I take it you’re going camping, but now you’re vegan (or someone you know is) and need to figure out if you’re sure to starve or not. You might even be stressing out because you didn’t know what to pack before and you sure as heck don’t now. Don’t freak out. You got this and I was right there with ya! (All else fails, they do make veggie hot dogs, so don’t worry.)
Let this be a starting point to prepare for your upcoming camping trip. I use these same recipes when I plan for my breakfast, lunch, and dinner eats during my annual camping adventure with family.
Just because I’m camping doesn’t mean I have to miss out on delicious and nutritiously-packed meals. I’ve never eaten so well camping than I do now. Plus, I don’t hide away during family meals!
So keep reading and planning your next camping experience!
THREE VEGAN MEAL RECIPES TO GET YOU STARTED
+ OTHER SNACK IDEAS
1. SPAGHETTI IS WHAT’S FOR DINNER
Spaghetti is a fantastic meal prep idea for camping that’s protein-packed and will serve as a hearty meal around the campfire. This is totally the case being vegan, too!
I follow It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken’s Bolognese Pasta Crumble, the only thing I do differently is I don’t use liquid smoke, and if I do I reduce the measurement by half. Just not a fan of liquid smoke.
I make this mixture ahead of time, usually the night before or early that morning, it requires very little prep work and while it bakes I do something else like pack the car or get my other food items together.
I store the hearty crumbles in a glass container to keep in the cooler.
Then at camp when I’m ready to eat, I’ll use my propane stove to boil the noodles, simmer up the sauce with my crumble mixture and prepare some fire-grilled sandwich bread!
This recipe makes a lot! Enough food to give me additional meals, and to also share with my husband!
2. EASY VEGAN PANCAKES FOR BREAKFAST
I share this pancake recipe because of the simplicity of the ingredients. I make this all the time and it’s the perfect recipe for camping. Prepare the dry ingredients together into containers or sandwich baggies, separated per meal. Then at camp, you just combine wet ingredients with the dry and cook it on the stove. Delicious pancakes to enjoy with friends and family!
These are very easy to come together, just top it with some peanut butter, or fresh fruit paired with your favorite maple syrup and you have a warm delicious start to your morning. Or if you’re into pancakes for dinner, try it for dinner. Or both, hey you’re camping – anything goes!
SIDE TIP: I like to bring a couple of potatoes, too. Just cut them up and you’ll have some potatoes for breakfast or a nutritious snack in the middle of the day.
3. TACOS ARE A CAMPING FOOD NOW
Ohhh, I love making tacos while I camp!
This Tofu Taco Crumble recipe is a staple in my home and I find that it’s simple to make ahead of time for camping or weekend trips. Spouse approved, too!
I make the crumble ahead of time just like the first recipe (even by the same recipe creator!) and chop all my toppings into containers. When it’s munching time all I do is heat it up and fill the taco crumble into my tortillas, or scooped with chips + salsa.
It’s freaking delicious and I have an amazing meal packed with protein that’s satisfying and good for me. It fills me up in between bike riding through the park, or hanging out on the water.
WHAT ABOUT BURGERS AND HOT DOGS?
Okay, these are all great and all but what about hot dogs and burgers!? Now that’s what you grew up eating and expect to eat going camping and you’re totally right.
There are great choices when it comes to packaged burgers and veggie dogs that you can put over the campfire or grill on the stove.
Fieldroast is our favorite plant-based sausage, we like the apple sage sausage kind. Beyond Meat also makes a great plant-based veggie dog, too!
For burgers, you can’t go wrong with Beyond Meat patties, or making your own veggie burger ahead of time. There are many other options available like Boca or MorningStar vegan burgers, just check your local grocery store for vegan friendly burgers.
OTHER FOOD IDEAS TO BRING ON YOUR CAMPING ADVENTURE
BRING WITH YOU FRESH FRUIT + VEGETABLES
Bringing apples, a bag of mandarin oranges, diced or baby carrots, and watermelon will give you great snacks and sides for your camping trip. Plus, you’re eating food that’s light, simple, and full of nutrients. What could be better than that!
TIP: I cut all of my fruits and vegetables (minus the ones I’d eat whole like apples) and store them in a sealed container or bag.
I do as much prep work before I leave. It’s important to eat simple whole fruits and veggies that gives us the vitamins and fiber our bodies crave and need. I find when I have it ready to go, I eat more of it too!
THE TRUSTY OATMEAL
Packed by grains, oatmeal can serve as a quick breakfast to go or warmed up over the campfire heat. Add in your fresh fruit, maple syrup, and cinnamon spices to it and you have a simple but wholesome meal to match the crisp air.
PACK SOME HUMMUS + DIPS TO SNACK ON FOR ENERGY
I like to add this to the cooler because it’s a good source of nutrients but also can be used to dunk your veggies in hummus, or make a veggie sandwich for lunch!
MAKE A NUT/TRAIL MIX TO PROVIDE PROTEIN + ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Bring some nuts or make a mixture with cashews, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and popcorn to give you energy and protein throughout the day.
No camping is complete without vegan s’mores!
I’ve gotten Dandies marshmallows a few times now, and it’s my trusted mallow for my camping and backyard adventures. I love them because they don’t contain gelatin. What’s Gelatin, you ask? Check out my post on the surprising truth about how gelatin is made.
Gelatin is often found in jelly-like treats, including marshmallows, but what most people don’t realize is how that powder is made. Well, you’re eating animals. So yeah, this is a cool alternative created without that cruelty.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post about vegan friendly camping ideas!
Let me know if there are any other helpful posts I could write about that would be impactful for you. In the meantime, browse my resources page to help you along your journey and check out my recipe recommendations for new meal ideas to try at home!
Until next time,
-Veg-head Ash