Best Camping Recipes for Large Groups (Easy, Affordable, Crowd-Pleasing Meals)

Best Camping Recipes for Large Groups: What Makes a Meal Work for 6–10 People?

When preparing meals for a large camping group, the best recipes are those that scale easily, use simple ingredients, and require minimal cleanup. These factors make a big difference when you’re outdoors and feeding several hungry people at once.

How Much Food Should You Bring When Camping With a Large Group?

Campfire chili is one of the best camping recipes for large groups because it scales easily and stays warm for a long time when you’re feeding bigger groups. Outdoor activities increase hunger, and having a little extra prevents shortages. This guide includes recipes that naturally scale for large groups.

Best Cooking Equipment for Large Group Camping Meals

• Large Dutch oven (5–7 qt)
• Two-burner camp stove
• Cast iron skillet
• Fuel + wind guard
• Large mixing spoon or ladle

Tips for Serving Camping Meals to Groups

• Keep toppings in separate containers so everyone can customize.
• Use foil pans for easy serving and cleanup.
• Cook the base recipe first, toppings second.
• Assign roles: one cooks, one preps, one cleans.

Campfire Chili (Serves 6–8)

Campfire chili is one of the most dependable outdoor meals you can make.
It’s hearty, budget-friendly, easy to prepare in a single pot, and perfect
for feeding a hungry group after a long day outside. Even if you’re new to
outdoor cooking, this recipe is very forgiving — and it tastes incredible
around a campfire.
If you’re packing for several people, make sure your ingredients are stored correctly. Here’s a guide on
the best way to store food in a cooler to save space while camping.
Proper food storage keeps ingredients fresh and helps your meals come together smoothly at camp.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 cans kidney or black beans (drained)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 packets chili seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over your camping stove or fire grate.
2. Brown the ground meat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
5. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Approximate Cost: $30–$40

Campsite Tips

• Pre-cut your onions at home and store them in a sealed container.
• Add a splash of water if the chili thickens too much over the fire.
• Crushed tortilla chips make a great crunchy topping.
• Chili tastes even better reheated the next day.

Campfire Tacos (Serves 6–8)

Campfire tacos are one of the easiest and most customizable meals you can make outdoors.
They require minimal prep, cook quickly, and everyone gets to assemble their own — which
makes them perfect for groups or picky eaters.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 12–16 tortillas (flour or corn)
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Optional: onions, canned corn, black beans, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over your camp stove or fire grate.
2. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
3. Mix in taco seasoning according to package directions.
4. Warm tortillas either in a dry skillet or briefly over low flames.
5. Set out toppings so everyone can build their own tacos.

Approximate Cost: $25–$35

Campsite Tips

• Pre-shred cheese and lettuce at home to save cooler space.
• Warm tortillas in foil on low heat for easy serving.
• Bring a small bottle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

One-Pot Pasta with Garlic Bread (Serves 4–6)

This one-pot pasta dish is perfect for camping because it requires very little equipment, cooks quickly, and is incredibly comforting after a long day outdoors. This dish is especially helpful when you need  camping recipes for large groups that can be cooked quickly without too much cleanup. Paired with easy foil-wrapped garlic bread, it’s a warm and hearty option that feels like a real meal even in the middle of the woods.

Ingredients

• 1 box pasta (any shape)
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
• 1 small onion or pre-chopped mix (optional)
• 1 loaf French bread
• Butter and garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until tender.
2. In a separate skillet (optional), brown your sausage or ground beef.
3. Drain the pasta and combine it with sauce and cooked meat in one pot.
4. For garlic bread: slice the loaf, spread with butter and garlic powder,
   wrap in foil, and warm over low campfire heat for 5–8 minutes.
5. Top the pasta with parmesan and serve with warm garlic bread.

Approximate Cost: $18–$28

Campsite Tips

• Pre-slice the bread at home to save time at camp.
• Pasta sauce pouches pack lighter than jars.
• Cook the garlic bread on low heat so it doesn’t burn.

