45 of the Best Camping Meals for a Crowd (2024)

Home Camping

Updated: Feb. 05, 2024

When the whole family goes camping, it's time to stock up! Each of these camping meals for a crowd feeds 8 people and requires only a few steps so you can enjoy the great outdoors.

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Bratwurst Supper

After trying a few bratwurst recipes, I’ve found this camping meal for a crowd perfect since it grills to perfection in a heavy-duty foil bag. Loaded with chunks of bratwurst, red potatoes, mushrooms and carrots, it’s easy to season with onion soup mix and a little soy sauce. —Janice Meyer, Medford, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Round out your outdoor meal with one of these campfire desserts.

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Italian Meatball Kabobs

When the temperatures are high, and so is your craving for Italian fare, turn to these deliciously different kabobs. A green salad and rustic bread are all you’ll need to complete this camping meal for a crowd —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

These summer potluck recipes also make great group camping meals.

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Southwestern Rice

I created this colorful side dish after eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. Sometimes I add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make it a meal in itself. —Michelle Dennis, Clarks Hill, Indiana

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Meatless Chili Mac

I came across this camping meal for a crowd in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Are youmeal planning for group camping? Take a look at our3-day camping meal plan.

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Peasant Skillet

I prepare this supper frequently throughout the year, substituting whatever vegetables are in season. No matter how often I make it, I'm always asked for the recipe. —Lisbeth Whitehead, Watertown, South Dakota

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Pancake and Waffle Mix

This terrific blend pairs the ease of a boxed waffle and pancake mix with the homemade goodness of a from-scratch breakfast. Both come out so tender and golden. —Deb Poitz, Fort Morgan, Colorado

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Steak and Potato Foil Packs

As a park ranger, I’ve cooked a lot of meals outdoors. I often assemble a steak and potato foil pack and toss it into my backpack with some ice. Then when I set up camp, this camping meal for a crowd is easy to cook over a campfire. If I’m at home, I use my grill, and the food is just as good. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California

Be sure to check out more of our favorite easy camping meals.

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Cashew Rice Pilaf

This camping meal for a crowd will add pizazz to your plate with its beautiful blend of flavors and colors. I often serve it as a main course with salad and bread. —Tina Coburn, Tucson, Arizona. Check out the camping food ideas that require no refrigeration.

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Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs

I made these lively chicken kabobs as a thank-you gift while visiting my relatives in Norway They loved eating them almost as much as I loved cooking for them! If you prefer less heat in the chutney, you can use honey in place of pepper jelly. Also, any variety of vegetables will work with these. —Anna Davis, Springfield, Missouri

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Egg Burritos

This camping meal for a crowd is the best way to start the day! This is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota

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Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage

My family enjoys camping and cooking over a fire. These hearty foil-packet potatoes turn out beautifully over a campfire, on the grill or in the oven at home. —Julie Koets, Elkhart, Indiana

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Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken as a camping meal for a crowd. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it’s so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland

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Buttery Grilled Shrimp

This grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Folks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois

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One-Pot Sausage and Basil Pasta

There’s nothing better than a camping meal for a crowd that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s easy to add different kinds of sausage or seasonings to make this sausage and basil pasta your own. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois

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Guacamole Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Inspired by a local restaurant's truly inventive guacamole studded with pomegranate seeds, this chicken salad recipe is extremely simple to make since it uses rotisserie chicken. I serve this salad on homemade tomato bread, which lends a delightful contrast in flavor and color, or on lettuce leaves. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma

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Jalapeno Sloppy Joes

I am always looking to kick things up a notch with heat and my husband really likes jalapenos, so I thought this savory joe would be perfect for a camping meal for a crowd. Adjust the jalapeno amounts to your preference, and serve with your favorite chips. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

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Italian Sausage Sandwiches

When my family goes camping, we love to serve these sandwiches. This is a convenient camping meal for a crowd, since it can be prepared the day before and reheated. -Mike Yaeger, Brookings, South Dakota

