Camping vegetarian-style might just be easier than bringing meat along. There are plenty of non-perishable vegetarian foods to eat, which leaves more room in the cooler for the things that matter....like fresh vegetables, and treats.
Planning a Vegetarian Camping Trip
Planning is the safest way to begin any family trip, especially when the trip is long or includes a trip into the wilderness.
Basic items used for storing and cooking food:
- Lots of fresh water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning
- Cooler
- Pots and pans
- Dishes and utensils
- Cooking stove or grill for the fire pit (depending on what the campground or park provides)
- Can opener
- Kettle or camping coffee pot
Checklist for meal preparation:
- Foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Fresh vegetables and fruit for balanced meals
- Kid-friendly snack foods
- Condiments like ketchup, mustard, salt and pepper, barbecue sauce, seasonings and spices
- Beverages (including coffee, tea, drink crystals or pop)
- Cloths and biodegradable dish soap for cleaning
Stock Items for Vegetarian Camping
Pack these non-perishable foods to minimize spoilage while camping.
Grains
- Oatmeal (instant or large-flake oats)
- Pancake mix (many are vegan)
- Rice
- Other quick-cooking grains (pasta, couscous, buckwheat)
- Granola bars
- Cereal
- Popcorn
Protein:
- Canned beans
- Dry textured soy protein (TSP; soy “chunks” or “slices”)
- Vegetarian tofu “pepperettes” or jerky
- Trail mix, nuts and seeds
Fruit and Vegetables:
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Canned juice
- Dried fruit
- Canned vegetables (try beets, beans, peas)
- Canned vegetarian soup and/or broth
Dairy and Alternatives:
- High-calcium vegetables (broccoli, leafy greens)
- Tetra containers of soy beverage or milk
- Dried milk powder
Other Foods:
- Coffee and tea
- Sugar (for cooking or mixing beverages)
- Vegetable oil
- Cookies and treats
Fresh Food Items
Supplement dried goods with fresh foods like:
- Bread
- Fresh vegetables and fruit (especially those that do not have to be washed)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetarian faux meats (especially veggie dogs for grilling over the fire)
- Yogurt
- Tofu
Camping Meal Ideas
Meals cooked over a fire or small grill are best when clean-up is a cinch - cook everything in one pot when possible, and let people eat with their hands!
Breakfast
- Oatmeal
- Cereal
- Pre-baked muffins or scones
- Eggs or scrambled tofu
- Baked beans and toast
Lunch
- Homemade hummus from canned chickpeas (serve with vegetables and pita)
- Tofu “egg” salad sandwiches
- Grilled cheese sandwiches (taste even better over the fire!), especially with added vegetarian pepperoni, tomatoes or vegetables
- Soup (homemade over the fire or from a mix)
Supper
- Vegetarian burgers or falafel from dry mix
- Chili made with TSP
- Grilled corn and tofu
- Roasted vegetables (peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- Pasta (with roasted veggies, cheese, fresh greens and beans…)
- Veggie dogs and beans
- White beans with fresh herbs
Snacks and Dessert
- Trail mix or nuts
- Popcorn popped over the fire
- Banana boats
- Tofu jerky
- Fresh fruit
- Baked goods
Vegan S’mores: Marshmallows aren’t vegetarian; they are made with gelatin, which is derived from animal bones. Whipped marshmallow toppings (available in glass jars) are usually vegetarian but not vegan. Use vegan whipped topping in place of marshmallow for vegan s’mores, or create a graham cracker chocolate “fondue” using vegan chocolate for a different delicious dessert.
Or explore more fun kid-friendly vegetarian camping recipes!
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