Planning your camping trip can be thrilling, but figuring out what to eat doesn’t have to break the bank. At Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa, we understand the importance of great meals while camping without overspending. That’s why we’ve gathered some fantastic budget camping meals that are affordable and delicious too! Whether cooking over a campfire or using a portable stove, these ideas will help keep your camping budget in check while satisfying your taste buds.

Budget Friendly Camping Meals

Camping meals don’t have to be fancy or expensive. You can enjoy delicious food without spending a fortune by choosing simple ingredients and planning ahead. For instance, cheap camping food like pasta, rice, beans, and canned veggies are excellent staples for any budget camping trip. These ingredients are lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for making hearty meals in the wild. Consider whipping up some quick stir-fries or one-pot meals like chilli or stew. These budget eats are filling, nutritious, and can be stretched over multiple meals, helping you stay on budget while enjoying great food.

Quick and Easy Recipes for Campers

Sometimes, simplicity is key, especially when cooking outdoors. Quick and easy camping recipes allow you to relax more and less fuss over complicated meals. Grilled sandwiches, foil-wrapped veggies with sausage, or even pre-made wraps are great budget-friendly camping meals. Try toasting marshmallows or banana boats over the campfire for a sweet treat. When you prepare some of your ingredients at home, like chopping vegetables or marinating meat, cooking at the campsite becomes a breeze. All these meals are budget-friendly, full of flavour, and fun to make!

Cooking Over a Campfire on a Budget

Cooking outdoors over a campfire can feel like an adventure, and it’s also one of the most budget-friendly ways to prepare food while camping. A simple grill grate over the flames opens up a world of possibilities. Start with cheap camping food like potatoes, which can be wrapped in foil and cooked directly in the coals, or prepare a delicious campfire stew using tinned tomatoes, beans, and spices. Grilled vegetables and skewered meat can make a filling meal without expensive ingredients. Try campfire pancakes or scrambled eggs cooked in a cast iron skillet for a morning treat. You’ll find that cooking outdoors doesn’t have to come with a high price tag!

Budget-Friendly Camping Recipes

Here are some tried-and-true budget-friendly camping recipes that anyone can enjoy while staying at Mbizi Lodge:

Foil-Wrapped Sausage & Veggies: Simply chop potatoes, carrots, and your choice of sausage, wrap them in foil with a little oil and cook over the coals. This low-cost, filling meal tastes incredible after a day of exploring.
Campfire Breakfast Burritos: Pre-scramble your eggs at home and bring them in a container. When it’s time for breakfast, wrap eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon in a tortilla and grill it over the fire for a crispy, budget-friendly breakfast.
Chilli in a Pot: Canned beans, tinned tomatoes, ground meat (or a vegetarian alternative), and spices make for a fantastic campfire chilli. Serve it with some bread, and you’ve got a hearty meal on a budget.

Tips for Cooking Camping Food

Plan Ahead: Prepare meal plans and ingredient lists before your trip to ensure you have everything you need and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Prep at Home: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and measure out spices before leaving home to simplify cooking at the campsite.

Use Foil Packets: Cooking with foil packets is convenient and requires minimal cleanup. Simply place your ingredients in foil, seal, and cook over the fire or on a grill.

Opt for Multi-Use Ingredients: Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes to save space and money. For example, tortillas can be used for breakfast burritos, lunch wraps, or dinner tacos.

Keep It Simple: Stick to recipes with few ingredients and straightforward preparation to make cooking less stressful and more enjoyable.

Focusing on budget-friendly ingredients and simple recipes allows you to easily prepare delicious meals while enjoying the natural beauty around you. With the variety of cheap camping food options, there’s no need to overspend to enjoy your time in the bushveld.

Ready for your next camping adventure? Book your stay wit us and experience all the joys of cooking outdoors, surrounded by the stunning African wilderness. With comfortable camping facilities, you’ll have everything you need to make your trip memorable.

Contact us today for more information about camping at Mbizi Lodge.