Taking the kids camping is all fun and games until it’s time to feed them… especially if you’ve got a picky eater or two in the mix.
You know what I’m talking about—the kind of kid who looks at a hot dog like it’s an alien just because there’s a tiny speck of mustard on it.
But hey, don’t stress.
I’ve got you covered with some super kid-friendly camping meals that even the pickiest eaters will love.
And they’re all super easy to make, so you can spend more time making memories and less time worrying about meals. Let’s get into it!
1. Campfire Pizza Pockets
Now, I don’t know a kid who doesn’t love pizza.
And these campfire pizza pockets are like little bundles of joy.
All you need is some pre-made pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings your kids actually eat (pepperoni, anyone?).
Simply roll out the dough, add your ingredients, fold it over, and seal the edges.
Wrap it in foil and toss it on the grill or over a campfire for about 10 minutes. Boom! Instant happiness.
2. Cheesy Quesadilla Roll-Ups
Quesadillas are basically grilled cheese with extra flair, right? And kids love grilled cheese.
For this one, just slap some cheese between tortillas, fold them up, and toast them over a fire or on a skillet until they’re crispy and melty.
Want to get fancy? Add chicken, bacon, or even just a little ranch drizzle.
But, if plain cheese is the only way your kid will eat it, that’s totally fine, too.
3. DIY Walking Tacos
Here’s a fun one! Walking tacos are perfect because they’re totally customizable.
All you need are single-serving bags of chips (like Doritos or Fritos) and a bunch of toppings.
Ground beef, shredded chicken, cheese, lettuce, sour cream—whatever works.
The kids just open their chip bags, add their preferred toppings, and eat right out of the bag.
Less mess, more smiles.
4. Campfire Pancakes
Who says you can’t have a nice breakfast while camping? Pre-make some pancake batter and pour it into a squeeze bottle.
Then, when morning comes, just squeeze the batter onto a hot skillet over the campfire. Easy peasy!
Add some chocolate chips or fruit if your kid likes them. Otherwise, plain and fluffy works just fine.
5. Grilled Cheese & Ham Sandwiches
Classic grilled cheese but leveled up with some ham (unless your kid insists on keeping it plain—no judgment!).
Use a cast-iron skillet or a pie iron for that perfect golden, crispy finish.
These sandwiches are great for lunch or dinner, especially when paired with some fruit or veggies on the side.
6. Hot Dog Skewers
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the way to go. Hot dogs are an easy crowd-pleaser.
But, instead of the usual buns, try serving them on skewers. It’s like a campfire upgrade!
The kids can roast their own hot dogs over the fire. Plus, it’s fun to watch their little faces light up as they get their hot dog just right.
7. Mac & Cheese Cups
This is for the mac & cheese lovers out there.
Before heading to the campsite, cook up some mac & cheese and put it into muffin tins. Let them cool and pack them up.
When it’s time to eat, just reheat them over the fire or grill.
Perfect for little hands and picky taste buds!
8. Fruit & Veggie Skewers
Getting kids to eat fruits and veggies while camping can be tricky. But somehow, turning them into skewers makes them more fun and more likely to get eaten. Try strawberries, grapes, and melon for fruits, and cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese cubes for veggies.
Bonus points if you drizzle a little honey or yogurt over the fruit skewers.
9. Breakfast Burritos
Make some breakfast burritos ahead of time with eggs, cheese, bacon, or sausage. Wrap them in foil and just heat them up when everyone’s ready to eat.
They’re filling, tasty, and super easy to customize based on what your kids like.
10. S’mores Dippers
Of course, no camping trip is complete without some kind of dessert. But if your kid doesn’t like the messiness of s’mores, try making s’mores dippers.
Just melt chocolate and marshmallows in a pan over the campfire and serve with graham crackers for dipping. It’s all the fun of s’mores without the stickiness
Wrapping It Up
There you have it! Ten camping meals that are perfect for picky eaters. The key is to keep things simple and customizable. Also, don’t forget to pack snacks that your kid already loves—just in case. Camping should be about fun and relaxation, not mealtime battles.
Got a picky eater-approved camping meal that works like a charm? Drop it in the comments below! And most importantly, enjoy your trip and make some amazing memories. Happy camping!