Convenience proves important when packing food for a camping trip. Not only do you want to choose food items that are easy to carry and prepare, you also want things that are non-perishable or won't easily spoil. With a bit of planning, you can provide yourself and others with a variety of appealing foods while camping.
Sources of protein are important, but fresh meat is perishable. Bring along peanut butter, nuts, beans, canned meat and beef jerky for alternatives. If you have a camp stove, and a way to keep meat and eggs on ice, bring those items. For convenience, plan to use them within the first couple of days to avoid possible spoilage.
Fresh fruit, such as apples, should fare well in a camping environment. There are also plenty of dried fruit preparations available, or if you have a dehydrating machine you can make your own dried fruit. Individual packs of applesauce or diced fruit are available and don't require refrigeration until opened.
Carrot and celery sticks and broccoli and cauliflower florets are good choices to include in your camping trip menu. Potatoes can be cooked in various ways and don't require refrigeration. Avoid bringing items that are easily bruised or that will perish in the heat. If you do, use them within the first couple of days.
Bring bottled water, individual juice boxes or cans or canned soft drinks and other pre-packaged beverages that don't require refrigeration. Even if you have drinks on ice, they won't spoil if the the ice melts. You can mix powdered milk on the spot for drinking or to use in cereal.
Carbohydrates can take the form of bread, cereals, trail mix, fruit rolls, pretzels, chips or granola bars. If you have a camp stove and extra water, bring macaroni and cheese, rice or noodles. Soup is also a possibility.
