There is something so comforting about opening the camper refrigerator on a shakedown trip and realizing almost everything is already prepared.
Our first camping trip of the season is never about complicated cooking. It is about testing systems, organizing supplies, settling back into camping rhythms, and still finding time to relax in our camp chairs with a good drink and nowhere urgent to be.
For this three-day camping shakedown, we planned a menu that could be completely prepared ahead of time and either reheated quickly or served straight from the refrigerator. Less cooking. Less cleanup. More enjoying the fresh air.
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| Our one and only attempt at car camping. |
Here is our simple and cozy Shakedown Camping Menu:
Day One Dinner
Taco Salad Kits
We have discovered a delicious taco salad kit that is so easy that all you have to do is open the package and toss it in a bowl!
Serve with:
- Taco Chips and Salad
- Mexican Corn Salad
Charcuterie Night Snack Tray
Perfect for after setup when nobody feels like cooking. Everything is cubed and cut in advance.
Include:
• Cubed cheeses
• Salami and turkey slices
• Crackers
• Grapes and strawberries
• Pickles and olives
• Hummus
• Mixed nuts
• Dark chocolate squares
I pack everything into clear containers ahead of time, so assembling the tray takes only a few minutes.
Breakfast One
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Made completely ahead and reheated by the slice. We will make either the first or second one to serve for the weekend.
Serve with:
• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt cups
• Orange juice
• Hot coffee, of course
Breakfast Two
Overnight French Toast Bake
This feels cozy and special without much work at the campsite.
Serve with:
• Warm maple syrup
• Bacon cooked ahead and reheated
• Berries
• Coffee or hot cocoa
Lunch
The Rachel Sandwich
Made ahead and store individual ingredients in containers until ready to assemble. Put it together when you are ready to eat.
Serve with:
• Pasta salad
• Chips
• Pickles
• Lemonade or iced tea
Camping shakedown meals should feel easy, comforting, and forgiving. The whole point is to make space for long walks around the campground, afternoon naps, checking trailer systems, and those quiet moments outside that somehow feel different than they do at home.
After a long winter, even a simple meal eaten under twinkle lights beside a camper can feel a little magical.
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