21 Camping Breakfast Ideas to Get Your Adventure Started
Camping and need quick breakfast ideas? This list has got you covered with practical, tasty options to start your day in the wild. From skillet scrambles to no-cook delights, we’ve got the best camping breakfast ideas that balance ease and flavor. No fancy prep or cooking skills required—just a desire to eat wholesome meals by the campfire.
Quick Hits
Cast-iron skillets are your BFF for many breakfasts like scrambled egg combos, potato hashes and frittatas—fuel up and get that campfire flavor.
Sweet tooths, rejoice! Prep pancake or waffle mix at home and whip up some morning sweetness, with fruit pastries or fun French toast sticks for dipping.
In a hurry? Bring ingredients for no-cook breakfasts like overnight oats, yogurt parfaits or handy wraps—fill, roll and you’re off and running on your day’s adventure.
Skillet Breakfasts
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that’s especially true when you’re camping. A good breakfast sets the tone for the whole day, gives you the energy to hike, fish, explore or simply sit by the campfire. And let’s be honest, there’s something special about cooking and eating a meal in the great outdoors.
One of the most rewarding and versatile ways to make a hearty breakfast at the campsite is with a cast-iron skillet. This old friend of a pan is perfect for making many breakfasts like scrambled eggs, potato hashes and frittatas. And the best part? It’s all cooked over the campfire or on your camp stove and gets that smoky flavor that’s so unique to campfire cooking.
What about the details? We’ll dive into skillet breakfast combos, potato hashes and savory frittatas. Sweet or savory, there’s a skillet recipe for your next camping trip.
Scrambled Egg Combos
When it comes to camping breakfasts, scrambled eggs are a classic. But who says classics can’t be mixed up? By pre-mixing your scrambled eggs with various ingredients and seasonings you can make a breakfast that’s full of flavor and ready in a jiffy.
One combo to try is diced ham, shredded cheese, cream cheese and green onions with a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat. You can make this at home, freeze it in zip-top bags and then boil it in the bag at the campsite. That’s time and mess savings!
Potato Hash Variations
If you’re in the mood for a filling meal, potato hash is the way to go. This simple and tasty dish is cooking potatoes until they’re golden and crispy then adding in various ingredients to give it flavor.
If you want to mix things up try a chickpea and vegetable breakfast skillet. This protein packed version of the potato hash has sweet potatoes and apples for a sweet and savory combination.
Frittatas
Let’s get fancy but not too fancy…frittatas are a great breakfast option for camping. They’re easy to make, super versatile and full of protein to fuel your adventures. Plus with various vegetables and cheeses you can customize your frittata to your liking.
Sauté zucchini, cherry tomatoes and onions in your cast-iron skillet with olive oil, add in a few eggs and parmesan cheese. Cover the skillet and let it cook evenly and voila! You have a frittata to fill your morning hunger.
Sweet Morning
Now that we’ve covered the savory side of camping breakfasts let’s switch gears and get into the sweet morning treats. Starting your day with something sweet is a nice change of pace especially when you’re in nature.
Sweet camping breakfasts can be:
fluffy pancakes
banana bread pancakes
classic French toast
fruit filled pastries
Each of these dishes brings a different flavor to the breakfast table so you have plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Let’s get into these sweet treats and see how you can make them while camping.
Pancakes and Waffles
Who doesn’t love a stack of pancakes or waffles in the morning? These breakfast favorites are a hit with both kids and adults so they’re perfect for your next camping trip.
Plus you can make your own pancake mix at home before you leave for your camping trip and simplify the cooking and clean up. Just add water to the mix, pour onto a hot skillet or griddle and flip when bubbles appear on the surface. Top with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit or whipped cream and you have a breakfast that will be a hit with everyone.
French Toast
French toast is another breakfast favorite that’s easy to make and super versatile. All you need are a few basic ingredients like eggs, milk and bread. From there you can add various toppings and mix-ins to make it your own.
Want to add some creativity to your breakfast? Try making French toast sticks. They’re perfect for dipping and add fun to your camping breakfast. Plus they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Fruit-Filled Pastries
If pastries are your thing why not try adding some fruit fillings? Fruit filled pastries bring a fresh and sweet element to your breakfast and start to your day.
From blueberry-cinnamon campfire bread to gluten free muffins these pastries are delicious and portable for on the go camping. Just wrap them in foil and heat over the campfire for a warm breakfast.
No-Cook Camping Breakfasts
While cooking breakfast at the campsite can be fun and rewarding there are times when you may want something simpler. That’s where no cook camping breakfasts come in. These meals save you time and effort so you can get a head start on your day’s adventures.
