There’s something magical about camping in the fall—the crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the warmth of a crackling fire after a long hike. Pair that with hearty, seasonal meals, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for unforgettable autumn adventures. Fall flavors like pumpkin, apples, spices, and root vegetables were made for campfire cooking. In this guide, you’ll find easy, delicious camping recipes that bring comfort and flavor to your outdoor kitchen—whether you’re cooking over a campfire, on a camp stove, or in a Dutch oven.
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Tips for Cooking While Camping in Fall
Before diving into recipes, here are some quick tips for making camp cooking both cozy and stress-free:
- Must-Have Cookware: Bring a Dutch oven, cast iron skillet, foil for packet meals, and a thermos for hot soups and drinks.
- Pack & Store Safely: Fall produce like apples, squash, and potatoes last well in cooler weather, but always store perishables in a sealed cooler.
- Spice It Up: Pre-mix spice blends at home—think pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, or a savory herb mix for stews.
- Think Layers: Fall nights can get chilly, so prep hearty meals that warm you from the inside out.
Breakfast Camping Recipes to Start Crisp Fall Mornings
1. Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Packets
Make your own instant oatmeal by mixing oats, powdered milk, dried cranberries, pecans, and pumpkin spice. Just add hot water for a cozy, energizing breakfast.
2. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Whip up pancake batter ahead of time, then cook on a cast iron skillet. Top with caramelized apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet fall twist. Check out this recipe! If you are looking to save some time, you can also use a shake & pour mix.
3. Maple Pecan French Toast
Dip bread slices in egg and milk mixture, cook on a campfire griddle, and drizzle with real maple syrup. Add chopped pecans for crunch. Check out this baked french toast recipe. It is perfect for camping because you can make it ahead of time and then heat it up on the fire.
Cozy Lunches to Refuel Midday
1. Butternut Squash Soup (Thermos-Friendly)
Prep this rich, velvety soup at home and reheat on your camp stove for a quick warm-up. Store it in a thermos for an on the go option for lunch while hiking.
2. Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions & Apple Slices
The ultimate comfort food, made better with sweet caramelized onions and thin apple slices for a crisp bite.
3. Foil Packet Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
Layer cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, peppers, and spices in foil packets. Roast over coals for smoky, hearty tacos. This recipe is easy to prepare at home, so all you will need to do is throw it over the fire.
Hearty Dinners for Chilly Evenings
1. Dutch Oven Chili with Pumpkin & Cornbread Topping
A one-pot wonder that combines classic chili flavors with a subtle pumpkin sweetness, baked under a golden cornbread crust. Here is a great recipe that is gluten and dairy free.
2. Campfire Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Slow-cook beef, carrots, potatoes, and parsnips in a Dutch oven for a filling meal that warms you to your core. You can start this recipe as you are setting up for a delicious simmered dinner.
3. Apple Cider BBQ Chicken Foil Packets
Combine chicken, veggies, and apple cider BBQ sauce in foil packets. Cook over the fire for a sweet-and-savory dinner.
Fall-Inspired Camping Desserts
1. S’mores with Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows
Give the classic s’more an autumn upgrade with pumpkin spice marshmallows and dark chocolate.
2. Campfire Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Granola
Core apples, stuff with cinnamon and granola, wrap in foil, and bake until soft and caramelized.
3. Dutch Oven Pumpkin Bread
Bake this seasonal favorite in a Dutch oven for a shareable, sweet treat around the fire.
Warm Drinks to Sip by the Fire
End your day with cozy drinks that make the most of fall flavors:
- Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks
- Maple Hot Chocolate
- Spiced Chai Tea Latte (camp stove friendly)
Fall camping is the perfect excuse to enjoy seasonal camping recipes that bring comfort and warmth to your outdoor adventures. From pumpkin-spiced breakfasts to hearty stews and cozy desserts, these meals make chilly nights by the fire extra special. Try these recipes on your next camping trip and start a new fall tradition! Check out our blog on Fall Camping Essentials to be fully prepared for your next fall camping trip.
What’s your go-to fall camping recipe? Share it in the comments or save this post for your next outdoor adventure!