9 Camping Meals for Easy, Tasty Dinners in an RV
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Cooking while on the road in an RV doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. With a little creativity, you can whip up some seriously tasty meals that are simple to make, nutritious, and perfect for RV camping.
Many of these dinners are easy one-pan meals, can be prepped in advance, and offer the flexibility to be cooked on a stovetop, grill, or even over a campfire.
Here are nine camping meals that will satisfy your taste buds without requiring tons of prep time or complicated kitchen tools.
1. Spanish Chickpeas and Rice
This one-pot Spanish Chickpeas and Rice dish is a hearty, flavorful meal loosely inspired by paella.
I like to cook it on a hotplate at the campsite, but it’s also easy to make ahead and freeze. When you don’t feel like cooking from scratch, just reheat it on the stove for a quick, no-fuss meal.
Packed with bold spices like smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, and oregano, this dish has a rich, smoky depth. Artichoke hearts add a delicious briny contrast, while a squeeze of fresh lemon brings a bright, fresh finish.
Why Spanish Rice is Perfect for RV Camping
This dish is ideal for RVers because it’s made mostly with canned and shelf-stable ingredients like chickpeas, rice, canned tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. That makes it a great option when you’re boondocking or camping far from grocery stores.
Plus, since it all comes together in one pot, it keeps cleanup to a minimum—perfect for small RV kitchens where counter space is limited.
TIP: Serve with crusty bread or a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal. For an extra punch of flavor, top with fresh parsley before serving.
2. Tacos
Mexican food is a fantastic choice for camping, thanks to its versatility and the variety of dishes you can create with just a few base ingredients.
Tacos, in particular, are a classic and make some of the best RV meals because you can put almost anything in them!
Tacos are a quick, customizable meal that everyone loves. Whether you opt for traditional beef or chicken, or keep it vegetarian with beans and fresh veggies, tacos can be tailored for most camper’s taste. They’re easy to prep and require minimal cooking time, making them perfect for busy evenings.
Taco Topping Ideas
- Salsa: Pico de gallo, traditional salsa, pineapple salsa, corn salsa, or salsa verde
- Sauces: Sour cream, yogurt crema sauce, guacamole
- Veggies: lettuce, cabbage, baby spinach, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, avocado, jalapenos, green onion
- Cheese: Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Cotija, Queso Fresco, Feta
Walking Tacos for Easy Cleanup
Walking Tacos are a fun and convenient twist on traditional tacos, perfect for RV camping. Instead of using a plate, you simply serve the taco ingredients directly into a small bag of chips, such as Fritos or Doritos.
Everyone can customize their own taco-in-a-bag. Best of all, cleanup is a breeze since the “plates” are disposable chip bags, so there’s no need to wash dishes!
TIP: For those who prefer a vegetarian option, refried bean tacos with pickled onions and avocado are delicious, as are tacos filled with black beans and a tangy yogurt crema sauce.
Why Tacos are Perfect for RV Camping
Tacos are incredibly flexible and ideal for RV living. You can cook everything on a single stovetop burner or grill, and they require minimal cleanup. Plus, they’re perfect for feeding groups with different dietary preferences since everyone can assemble their own.
You can also prepare toppings ahead of time, and if you’re using meat, it can be easily grilled outside, keeping the RV kitchen cool and mess-free.
3. Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Shrimp boil foil packets are a fun and flavorful dinner packed with shrimp, sausage, corn, and zucchini, and seasoned with herbs, Old Bay, and Cajun spices for that classic Southern flavor.
These packets are a type of “hobo packet,” a camping staple where all the ingredients are wrapped in foil and cooked over a campfire or grill.
This meal is a crowd-pleaser that requires almost no prep or cleanup.
Why Foil Packets are Perfect for RV Camping
Foil packet meals are a game-changer for RV camping since they can be prepped ahead and require no extra pots or pans. Just load up the foil with your ingredients, seal it up, and cook it over a grill or campfire.
Not only do you get a hearty, well-balanced meal in one packet, but cleanup is as easy as tossing the foil—no dishes required!
TIP: For a pescatarian option, swap the sausage for potatoes. Just be sure to boil the potatoes beforehand so they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Pizza
Homemade pizza is a weekly favorite in our RV! It’s easy to customize, and you can prep toppings and shred cheese ahead of time (freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded).
There are tons of options for making pizza on the road:
- Naan bread or flatbread – A quick and easy option that crisps up perfectly in a pan, on the grill, or even over a campfire.
- Homemade dough – Surprisingly simple to make! Cook it in your RV oven or on a grill with a lid for that wood-fired effect. I use this easy dough recipe.
- Large tortillas – For an ultra-thin and crispy crust, cook a tortilla pizza in a pan or on a griddle.
- Portable pizza ovens – If you’re a true pizza lover, there are compact, propane or wood-powered pizza ovens made for camping!
Why Pizza is Perfect for RV Camping
Pizza is a one-pan meal that’s easy to make with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking in your RV kitchen or grilling at the campsite, there’s a method to suit your setup.
Plus, with endless topping possibilities, everyone can create a pizza they love.
5. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish featuring eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
The combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and paprika creates a hearty, comforting meal—perfect for camping.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and cilantro on top adds a bright, herby finish that takes the flavors to the next level. I love cooking it outside on an induction cooktop for that open-air camping feel, but it works just as well on an RV stovetop.
