Vegan Food For Camping
When you think about meals for camping, the iconic hot dogs on a stick followed by sticky s’mores likely come to mind. But what if you’re vegan or following a plant-based diet? Is there vegan food for camping?
If you’re wondering “what do vegans eat when they go camping,” read on as we solve the mystery and help you plan an easy and tasty vegan camping menu.
Recipe cards for all the vegan camping meals described below are available at the bottom of the page (plus a couple bonus recipes!). Don't forget to hop over to our Outdoor Meal Planning resource page for tips on food prep and even more camping recipes!
Vegan Camping Snacks
Every camping trip starts with a car ride to the destination, and it’s no secret that snacks help pass the time on the drive! You may be surprised that many junk-food type snacks are accidentally vegan, but if you’re looking to eat healthy when camping, we have some ideas for you!
For the road trip, try salted popcorn or peanut butter and apples for a crunchy bite to satiate that mindless snacking urge. Or, pack the cooler closeby so you can reach for some protein-rich hummus with cucumbers or carrots.
When you’re at the campsite and headed out for a hike, throw some salted nuts and dried fruit in your pack. Trail mix is a classic for a reason… it’s the perfect non-perishable vegan food for camping and hiking! The calories, healthy fat, and protein it provides will give you energy, and the salty seasoning will boost electrolytes when sweating under the heat of the Arizona sun on a trail.
Filling Plant-Based Breakfasts
When it comes to meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free breakfasts, you might think options that will work at the campsite are slim. Enter the plant-based breakfast burrito! This is a fantastic option because everyone in the camping party can customize their burrito just how they like it. Try crumbled firm tofu or a pea protein egg substitute and spice things up with vegan soy chorizo. Or forgo the substitutes altogether and still throw together a filling and delicious burrito with fried potatoes (cubed and par-boiled at home to save prep-time at the campsite), bell-peppers, onions, black beans, and mushrooms.
If you’re looking for a fast breakfast option, oatmeal topped with some peanut butter and bananas is a classic vegan go-to. Make it ultra-easy by purchasing portable instant oatmeal paper cups for the trip, so all you have to do is heat up water on the camp stove and eat up! Remember to pack out those paper cups before you go!
Simple Vegan Lunches
Yes, peanut butter and jelly is an obvious plant-based lunch beloved by all. But if you want to mix it up a little, set your taste buds on a chickpea salad sandwich or wrap. Reminiscent of the classic chicken salad sandwich, the plant-based version satisfies that craving for a familiar food, making happy campers all around. Round out the meal with your favorite fruit, and a conveniently-vegan side of potato chips or pretzels. If you’re looking for a familiar food that can blend in with the meat-eaters, this salad will do the trick, or try your favorite bean burger!
Vegan Campfire Dinners
You’ve spent all day adventuring and now it’s time to fill those bellies and tuck in for a cozy evening around the campfire. Tin foil meals are a favorite for campers, and vegetarians and vegans alike don’t need to cross that option off just because you won’t fill the packet with steak!
Try oiling then pricking a sweet potato before wrapping tightly in two layers of tin foil. Then toss those ‘taters in the hot embers and rotate frequently to cook without burning. When soft, top them with some vegan chili that you prepped at home and simply reheat over the fire. There’s a delicious, one-pot meal for the easy-cleanup win! Check our vegan camping recipes for a bonus dinner: delicious cauli tacos!
Spend the last hours of the night stargazing and sipping on warm apple cider and enjoying vegan chocolate zucchini muffins. No one will even miss the s’mores with this healthy, sweet vegan treat.
Vegan Camping Food Recipes
No vegan need feel deprived on a camping trip! There are plenty of plant-based options to leave you feeling full, satisfied, and energized for epic adventures.
Get started on your own vegan camping cookbook! Just click below to download recipe cards for each of the dishes described here (plus two bonus vegan recipes!), then enjoy your vegan camping meals!
Final Thoughts...
We hope you’ve learned that a little adaptation, some killer recipes, and outdoor cooking confidence goes a long way when preparing elevated vegan meal experiences in the campsite. The next step is to get out there and take your vegan camping experience to the next level by visiting one of these awesome parks!