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Cobb Salad Sub

When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio

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Meat Lover's Bread Salad

Growing up, we loved visiting a sandwich joint in Nebraska. The awesome sandwiches inspired my salad of bread and cold cuts for meat lovers everywhere. —Molly Atherton, Kansas City, Missouri

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Spicy Potato Soup

My sister-in-law passed this kid-friendly recipe to me. Since she prefers her foods much spicier that we do, I cut back on the heat by reducing the amount of hot pepper sauce. Feel free to increase it or add your favorite herbs if you want more kick.— Audrey Wall, Industry, Pennsylvania

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Sausage and Kraut Buns

This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

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Pork and Beef Barbecue

It's the combination of beef stew meat and tender pork that keeps friends and family asking for these tangy sandwiches. Add a little lettuce and tomato for a crisp contrast. —Corbin Detgen, Buchanan, Michigan

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One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

When the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas

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Honey Pulled Pork Subs

Honey and ground ginger are the flavor boosters behind my no-stress sandwiches. A bottle of barbecue sauce ties it all together in a pinch. —Denise Davis, Porter, Maine

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Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst

Whether you’re hosting a picnic at home or at a park, cook these bratwurst on the stovetop first. Then you can quickly brown them on the grill. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lip-Smackin' BBQ Chicken

The kids always say “prepare to lick your lips” when we have friends over for barbecue chicken. I’m proud of this dish, the first recipe I ever created. —Sue Thomas, Spartanburg, South Carolina

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Banana Oat Pancakes

I concocted these fluffy banana oatmeal pancakes using a muffin recipe. We love them topped with strawberry jam for breakfast, supper or even just snacking. They're delicious drizzled with maple syrup, too. —Janie Obermier, St. Joseph, Missouri

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Layered Picnic Loaves

This big sandwich, inspired by one I tried at a New York deli, is a favorite with our football-watching crowd. Made ahead, it's easily carted to any gathering. Kids and adults alike say it's super. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

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Hearty Vegetarian Chili

Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s so filling, you’ll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska

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Camper’s Breakfast Hash

When we go camping with family and friends, I'm always asked to make this hearty breakfast. This camping breakfast is a favorite at home, too. —Linda Krivanek, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

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BBQ Bacon Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

This simple recipe tastes amazing. We prefer putting mayo on the bun and adding cheddar or Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Several of us put ranch dressing on our sandwiches, too. —Jennifer Darling, Ventura, California

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Chicken Bog is the traditional name for this South Carolina low country dish. We always make a big batch the day after Thanksgiving, when we're working on our family's Christmas tree farm. —Jean Cochran, Lexington, SC

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Focaccia Sandwiches

Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

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Grilled Lemon Chicken

My chicken gets its subtle pucker from lemonade concentrate. So simple, so sweet! —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota

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Sloppy Joe Dogs

There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

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Favorite Sloppy Joes

I've prepared these sandwiches for years. I've tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is the best by far. It also travels well for picnics or potlucks. —Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington

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Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut

I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan

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Pumpkin Chili

This unique chili freezes well…but it still doesn’t last around our farmhouse very long, especially when my five children and 13 grandchildren are around! —Betty Butler, Greencastle, Indiana

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Special Sandwich Loaves

These satisfying sub sandwiches are a study in simplicity. Try serving the seasoned mayonnaise on the side so guests can customize their hoagies. Look for submarine sandwich dressing in the deli section of your grocery store. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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I have a huge fig tree that produces an abundance of figs. One year I tried drying some and developed this sweet and smoky recipe as a result. Now it's a regular at family gatherings. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

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Turkey Sloppy Joes for a Crowd

I found this recipe in my mother's recipe box. Sometimes I serve it over vegetables such as corn or green beans, but it's equally delicious on a bun. —Julie Clemes, Adrian Michigan

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Louisiana Jambalaya

My husband helped add a little spice to my life. He grew up on Cajun cooking, such as Louisiana jambalaya, while I ate mostly meat-and-potato meals. —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

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Jersey-Style Hot Dogs

I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Originally Published: April 22, 2019