Why Shakshuka is Perfect for RV Camping
Shakshuka is an excellent meal for RVers because it’s made with simple, shelf-stable ingredients like canned tomatoes, eggs, and dried spices.
This means you can whip up a hearty, home-cooked meal even when fresh groceries are running low. Plus, since everything cooks in a single pan, there’s minimal cleanup—perfect for small RV kitchens where counter space is limited.
Another great thing about shakshuka is its versatility:
- add poblano peppers for an extra kick
- top it with feta cheese or avocado for a creamy finish
- toss in chickpeas for added flavor and nutrition
It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet requires very little effort, making it ideal for RV life.
TIP: Serve with crusty bread, warm pita, or even toasted tortillas to scoop up the flavorful sauce—no extra utensils needed! For a heartier meal, try adding cooked sausage or chorizo before cracking in the eggs.
6. Red Lentil Sloppy Joes
A plant-based twist on a camping classic, these Red Lentil Sloppy Joes are just as hearty and flavorful as the original—without any processed extras.
Packed with protein-rich red lentils and a smoky, tangy sauce, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
The combination of tomato paste, mustard, maple syrup, and Worcestershire creates a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Serve the filling on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, like jalapenos, cheese, or sliced avocado, for a meal that feels indulgent but is entirely wholesome.
Why Lentil Sloppy Joes are Perfect for RV Camping
This one-pot dish is ideal for RVing because it requires minimal cleanup and uses pantry-friendly ingredients like lentils, tomato paste, and spices.
Since lentils cook quickly, you won’t need to use much fuel, and you can easily adjust the consistency to your liking.
TIP: If you prefer to prep ahead, make the filling at home and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on your stove, toast the buns, and you’ve got a quick, no-fuss meal.
7. Quinoa Chili
Quinoa chili is a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for cooler camping weather. Made with beans, tomatoes, warming spices, and quinoa, it’s a filling and nutritious dish that comes together easily.
I usually cook the quinoa ahead of time to speed up the process, but everything else is simply combined and simmered in one pot. Once it’s ready, you can customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
Why Quinoa Chili is Perfect for RV Camping
Quinoa chili is an excellent choice for RV cooking because it’s a one-pot meal, minimizing dishes and making cleanup a breeze. Since most of the ingredients—like canned beans, tomatoes, and spices—are pantry staples, it’s an easy meal to whip up when you’re far from a grocery store.
You can also make a big batch and freeze portions to have a ready-to-eat meal for busy travel days.
I especially love this chili for chilly nights at the campsite, offering a warm, comforting meal that will keep you full and energized for your next adventure.
TIP: For an even easier meal, cook the quinoa and portion it into freezer bags before your trip. When it’s time to make chili, just toss it in the pot with the rest of the ingredients for a no-fuss dinner.
8. Homemade Ramen
There’s nothing like a hot bowl of homemade ramen to warm you up during cooler RV travel months. Ditch the seasoning packet that comes with instant noodles and use store-bought broth or make your own for a richer, more flavorful base.
With just a few simple additions, you can create restaurant-quality ramen right in your RV kitchen.
Why Homemade Ramen is Perfect for RV Camping
Ramen is a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t require long cooking times, so you won’t steam up the RV or use too much propane. The noodles cook in just a few minutes, and you can prep your toppings ahead of time to make assembling the dish even easier.
Pre-slice vegetables like mushrooms, napa cabbage, spinach, or bok choy, and if you love a jammy, flavorful poached egg in your ramen, you can cook it ahead of time for an even quicker meal.
Keep a jar of miso paste and a splash of soy sauce in your RV pantry for a quick umami boost that takes the broth in this dish to the next level!
TIP: For a richer, creamier broth, stir in a little coconut milk at the end. Serve with a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor!
9. Lo Mein
Lo Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender noodles (I like to use Udon), a light savory sauce, and a mix of vegetables, meat, or seafood.
The name translates to “stirred noodles” in Cantonese, highlighting how everything is tossed together in one pan.
This Lo Mein is inspired by Chinese-American takeout but simplified for easy RV cooking. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t require specialty ingredients, making it perfect for travel.
Why Lo Mein is Perfect for RV Camping
Lo mein is one of my favorite camping meals since it’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and a great way to use up leftovers.
Whether you have extra bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, onion, broccoli, or even cooked chicken from the night before, you can toss them into this dish for a fresh, delicious meal.
You can cook this on the stovetop or hotplate, you can even use a cast iron wok.
TIP: Add chili garlic sauce for heat, a squeeze of lime for brightness, or top with chopped peanuts for crunch.
RV Camping Meals
Cooking in an RV doesn’t have to mean sacrificing variety or flavor. With these easy, one-pot, and prep-friendly meals, you can enjoy delicious, homemade dishes no matter where the road takes you.
From comforting quinoa chili on a chilly night to quick and satisfying stir-fry lo mein, these meals are designed to be simple, versatile, and perfect for RV living.
By using pantry staples, prepping ingredients ahead of time, and opting for minimal cleanup recipes, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the journey.
What are your favorite RV-friendly meals? Share your go-to camping recipes in the comments!
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