No cook breakfast options are acai bowls and yogurt parfaits to breakfast wraps. Each of these are easy to make and minimal clean up so perfect for busy mornings.
We’ll get into each of these no cook breakfast options and show you how to make them easier and less hassle for your camping mornings.
Acai Bowl
Acai bowls are a great option for a quick and easy camping breakfast. Here’s how to make them:
Mix your favorite Acai.
Add sweetener, honey or maple syrup to taste.
Add your favorite toppings, fruits, nuts or seeds.
Scoop and enjoy a healthy, fast, breakfast
You can customize your acai bowl to your taste. Add some fresh or dried fruit for a burst of sweetness or some granola, nuts or seeds for crunch or even some spices for an extra kick. Always add some granola for crunch.
Yogurt Parfaits
Another no cook breakfast option is a yogurt parfait. These are delicious and super easy to assemble. Just layer yogurt in a cup or jar, add some granola or cereal for crunch and top with fresh fruit for flavor and nutrition.
The best part about yogurt parfaits is they’re super customizable. You can choose your favorite type of yogurt, add different types of granola or cereal and top with any fruit you like. Plus they’re a great way to get your daily dose of dairy and fruit first thing in the morning.
Breakfast Wraps
Breakfast wraps are another versatile and easy no cook breakfast option. You can fill them with:
fresh veggies
cheese
pre-cooked meats
spreads
And they’re easy to eat on the go so perfect for busy camping mornings.
One of the best things about breakfast wraps is you can make them ahead of time, wrap in foil and store in a cooler until you’re ready to eat. So you can make them at home before your camping trip and save time and effort at the campsite.
Campfire Classics
There’s nothing like cooking over an open flame. The crackling of the fire, the smoky smell and the charred flavor of food cooked over the campfire is all part of the camping experience. And when it comes to breakfast there are many campfire classics to choose from.
From foil packet meals and breakfast burritos to toasty sandwiches these traditional campfire breakfasts are delicious and fun to make. There’s something so satisfying about cooking your own meal over an open flame and these campfire classics will hit the spot.
We’ll get into these campfire classics in more detail.
Foil Packet Meals
Foil packet meals are a camping classic for a reason. They’re easy to make, minimal cleanup and can be cooked right over the campfire. Just wrap your ingredients in foil, place the packet over the fire and wait for everything to cook to perfection.
There are endless options for foil meals.
You can stick with classic combos like:
breakfast potatoes
sausage
onions
eggs
Or get creative with your own mix of ingredients. Just remember to use heavy-duty aluminum foil and to flip the packets occasionally for even cooking.
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are another campfire classic that will fill your morning hunger. Packed with eggs, cheese and veggies these burritos are hearty and flavorful.
The best part about breakfast burritos is you can make them ahead of time, wrap in foil and then reheat over the campfire when you’re ready to eat. They’re a convenient and delicious breakfast option and portable so you can take them with you on a morning hike or fishing trip.
Toasty Sandwiches
Who doesn’t love a toasty sandwich in the morning? From egg and cheese sandwiches to bacon and avocado toasts these breakfast sandwiches will hit the spot. And they’re easy to make over a campfire or on a camping stove so they’re a practical breakfast option.
To make your toasty sandwiches:
Assemble your ingredients between two slices of bread
Wrap in foil
Place over the campfire or on your camping stove
A few minutes later you’ll have a hot sandwich to eat.
On-The-Go Options
While sit down breakfasts are a big part of the camping experience there are times when you need something quick and easy. For those busy mornings when you want to get on with your day on-the-go breakfast options are a lifesaver. From homemade granola bars and trail mix to protein packed smoothies these on-the-go options are convenient and packed with nutrients to keep you going all day. We’ll get into each of these options and how to make them part of your camping breakfast.
Whether you’re hiking, fishing or just exploring these on-the-go options, including a cozy sleeping bag, will keep you fueled for your camping adventures.
Homemade Granola Bars
Homemade granola bars are a great on-the-go option for camping breakfasts. They’re portable, easy to eat and packed with nutrients to keep you going for your outdoor activities. Plus you can customize them with your favorite ingredients so they’re a versatile option for any camper.
Making homemade granola bars is easier than you think. You’ll need whole rolled oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, honey and peanut butter. Mix everything together, press into a pan and let it set in the fridge. Once it’s set you can cut into bars and pack for your camping trip.
Trail Mix Ideas
Trail mix is another on-the-go breakfast option for camping. It’s light, easy to carry and packed with energy boosting ingredients to keep you going all day.
