Joining forces with friends for a camping trip has never been more fun, especially when everyone can enjoy delicious meals together. If you’re a camper looking for some mouth-watering and cruelty-free options, I’ve got you covered with 25 vegan camping food ideas that the whole group will love. Camping is all about creating unforgettable memories with good company, immersing yourself in nature, and savoring tasty dishes along the way.
This means you’ll need a variety of recipes to keep everyone satisfied, and fortunately, vegans have an incredible selection of options. Plant-based fajitas and Middle Eastern chickpeas are just two of my go-to favorites that are sure to become part of your camping traditions. Don’t forget about sweet treats like wild blueberry pancakes and skillet brownies – they’re perfect for satisfying any dessert craving around the campsite.
Whether you’re a devoted plant-based eater or someone in your group follows a vegan lifestyle, there’s something on this list that everyone will love cooking up together at the campsite.
Vegan S’mores Granola Bar
Making breakfast, snack, or dessert more enjoyable has never been easier than with these vegan s’mores bars, which are sure to delight a crowd of happy campers. These granola bars feature the quintessential s’mores ingredients: chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers – all without any animal products. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare in just one step – simply pop them into the oven.
Middle Eastern Spiced Camp Fire Chickpeas
Requiring minimal preparation and no refrigeration, this 300-minute meal is an ideal option for vegans and campers alike. To save time when arriving at the campsite, prepare the spice mix beforehand. This will make it easy to simply combine it with spinach and chickpeas in a pan when dinner rolls around.
Vegan Camping Pancake
While camping, it’s not always possible to have access to a cooler, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious and convenient breakfast options. One such option is these mouth-watering pancakes made with plant-based milk and vinegar as wet ingredients, and oats serving as the flour. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then pour the batter onto a greased griddle to cook. Within 15 minutes, you’ll have a fluffy stack of vegan pancakes ready to be devoured by your camping crew.
Campfire Fajitas
Sometimes the most enjoyable moments in camping come from relaxing by the campfire while dinner cooks to perfection. A popular choice for our family has been campfire fajitas, which can be easily made with some simple ingredients and minimal effort required. The peppers and onions are seasoned with a basic fajita seasoning mix to keep things uncomplicated. When it comes to protein, canned black beans prove to be an excellent alternative.
After a short while, heat up a few flour tortillas over the campfire, and your delicious fajitas are ready! It’s also wonderful to add some extra flavor with a side of salsa or guacamole – and don’t forget about vegan shredded cheese as another great option. Of course, if you prefer a more streamlined approach, a bottle of hot sauce can provide just enough zing without adding too much clutter.
Banana Coconut French Toast
Fancy camping breakfasts are possible, as evidenced by this French toast recipe that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. While it may seem upscale, the addition of blueberries, shredded coconut, and maple syrup will surely impress campers, without the need for dairy or eggs in the mix. Instead, a creative blend of coconut milk and mashed bananas is used to create the batter, resulting in a slightly unconventional yet incredibly tasty dish.
One-Pot Red Lentil Sloppy Joes
Keen campers know that one-pot meals are essential for a stress-free outdoor experience, and these sloppy Joes are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to hit the mark. Unlike the classic grade-school version, these plant-based sandwiches pack a protein punch, boasting exceptional flavor and depth. The addition of a hint of maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar brings a richness and complexity to the red lentils, while the mild Anaheim pepper adds a subtle sweetness and peppery kick.
Wild Blueberry Pancakes
Sending shivers down their spines with a delicious breakfast option can be as simple as whipping up these scrumptious flapjacks. The clever use of a flax egg replaces traditional binding agents, while water takes the place of dairy products, making them an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider substituting the water with nut milk or coconut milk.
Fresh and wild blueberries add natural sweetness to the batter, leaving room for a drizzle of blueberry syrup to take it to the next level.
Apple Pie Quinoa Porridge
Beneath its comforting appearance lies a recipe that’s both versatile and nutritious. By combining protein-rich quinoa with warming spices and coconut milk sweetened only by a hint of syrup, this dish makes for an exceptional breakfast option as well as a satisfying dessert. Topping it off with sliced apples creates the illusion of a full-fledged apple pie, but with significantly less effort required.
Vegan Campfire Chili
Making memories in my family often involves cooking up a delicious pot of chili during camping trips. The vegan version is no exception, packed with robust kidney beans, a tangy kick from salsa, and a blend of spicy seasonings that add depth to the dish. To create this plant-based take on a classic recipe, simply leave out the beef or substitute it with a meat alternative if you prefer.
Cheesy Vegan Quesadillas
Beyond the usual campfire snacks like s’mores and hot dogs, there’s one staple I always insist on: quesadillas. The best part? They’re completely dairy-free. These loaded quesadillas are bursting with flavor and nutrients, thanks to their generous fillings of black beans, summer squash, and juicy tomatoes.
But the real magic happens when it comes to the cheese – a game-changing cashew cheese made from nutritional yeast and carefully selected spices that will have you wondering how you ever lived without it. I’ll admit it: it’s not your average campfire cheese, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Vegan Mexican Tortilla Soup
Cooking up a hearty one-pot meal like soup is always a great option for camping trips. This particular recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of fresh veggies and lean protein makes it an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal. A clear broth infused with spices and a touch of tomato flavor provides the perfect base, allowing each ingredient to shine.
