Making memories with PAST Outdoors favorite camping recipes
Good food has a way of anchoring memories. Long after the campsite is packed up, it’s the shared meals—pancakes at sunrise, pizza by the fire, or a quick hot dinner after a big hike—that people remember most. At PAST Outdoors, we believe camping food easy should still feel satisfying, social, and suited to the way you camp.
This guide breaks camp cooking into two simple approaches: meals you cook from scratch, and pre-prepared options that save time and energy. Both have their place, and with the right gear and meals, you can mix and match depending on your trip, weather, and group size.
Simple camp cooking for every style of adventure
Easy camping meals you can cook from scratch
Cooking from scratch is where creativity shines and some of the best camping recipes ideas come to life. With compact, reliable cooking gear, you can prepare proper meals without turning camp cooking into hard work.
1. BBQ skewers made easy and great for family camping
BBQ skewers are one of the most versatile scratch-made camp meals. Using the STOV Gas BBQ you can cook skewers evenly and quickly, making it ideal for families or groups.
Prep skewers at home to save time, then cook them over the BBQ for a no-fuss dinner that feels generous and satisfying. This style of meal is perfect when you want camping food easy that still feels like real cooking, not just heating and eating.
Alli & Dave on a recent trip to the Snowy Mountains NSW, using the STOV BBQ for skewers and veggie burgers. It's simple and easy to get ready and packs down flat. We love it and keep it in our car ready to use at all times!
2. Camp pancakes for relaxed mornings
Pancakes are a campsite favourite for a reason. Made with the Sea to Summit Frontier UL Pan (8 inch), they cook evenly and clean up fast, which matters when water is limited.
Check out the video and recipe for our super easy pancakes on Instagram.
Easy camping pancake recipe and instructions
1 cup Soy Milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, set aside for a few mins then add 1 cup plain flour and whisk but not too much! Pour out into your hot pan, let the bubbles pop and flip. Done!
3. Camp pizza using simple camping oven recipes
Pizza when camping feels like a treat, but it’s surprisingly achievable with the right setup. The Cobb Gas BBQ Package is designed for controlled, enclosed cooking, making it ideal for camping oven recipes like pizza. Use flatbreads or pre-made dough, add sauce and toppings, then cook with the lid on for an evenly baked result. This is a great option for rest days or base camps where food becomes part of the experience rather than a quick refuel.
4. One-pot chilli beans for cool evenings
When the temperature drops, chilli beans deliver warmth, flavour, and comfort. Cooked in the SOTO Ultralight Titanium Pot (1.1L), this is a true one-pot meal that keeps weight and cleanup to a minimum. Beans, tomatoes, spices, and vegetables simmer together into a filling meal that’s easy to portion and easy to adjust. It’s a reliable choice for hikers and campers who want camping food easy without sacrificing nutrition or taste.
Image source: Veggie Vagabonds
Pre-made meals we love that make life easier
When time, weather, or energy are limited, pre-prepared meals are a smart choice. They’re lightweight, reliable, and perfect for hikers and campers who want maximum nutrition with minimum effort.
Radix Nutrition Ultra V9 meals (800 kcal) are ideal for high-output days, delivering serious energy without sacrificing flavour. Campers Pantry Vegetarian Pasta Medley offers a hearty option that’s quick to prepare and satisfying.
For bold flavours, Real Meals Mexi Nachos bring comfort food vibes to camp with minimal prep. Campers Pantry Penne Bolognese is a familiar favourite that feels filling and familiar, even in remote locations. You’ll find these options within the Real Meals and Radix Nutrition collections, trusted by adventurers across Australia. Check out all of our food & nutrition options.
Other Camping & Hiking Resources
If you’re still building your camp kitchen setup, resources like The lowdown on camp cooking fuel types, the Best portable camp stoves for Australian Bushwalking our Free download hiking camping checklist help ensure you’re carrying the right stove, fuel, and cookware for your style of trip.
Why shop at PAST Outdoors
PAST Outdoors is trusted by thousands of Australian campers, hikers, and families because we don’t just sell gear—we use it, test it, and stand behind it. Our range is carefully curated to support real adventures, from weekend camps to extended hikes, and our customer reviews reflect years of consistent quality and service.
Alli Tomazin Parker & Dave Parker, founders of PAST Outdoors on a recent trip to New Zealand. We love the outdoors, but are quite time poor. We hope these recipes and meals ideas make things easier for you on your next trip!
Whether you’re investing in a new BBQ, upgrading your cookware, or stocking up on pre-prepared meals, you’ll find reliable options backed by genuine outdoor experience.
Save time and effort on camp cooking today with PAST Outdoors, and turn every meal—simple or special—into a memory worth keeping.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.