10 Easy & Budget-Friendly Camping Meals for Your Campervan Adventure

Heading out on a campervan trip? Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time camper, cooking in your van doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. With the right ingredients and a few simple recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without the hassle. Here are 10 cheap & easy camping dishes perfect for the budget traveler looking for quick and satisfying meals while on the road.

1. Instant Noodles with Veggies

Instant noodles are a campervan classic—cheap, quick and filling. To make them a little healthier, add frozen or fresh veggies like peas, carrots or spinach while cooking. Season with soy sauce, garlic or hot sauce for an extra flavour boost. If you want to go all out, add a boiled or fried egg on top. You can even add some sliced ham to feel like you’re eating a bowl of ramen.

2. Breakfast Burritos

Start your day right with an easy breakfast burrito. Scramble some eggs in a pan, then wrap them up in a tortilla with cheese, salsa and any veggies you have on hand. You can even add beans or avocado for extra texture and nutrition. Wraps are also the perfect hiking snack, you can basically wrap any leftovers into a burrito and call it breakfast or lunch!

Cooking in the Mystery Machine, North Island, NZ. Photo: Campervan Village.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich & Tomato Soup

A classic combo that’s super simple to make. Grill a cheese sandwich on a skillet, and heat up a can of tomato soup for a comforting meal that feels like home. It's perfect for chilly mornings or quick dinners.

4. Campfire Foil Pack Potatoes

Foil packet meals are super easy to prepare and cook. Slice up some potatoes, season with butter, garlic, and herbs, then wrap them in foil and cook over the campfire or on a portable stove. Add sausages or other veggies if you like for a complete meal.

5. Pasta with Pesto

Pasta is an easy go-to for camping. Boil your favourite pasta, then toss it with store-bought pesto sauce. Add cherry tomatoes, olives or cheese if you have some extra ingredients. It’s quick, filling and full of flavour. It also makes for the perfect cold leftover on a sunny day!

Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia. Photo: Campervan Village.

6. Campfire Quesadillas

Quesadillas are simple to make and easy to customize. Just place a tortilla in a hot pan, add cheese, beans and any other fillings you like (such as chicken, salsa or capsicum), then top with another tortilla. Cook until crispy and golden, then slice into wedges.

7. One-Pot Chilli

Chilli is perfect for camping and you don’t need a lot of ingredients. Use canned beans, tomatoes and chili seasoning, and simmer them together in one pot. For added protein, throw in some minced meat or tofu. Serve with crackers, rice or tortillas.

Mystery Machine camping, North Island, NZ. Photo: Campervan Village.

8. Pita Pockets with Hummus and Veggies

If you’re looking for something fresh and light, pita pockets are your friend. Simply fill pita bread with hummus, chopped veggies (like cucumber, lettuce, and tomato) and some feta or cheese. It’s quick, nutritious and doesn’t even require cooking!

9. Banana Pancakes

For breakfast, a hiking snack or just a sweet treat, banana pancakes are just perfect! It is so easy to make and only requires two ingredients. Just mix overripe bananas with eggs, one egg per banana. Mash the mixture up with a fork and cook like a pancake in a small pan or skillet. If you’re feeling fancy you can even add some oats, chocolate chips or blueberries to the mix.

10. Campfire Damper

An Australian bush classic and super easy to make! All you need is a well-lit campfire and a camp oven or cast iron pot with a lid. Mix 2 cups of self-raising flour with a pinch of salt and start adding flour until it becomes a dough. With your hands, cup the dough until it fits into your camp oven or pot and make sure it doesn’t stick. If it sticks, add more flour. Cover the base of your pot with flour or foil and place the dough inside with a gap of at least 5cm to each side. Place the camp oven or pot into the coals and leave the lid on. Should be ready in about 20-25 minutes!

Tips for Budget-Friendly Camping Cooking:

• Plan Ahead: Buy ingredients in bulk (like pasta, rice and canned beans) to save money on the road.
• Multi-Use Ingredients: Choose versatile ingredients like tortillas, cheese and eggs that can be used for multiple meals.
• Prep Before You Go: Chop veggies, marinate meats and portion out seasonings at home to make cooking easier and faster at your campsite.

Johnny Feelgood camp cooking, QLD, Australia. Photo: Campervan Village.

With these easy and affordable meals, you can eat well on your campervan road trip without breaking the bank. They’re simple to prepare, require minimal equipment and will keep you fuelled for all your outdoor adventures. Bon appétit!