Summertime means road trips & camping, which calls for outdoor cooking! Don’t get stuck eating the same meals over and over again this time around with our favorite meal ideas for car camping in Yellowstone. Here are some carefully cultivated culinary options and tips!

Meal Planning Tips For Car Camping In Yellowstone:

Try to purchase food items that can be used for more than just one meal, versatile ingredients equals exciting meals! Bananas + oranges + apples in the morning granola bowl or as a snack with nut butter, pesto and bacon in the frittata or in your wraps and pastas, hummus and veggies from a lunch wrap as a snack, raw peppers from lunch cooked for dinner, etc. Always remember to dispose of your gray water in a designated area.

Gear Essentials For Car Camping In Yellowstone:

• • Jet Boil (for coffee or if you’re ridin’ solo)
  • Camp stove
  • Reusable cookware
  • Portable cutting board/small knife (cutting board optional, you can definitely improvise!)
  • Waste disposal plan/receptacle

Breakfast Options:

Frittata

4 large eggs, S&P to taste, cheddar cheese, and add any veggies you have on hand, the more the merrier! 

*PERKS* Short prep/cook time, can be eaten cold, and one-handed! 

Granola + Fruit Bowl

Store-bought (or homemade) granola or an instant oatmeal pack (just add hot water!), and top with berries, fruits, nuts, and/or seeds. 

*PERKS* Throw on the lid to your bowl, and you can enjoy this as a snack throughout the day!

Pancakes

Store dry mix in a container with a squeeze lid, and add water when you’re ready! Top with berries or peanut butter for a quick, hot, and comforting breakfast.

Lunch Options:

Wraps

Tortilla or lettuce wrap, hummus, thinly sliced avocado, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, handful of ripped up Spring mix, hot sauce, spicy mustard, and cheddar cheese. Add meat if you’d like! Tortilla or lettuce wrap,  cheese, mashed avocado, black beans, corn, chopped onions and peppers, and a handful of greens! If you have a lime, squeeze in juice to taste.

*PERKS*Easily made by the co-pilot if you’re not looking to stop but need some sustenance! Easy to eat as the driver. Lots of options and combinations of leftovers for wraps!

Quinoa Salad with Kale

YOU WILL NEED: 1 ½ cups quinoa (rinsed) 3 cups fresh sugar snap peas, 1 tbsp EVOO, 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 cup roasted almonds, 1-2 generous handfuls of kale, 2 lemon wedges. 

*PERKS*Can be made ahead at home and eaten cold on your trip, but if you want to make it while camping: 

Combine quinoa with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat & let simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked. Add peas, olive oil, vinegar, and nuts. Stir together. In another pot, saute kale about 5 minutes, mix all ingredients together, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished salad.   

Self-Cased Fruit

Oranges, apples, bananas, kiwi, etc. cuts down on waste, lasts longer, and are easily packable

Dinner Options:

Salmon Pesto Pasta

As simple as it sounds- canned or packaged salmon, pesto, and pasta. 

*PERKS*One pot meal for easy cleanup, and you can eat right out of the pot! Also great dish to use up those leftover veggies and greens!

Tin Foil Dinner 

 Seasoned potatoes, peppers, onions, meat etc. 

*PERKS* You can throw almost anything in and it will still hit the spot! Quick clean up and eliminates need for reusable bowls!

Tortilla Pizza OR Pita “Calzone” 

 Stuff all the essentials for a calzone, or get creative and throw whatever you have, inside a pita pocket. Heat up on the stove, and you’re good to go!

*PERKS* Also can be eaten cold, and there is no need for utensils or bowls, making clean up non-existent.

For More On Things To Do In Yellowstone, Check Out Our Blog!

Montana Whitewater is your premier Yellowstone and Big Sky adventure guides! From whitewater rafting in Yellowstone to guided fly fishing, horseback riding, ziplining, and tubing, we have the perfect trip for you.  Add some adventure to your family vacation or weekend getaway by booking online today!