25 Campfire Comforts: Cozy Winter Camping Meals

Winter camping can be an unforgettable experience—a world of tranquil (and sometimes snowy) landscapes and the crisp, winter air. But let’s be honest, staying warm and energised is a top priority when you’re out in the cold. That’s where the right meals come into play. These winter camping meals will help make sure you stay warm from the inside out!

Make sure you also check out our camping food list so you don’t forget to pack any essentials!

Winter Camping Meals To Keep You Warm All Day

These are the best meals to keep you cozy and well-fed during your winter camping trips. Hearty breakfasts that set you up for a day of exploring to comforting dinners that warm you right up after a long day outside. These winter camping meals will keep you warm from morning til you’re ready to pass out in your tent!

Hearty Breakfasts to Start Your Day

Start your day with a warm breakfast to help with the morning chill before the day heats up. A hot breakfast is a good way to start your day on a winter camping trip!

Oatmeal

A hot bowl of oatmeal can become a nutritious and satisfying start to your day by adding dried fruit, nuts, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon to make it the way you like it.

Campfire Breakfast Burritos

You can prep breakfast burritos at home with scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, shredded cheese, and salsa. Wrap in foil for storage and then heat over the campfire for a convenient and hearty make ahead breakfast.

Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Pre-mix the dry ingredients at home. Cook on a campfire griddle and serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit. Better still, just grab a premade pancake mix from the supermarket and add water.

Breakfast Hash

Combine diced potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and sausage in a skillet. Cook until everything is tender and golden brown. This is a winter breakfast that will give you plenty of fuel for a day of outdoor activities.

French Toast

Dip bread slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Cook on a campfire griddle or skillet and top with powdered sugar and syrup. Or just enjoy it as is without the sweet stuff.

Satisfying Lunches to Keep You Going

Keep your lunches simple but heavier than those you might plan for your Summer camping trips to make sure you’re got plenty of energy during the middle of the day. These warm lunches for camping are sure to make everyone happy.

Loaded Campfire Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions, wrapped in foil and cooked over hot coals make for a customisable and filling lunch. Or add baked potatoes to your hot coals early in the day so they will be ready for lunch, then add cheese, ham and sour cream filling.

Warm Soup

Pack your favourite soup in an insulated thermos to enjoy a steaming, comforting meal on the go, perfect for warming up during those chilly afternoons. Instant soup mix where you just add hot water can be a quick and easy camping lunch idea in winter. Dip in some bread to make it more filling.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Use a cast-iron skillet or a pie iron to make classic grilled cheese sandwiches. Quick, simple and a good comfort food lunch idea. You can also pair with a cup of hot tomato soup from your thermos.

Chicken and Veggie Wraps

Fill tortillas with cooked chicken, mixed veggies, and your favourite dressing. Wrap them up for an easy and nutritious meal. Just like a cafe lunch, but with a better view!

Campfire Quesadillas

Layer tortillas with cheese, beans, and any other fillings you like. Cook over the fire until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.

Comforting Camping Dinners For Winter

While staying warm all day long is important when camping in winter, having a hot meal before bed is definitely a must! As the cool air turns frosty, a hot dinner is a good way to warm you from the inside before retiring for the night to a snuggly sleeping bag!

Dutch Oven Chili

A one-pot wonder, this campfire chilli mixes ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmered to perfection in a Dutch oven. Serve with cornbread for the ultimate comfort food.

Campfire Beef Stroganoff

Tender beef strips cooked with mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce, served over egg noodles, pasta or rice. This hearty meal is perfect for warming up after a day in the cold.

Campfire Pizza

Use pre-made pizza dough and top with your favourite ingredients. Cook on a grill rack over the campfire until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Foil Packet Honey Garlic Chicken

Combine chicken with mixed veggies and a honey-garlic-chicken blend, then cook in foil packets over the campfire for an easy, flavourful dinner with minimal cleanup.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Cook spaghetti and a rich meat sauce in separate pots. Combine and enjoy a comforting classic that is also a kid-friendly camping meal too!

Campfire Stew

A hearty mixture of meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a rich broth. This campfire stew is perfect for a Dutch oven over the campfire.

Foil Packet Steak and Veggies

Steak slices combined with mixed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, then wrapped in foil and cooked over the campfire to create a savoury and filling meal.

Hobo Packets

These hobo packets are an easy foil packet dinner for camping with potatoes, ground beef and vegetables with bacon. Total comfort food and oh so easy to make!

Sloppy Joes

For another super easy and comforting winter camping recipe, these sloppy joes will surely be a satisfying dinner.

Sweet Treats to Cap Off the Night

These winter camping desserts are a sweet way to end the night. I don’t know about you, but cold weather certainly has me craving sweets much more than not so these hot camping desserts are a great way to give you a toasty warm end of the day.

Campfire Apple Crisp

Layer sliced apples with a crumbly oat topping in a foil packet and cook over hot coals for a warm, sweet dessert that’s perfect for cold nights.

Classic S’mores

No camping trip is complete without s’mores! Toast marshmallows over the campfire and sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate for a timeless treat.

S’mores Cones

Fill waffle cones with chocolate chips and marshmallows, wrap in foil and heat in the fire for a s’mores in a cone treat that’s easier for kids to eat! But equally yummy for everyone, no matter your age.

Baked Apples

Core apples and roll them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Wrap in foil and bake over the campfire until tender.

Banana Boats

Slice a banana lengthwise, fill it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, wrap in foil, and cook over the fire until everything is melted and gooey.

Hot Chocolate

Stir packets of hot chocolate mix into boiling water or milk. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra treat. Or for an adults-only extra treat, add a splash of booze for extra warmth!

Tips for Choosing Winter Camping Meals

Selecting the right meals for winter camping can help make sure you stay warm and energised, and keep your hunger satisfied. Here are some key tips to help you make the best choices:

Opt for high-calorie foods, as winter camping burns more calories while your body works harder to stay warm. Choose snacks like nuts and cheese, and hearty meats that provide long-lasting energy. Prioritise warm and filling meals – soups, stews, and hot beverages will boost your comfort in cold weather.

Prepping ingredients and meals at home can save time and effort at the campsite and mean you’re not standing around cooking so long. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and pre-mix dry ingredients to make cooking easier when you’re out in the cold. Insulated containers and thermoses help keep hot foods and drinks warm for extended periods, which is especially useful for lunches and snacks throughout the day.

Choose one-pot meals and foil-pack recipes to minimise cleanup and simplify cooking. These options are efficient and reduce the amount of gear you need to bring and less things you need to wash. Opt for quick-cooking ingredients like instant rice, pasta, and pre-cooked meats to streamline meal prep.

Staying hydrated is essential, even in winter. Include soups, broths, and water-rich fruits and vegetables to help maintain hydration levels.

Check out these fun winter camping activity ideas before you head off too so you’ve got plenty of fun planned for your winter camping trip!