Easy Camp Jambalaya (Serves 6)

If you’re looking for a camp meal that feels a little more special, jambalaya is the one.
This dish has bold flavors, a hearty base, and a mix of sausage, veggies, and seasoned rice
that makes it feel more “gourmet” compared to typical camp dinners. It’s slightly more
expensive to make, but the flavor payoff is absolutely worth it especially on a cool evening
at the campsite.
If you’re new to cooking with a Dutch oven, this
beginner-friendly Dutch oven cooking guide from REI
covers the basics of heat control, cleaning, and campfire cooking techniques.

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 box jambalaya rice mix (such as Zatarain’s)
• Water or broth (according to package instructions)
• Optional: chicken, shrimp, or extra vegetables

Instructions

1. Heat a pot or Dutch oven over medium heat at your campsite.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in diced bell pepper and onion; cook until softened.
4. Add the jambalaya rice mix and stir until everything is coated.
5. Pour in the required water or broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook
   until the rice is tender.
6. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and season to taste.

Approximate Cost: $18–$30

Jambalaya falls on the “fancier” end of camp meals because of the sausage, peppers, and rice mix,
but it delivers huge flavor with minimal effort. It’s a great choice when you want something
warm, filling, and a little elevated compared to burgers or pasta.

Campsite Tips

• Smoked sausage keeps well in a cooler and adds great flavor.
• Use broth instead of water for a richer final dish.
• Add hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for extra heat.

Classic Camp Sloppy Joes (Serves 6–8)

Sloppy Joes are one of the most iconic camping meals — simple, satisfying, and incredibly tasty. They’re also among the best camping recipes for large groups because they’re cheap, filling, and cook easily in a single pan. This classic dish has been a campsite staple for generations thanks to its nostalgic flavor and ability to feed a crowd with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing camp meal, Sloppy Joes are as trustworthy as it gets.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can Sloppy Joe sauce (such as Manwich)
• 8 hamburger buns
• Optional: pickles, cheese slices, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or camp pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Pour in the Sloppy Joe sauce and stir until everything is coated.
5. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
6. Serve on hamburger buns and enjoy.

Approximate Cost: $15–$20

Sloppy Joes are one of the cheapest and most reliable camp meals you can make. With minimal
ingredients and quick cook time, they’re perfect for feeding a hungry group without spending
much or requiring extra prep work. They pack a nostalgic flavor that always hits the spot.

Campsite Tips

• Toast the buns briefly over the fire for extra flavor.
• Bring pickles or cheese slices to elevate the sandwiches.
• Pack the sauce and meat in separate bags to save cooler space.

Conclusion: The Best Camping Recipes for Large Groups

Cooking for a crowd while camping doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With the right
ingredients, simple equipment, and a few group-friendly recipes, you can serve meals that are
affordable, filling, and easy to scale. The dishes in this guide represent some of the
best camping recipes for large groups because they rely on simple prep,
one-pot cooking, and familiar flavors that everyone can enjoy after a long day outdoors.

Whether you choose hearty chili, crowd-pleasing tacos, comforting pasta, savory jambalaya, or
classic sloppy joes, each recipe is designed to help you feed 6–10 people with ease. Don’t forget
to use the Camp Meal Cost Calculator at the bottom of the page to estimate your group’s total
meal cost and plan your trip more efficiently.

Ready to Plan Your Next Group Camping Trip?

Use these recipes as a starting point for building your camping menu. Adjust ingredients, scale
servings, and customize toppings based on the size of your group and your cooking setup.
Camping meals don’t need to be complicated — they just need to bring people together.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with your camping group, scout troop, outdoor
club, or anyone planning a trip. The more prepared your group is, the smoother and more enjoyable
your camping experience will be.

Have a favorite recipe you think belongs on this list? Reach out and let us know — we’re always
looking to expand our collection of the best camping recipes for large groups.