The Type of Foods for Camping

Safety

There are some general rules to follow about food safety, no matter where you are. Being out in the wilderness and away from a kitchen doesn't make you less likely to get food poisoning so be sure to take a few precautions when packing and cooking. "Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold" is the No. 1 rule of food safety according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection department. It stays true when traveling so be sure to bring along a food thermometer and ice packs. Do not trust water from streams or lakes. Boiling it is safest but purification tablets combined with filtering are a good option when you can't boil. If you are bringing raw meat to cook later make sure you freeze it before you leave and pack it with ice. Wrap it well to avoid cross contamination and always bring something to wash with. Sanitary wipes are better than nothing.

Backpacking is the most primitive form of camping since you are limited to only what you can fit, and carry, in your pack. Lack of refrigeration makes cold foods out of the question. Bring lightweight foods that contain nutrients that will help keep up the energy and stamina for long days on the trail. Good choices include whole grain pastas, instant oatmeal packets, dried jerky, dehydrated fruit and packets of tuna. Dehydrated milk is easy to reconstitute and, combined with some grated Parmesan cheese, makes a great sauce for that pasta.

When you drive to your campsite to put up a tent, you have greater flexibility in what foods you decide to bring. You don't need to worry too much about weight restrictions and you have more space to pack items meaning you can bring along a cooler for refrigeration. Block ice holds cold food longer than cubed ice, but you still need to replenish the supply regularly. Limit the cold foods that you bring and freeze all meats before placing them in the cooler to avoid the possibility of spoiling. Canned foods such as soups, vegetables and fruits are better than fresh ones because they travel better and are non-perishable. Rice, whole grain pastas and jarred sauces are other options to make your stomach feel at home in the outdoors.

For those who enjoy camping with as many comforts of home as possible, options like campers, trailers and motor homes provide the most flexibility. Though you have a refrigerator, freezer and probably even an oven, you still need to plan your food carefully. A packed fridge has to use more energy to stay cold and if your propane runs out, it won't work at all on the road. Make sure you keep to the necessities and limit the amount of refrigerator items. You can bring fresh food such as vegetables, fruits and herbs to cook with in a trailer or camper, but store it well before leaving. Fruits that bruise easily such as peaches or tomatoes should probably stay home.

Plan the food you take based on the type of camping you do. Many companies offer dehydrated meals that are extremely lightweight and easy to reconstitute but they can be pricey. Make sure you plan every meal and snack ahead of time and bring only what you need for those meals. This will save time, space and trouble down the road. Whatever your method for camping be sure to always follow safe food handling procedures and plan your food accordingly. If you won't have a safe way to fully clean all materials, for example, don't pack meat. As always, don't forget the ingredients for S'mores!