It’s time to dust off your tent and explore the great outdoors because it’s officially camping season. And whether you’re going glamping or backcountry camping—here’s a rundown of the top campfire grilling essentials you’ll need, plus a variety of vegan recipes that are perfect for the grill.
Campfire Grilling Essentials
Make sure your camping experience is a successful one by stocking up on the best campfire grilling tools. If you’re going backcountry camping, you may want to minimize the weight of your rucksack. Instead of bringing a heavy grill, opt for a smaller one like this portable butane stove. And if you’re going glamping, you can bring a heavy-duty cast iron skillet to use over an open flame. A reusable dishware set will also come in handy.
Vegan Camping Food Prep
For a quick snack on-the-go, you can make food ahead of time that packs well and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Try making these peanut butter granola bars or make this homemade trail mix. If you’re looking to pack light, you can also bring a few freeze-dried meals like AlpineAire Foods veggie burrito bowl or Backpacker’s Pantry high-protein pad Thai.
The 15 Best Vegan Camping Recipes Perfect for Eating Outdoors
1. Banana Coconut French Toast
Breakfast is served with this dairy- and egg-free, fruit-topped french toast. In addition to not containing any milk or eggs, this vegan recipe features only non-perishable ingredients.
Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Blueberry Pancakes
Fluffy and sweet—and ready in under 20 minutes, these wild blueberry pancakes are as nutritious as they are tasty. Douse in maple syrup and enjoy.
Get the recipe here.
3. Vegan Chickpea Egg Scramble
What’s a breakfast in the woods without a hearty vegan egg scramble? This quick and easy recipe feature chickpeas in place of eggs. Customize this breakfast staple with your favorite veggies and seasonings.
Get the recipe here.
4. Campfire Oatmeal
You don’t need a stove to make this vegan oatmeal. Customize with your favorite fruits, add in hot water, let cool, and enjoy.
Get the recipe here.
5. Grilled Sweet Potato Fajitas
Fuel your body for a long day of hiking with these Southwestern grilled veggie fajitas. The recipe features charred sweet potatoes in lieu of meat, bell pepper, poblano pepper, and onion all seasoned in a New Mexico chile powder and wrapped in a soft, flour tortilla.
Get the recipe here.
6. One-Pot Red Lentil Sloppy Joes
Nothing says a day spent camping like a messy meal of vegan sloppy joes. This red lentil sloppy joes recipe is a meatless twist on a summer classic. Plus, you only need one pot to whip up this protein-packed, nutritious meal.
Get the recipe here.
7. Smoky Lime Grilled Corn-On-The-Cob
What’s more grillable than this smoky lime corn-on-the-cob? Serve on the side or as a main. Lather with vegan butter, sprinkle in zesty seasonings, and enjoy. Sharing is optional.
Get the recipe here.
8. Middle Eastern Spiced Chickpeas
Perfect for lunch or dinner, these Middle Eastern-inspired spiced chickpeas feature a homemade sub-ah b’har seven-spice mix. This combination of onions, chickpeas, and seasonal greens is ready in 30 minutes.
Get the recipe here.
9. Kung Pao White Beans Skillet
This Asian-style dish is a plant-based version of the classic Kung Pao chicken. However, in lieu of meat, this vegan recipe features white beans and bell peppers. This one-pot stir fry includes a flavorful spicy and sweet Kung Pao sauce. Share it with a friend, or enjoy all by yourself.
Get the recipe here.
10. One-Pot Red Lentil Chili
This hearty red lentil chili is perfect to cook above a campfire. This protein- and fiber-rich dish features onions, peppers, jalapeños, garlic, red lentils, black beans, and kidney beans. Just make sure you leave room for dessert.
Get the recipe here.
11. One-Pot Vegan Pasta
It doesn’t get any simpler than this one-pot vegan pasta. Sautée the veggies, which include eggplant, mushrooms, and fresh parsley, and in water, pasta, tomato sauce, and garlic and cook until al dente. Dinner made easy.
Get the recipe here.
12. Vegan Bread On A Stick
Who can resist bread? Serve this vegan bread on a stick with a heaping plate of pasta. The fluffy rolls are made without dairy or eggs. Simply combine flour, yeast, sugar, water, oil, and salt, and voila. Try eating just one, we dare you.
Get the recipe here.
13. Vegan S’mores
A hearty campfire meal wouldn’t be complete without dessert. And what says campfire dessert like chocolate and marshmallows melted in between two graham crackers? Of course, this classic treat is completely vegan. It features Endangered Species dark chocolate and Dandies’ vegan marshmallows.
Get the recipe here.
14. Vegan Skillet Brownie
These vegan skillet brownies are for all the chocolate lovers camping enthusiasts out there. Who knew you didn’t need an oven to make this delicious treat? Simply combine the ingredients and cook in a skillet atop an open fire or portable stove. The best part about this recipe is it can be customized to your liking. Add in walnuts or almonds or your favorite fruit.
Get the recipe here.
15. Campfire Apple Crisps
These campfire apple crisps make doing dessert while camping easy. Wrap apples, cinnamon, and granola in foil and cook over the fire for a delectable treat. Plus, this dessert requires no cleanup—what could be better? You’ll be wishing you tried them sooner.
Get the recipe here.
