Camping meals don't have to be complicated.  For lunch, I try to make this meal fuss free.  I opt for a variety of healthy and easy staples.  I also factor in our towing day meals.  To stay within our travel budget and because we travel with pets, we rarely eat out on the days that we are towing.  I feel like I have mastered our lunch time game and it has become second nature at this point.  I'd love to hear what you think!  Keep reading.

Delicious and Easy Camping Lunch Ideas

When camping, lunch should be simple, delicious, and hassle-free. Here are some of our favorite camping lunch ideas that are perfect for a day by the lake or a hike through the woods.  These are also our tow day lunches.  For us, lunch needs to be portable, healthy and easy.  This list checks all of the boxes!

These handy lunch containers from Tupperware are perfect!  My friend Josh sell's Tupperware!  Check out his Facebook group for sales and promotions on items like these!

1. Snack Box

A snack box is perfect for a day full of adventure. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and satisfies everyone's cravings.  I purchased some divided Tupperware containers from my friend Josh.  I love these so much.  They wash up great and travel perfectly.  I keep a set in our RV for an easy on the go meal. 

Ingredients:

• Cheese cubes or slices (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
• Crackers (Ritz, wheat thins, or your favorite)
• Grapes or apple slices
• Baby carrots or cucumber sticks
• Hummus or ranch dip
• Nuts or trail mix
• Mini pepperoni or turkey slices
• Boiled eggs

Preparation:

1. Use a divided container or bento box.
2. Fill each section with the different snacks.
3. Pack the box in a cooler to keep it fresh until lunchtime.

2. Classic PB&J

You can't go wrong with the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's a camping staple that's quick to make and easy to pack.

Ingredients:

• Bread (whole grain, white, or your favorite)
• Peanut butter (or any nut butter)
• Jelly or jam (strawberry, grape, or your choice)

Preparation:

1. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter on one slice of bread.
2. Spread jelly on the other slice.
3. Press the slices together, cut in half, and enjoy!

If you want to try a different twist on this, you can slice fresh strawberries and place them onto your bread and add peanut butter.  You can do the same with banana.  The fruit replaces the jam or jelly and works great.  Also, I use fruit spreads that seem less sticky sweet than traditional jams and jellies.  And if you are feeling really special, pick up some Prickly Pear jelly from Bucees and give it a whirl!

3. Lake Sandwiches

Perfect for a picnic by the water, these sandwiches are filling and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• Hawaiian rolls
• Sliced turkey and ham
• Provolone and Cheddar slices
• Beano's Sub Dressing

Preparation:

1. Slice the bread in half.
2. Squeeze out the Beano's onto each side of the rolls.  You are just going to have some here and there.  You don't have to have a layer that coats the entire piece.  This is an herb and oil spread.
3. Put down a layer of ham.
4. Add a layer of Provolone.
5. Add a layer of turkey.  You can also use chicken breast slices.
6. Add a layer of cheddar cheese
7. Top with your roll tops.
8. Slice between each roll.
9. Put everything back into your bread bag.  
10. Pack into the cooler until you eat! 
11. Everyone just grabs little rolls to snack on throughout the day!

I hate mayonnaise.  So, this sandwich is a great option for folks that don't like mayo.  And, because there isn't mayo, I feel like these pack a little easier.  They are tasty and just a simple option for a sandwich.  

4. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

These sandwiches bring a touch of Southern comfort to your camping meals.  The recipe that I use is from my college roommate's grandmother.  The star of the show in this recipe is the crushed pineapple.  The combination of the sharp cheddar, sweet pineapple and slight bite of onion make a perfect mix!  This is a favorite, and I'm yet to find someone who isn't a fan!

Ingredients:

• Bread (white, wheat, or sourdough)
• Homemade or store-bought pimento cheese

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• enough mayonnaise to bind - some would say around 1/2 cup  (I use Dukes.)
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos (drained)
• Small can of crushed pineapple drained
• 1 tsp grated onion - shallots work best
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Mix the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, pineapple, onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Spread the pimento cheese on the bread, crackers or celery.
3. Enjoy!

5. Snack Tray Lunch/Dinner

This is a fun, grazing-style meal perfect for when you want a bit of everything.  I like to clean out our fridge with any left overs and things to make a whole meal out of bits and pieces.  We love to do this.  I also do this at lunch.  You make make a snack tray meal out of anything!  And, sometimes I shop and buy things with this in mind!

Ingredients:

• Variety of cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
• Assorted crackers
• Sliced meats (salami, prosciutto, turkey)
• Fresh fruits (grapes, berries, apple slices)
• Veggies (baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices)
• Dips (hummus, ranch, honey mustard)
• Nuts and dried fruits

Preparation:

1. Arrange the cheeses, meats, fruits, veggies, and dips on a large tray or cutting board.
2. Keep the tray in a cooler until ready to serve.
3. Let everyone dig in and create their own perfect plate!

Tips for Packing and Storing

• Use airtight containers or ziplock bags to keep food fresh.
• Keep perishable items in a cooler with ice packs.
• Pack utensils, napkins, and any necessary condiments.
• Opt for reusable containers and utensils to minimize waste.

Enjoy these tasty and easy lunch ideas on your next camping trip! Happy camping!