Last Updated on June 26, 2025

We all know the woes of trying to figure out what to eat when getting away for a camping trip on the weekend. It can be a challenge to pick out the best, shelf-stable food that will not only sustain us for at least one or two nights but also please our taste buds, not to mention making sure we’re taking good quality body and brain fuel out into the wild with us.

Admittedly, you could easily spend a lot more time than you should on deciding what to take with you. But to make your life easier, here are our recommendations for camping foods to consider for your next getaway. We think their combination of nutritional value and convenience out in the wilderness makes them must-have options for campers. 

Baked Beans

Catering for breakfasts, lunches and dinners is a lot easier when we have access to a traditional, indoor kitchen equipped with all the essential food-prepping and storage appliances. But if you’re planning a camping trip, hauling along a stack of supplies to last you the entire time you’re away can be both costly and inconvenient, especially as you’ll need to squeeze it all into your camping swag.

That’s why baked beans are the classic Aussie camping food, and a great alternative to more expensive – and less compact – protein sources. Canned baked beans are suitable for all times of day – breakfast, lunch and dinner – and can be stored easily without refrigeration. This makes them an excellent option for camping trips, as well as being a great source of protein and fibre. 

Beef Jerky 

Of all snacks you could consider, beef jerky, or biltong, is a great option. It’s an excellent choice for camping due to its long shelf life and ability to last outside of refrigeration. Biltong is also a nutrient-rich option due to its high source of protein that can help your body rejuvenate after a long day of being out in the great outdoors. Most biltong products, such as, for instance, the original beef chief biltong, are designed as lightweight snacks, making it less of a hassle to fit into your backpack, and can be stashed away without taking up a lot of space.

Granola Bar

Want a tasty substitute for in-between-meal snacking throughout the day? Granola bars are a perfect addition to your camping grocery shopping list. Just like biltong and baked beans, they have a long shelf life and are generally shelf-stable. For those of us who may be more health conscious of what we put into our mouths, be sure to grab bars that have nuts, fruits and low sugar additives for improved nutritional benefits. 

Bread

Breads are simple, and that’s what makes them a great addition to this list of recommended camping food must-haves. Whether it’s sandwiches for lunch, a side for your soup or salad for dinner, or even to add to your eggs and sausages at breakfast time, bread is great for pairing with other foods and is easy to pack and enjoy on the spot. It’s a good idea to bring sealed plastic bags to pack sandwiches in, so that they can last longer during the trip. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pack an extra jar or two of peanut butter or jam. 

Canned Tuna

If you were looking for a reason to love canned fish, it’s fantastic for camping. Canned tuna is another great option that shares a common benefit with the rest of the items mentioned today – versatility. Add it onto your crackers, or serve it with avocados, or perhaps cook it up with some onion and canned vegetables for a quick fried rice dish. Tuna is also a healthy option, being heavily packed with protein. It’s also lightweight and convenient to store in your camping bags, helping you maximise space for other camp-essential items. 

Going out camping means being surrounded by the elements. Hence, the optimal diet should consist of convenient and nutritional foods that can be versatile enough to eat at any given time. Stocking up on the items we’ve recommended today will help keep you replenished and energised while out and about in nature.