Easy family-friendly camping meals to make on the road

One of the best parts of a campervan holiday? You’re in control of the menu. No need to rely on takeaway or track down the nearest café – with a few basic ingredients and a bit of prep, you can whip up meals the whole family will enjoy, wherever you’ve parked for the night. 

Campervan cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the most enjoyable meals on the road are usually the simplest – fast to make, easy to clean up, and filling enough to keep everyone happy until the next stop. 

In this helpful guide, we’ll share meal ideas that tick all the right boxes: minimal ingredients, no fancy equipment, and prep that won’t eat into your holiday time. From make-ahead breakfasts to one-pan dinners, it’s all about keeping things easy – and delicious – while you explore New Zealand with the family. 

Tips for cooking while camping

Cooking on the road is all about working smarter, not harder. With limited space and gear, the best approach is to keep things simple, do a bit of prep before you leave, and pack only what you need. These tips will help make mealtimes quicker, cleaner, and more relaxed – so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories. 

READ MORE: Check out our ultimate guide to cooking in a campervan 

Meal prepping at home

Getting a few things sorted before you leave can save you time and hassle once you're on the road – especially after a long day of driving or exploring. Doing some basic prep at home means fewer ingredients to juggle and less work at dinnertime. 

• Chop vegetables in advance and store them in containers or zip-lock bags. 

• Pre-mix pancake batter or marinate proteins so they’re ready to cook when needed. 

• Freeze meals like soups or stews for easy heat-and-eat dinners for your first night. 

• Use stackable containers to make the most of limited fridge and cupboard space. 

Pack smart

Apollo campervan kitchens are compact but well-equipped – so there’s no need to overpack. Take a moment to check what’s already included in your Apollo camper’s kitchen, then build your grocery list around that. Packing strategically helps you avoid food waste, saves money, and keeps things organised. 

• Bring small quantities of pantry staples like oil, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and tinned goods. 

• Choose non-perishables that are easy to store and cook – think pasta, rice, wraps, long-life milk. 

• Stock up on fresh produce that lasts a few days without spoiling – apples, carrots, and cheese are reliable options. 

Use multi-purpose equipment

Your Apollo camper comes with the essentials – pots, pans, utensils, and a gas cooker – so the trick is making the most of what’s already there. With just a few basic tools, you can cook a wide range of meals without needing extra gear. 

• Use one pan for multiple steps – sauté veggies, cook protein, then toss in pre-cooked rice or pasta. 

• Repurpose your pot for boiling, simmering, or reheating pre-made meals 

• Foil is a handy add-on – use it to wrap ingredients for the grill or to cover leftovers. 

• Skewers are great if you’re cooking over a shared BBQ or open flame – they’re simple, fast, and easy to clean. 

Minimise cleanup

Washing dishes is no one’s idea of a holiday highlight – and with a few smart choices, you can keep the mess to a minimum. Stick to meals that use fewer pots and pans, and get the whole family involved to keep things moving. 

• Choose one-pot or foil-wrapped meals that keep cleanup simple. 

• Bring biodegradable plates and cutlery to cut down on washing. 

• Let kids help with easy prep jobs like mixing, wrapping, or setting the table – it keeps them busy and lightens the load. 

READ MORE: Travelling with kids? Why campervans make family road trips easier and more fun 

Quick & easy camping breakfast ideas

Breakfast sets the tone for the day – especially when you’ve got a full travel itinerary ahead. The key is to keep it simple, filling, and fast to prepare.  

Whether you’re up early to hit the road or taking it slow at the campground, these breakfast ideas are designed to save time without skimping on flavour. Most can be prepped in advance, use minimal ingredients, and require very little cleanup – ideal for campervan cooking. 

Make-ahead overnight oats

Overnight oats are a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings. They take just minutes to prep and keep well in the campervan fridge or chilly bin. 

• Combine rolled oats, milk or a plant-based alternative, yoghurt and a drizzle of honey in a jar or sealed container. 

