Ontario’s expansive wilderness, from the quiet shores of Algonquin’s interior lakes to the rocky outcrops of Georgian Bay, makes it one of the best places in Canada to pitch a tent and reconnect with nature. But after a long day of paddling, hiking, or simply unwinding under the pines, the last thing you want is a complicated cooking session.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice great meals just because you're away from your kitchen. These six easy camping dinners are designed with simplicity in mind. They use minimal gear, require little prep, and deliver big flavour with ingredients you can pack ahead or grab locally. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, on a portable stove, or with a trusty cast iron pan, each recipe brings comfort and convenience to your campsite.
Here are six easy camping dinners perfect for your next Ontario camping adventure.
Grilled Baked Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these grilled baked potatoes are a camping classic with a smoky twist. Pre-microwaving gives them a head start so they cook evenly over a medium grill or campfire. Wrapped in foil, the spuds stay protected from the flames and absorb just enough charred flavour to elevate them beyond their oven-baked cousins. Load them up with melted cheddar, sour cream, crispy bacon, and fresh chives for a comforting fireside feast. They pair perfectly with grilled meats or a hearty side salad, and make a satisfying vegetarian main when topped generously.
Camp Tip: Microwave potatoes at home before packing them in your cooler. At camp, just season, wrap, and grill for a low-effort, high-reward dinner.
One-Skillet Chicken Pad Thai
Who says you can’t enjoy takeout-style comfort in the middle of the woods? This quick and flavour-packed chicken Pad Thai is the ultimate camp stove meal: ready in 20 minutes using just one pan. Tender noodles, sautéed chicken, scrambled eggs, and a zesty-sweet sauce come together for a satisfying dinner that rivals your favourite Thai spot. Make the sauce at home in a mason jar or use store-bought to save time. Topped with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and green onions, it’s an unexpectedly gourmet way to end your day in the wild.
Camp Tip: Soak the noodles off the heat while you cook the chicken and eggs. This multitasking trick keeps the process fast and fuss-free.
Maple Sriracha Chicken Kabobs
These sweet-and-spicy chicken kabobs bring bold flavour to the backcountry with just a handful of ingredients. Marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sriracha, and homegrown maple syrup, the chicken turns out juicy, sticky, and irresistibly caramelized after a quick grill. Paired with chunks of pineapple and red bell pepper, each skewer delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and char. Easy to prep ahead and fast to cook over the fire or grill, they’re a guaranteed camp crowd-pleaser.
Camp Tip: Marinate the chicken at home and store it in your cooler: by dinnertime, the flavour will be fully infused and ready to hit the grill.
Shrimp Boil
This no-mess shrimp boil packs all the flavour of a classic East Coast feast into a foil pouch perfect for the grill or campfire. Juicy shrimp, buttery potatoes, sweet corn, and zesty Old Bay seasoning simmer together in a fragrant broth of white wine, lemon, and garlic. The foil traps in steam and flavour, creating a self-saucing meal that’s both hearty and elegant. Bonus: Dishes are totally optional! Just peel open the packets and dip with crusty bread for the ultimate campsite indulgence.
Camp Tip: Pre-cook and dice the potatoes at home to shave down your grill time and make assembly even easier.
Rootbeer Apple Baked Beans
This campfire twist on a classic side dish blends smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours into one unforgettable meal. Crisp bacon, baked beans, apple pie filling, and root beer come together in a Dutch oven to create a rich, caramelized medley with just the right hint of spice. The result? A deeply savoury-sweet side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, or stands on its own with a slice of bread. Make your baked beans extra indulgent with a sprinkle of smoked cheddar right before serving.
Camp Tip: This dish is built for the Dutch oven, but can also simmer gently on a camp stove. Bonus: it feeds a hungry crowd with almost no effort.
Campfire Chicken Pot Pie
Warm, creamy, and topped with golden biscuit crust, this Dutch oven chicken pot pie is the ultimate fireside comfort food. Using canned vegetables, cooked chicken, and a mix of cream soups, it comes together with minimal prep: perfect for an easy night under the stars. Canned biscuit dough crisps up beautifully over the coals, creating a fluffy, golden topping without the need for rolling pins or ovens. It’s a rustic take on a home-style classic that’s guaranteed to satisfy after a long day outdoors.
Camp Tip: Prep the filling at home and store it in a container. At camp, just heat it in your Dutch oven, top with biscuit dough, and bake with coals for a super easy feast.