Making your own trail mix allows you to customize it to your taste. You can use:
Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
Seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
Chocolate or yogurt covered items (raisins, pretzels)
Pack your trail mix in resealable bags or containers and you’ll have a quick and healthy breakfast to go.
Smoothies and Shakes
Smoothies and shakes are tasty and packed with nutrients so they’re a great on-the-go breakfast option. Plus they’re super versatile so you can mix and match ingredients to your taste and dietary needs.
To make a smoothie or shake you’ll need some liquid (milk or yogurt), a source of protein (protein powder or nut butter) and some fruit or veggies for flavor and nutrients. Mix everything together with a portable whisk and you’ll have a tasty and healthy breakfast to go.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Choices
Camping is for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. That’s why it’s important to have gluten free and vegan options for your camping breakfasts. From chia pudding and tofu scrambles to buckwheat pancakes there are plenty of tasty and healthy options to choose from.
Whether you’re gluten intolerant, vegan or just want to try something new these breakfast options will please. Plus they’re packed with nutrients so you’ll have all the fuel you need for your camping activities.
Let’s look at these gluten free and vegan breakfast options and see how they can add variety and nutrition to your camping breakfasts.
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a tasty and healthy gluten free and vegan breakfast option. It’s made by soaking chia seeds in liquid and they expand and become pudding like.
You can customize your chia pudding with your favorite flavors and toppings. Add some fresh or dried fruit for sweetness, nuts or seeds for crunch or spices for a kick.
Tofu Scrambles
Tofu scrambles are a great vegan alternative to scrambled eggs. They’re made by crumbling tofu and sautéing it with veggies and spices. The result is a savory and satisfying breakfast with plant based protein.
Making a tofu scramble is as simple as sautéing some veggies, crumbling in some tofu and adding your favorite spices. In minutes you’ll have a tasty and healthy breakfast to eat.
Buckwheat Pancakes
Buckwheat pancakes are another gluten free and potentially vegan camping breakfast option. Despite the name buckwheat is not a type of wheat but a seed so it’s gluten free and suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
To make buckwheat pancakes you’ll need buckwheat flour, baking powder and a liquid (milk or water). Mix everything together to form a batter then cook on a hot griddle or skillet. The result is a stack of fluffy gluten free pancakes to top with your favorite syrup or fruit.
Camp Coffee and Tea
No camping breakfast is complete without a hot cup of coffee or tea. Brewing a cup of coffee or tea at the campsite is a lovely way to start your day and give you a caffeine boost to get you ready for your adventures.
Whether you’re a coffee fan or tea lover there are many ways to brew the perfect cup. Here are some methods for everyone:
Instant coffee
Coffee-in-a-bag
Loose leaf teas
Pre-packaged tea bags
We’ll check out camp coffee and tea and show you how to enjoy a tasty and refreshing drink on your next camping trip. And for more on camping coffee makers check out “Top 5 Camping Coffee Makers”.
Camp Coffee Techniques
When brewing coffee at the campsite you have a few choices. Instant coffee has come a long way in terms of flavor and is a convenient option for those who want a quick and easy cup of coffee. For a more flavorful cup you might consider coffee-in-a-bag which is middle ground between instant coffee and traditionally brewed coffee.
If you prefer freshly ground coffee a manual coffee grinder can help create a more coffee experience. Just remember to bring an insulated coffee mug or flask to keep your hot coffee warm for longer.
Tea Time Tips
If you’re a tea person you’ll be happy to know brewing tea at the campsite is just as easy as brewing coffee. You can use loose leaf teas for a more complex flavor or pre-packaged tea bags for convenience.
When making your tea remember to bring an insulated mug to keep your tea hot for longer. And if using loose-leaf tea don’t forget to pack a teapot with an infuser or individual infuser balls.
Breakfast Meal Planning and Preparation
Planning and preparing your camping breakfasts ahead of time can make your camping trip smoother and more fun. From choosing your recipes to packing your ingredients a little planning goes a long way.
Whether you’re going for a weekend or a week long trip having multiple breakfast options can keep things interesting and make sure you’re getting a balanced diet. We’ll look at some tips and tricks for planning and preparing your camping breakfasts.
Remember the best camping trips are the ones that are well planned. So take the time to plan your meals, pack your ingredients and prep your cooking gear. This will set you up for success and a fun camping trip, starting with a tasty and healthy breakfast each morning.
Meal Planning
When planning your camping meals you need to consider how many people you’ll be cooking for, their dietary needs or restrictions and how long your trip is. This will help you determine how much food to bring, what recipes to make and what cooking gear you’ll need.
