It’s Camping Season!
With the weather finally starting to let up, lots of families are looking forward to taking their first camping trips of the year. But despite that, there are certainly some dishes you never want to bring camping, and for good reason too!
1. Cheese
While some string cheese should be fine, you’ll want to avoid soft or fresh cheese. Not only do these kinds of cheese spoil pretty quickly, but they also smell very strongly, meaning they’ll be likely to attract animals.
2. Eggs
You might have big plans for breakfast your first morning out in the woods, but raw eggs can be quite tricky to manage. This is because they’re very fragile, susceptible to being broken and to fluctuating temperatures. Instead, consider bringing powdered eggs or pre-cracked variants in leak-proof containers.
3. Cupcakes
You might have baked up some cupcakes ready to go on the camping trip, but you made a mistake when you frosted them. This is because frosting is messy, melts easily, and is known to attract lots of bugs and animals too.
4. Raw Meat
Now you’re probably thinking you’ll want hot dogs to cook by the fire, but only do so if you can keep them in a temperature-controlled and concealed environment. That’s because left unfrozen, this raw meat can quickly attract dangerous bacteria growth.
5. Fish
Seafood in general is something you’re going to want to avoid. Not only does it spoil quite quickly, but it also smells very strongly. This smell is known to attract a variety of wildlife, and bears in particular tend to go out looking for it.
6. Spinach
You may think there’s nothing wrong with spinach, and while that’s true, there are a few reasons it pales compared to other veggies. Spinach, and other delicate greens like arugula, tend to wilt and bruise easily. Additionally, they lack nutritional value and are less durable than other veggies.
7. Custard
Custard is a big no-no when it comes to camping. Really you want to avoid all creams, as they spoil quite fast and can contribute to foodborne illnesses. So if you want a baked good, go for something on the drier side.
8. Bananas
Bananas may seem like a no-brainer, but you’ll want to leave them be if they’re overripe. This is because overripe fruits not only rot quickly, but they become smelly and sticky, which in turn attracts lots of insects to your campsite.
9. Ice Cream
Unless you have a high-end freezer ready to go, almost all frozen treats melt immediately. Additionally, they’re quite messy to eat, leaving remnants that may attract animals and bugs as well.
10. Milk
While a glass of milk for breakfast or as an accompaniment for s’mores sounds amazing, you’ll have to make sure you have solid refrigeration. When out of the fridge, milk has a very short shelf-stable life and will go bad pretty quickly. With that in mind, try plant-based milks instead.
Now that we have talked about camping foods you’ll want to avoid, here are 10 to bring in any pinch!
1. Trail Mix
Trail mix literally gets its name for being the perfect accompaniment to hikes and adventures. It’s not only high in energy and easy to portion, but won’t spoil and is totally customizable. You can make your own selection in a Ziploc bag, and most people tend to throw in nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate.
2. Cookies
Cookies are also a solid option for snacks. Most of these cookies have a long shelf life and aren’t too smelly, making them an easy snack to keep in your pocket. Also, consider getting cookies that don’t crumble in order to avoid making a mess.
3. Popcorn
Instead of potato chips, go for popcorn instead! Not only is it crunchy, but it’s also lightweight and makes for a great snack by the campfire. You can bring it pre-popped, or use foil popcorn kits to make it fresh over a fire.
4. Beef Jerky
This reliable snack has been around for ages, and many campers swear by it. Beef jerky is super high in protein, very easy to pack, and won’t spoil easily like other meats. You can also buy them in a variety of flavors or even with low sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
5. Protein Bars
If you’re going to be out in the woods being active, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting more than enough protein. With that in mind, buying a compact and calorie-dense protein bar will save you in the long run, and is guaranteed to provide lasting energy.
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6. Granola
Another healthy and fibrous snack, especially around breakfast time, is granola! It has a very long shelf life, is fibrous, and doesn’t pose a threat of going bad or attracting anything unwanted.
7. Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are another super healthy snack you can have any time with little to no preparation. You can pair them with peanut butter or hard cheeses, and the best part is they don’t even require refrigeration.
8. Dried Fruits
If you like fruits but don’t care for the other fixings in trail mix, consider getting a pouch of whatever fruit you like best, ideally dried. Think of things like dried mango, apple rings, or raisins. These are often lightweight and full of fiber and nutrients.
9. S’mores
S’mores are a must-have due to their standing as a traditionally campfire snack. You’ll have to bring graham crackers, storable chocolate, and of course, marshmallows. Even though they can be a bit messy, they’re totally worth it!
10. Instant Oatmeal
One of the most solid breakfast options around is none other than instant oatmeal. It’s lightweight, filling, and super easy to prepare as all you need to do is throw in some hot water. You can also incorporate your trail mix fixings for extra flavor!
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