• Add toppings like sliced fruit, a spoonful of peanut butter, nuts or seeds for texture and flavour. 

• Make a batch before you hit the road – they’ll be ready to eat straight from the fridge the next morning. 

Campfire breakfast wraps

These wraps are a solid choice when you need something hot, quick and customisable. They’re easy to throw together and work just as well cooked on a stovetop or over a grill. 

• Scramble eggs with grated cheese and diced ham (or swap in mushrooms or baked beans for a veggie version). 

• Wrap the filling in tortillas with extras like spinach or avocado. 

• Cook in a frying pan or wrap in foil and heat over a grill or BBQ – no plates required. 

One-pan pancakes with bananas

Pancakes feel like a treat but are surprisingly easy to manage in a campervan. Make your batter before the trip or whip it up on the spot – either way, all you need is one pan and a bit of patience. 

• Mix your pancake batter at home and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. 

• Cook in a non-stick pan over low heat and top with sliced bananas, maple syrup or Nutella. 

• For a no-mix version, try banana pancakes made with just mashed banana, eggs and oats – great for younger kids and quick to cook. 

Simple lunch ideas for families on the road

Lunchtime on a campervan trip doesn’t need to slow you down. Whether you're parked at a lookout or pulling over for a roadside break, the goal is simple: feed the family fast, with minimal effort and mess. These lunch ideas are designed to be fuss-free, flexible, and easy to adapt based on what you’ve got in the fridge or pantry. 

No-cook picnic platter

Perfect for those days when the weather’s good and you’ve found the ideal spot to stop. No cooking required – just lay it all out and let everyone graze. 

• Pack cheese, crackers, hummus, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber and deli meats. 

• Add extras like boiled eggs, olives or dried fruit for variety. 

• Use containers or a chopping board as your serving base – easy to set up and even easier to clean up. 

DIY wraps or sandwiches

Wraps and sandwiches are always a win with kids and can be made in minutes. The trick is to prep the fillings in advance so everyone can assemble their own. 

• Bring pre-cooked chicken, salad greens, cheese, and spreads like mayo or hummus. 

• Use wraps, bread rolls or pita pockets – whatever stores well in your campervan. 

• For a kid-friendly option, try peanut butter and banana wraps or even a simple cheese toastie if you’ve got time to heat the pan. 

One-pot mac & cheese

Hot lunch on a cooler day? Mac and cheese is a go-to that’s easy to pull together with pantry basics – and you only need one pot. 

• Boil pasta, drain, then stir through grated cheese, a knob of butter and a splash of milk until creamy. 

• Add extras like frozen peas, cooked bacon, or a tin of corn for a bit of variety. 

• Serve straight from the pot or into bowls – less washing up, more time to relax. 

Easy family dinners at the campsite 

After a full day of exploring, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. These camper-friendly meals are low on prep, cook quickly, and don’t leave a trail of dirty dishes behind. Whether you’re using your campervan cooker, a portable gas stove or the campground kitchen, these recipes are designed to keep dinner stress-free and the family satisfied. 

Campfire sausage and veggie foil packets 

Foil packets are a campsite classic – no pans, no fuss, and loads of flavour. 

• Slice sausages, potatoes, capsicum and onions. 

• Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then wrap in foil. 

• Cook over a grill or in a campground oven until everything’s cooked through. 

• Mix it up with chicken, tofu, or whatever protein you’ve got on hand. 

One-pan stir fry with rice

Stir fry is a great way to use up leftover veg and turns out reliably good every time. 

• Sauté chopped vegetables and your choice of meat or tofu in a pan. 

• Add pre-cooked rice or instant rice for a quick finish. 

• Flavour with soy sauce, garlic, ginger or chilli flakes – whatever you’ve got on hand. 

Quick campfire tacos

Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser and come together quickly with just a few ingredients. 

• Brown mince or heat up a can of beans in a frying pan. 

