When you’re camping, cooking can be either a highlight or a hassle. But with a crockpot in your camping kit, meal prep becomes much easier! Slow cookers let you toss in ingredients, walk away, and come back to a hearty, warm meal—no stove needed. These camping crockpot recipes are perfect for beginners and seasoned campers alike, and many can be prepped in advance for even more convenience.
Here are some easy camping crockpot meals to keep everyone well-fed and happy around the campsite.
Delicious Camping Crockpot Recipes
1. Classic Chili: A Hearty Camping Staple
Few things beat the comfort of a warm bowl of chili after a day of hiking. Chili is one of those crockpot camping meals that’s hearty, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. You can even customize it with extra spices or add-ins like cheese and sour cream.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a pan if you can, or add it raw if short on time.
- Combine all ingredients in your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Pulled BBQ Chicken: Perfect for Sandwiches or Wraps
Pulled BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that works well in sandwiches, wraps, or even on its own. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly meal that everyone loves. If you’re camping with kids, don’t miss these kid-friendly camping meals to keep everyone happy.
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
- Place the chicken and onions in the crockpot.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then shred the chicken with a fork.
For more meal ideas, check out these easy skillet camping recipes and canned food ideas for camping recipes.
3. Vegetable Stew: A Simple Crockpot Recipe for Camping
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, this vegetable stew is hearty and packed with nutrients. It’s one of those one-pot camping meals that’s satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until veggies are tender.
4. Breakfast Casserole: Wake Up to a Hot Breakfast
Who says crockpots are just for dinner? Try this breakfast casserole to make mornings at the campsite a little easier.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bag of frozen hash browns
- 1 dozen eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Layer the hash browns, sausage, and cheese in the crockpot.
- Whisk the eggs, salt, and pepper, and pour over the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours overnight, and breakfast is ready when you wake up!
5. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Classic
Everyone loves mac and cheese, and it’s easy to make in a crockpot. This camping crockpot recipe is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly simple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 can evaporated milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente.
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir well.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and creamy.
6. Beef Stew: A Hearty, Filling Meal
This beef stew is ideal for colder nights around the campfire and is an easy slow cooker camping recipe for any meat-lover.
Ingredients
- 1 lb stew beef, cubed
- 4 potatoes, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Baked Apples: Yes, You Can Do Desserts in a Crockpot!
Baked apples are a great dessert option for camping trips, proving that you can cook desserts in a crockpot while camping.
Ingredients
- 4 apples, cored
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Stuff each apple with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Place in the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
8. Taco Soup: A Mexican-Inspired Camping Meal
Taco soup is packed with flavor and is another easy one-pot meal for the crockpot. This simple crockpot recipe for camping works well for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and serve with tortilla chips or cheese on top.
9. Sloppy Joes: Messy, Fun, and Delicious
Sloppy Joes are an easy, crowd-pleasing camping meal that can be cooked in a crockpot and served on buns for minimal mess (or, at least, minimal cleanup!). This family-friendly meal is a great choice when you’re craving comfort food around the campfire.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve on buns with pickles or coleslaw for a tasty twist.
This easy-to-make recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a favorite in the category of family-friendly camping recipes.
10. Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A Cozy Campfire Classic
This creamy baked potato soup is perfect for chilly camping nights. Plus, it’s easy to customize with everyone’s favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt, pepper, and chives for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the potatoes and broth in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in cheese and sour cream, and garnish with chives, extra cheese, or bacon bits if desired.
Bonus Tips for Using Your Crockpot While Camping
Camping meals in a slow cooker are perfect for a no-fuss camping experience, but there are a few tips to make the most of your crockpot meals:
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop veggies, pre-measure spices, and prep meats before you leave home. This makes it much easier to toss everything into the crockpot without much work at the campsite.
- Consider a Portable Power Source: If you’re camping without electricity, a portable power station or inverter can be a lifesaver to keep your crockpot going. Here’s a guide on portable power solutions for outdoor use.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: For even cooking, place root vegetables (like potatoes and carrots) at the bottom of the crockpot, with meats and softer veggies on top.
- Use Crockpot Liners: Liners make cleanup a breeze—especially helpful when you don’t have running water nearby!
Using a crockpot is an ideal way to enjoy both cooking and nature without the hassle of extensive meal prep. With these camping crockpot recipes, you’ll be ready to serve up everything from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and even dessert! All that’s left is to gather around the campfire, share some laughs, and enjoy a warm meal.
Take your camping experience to the next level with these ultimate camping hacks for the great outdoors.
Happy camping!