Classic breakfasts:
egg dishes
pancakes
French toast
breakfast sandwiches
breakfast tacos
burritos
Camping breakfasts are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. For a more gourmet breakfast while camping consider making meals with special ingredients or techniques like omelets with fresh veggies and cinnamon rolls cooked over a campfire.
Prepping and Packing
Prepping and packing your ingredients and meals at home can save you a lot of time and mess at the campsite. For example you can pre-chop your veggies, pre-mix your eggs and even pre-cook some dishes. This saves you time and reduces the amount of cooking gear you need to bring.
When packing your food make sure to store it properly to prevent spoilage.
Here are some tips:
Perishable items should be stored in a cooler with ice.
Non-perishable items should be stored in airtight containers or bags.
Don’t forget to pack enough water for drinking and cooking.
Don’t forget essentials like cooking oil and spices.
Camping Cooking Essentials
Having the right gear can make all the difference in your camping trip. From camp stoves and grills to cookware and utensils each piece of gear is important for meal prep.
When choosing your camping gear you need to consider how many people you’ll be camping with, what kind of meals you’ll be cooking and how long your trip is. This will help you choose the right gear for your needs and a smooth camping trip.
We’ll look at camping gear, what you’ll need to make tasty and healthy meals at the campsite.
Stoves and Grills
Camping stoves and grills are a must for any camping trip. They provide a reliable heat source for cooking and are practical for many meals.
When choosing a stove or grill consider how many people you’ll be camping with, what kind of meals you’ll be cooking and how much space you have for cooking gear. For example a large group might benefit from a grill-stove combo which provides more cooking space and the ability to grill or cook on a stovetop.
Cookware and Utensils
In addition to a stove or grill you’ll also need various cookware and utensils to cook your meals. This includes pots and pans for cooking, plates and bowls for serving and utensils for eating.
Choosing the right cookware and utensils can make your camping cooking experience more fun and easy. Consider what kind of meals you’ll be cooking, how many people you’ll be serving and how much space you have to pack and carry your cooking gear.
Kid-Friendly Camping Breakfast Ideas
Camping can be a blast for kids, full of adventure and being in nature. But when it comes to meals kids can be picky. That’s why you should include kid friendly options in your camping breakfast menu.
From pancake shapes to breakfast skewers there are many breakfast ideas that can make meal time more fun for kids. We’ll look at some kid friendly breakfast ideas that are sure to make your next camping trip a hit with the little ones.
Remember kids are more likely to eat their food if it’s fun and appealing. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try new recipes. Happy camping!
Fun Pancake Shapes
Pancakes are a breakfast favorite for many kids and making them into fun shapes makes them even more fun. From animals to characters the options are endless.
To make pancakes into fun shapes all you need is a squeeze bottle for the batter and a little imagination. Fill the squeeze bottle with your pancake batter and squeeze out onto your hot griddle in whatever shape you like. The kids will love seeing their favorite characters or animals come to life in pancake form!
Oatmeal Owls
Oatmeal Owls is another kid friendly option. It’s an easy way to mix in nutrients and flavor and can be customized with many ingredients. Plus they’re easy to eat so great for busy camping mornings.
To make Oatmeal Owls:
Make your favorite flavored oatmeal and top with cinnamon.
Add two full slices of banana for the eyes, half slices for the feathers, blueberry eyes and mango slices for the nose and feet; don’t forget the apple slices for the body. Caramelize the half sliced bananas (powdered sugar and a blow torch should do the trick).
Serve with your favorite drink and enjoy!
Summary
In conclusion a great camping trip starts with a good breakfast. Whether you like hearty skillet meals, sweet treats, no cook options, or campfire classics there’s a camping breakfast recipe out there for you. So next time you’re packing for a camping trip don’t forget to plan your breakfasts. With a little prep and creativity you can start each day of your outdoor adventure with a meal that’s not only delicious but also energizing and filling.
FAQs
What can you cook when camping?
You can cook s’mores, grilled corn, hot dogs, kebabs, nachos and chicken dishes when camping. These recipes are tasty and easy to cook while in the great outdoors.
What’s a good breakfast without eggs when camping?
Pack cheese, salsa, avocado, prepackaged beans and veggies for a no cook camping breakfast without eggs. Or try seasoned jackfruit as a veggie alternative to eggs or meat.
What’s gluten free and vegan camping breakfast?
You can have gluten free and vegan camping breakfast options like chia pudding, tofu scrambles and buckwheat pancakes. No cook options like overnight oats and fruit filled pastries are also convenient.
What cooking gear do I need?
To cook when camping you’ll need a camp stove, cookware, utensils, a cooler and a water container for cooking and drinking. Don’t forget to pack these for a great outdoor cooking experience!