• Serve in taco shells or wraps with cheese, avocado, lettuce and salsa. 

• Pre-cook the filling at home and just reheat at camp for an even faster option. 

Simple campervan pasta with tomato sauce 

Pasta is a go-to campervan dinner – quick to cook, filling, and easy to customise. 

• Boil pasta, drain, then stir through a jar of tomato-based pasta sauce. 

• Add canned tuna, cooked chicken, or a handful of frozen veg for extra substance. 

• Top with grated cheese and, if you’ve got it, a sprinkle of fresh basil. 

Delicious campfire desserts & snacks

These easy treats are perfect for satisfying the after-dinner sweet tooth or turning a regular night at camp into something a little more fun. No fancy tools or complicated steps – just simple, tasty snacks the whole family can enjoy. 

Campfire banana boats

An easy dessert that feels a bit like a campfire ritual – messy, fun, and always a hit with kids. 

• Slice a banana down the middle (leave the skin on), and stuff it with chocolate pieces and marshmallows. 

• Wrap it in foil and place on a hot grill or campfire embers until everything’s melted and gooey. 

• Eat with a spoon straight from the foil – zero plates, zero stress. 

No-bake energy balls

Great for road trip snack breaks or something to nibble on between meals, these are easy to prep in advance and keep well for days. 

• Mix rolled oats, chopped nuts or seeds, peanut butter, honey, and a few chocolate chips. 

• Roll into bite-sized balls and store in a container in the fridge or chilly bin. 

• Add extras like dried fruit or coconut if you want to mix it up. 

Simple s’mores

A classic camping treat that never goes out of style – especially if there’s a campfire nearby. 

• Sandwich a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two plain biscuits. 

• Heat gently over a grill, BBQ, or in the campground oven until the marshmallow softens. 

• No campfire? Use a pan or wrap them in foil and warm them up on the stove. 

Enjoy your campfire desserts under the stars! Check out our guide to the best stargazing spots in New Zealand.  

Meal planning for a 3-day family camping trip

To make life even easier, here’s how all those recipes can fit into a simple 3-day meal plan. Having a rough plan before you hit the road means fewer last-minute supermarket stops, less food waste, and more time to enjoy the trip. This sample menu includes make-ahead options, one-pot meals and quick-assembly snacks – all designed for campervan kitchens and campground cooking. 

Day 1

Breakfast: Overnight oats 
Lunch: DIY wraps 
Dinner: Campfire sausage and veggie foil packets 
Dessert: Campfire banana boats 

Day 2

Breakfast: Pancakes with bananas 
Lunch: Picnic platter 
Dinner: One-pan stir fry with rice 
Dessert: S’mores 

Day 3

Breakfast: Scrambled egg wraps 
Lunch: Mac & cheese 
Dinner: Quick campfire tacos 
Snack: No-bake energy balls 

Ready to plan a tasty road trip with Apollo?

With a few easy meals up your sleeve, campervan cooking becomes one less thing to think about – leaving more time to enjoy the trip. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer family holiday, the right meals can make all the difference. Book your Apollo campervan hire online today and start planning a road trip that’s as easy to eat your way through as it is to enjoy. 

FAQs

What are some delicious and easy camping meal ideas?

One-pot pasta, veggie stir-fries, wraps, lentil curry, and foil-packet dinners are all tasty, low-fuss options that work well in a campervan or at a campground. 

What to cook for camping with kids?

Go for familiar, simple meals like pancakes, mac and cheese, DIY tacos, or toasties. Let kids help with prep to keep them involved and make mealtimes more fun. 

What are classic camping meals for families?

Classic choices include spaghetti, sausage and veggie skewers, scrambled eggs and wraps, baked beans on toast, and campfire potatoes with cheese or beans. 

What are the quick easy meals for caravans?

Wraps, noodle bowls, veggie fried rice, pre-made soups, and stir-fries with frozen veg are quick to cook, easy to clean up, and ideal for small caravan kitchens.