It’s especially impressive when you consider the array of ingredients, which includes spicy peppers, zucchini, black beans, and more. If you’re feeling extra fancy, don’t hesitate to add some lime or avocado on top for an added burst of flavor.
One-Pot Mushroom Pasta
Kick-start your weeknight meals with a hearty one-pot mushroom dish that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. This homely recipe features a rich, creamy sauce made with a generous helping of nutritional yeast and miso paste to add depth and umami flavor. By cooking the pasta and sauce together in a single pot, you’ll save time and effort on meal prep, leaving more hours for relaxation and fewer piles of dirty dishes in the morning.
One-Pot Lemon Broccoli Pasta
Keeping your taste buds satisfied while camping can be a challenge, especially when it comes to cooking up a mean, green, vegan pasta dish. Key to making this recipe work is its super fresh and easy nature, which makes it perfect for a campsite where you’ll want something simple to prepare. The zesty combination of lemon zest and subtle chili flakes adds a delightful twist, while the addition of broccoli provides a healthy boost without overpowering the dish with an abundance of sauce.
Vegan Breakfast Burrito
Always begin your day with the right fuel, especially when embarking on an adventure-filled morning. A delicious breakfast burrito is just what you need to kick-start your exploration plans. This egg-free bomb of a burrito is packed with protein-rich scrambled tofu, crispy hash browns, nutritious black beans, and a handful of kale.
With its perfect blend of energy-boosting ingredients, this tortilla-wrapped masterpiece will keep you going throughout your hike without the need for an immediate snack.
No-Bake Vegan Protein Bars
Highlighting one of the many reasons I adore these bars is their simplicity – they can be made with just four ingredients. Additionally, they boast an impressive amount of protein without the need for added sugar. Furthermore, they have a seriously addictive quality to them. You’ll appreciate the delightful union of peanut butter and dark chocolate, and it’s likely that your kids will too.
Spicy Chickpea Veggie Burgers
Setting the stage for a satisfying meal, chickpeas prove to be an incredibly valuable ingredient in vegan cuisine, boasting not only an impressive protein content but also a versatility that knows no bounds. Take, for example, these delectable burgers that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. These vegan patties are a camper’s dream come true!
With their simple yet effective ingredients like chickpeas, peanut butter, veggies, and spices mixed together in a bowl, you can create mouth-watering patties that are ready for the grill. In the meantime, you can whip up your bun, and before long, dinner will be served, providing a convenient solution for any mealtime need.
Vegan Kabobs with Tofu
Enjoy a satisfying camping meal with our easy-to-make vegan kabobs recipe. Perfect for a long day of hiking, this dish requires minimal effort but offers maximum flavor. Simply marinate the tofu overnight, then slice, skewer, and grill to perfection. The best part? You can customize the veggies to your liking, selecting any assortment you prefer.
5-Ingredient Vegan Tacos
Looking for a delicious camping treat that’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients? These vegan tacos fit the bill perfectly! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just add black beans and pea protein to your taco fillings, and you’ll have a protein-packed meal. If space permits in your cooler, consider packing some extra goodies like salsa, avocado, and cilantro to take your tacos to the next level.
Campfire Bread on a Stick
Creating unforgettable family bonding moments is as easy as making campfire bread on a stick. This delightful recipe involves shaping the dough into a cylindrical form, carefully wrapping it around a stick, and holding it over the warmth of the campfire. It’s an engaging activity that kids will thoroughly enjoy, serving as both a satisfying snack and a tasty side dish.
Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew
Oozing with flavor and warmth, this African-inspired stew is perfect for a camping trip. Sweet potatoes and crunchy peanuts take center stage in this delicious meal. As the primary source of protein, chickpeas are complemented by the rich creaminess provided by peanut butter. With its hearty and scrumptious texture, you won’t even think twice about missing meat.
Vegan Skillet Brownie
Relax, traditional camping desserts don’t always have to be s’mores! Why not start a new tradition with these fudgy, chocolate treats that are just as delicious but with a personal twist? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a mix of ingredients and some time to cook in a pan over the fire. For those who like a little extra indulgence, try adding peanut butter, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts for an unforgettable experience.
Artichoke and Poblano Campfire Paella
Known for its rich flavors and ease of preparation, vegan paella is an excellent option for campers looking for a break from traditional fare. Instead of settling for burgers and stews, this one-skillet dinner is sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. The fragrant rice is elevated by the addition of tofu sausage, artichoke hearts, and red wine, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. For an extra boost, consider using soyrizo instead of traditional sausage.
Additionally, swap out the chicken broth for a veggie broth to maintain the dish’s vegan integrity.
Vegan Orange Peel Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
Kick back on a lazy morning at camp by whipping up a batch of these scrumptious cinnamon rolls. This genius idea is deceptively simple yet incredibly effective, with three straightforward steps to follow. First, carefully insert an orange peel with a vegan Trader Joe’s cinnamon roll. Next, pop it into the oven and let the magic happen. Finally, top with icing and you’ll be rewarded with an ooey-gooey, utterly irresistible cinnamon roll.
Sweet & Savory Grilled Tempeh
People often underestimate the joy of having a vegan BBQ at camp. The great outdoors provides the perfect setting to experiment with delicious plant-based barbecue recipes, such as this tasty tempeh glaze that adds a sweet, tangy, and umami flavor profile. This versatile dish can be served in various ways, including on skewers, in sandwiches, or as part of a fresh salad.
