Chili, soup, or stew
Cooked pasta dishes
Cooked rice or quinoa
Pre-cooked taco meat or shredded chicken
Top Tip: Store cooked meals on the coldest shelf, usually the back of the fridge.
Prepped but Uncooked Meals (2–3 Days)
These meals are assembled but not cooked yet.
Examples:
Foil packet dinners with raw meat
Marinated chicken or pork
Uncooked casseroles
If raw meat is involved, I always plan to cook these within the first two days of the trip.
Make Ahead Lunch Items (3–5 Days)
Many cold RV lunches last really well.
Examples:
Wraps and sandwiches (without tomato)
Pasta salads with vinaigrette
Bean salads
Chicken or tuna salad
Mayo based salads should be eaten closer to day 3, while oil based salads will last a bit longer.
Breakfast Make Ahead Meals (3–5 Days)
Examples:
Hard-boiled eggs
Overnight oats
Pre-cooked pancakes or waffles
Yogurt parfait ingredients (stored separately)
Fresh Produce (5–7+ Days)
These stretch your meal plan when fridge space is limited.
Food that lasts a while:
Bell peppers
Carrots
Cabbage
ApplesOranges
Plan Ahead Without a Freezer
If you don’t have a freezer but do have a fridge, plan your meals like this:
Days 1–2: Raw meat and prepped meals
Days 3–4: Fully cooked meals
Days 5+: Pantry meals (pasta, canned food, wraps)
I also avoid:
Raw seafood
Soft cheeses
Deli meat past day 3
RV Fridge Storage Tips
Keep fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder
Use airtight containers
Label meals with prep dates
Don’t overpack the fridge (airflow matters)
Camping Meals for Kids
Camping meals for kids should be fun and familiar.
I’ve learned that kids won’t take kindly to your attempts at “experimental camping cuisine”.
Some kid approved easy RV meals include:
Hot dogs and sausages
Mac and cheese (add broccoli or peas if you’re brave)
Mini pizzas on English muffins or tortillas
Chicken nuggets or tenders cooked in an air fryer or skillet
Snacks Are Half the Battle
When RVing with kids, snacks matter just as much as meals. I always take:
Granola bars
Fruit cups
String cheese
Crackers
Vegetarian Camping Meals
You don’t need meat to enjoy great easy camping meals. In fact, vegetarian RV meals are often easier because they cook faster and store better.
Here are some of my favorites.
Veggie Stir Fry
Black Bean Tacos
Chick Pea Curry
Protein Without the Meat
For balanced RV camping meals, use:
Beans and lentils
Eggs
Cheese
Tofu
Camping Meals for a Crowd
It’s often the case that there’ll be a few of you on a trip, if so, you’ll find yourself cooking camping meals for a crowd.
I’ve cooked for large groups a few times, and it’s best to keep things simple.
These are some of the easiest ways to feed a crowd of people.
Chili or soup
Pulled pork or BBQ chicken
Pasta salad
Build your own sandwich
Let People Help
When you’re cooking for a crowd, give everyone something to do, either:
Chopping veggies
Setting up toppings
Organizing plates and bowls
This makes things way less stressful.
5 Day Camping Meal Planner
Food is pretty much the most important thing on any camping trip, and a camping meal planner is definitely something you should have.
I’ve put together a printable 5 day meal planner using all the camping food ideas on this page.
I’ve organized it in order of the shelf life of different foods, so nothing gets wasted.
Get Camping Meal Planner
With a bit of planning and pre prep, you can make your camping meals one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip.
There’s nothing quite like good friends, shared food and fresh air.
