Miss playing tug-of-war, making friendship bracelets and swimming in the lake? We found recreations of classic summer camp fare so you can relive the good ol' days in your own kitchen.
43 Classic Recipes That Will Take You Back to Summer Camp
Updated on Feb. 10, 2022
1/43
Walking Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without toppings): 530 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1017mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
2/43
Monster Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist gigantic monster cookies chock-full of goodies like chocolate chips, M&M's and peanut butter? If your appetite isn't quite monster-size, make them by heaping tablespoonfuls. This is the world's best monster cookies recipe. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 320 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
3/43
BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1227mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
4/43
Ham & Jack Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Pepper jack cheese adds spicy flavor to these warm, melty sandwiches. —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 268 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
5/43
S'mOreos
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My son introduced us to this twist on classic s'mores when we were camping. Have a jar of Nutella around? Slather on the inside of the graham cracker halves before you build this one-of-a-kind treat. —Christina Smith, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 271 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
6/43
BBQ Brats
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1659mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
7/43
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
8/43
Caramel Corn
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
My guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 230 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 343mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
9/43
Campfire Pancakes with Peanut Maple Syrup
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 pancakes (1/4 cup syrup)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves eating s'mores around the campfire when we vacation at the lake. Campfire pancakes are my tribute to those happy times. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes with 1 tablespoon syrup mixture: 407 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
10/43
Burger Americana
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Go on a burger road trip in your own backyard. Grill the patties and load them sky-high with your favorite toppings. For instance, peanut butter and bacon make them southern style; coleslaw and tomatoes,
a northern version. —Susan Mahaney, New Hartford, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger (calculated without toppings): 429 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
11/43
Homemade Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
12/43
Chicken Soft Tacos
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves these tacos. The chicken cooks in the slow cooker, so it’s convenient to throw together before I leave for work. Then we just roll it up in tortillas with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 749 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 1454mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 52g protein.
13/43
Ranch Snack Mix
Total Time
15 min
Servings
32 servings (6 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
14/43
Yummy Cracker Snacks
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These treats are my family’s favorite. In fact, it seems no matter how many I make, they always disappear too soon! —D. Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker sandwich: 170 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/43
Get-Up-and-Go Granola
Total Time
45 min
Servings
7-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves to have this soul-warming granola before hiking, biking or even when camping. It smells delicious while baking up and you can easily make in large batches for special occasions or to send in gift packages to family and friends. —Sabrina Olson, Otsego, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 255 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
16/43
Honey Chipotle Ribs
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is better than having a sauce with the perfect slather consistency. Here's one that will ensure a lip-smacking feast. Go ahead and make the sauce up to a week ahead for an easier grilling experience. —Caitlin Hawes, Westwood, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 515 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
17/43
Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 brownie: 344 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 197mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
18/43
Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 424 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
19/43
Quick Barbecued Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
20/43
Pizza Mountain Pies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Because we liked this pudgy pie recipe so much, I started making them for my daughter on our stove at home. —Pam Weik, West Lawn, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 388 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
21/43
Grilled Sweet Corn
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since we have plenty of fresh sweet corn available in our area, we use this recipe often in summer. Parsley, chili powder and cumin accent the corn's just-picked flavor. —Connie Lou Hollister, Lake Odessa, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear: 201 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 345mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
22/43
Cookout Caramel S'mores
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy delectable treats make a playful finish to an informal meal. Toasting the marshmallows extends our after-dinner time together, giving us something fun to do as a family. —Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 s'more: 127 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
23/43
Scrambled Egg Bread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We always eat ham, eggs and bread on camping trips, and we often have extras. Combine them and you’ve got scrambled egg bread. We first made this on a visit to Mount Shasta. —Shirley Mondeau, Rohnert Park, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 723 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 1530mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
24/43
Fruit Skewers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
25/43
S'mookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
S'mores are one of my favorite desserts. I wanted to create a cookie to replace the graham cracker—that's when my s'mookie was born. Just as delicious as the classic.—Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California
26/43
Cinnamon-Raisin Granola Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these chewy bars with cinnamon, raisin and maple for quick breakfast and road trip. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins. —Kristina Miedema, Houghton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
27/43
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married and poor college students, I found this sloppy joe recipe and tweaked it. The fresh bell peppers give it a wonderful flavor. —Kallee Twiner, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 251 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
28/43
Patriotic Pops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 55 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
29/43
Mini Phyllo Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
30/43
Root Beer Cupcakes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Root beer barrel candies and a spice cake-like batter give these cupcakes an old-fashioned flavor. Kids will especially love them! —Dot Kraemer, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 279 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
31/43
Potato Chip Chicken Strips
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 625 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
32/43
S’mores on a Stick
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
33/43
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
34/43
Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
We don't want to brag, but as far as vanilla ice cream recipes go, this one is the best. And with only four ingredients, it just might be the easiest, too. No ice cream maker? No problem. Just follow the directions below to learn how to make homemade ice cream by hand. It's the perfect base for our best ice cream sundae ideas, too. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 308 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
35/43
Vegan Burritos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 345 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
36/43
Sweet Chipotle Pretzels
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretzels are a great snack food. I love this recipe because it is sweet as well as spicy, but not too spicy. It's a great combination for munching. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 209 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
37/43
Apple Pie Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
These apple pie bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 163 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
38/43
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1096mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
39/43
S'more Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
"Simply sinful" is how testers described this fresh take on s'mores. —Joanne Surfus, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 407 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
40/43
Chunky Breakfast Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says cookies aren’t for breakfast? We devour these hearty oatmeal cookies, especially on the run. Add any dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. —Lea Langhoff, Round Lake, IL
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 291 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
41/43
Trail Mix Blondie Bars
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These blondies started as a baking emergency. There was a potluck at my daughter's preschool, and I was out of ingredients. Muffin mix came to the rescue. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
42/43
Breakfast Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Just think
of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient is corn tortillas. They really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 424 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 295mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
43/43
S'more Pops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughters and I came up with this treat when planning a candy-making party. The pops also make adorable hostess gifts, are perfect for potlucks and would sell out quickly at a bake sale. —Lisa Haboush, Geneva, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 pop: 42 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
