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.
43 of the Best Camping Meals for a Crowd
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
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
Round out your outdoor meal with one of these campfire desserts.
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Italian Meatball Kabobs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 325 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
These summer potluck recipes also make great group camping meals.
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Southwest Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
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Meatless Chili Mac
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 206 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable,1 lean meat.
Are you meal planning for group camping? Take a look at our 3-day camping meal plan.
5/43
Peasant Skillet
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 382 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
6/43
Pancake Mix in a Jar
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pancakes per batch
From the Recipe Creator:
At Christmas, I like to present friends and family with this mix and pure maple syrup. The pancakes are fluffy and fruity.
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 329 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
7/43
Steak and Potato Foil Packs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 348 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch.
Be sure to check out more of our favorite easy camping meals.
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Cashew Rice Pilaf
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 287 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
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Egg Burritos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 376 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 251mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
11/43
Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 414 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
12/43
Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
13/43
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
14/43
Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 135 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
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One-Pot Sausage and Basil Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 332 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
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Avocado Chicken Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 295 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 370mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 fat.
17/43
Jalapeno Sloppy Joes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 322 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 888mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
18/43
Italian Sausage Sandwich
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a casual but hearty meal, try these saucy subs created by our Test Kitchen. Full of traditional Italian flavor, these sandwiches are a snap to make.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 552 calories, 28g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1532mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
19/43
Cobb Salad Sub
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
20/43
Meat Lover's Bread Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (2 cups each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 584 calories, 49g fat (10g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1260mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
21/43
Spicy Potato Soup
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 159 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
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Sausage and Kraut Buns
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 468 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
23/43
Pork and Beef Barbecue
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 444 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
24/43
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
25/43
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
26/43
Grilled Seasoned Bratwurst
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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 Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 bratwurst: 533 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 825mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 20g protein.
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Honey Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grill everything—veggies, oxtail, tofu. This chicken is our favorite. I keep a ready supply of sauce and rub, so prep couldn't be easier. —Jerry Rosiek, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken leg quarter: 466 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1542mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
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Banana Oat Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 261 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
29/43
Layered Picnic Loaves
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 341 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 991mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
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Hearty Vegetarian Chili
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 238 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Camper’s Breakfast Hash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 376 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 364mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
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Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 284 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
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Chicken Bog (South Carolina Chicken and Rice)
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 528 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 1402mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
34/43
Focaccia Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more special. Add or change ingredients to your taste. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 113 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Grilled Lemon Chicken
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken gets its subtle pucker from lemonade concentrate. So simple, so sweet! —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 320 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein.
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Sloppy Joe Dogs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all! —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 hot dog: 422 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 959mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
37/43
Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 582 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1473mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
38/43
Pumpkin Chili
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 293 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 1034mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
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Special Sandwich Loaves
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
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 Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 385 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
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Balsamic-Glazed Fig & Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 139 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
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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.
42/43
Jambalaya
Total Time
4 hours 50 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
43/43
Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (10 cups potato mixture)
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1261mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
