Many discard the idea of winter camping because of its challenges, but despite the cold temperatures, this winter activity is actually pretty fun. As long as you’re warm and well-fed, winter camping can be a great opportunity to connect with nature. In this guide, we’ll give you the expertise you need to cover winter camping meals so that you and your crew stay full during your adventure.
General tips for preparing winter camping meals
Keep it simple
Winter conditions can make even the most basic tasks more challenging, so it’s essential to stick to simple, straightforward meals. Complex recipes that require a lot of chopping, have multiple steps, or need delicate cooking techniques can be difficult to manage when you’re cold and tired. Instead, focus on one-pot meals or recipes that can be pre-prepped at home.
Honestly, no one wants to have to take off their gloves to chop potatoes, so prep everything you can at home. Store your pre-cut veggies, meats, oils, and spice mixes in resealable bags or containers. That way, you can quickly throw everything into the pot when it’s time to cook. One-pot meals are your best friend while winter camping since it will minimize dishes and reduce the amount of water you will need to melt for cleaning.
Choose high-calorie foods
Due to the cold, winter camping causes you to burn more calories than summer camping, so you need to pack calorie-dense foods that provide sustained energy. Think of foods high in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Cheese, nuts, peanut butter, and hearty grains like rice and quinoa are all excellent choices.
Use the right cooking gear
Not all camping stoves are suitable for winter conditions. In freezing temperatures, canister stoves can lose pressure, which can make them inefficient or even unusable. Liquid fuel stoves, like the ones that run on white gas, perform better in cold weather. Bring plenty of fuel since cooking in the cold requires more of it, especially if you need to melt snow for water.
Stay hydrated
It’s easy to forget about hydration when it’s cold, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate are great for warming up, but make sure you’re also drinking water. Help keep your water from freezing with an insulated water bottle, and store your bottles upside down to prevent the top from freezing.
Meal recommendations for winter camping
Winter camping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. A small spice kit with basics like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika can take your winter camping meals to the next level. Extra points of you pre-mix your spices for a unique blend. Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:
Breakfast ideas
- Quinoa bowls: Instant oatmeal is quick and easy to prepare, but if you want something different, try a quinoa bowl! Pre-cook this breakfast at home in vegetable broth, and add nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and honey for extra energy.
- Breakfast burritos: Pre-make burritos at home with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, and veggies. Wrap them in foil and store them in your cooler. Heat them over the campfire or stove for a warm, hearty meal.
- Sweet potato & chorizo hash: Sauté diced sweet potatoes with spicy chorizo and onions over a camp stove or fire. The mix of sweet and spicy will warm you up, and you can top it with a fried egg for extra protein
Lunch ideas
Lunch should be easy to prepare, especially if you’re taking a break from winter hiking or other activities. Aim for something warm that provides a good mix of carbohydrates and protein.
- Soup in a Thermos: Prepare soup at home and store it in an insulated thermos to enjoy a hot lunch without having to cook. Options like chicken noodle, lentil, or vegetable soup are nutritious and filling.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Soup: Bring along bread, cheese, and butter to make grilled cheese sandwiches on the stove or campfire. Pair with an instant soup packet or a soup in a thermos for meal that’s easy to make in the winter.
- Instant Ramen with Extras: Ramen noodles are quick and easy, and they can be enhanced with added proteins and veggies. Bring pre-cooked chicken, tofu, or canned fish to mix in, and add some hot sauce or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Dinner ideas
After a day of winter activities, you’ll want a dinner that is both filling and easy to prepare. Stick to meals that don’t require a lot of time but offer plenty of nutrients.
- Chili: Chili is the perfect winter camping dinner. It’s warm, hearty, and full of protein and fiber. You can make it with ground meat or beans, and pack it with spices and veggies. Make a batch at home and reheat it at camp, or cook it in one pot over the stove.
- Pasta with Sauce: Pre-cooked pasta that can be reheated is a great option for winter camping. Heat up jarred marinara or pre-made sauce, and add pre-cooked meatballs or sausage for extra protein. If you have a fire going, you can warm everything up quickly.
- Foil Packets: Prepare foil packets with ingredients like sliced potatoes, sausage, onions, and bell peppers. Wrap tightly and cook over the fire or on a grill. The foil keeps the ingredients juicy and flavorful while making clean-up a breeze.
Winter camping meals require a bit more preparation, but it’s worth it for the crisp, beautiful experience of camping during the most magical time of year. Stick to simple, hearty meals that provide plenty of energy and warmth. Prep as much as you can at home, pack the right gear, and focus on calorie-dense foods that will keep you fueled for adventure.
