Camping Food & Adventure Meals

The best camping food fits your trip length, cooking setup, storage space, and food preferences. For car camping, you may have more room for cookware, coolers, and ingredient-based meals. Hiking and backpacking often call for closer attention to pack space and weight.

A mix of breakfasts, entrees, snacks, and flexible ingredients can help cover different meal occasions. Compare package directions and serving information as you plan. For more meal planning ideas, see our guide to make-ahead easy camping meals.

Freeze-dried camping food can be useful for backpacking meals because many options are packaged for convenient transport and preparation. However, product weight, serving size, water needs, and cooking directions vary.

Check each package before choosing food for your route. Consider how much water and fuel you expect to have access to, how you will prepare the meal, and how the package fits with the rest of your gear.

There is no single amount for all camping meals. Water requirements depend on the product and preparation method. Some cook-in-pouch meals use boiling water added directly to the pouch, while other camp foods have different directions.

Check every package before your trip and include meal preparation water in your water plan. Do not assume two products require the same amount simply because both are freeze-dried or shelf-stable.

Cook-in-pouch meals are complete meal options designed to be prepared in their package according to the directions. Augason Farms cook-in-pouch options generally use added water and allow you to eat from the pouch, which can reduce cookware and cleanup.

Freeze-dried ingredients are individual foods or components that can be used in recipes, snacks, sides, or other meals. Their preparation varies by product. They offer more flexibility for campers who want to build their own outdoor meals.

Keep camp food sealed and protected from moisture, punctures, and other damage. Organize food by day or meal so you can find what you need without opening multiple packages or digging through your full camping food supply.

Outdoor food storage rules can vary by destination. Follow campground, park, or land management guidance for food storage and wildlife precautions. At home, also follow the storage directions printed on each package so your food is kept under the recommended conditions.