Hitting the road in a campervan? Whether you’re a camping pro or giving van life a go for the first time, cooking on the road doesn’t have to be hard or cost a fortune. With a few key ingredients and some super simple recipes, you can whip up tasty meals without breaking a sweat (or the bank). Check out these 10 cheap and easy camping feeds to avoid any kitchen nightmares on your trip!
1. Instant Noodles with Veggies
Instant noodles have long been the saving grace of many broke students, backpackers and hungover festival-goers. They’re everything you’re looking for on a road trip - cheap, fast and seriously filling. But why not pimp your noodles? Chuck in some fresh or frozen veggies like peas, carrots or spinach to level them up. Hit ’em with a splash of soy sauce, a dash of garlic or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavour vibes. Feeling fancy? Throw a fried or boiled egg on top, and if you’re really going for it, add some sliced ham—it’s basically DIY ramen on the road.
2. Toastie & Soup
You can’t go wrong with this OG comfort food combo! Just chuck a cheese sandwich in a pan and heat up a can of soup for a meal that feels like a warm hug from your mum. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a quick, no-fuss dinner.
3. Brekkie Burrito
Kickstart your day with a brekkie burrito that’s as easy as it is tasty! Scramble some eggs, chuck ’em in a tortilla with cheese salsa and whatever veggies you’ve got lying around. Feeling fancy? Add beans or avo for some extra flavour. Bonus: wraps are the ultimate hiking snack—just stuff any leftovers in a tortilla, roll it up, and boom—instant breakfast or lunch!
4. Foil Jacket Potatoes
Foil packet meals are a total game-changer for lazy camp feeds. Just slice up some spuds, toss ’em with butter, garlic and herbs, then wrap it all up in foil. Chuck it on the campfire or your portable stove and you’re good to go. Want to level it up? Add some sausage or extra veggies for a feed that hits all the right spots!
5. Pasta Pesto
Another backpacker or budget traveler favorite! Pasta with pesto is so easy and tasty. Boil up your fave pasta, stir through some pesto and if you’re feeling fancy, chuck in some cherry tomatoes, olives or cheese. Boom, you’ve got a quick and filling feed packed with flavour. Bonus: it’s just as good cold the next day—perfect for a sunny arvo snack!
6. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a backpacker’s best mate—super easy and totally customizable. Grab a tortilla, throw it in a hot pan, load it up with cheese, beans and whatever else you’ve got (chicken, salsa, capsicum—go wild!), then slap another tortilla on top. Cook it until it’s crispy and golden, slice it into wedges, and bam—you’ve got yourself a cheesy, crunchy snack in no time!
7. One-Pot Chilli
Chilli’s a camping MVP—you don’t need much to whip it up, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Just chuck some canned beans, tomatoes, and chilli seasoning into one pot and let it simmer. Want extra protein? Toss in some mince or tofu. Serve it up with crackers, rice, or tortillas and you’ve got a spicy, hearty feed to keep you going!
8. Pita Pockets with Hummus and Veggies
Need something fresh, healthy and easy? Pita pockets have your back! Just stuff some pita bread with hummus, chopped veggies (cucumber, lettuce, tomato—whatever you’ve got), and a bit of feta or cheese. No cooking, no stress, just a quick, healthy snack you can smash anywhere on the road.
9. Banana Pancakes
Banana pancakes are the ultimate vibe—for brekkie, a hiking snack or when you’re craving something sweet. And the best part? You only need two ingredients! Mash up some overripe bananas with eggs (one egg per banana), mix it up and cook like pancakes in a hot pan. Feeling extra? Throw in some oats, choc chips or blueberries for a cheeky upgrade. Too easy!
10. Campfire Dampa
An Aussie bush classic and so easy to make! All you need is a solid campfire and a camp oven or cast iron pot with a lid. Mix 2 cups of self-raising flour with a pinch of salt, then add water until you’ve got a dough. Use your hands to shape it so it fits into the pot and make sure it’s not sticking—if it does, just add more flour. Coat the bottom of your pot with flour or foil, pop the dough in, and leave a 5cm gap on each side. Stick the pot into the coals, slap the lid on, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Easy as, mate!
Budget-Friendly Camping Cooking Hacks:
- Plan Ahead: Grab your essentials in bulk—pasta, rice and canned beans are your best mates when you're on the road and want to save cash.
- Multi-Use Ingredients: Go for stuff that you can use in a bunch of meals—tortillas, cheese and eggs are the OG’s for mixing things up.
- Prep Before You Go: Get a head start by chopping your veggies, marinating your meats and portioning out your spices before you leave. Makes cooking at the campsite a breeze!
With these easy, budget-friendly meals, you can eat like a king on your campervan roadie without blowing all your cash. They're quick to whip up, need hardly any gear and will keep you powered up for all your wicked adventures. Enjoy, happy campers!
Plan your next Wicked Camper adventure today and experience the ultimate Australian road trip adventure.