Trying to brainstorm cheap camping meals for your next trip? Look no further – this list includes meals that should cost $6.00 or less per serving (as of April 2025) and appeals to both kids and adults.
Everyone knows about deli sandwiches, PB and J, trail mix etc but I’ve tried to add more yummy (but still budget friendly!) version of those budget staples when camping.

Cheap and Easy Camp Meals
While we do enjoy some “fancy” camp cooking (such as dutch oven cupcakes), there’s also times we just need to buckle down and stick to the basics. BUT just because it’s “basic” or “cheap” doesn’t mean it has to be flavorless!
Here are some ideas that are budget friendly for big groups but also filling and *somewhat* healthy!
Cheap Camping Food Ideas
While normal 'ol premade mix is fine, I love something with extra protein! We personally premake our pancakes and use snickerdoodle protein powder and freeze until we need them! Bulk pancake mix is cheap, and the protein powder was only about $5 for what we needed.
A nice big bake is nice and easy for camp breakfast on a budget! This uses frozen tater tots and other refrigereated things, so you will need to have a cooler, but it's worth it (and very filling!) if you can do this!
Eggs, potatoes and tortillas are cheap and filling Make ahead and freeze for even easier prep. This recipe sounds sooooo good! Pack it in tinfoil then chuck it into the campfire when ready!
We use overnight oats on our camp trips often - it's pretty much no prep in the morning... just eat and go! This is another one that is easy to add in some extra protein to fuel your day that is also cheap and healthy. (oats are always agreat price!)
Easy + Cheap Dried Cinnamon Apples (perfect kid hiking snack!)
If you have kids who love to always be snacking on something, these are great! We buy apples in bulk when they're on sale and use them throughout the season for our camping and hiking trips.
A couple packets of tuna, tortillas and flavor makes for a healthy and cheap camp meal! Nothing has to be refrigerated or even cooked!
Buying a block of cheese and have the deli slice up same ham/turkey for you vs buying individual Luncahbles is healthier AND cheaper! Just pack them seperate so that nothing gets mushy! =)
This is yummy for both adults and kids! A pie iron makes cooking this fun and easy, and the ingredients are cheap.. bread, cheese and butter. Sometimes we do splurge and add some ham!
Want something everyone likes that's easier to deal with? Then try TORTILLA PB and Js! Tortillas are easier to store at camp and also tend to be cheaper. Plus they have tons of protein! My son LOVED these on his overnight backpacking trip!
If you have a pot and a way to boil water, your cheap camp dining options are endless! We love just some boxed mac n cheese and add in any extras if we have them (such as bacon left over from breakfast)
You can go as fancy as you want with the toppings, but all you really need is burger meat, salsa, chips and cheese! Bonus - it's all contained in the bag for easy cleanup!
Hotdogs and buns are cheap and you're able to add some extras to make it fanicer/yummier if you have the means. Most people know about cooking hotdogs on a campfire, but don't forget - they cook just fine in a pan of water too if there's a fire ban!
Everyone knows about the traditional roasted s'more method, but what if you want to cook it all at once and skip the time/mess of using sticks?
Grab some cinnamon bread from your bakery before you go and your favorite breakfast toppings to make this esy and cheap dessert!
Other Camping Food Ideas
Here are some other camp cooking ideas to check out!
- 25 Camping Meals for Kids… that they will actually eat!
- 9 Best Camping Kitchens to use anywhere
- 15 Skewer Recipes for Camp
- Prep Ahead Camp Meal Ideas
