Camp cooking doesn’t have to mean juggling three pans, a windy stove, and a mountain of dishes. If you’ve ever tried to scrub burnt cheese off a skillet with cold creek water—you know the struggle is real. 
Enter: One pot camping meals. These easy, low-mess recipes are perfect for when you want to eat well outdoors *without* spending your whole evening cooking (or cleaning).
Just toss your ingredients into one pot or skillet, simmer, stir, and serve. Done and done.
Whether you’re camping with kids, hiking to a backcountry site, or just keeping it simple at the local campground, these meals are tasty, filling, and totally doable. Plus, we’ve added a few must-have gear picks to make things even easier—because the right tools really do make a difference.
Let’s dive into these cozy, one-pot winners!
One-Pot Camp Cooking Gear You’ll Actually Use
Collapsible Camping Pot – Packs flat and saves space without sacrificing cooking power 
Shop Collapsible Pots- Cast Iron Skillet with Lid – Perfect for campfire or stovetop cooking, and it holds heat like a champ Shop Cast Iron Skillets
- Camp Stove with Adjustable Burners – Get the right temp for sautéing, simmering, and everything in between Shop Camp Stoves
- Heat-Resistant Gloves – Protect your hands when lifting hot lids or moving pans around the fire Shop Fire Gloves
- Silicone Food Bags – Great for packing ingredients or storing leftovers without bulky containers Shop Reusable Food Bags
Easy One Pot Camping Meals for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
1. Chili Mac
Hearty, cheesy, and packed with protein—pasta, ground beef, and beans come together in one cozy pot. Serve with shredded cheese on top. Don’t forget a can opener.
2. Campfire Curry
Coconut milk, curry paste, veggies, and your favorite protein = a surprisingly gourmet meal at the campground. Serve with rice or naan.
3. Sausage & Peppers Skillet
Sauté sliced sausage, bell peppers, and onions until caramelized. Add a little Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
Comfort food in a bowl. Use a collapsible pot to boil noodles and mix in ground beef, mushrooms, and cream sauce. Grab a collapsible pot.
5. Tex-Mex Rice Bowl
Cook instant rice, then stir in black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Add avocado if you’ve got it!
6. One-Pot Ramen Upgrade
Take your camp ramen to the next level with a soft-boiled egg, spinach, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce.
7. Creamy Pesto Tortellini
Just add water, shelf-stable tortellini, a spoonful of pesto, and cherry tomatoes. Stir until creamy and done.
8. Breakfast Scramble
Eggs, chopped potatoes, sausage, and cheese all come together in one skillet. Great fuel for a hiking day.
9. Gnocchi with Marinara and Mozzarella
Pan-fry shelf-stable gnocchi, pour in marinara, and top with mozzarella. Instant comfort food.
10. Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)
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Simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, and spices, then crack eggs into the sauce and cook until set. Serve with crusty bread.
11. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Use canned or pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and shelf-stable cream or powdered Alfredo mix. Creamy, rich, and filling.
12. Campfire Jambalaya
Sauté sausage, add rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a splash of hot sauce for this Southern-inspired one-pot meal.
13. Ratatouille-Style Veggie Medley
Chop up whatever veggies you’ve got—zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers—and cook them low and slow. Even better the next day.
14. Quinoa Power Bowl
Boil quick-cooking quinoa, then toss in chickpeas, pre-roasted veggies, and lemon tahini dressing. Light but filling.
15. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Boil water, add oats, dried apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Cozy morning vibes. Pair it with camp coffee.
Easy Prep & Storage Hacks
Pre-chop veggies at home and store in reusable silicone bags
Use spice blends in mini containers so you don’t pack a full spice rack- Freeze meats or sauces before your trip to help keep your cooler colder, longer
Store eggs in a water bottle (yep, crack them in ahead of time!)
Have a favorite one-pot camping meal of your own? Drop it in the comments—we’re always hungry for new ideas!
