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Managing provisions can get tricky on a camping trip, especially when it comes to keeping food fresh without refrigeration. Sure, you may have a fridge if you’re camping in an RV or campervan, but for most campers, coolers are the main line of defense. Depending on the weather, how long you’re out, and how far off the beaten path you go, keeping that cooler stocked with ice or freezer packs can be a challenge.
That’s why it pays to plan ahead with shelf-stable, non-perishable camping foods that don’t require a fridge or cooler. With the right mix of canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and shelf-stable ingredients, you can eat well anywhere—from scenic car camping sites to remote backcountry spots.
We’ve compiled easy camping food ideas that don’t need refrigeration, along with practical tips on meal planning, safe food storage, and cooking at the campsite. (And while this is geared toward car campers, backpackers face the same challenge and have perfected the art of choosing lightweight, nutritious, and no-fridge meals. Check out our other posts like Best Backpacking Recipes and Hiking Meal Plan for more inspiration!)
You can still enjoy delicious, filling meals out in the wild with just a few simple ingredients and some creativity. From hearty breakfasts to campfire dinners, these easy meal ideas prove that you don’t need a fridge or cooler to eat well outdoors. All you need is a camping stove or campfire, a few shelf-stable staples, and a healthy appetite for adventure!
You already know it’s the most important meal of the day. That becomes all the more true while out camping, when you’re burning up all that energy hiking, biking, and paddling, and also doing your darndest to avoid potentially trip-wrecking flare-ups of “hanger.”
Here are some go-to ideas for no-fridge breakfast camping eats:
Camping, even if it’s of the more laidback variety, tends to inspire rather wolfish appetites: No sooner than breakfast has been done and dusted, many campers’ thoughts start drifting toward lunch or at least a midmorning snack. Best to be prepared!
After a long day sightseeing, hiking, boating—or, heck, just hardcore hanging at the campground—nothing keeps the spirits up on a camping trip like the prospect of dinner.
End the day on the perfect delectable note with a camp dessert, fridge most definitely not required!
From that first sip of coffee in the morning to your nighttime wind-down, these easy no-fridge-needed camping drinks will keep you refreshed and ready for whatever the day brings.
A little planning goes a long way when you’re packing for a trip without a cooler. Stock your camp pantry with a few key shelf-stable ingredients from the grocery store, and you’ll have everything you need to whip up tasty meals anywhere your adventures take you.
Looking for more information in terms of camping food safety, storage tips, and meal planning? Check out these resources:
No matter how you like to camp—out of a car, an RV, or deep in the backcountry—having easy, no-refrigeration meals on hand means more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about what’s for dinner. For campers who want simple, great-tasting options without the hassle, Mountain House makes it easy to eat well wherever adventure takes you.
For over half a century, Mountain House has been helping campers, backpackers, hunters, climbers, river-runners, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy high-quality, convenient freeze-dried meals wherever adventure takes them.
It’s hard to beat our meals when it comes to camping food, given the speed and ease with which they can be prepared, and our exceptional shelf-life and 30-year taste guarantee.
If you’re curious about how the freeze-drying process at the heart of the Mountain House promise works, check it out for yourself:
What Is Freeze-Drying? from Mountain House on Vimeo.
And if you’d like a quick tutorial on the easy, ready-in-10-minutes cooking process for Mountain House meals, say less:
Let's Eat Out! from Mountain House on Vimeo.
Inspired for an Adventure? Check out Beef Stroganoff - Pouch and Beef Stew - Pouch
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