10 Tasty Plant-Based Camping Recipes for Life on the Road
Craving some simple and tasty vegan meals for your next van life road trip or camping getaway? Whether you’re deep in the woods or parked by the beach, these plant-based camping recipes are quick to make, easy to pack, and totally satisfying.
We’ve embraced a mostly vegetarian and vegan lifestyle for years, especially while traveling in our campervan. Plant-based food is not only easier to store and clean up after, but it also feels lighter and better for the planet. Sure, we occasionally enjoy animal products during family meals or special nights out, but most of the time, we stick to wholesome vegan dishes.
If you’re thinking about adding more plant-powered meals to your camping routine, these 10 recipes are a great place to start.
1. Campfire Chickpea Scramble
This vegan chickpea scramble is a protein-packed breakfast (or lunch!) that comes together in minutes. Sauté cooked chickpeas with your favorite chopped veggies—think bell peppers, onions, or spinach—and spice it up with turmeric, garlic powder, or cumin. Quick, filling, and perfect after a morning hike!
2. Fluffy Vegan Pancakes by the Fire
Start your day right with a stack of soft and fluffy vegan pancakes. Use basic pantry ingredients like flour, plant milk, baking powder, and a touch of maple syrup. Cook them on a skillet over your campfire or portable stove. Top with fresh fruit or nut butter for an energy-boosting breakfast.
3. One-Pot Lentil & Veggie Soup
Warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, this one-pot lentil soup is the ultimate cozy camping meal. Just toss chopped carrots, potatoes, onions, and lentils into a pot with some broth and let it simmer while you relax by the fire. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
4. Grilled Ratatouille Veggie Kebabs
Take your campfire cooking up a notch with grilled vegetable skewers inspired by classic ratatouille. Chop zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, slide them onto skewers, season generously, and grill until charred and tender. A healthy, colorful addition to any campsite meal.
5. Vegan Tacos for the Trail
Who says tacos are just for Taco Tuesday? These vegan camping tacos are fun, fast, and full of flavor. Bring tortillas, canned black beans, corn, avocado, and your favorite salsa. Set up a mini taco station by the campfire and dig in under the stars.
6. Hearty Vegan Campfire Chili
Perfect for chilly nights, this vegan chili is hearty, smoky, and super satisfying. Use canned beans, tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Simmer everything in a pot over the fire until thick and flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds.
7. BBQ Lentil Sloppy Joes
A creative twist on the classic, these BBQ lentil Sloppy Joes are crowd-pleasers. Cook lentils ahead of time or bring canned ones, add BBQ sauce, and simmer until saucy. Pile it onto buns for a quick, delicious sandwich that hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, and hearty.
8. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Foil Packs
These vegan foil packets are a dream for no-fuss campers. Dice up sweet potatoes, mix with black beans, corn, and spices, then seal it all in foil. Cook over hot coals or on a grill. They’re nutritious, filling, and packed with flavor—no dishes required.
9. Campfire Banana Dessert Boats
End your meal on a sweet note with these vegan banana boats. Slice a banana lengthwise, stuff it with dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan marshmallows, then wrap in foil and cook over the fire. The result? A warm, gooey dessert that feels indulgent but is totally vegan.
10. Charred Campfire Corn on the Cob
No camping trip is complete without grilled corn on the cob. Just throw whole corn—husks removed—on the fire and turn until golden brown and slightly charred. Sprinkle with sea salt, chili powder, or fresh herbs for a simple but satisfying side dish.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based pro, these camping meals are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are big on flavor. So grab your gear, pack your cooler, and hit the road knowing you’ve got delicious meals waiting by the campfire.
