The Ultimate Camping Food Checklist: 25 Must-Have Items

Are you planning on camping in the UK soon? Not sure what food to take camping?

Problem solved! We’ve put together a super checklist of essential items, that are easy to cook, most of which you don’t need a fridge for (cooler box still advised for a few items). Perfect for a family or couples camping trip in the UK (Away Resorts, hint hint!)

Top food tips when preparing to go camping

Only pack what you need. Packing light is going to massively help you pack the car and un-pack once you get to your camping location.

Top up on local produce for more fresh foods. In light of packing light, you can always top up on fresh local veg and meat etc once you’ve arrived and settled into your new camping pitch.

Prepare the cooler box and make sure you put the cooler bricks in the freezer before you set off on your camping trip.

Pre-cook a meal or two the day before you travel. Cook food that doesn’t go off easily and you can eat cold. E.g. Pesto pasta in a container box. Great to have on the first day or night after a day travelling.

Super easy & lazy camping foods to bring

1. Cuppa soups

2. Pasta

3. Noodles

4. Ready-made meals

5. Cereals / muesli

6. Pastries

7. Pre-made sandwiches

8. Bread

9. Eggs

10. Canned beans

11. Wraps

12. Tinned tuna

13. Crackers

14. Cheese

15. Instant rice

16. Tinned fruit

17. Peanut butter

18. Nuts & trail mix

19. Instant rice

20. Granola bars

21. Halloumi

22. Peanut butter

Don’t forget about drinks

23. Hot chocolate

24. Tea / coffee (instant)

25. UHT Milk

Bonus: If you’ve got the space to pack…

If you’re feeling indulgent remember to pack:

Bottle of bubbly or beer

Marshmallows (and sticks for the fire)

Chocolate

Sweeties

Biscuits

Checklist: Camping equipment to help you prep your food

New to camping? Here’s a list of essential equipment to set you up for your camping trip.

Thermos flask

Camping cooking stove

Camping Pan

Utensils e.g. spoons, forks etc

Mini-spatula

Mini-cutting board

Can opener

Cooler box / bag + cooler blocks

Camping plates

Sandy Balls

Sandy Balls has a fantastic range of shops nearby, including the wonderful Acorn Place Shop & Deli located on-site!

East Fleet Farm

East Fleet Farm has a great range of shops in the local area, including the Holme for Gardens Farm Shop.

St Ives Bay

St Ives Bay has plenty of local shops, such as Trevaskis Farm Shop, for you to try out.

Mersea Island

Mersea Island has loads of local shops, including Mersea Farm Shop, for you to experience.

Whitecliff Bay

Whitecliff Bay has a fantastic range of local shops, such as The Farm Shop at Briddlesford.

Moffat Manor

Moffat Manor has loads of local shops you can try, like the amazing Campbells.

Newperran

Newperran has a fantastic variety of shops, such as Padstow Farm Shop.

Appletree

Appletree has a great range of shops to try out, such as Mountain's Farm Shop.

Remember, you can always grab a lovely meal on park at Away Resorts. Here’s our favourite and amazing onsite eateries.

The Lady of Loretto

Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of The Lady Of Loretto at East Fleet Farm and tantalise your taste buds with tasty treats, light bites and meals for all appetites!

The Woodside Inn

Add some tastebud-tingling magic to your holiday at Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen at Sandy Balls.

The outdoor eating area of our restaurant at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, with views of the sea.

Sands Bar and Bistro

There can’t be much to beat sitting out at Sands Bar and Bistro watching the sun set over the sea, with a drink in your hand at St Ives Bay.

The Nab Bar

Experience delicious food and drink in The Nab Bar at Whitecliff Bay.

Six West Restaurant and Bar

Six West at Appletree, is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and drink whilst soaking up the stunning park views.

The Muddy Duck

Drop into the Muddy Duck for the perfect end to a perfect day on holiday at Mersea Island.

Lakeside Tavern

Whether you're in the mood for a hot drink after a day out exploring or a glass of something cold, you'll find it at the Lakeside Tavern at Moffat Manor

The Sunset Bar & Eatery

Our cosy and welcoming bar and eatery sits at the heart of Newperran.

Cooking rules and health & safety tips while on-park at Away Resorts:

To keep our guests safe while camping and cooking, we highly recommend you read these rules before and during your stay with us at an Away Resorts campsite.

FAQs

How do you keep food fresh when camping?

Use a high-quality cooler with ice packs, store perishables in airtight containers, and eat items that spoil quickly first. Choose non-perishable items for more extended stays.

What are some kid-friendly food ideas for camping?

Great kid-friendly camping foods include hot dogs, sandwiches, fruit, cereal, cheese sticks, and campfire snacks!

How do I keep food cold without a cooler?

Use frozen water bottles or ice packs in an insulated bag. Stick to shelf-stable foods like jerky, peanut butter, and canned meals for longer trips.

What’s the easiest meal to cook when camping?

Foil-pack meals (meat + veggies wrapped in foil and cooked on coals) are easy, no-mess, and tasty.

What foods should I avoid bringing?

Avoid items that spoil quickly (raw seafood, dairy without refrigeration), attract animals (strong-smelling or uncovered food), or require complicated prep.