Best Vegan Camping Recipes for Easy Outdoor Meals

Updated On: September 29, 2025

There is nothing quite like gathering with friends or family around a crackling campfire, sharing stories under a starlit sky, and enjoying a delicious meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. For vegan campers, the challenge is even more exciting: crafting recipes that are hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare outdoors.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based foodie or just dipping your toes into vegan camping cuisine, these recipes are designed to make your next outdoor adventure a culinary delight.

In this guide, I’ll share my best vegan camping recipes—tried, tested, and loved by campers everywhere. From smoky chickpea chili to vibrant grilled veggie skewers, these dishes require minimal equipment, pack tons of flavor, and will keep you energized for all your wilderness explorations.

Ready to elevate your campfire meals? Let’s dive into the delicious world of vegan camping food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Quick: These recipes use easy-to-find ingredients and can be prepared with basic camping equipment.
  • Nutritious and Filling: Each meal is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to keep you fueled outdoors.
  • Flavorful and Satisfying: From smoky spices to zesty marinades, every bite bursts with taste.
  • Customizable: Adapt the recipes to suit your taste and dietary needs—add your favorite veggies or swap in different legumes.
  • Perfect for Sharing: These crowd-pleasers are great for groups and make everyone at the campsite happy (even non-vegans!).
  • Minimal Cleanup: Designed for easy prep and speedy cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying nature.

“Vegan camping food doesn’t have to be bland or complicated. With a little creativity, you can enjoy vibrant, hearty meals anywhere in the wild!”

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a complete vegan camping feast featuring Campfire Chickpea Chili, Grilled Veggie Skewers, and Banana-Peanut Butter S’mores. Each recipe serves 4.

Recipe Ingredients
Campfire Chickpea Chili
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
  • Optional: Hot sauce, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Grilled Veggie Skewers
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
  • 1 large bell pepper, any color, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup mushrooms, halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Banana-Peanut Butter S’mores
  • 4 large bananas
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 8 graham crackers (check vegan-friendly brand)
  • Optional: Vegan mini marshmallows

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven (for chili)
  • Grill grate or portable camp grill
  • Long metal or bamboo skewers (for veggie skewers)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Can opener
  • Stirring spoon or spatula
  • Aluminum foil (for s’mores and easy cleanup)
  • Tongs (for handling hot food)
  • Heat-resistant gloves or hot pads
  • Plates, bowls, and utensils

Instructions

Campfire Chickpea Chili

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini at home or at the campsite.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place your cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over the campfire or camp stove. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add bell pepper and zucchini, and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the beans and spices: Stir in chickpeas, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth. Mix well and bring the chili to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and flavors meld.
  6. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and hot sauce if desired.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

  1. Prep the veggies: Slice zucchini, cut onion and bell pepper into chunks, halve mushrooms, and keep cherry tomatoes whole.
  2. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggies in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or prep ahead and marinate in a zip-top bag).
  3. Assemble skewers: Thread the marinated veggies onto skewers, alternating for color and flavor.
  4. Grill: Place skewers over a hot campfire grill grate. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until veggies are tender and slightly charred.
  5. Serve: Remove from grill and serve hot. Drizzle with remaining marinade or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Banana-Peanut Butter S’mores

  1. Slice bananas: Carefully peel and slice each banana lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  2. Stuff with goodness: Open each banana slightly and spread peanut butter inside. Sprinkle chocolate chips (and marshmallows, if using) over the peanut butter.
  3. Wrap in foil: Wrap each stuffed banana securely in aluminum foil.
  4. Heat: Place foil packets on the edge of the campfire (not directly in flames) and heat for 5-7 minutes, until chocolate is melted and bananas are gooey.
  5. Assemble s’mores: Carefully open the packets, scoop the banana mixture onto graham crackers, sandwich, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Make-Ahead: Chop and marinate veggies at home for less prep at the campsite.
  • Spice It Up: Add more chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce to the chili for extra heat.
  • Protein Boost: Toss in tofu or tempeh chunks to the chili for even more protein.
  • Swap the Veggies: Use seasonal veggies for skewers—try eggplant, corn, or asparagus.
  • Kid-Friendly: Let kids assemble their own skewers or s’mores for interactive fun.
  • Rainy Day? These recipes work great over a camp stove or portable grill if you can’t have a campfire.

Tip: For even easier cleanup, use parchment paper inside aluminum foil when making s’mores!

Looking for more flavor-packed, healthy veggie recipes? Check out these favorites:

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories Protein Carbs Fat Fiber
Campfire Chickpea Chili (1 serving) 310 13g 48g 7g 13g
Grilled Veggie Skewers (1 serving) 120 3g 13g 7g 4g
Banana-Peanut Butter S’mores (1 serving) 230 5g 35g 8g 3g

Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities.

Serving Suggestions

  • Chili: Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
  • Veggie Skewers: Pair with hummus, a simple green salad, or stuff into pita bread for a satisfying wrap.
  • S’mores: Enjoy as a dessert with a mug of campfire cocoa or chai.
  • Pack extra lime wedges, hot sauces, or vegan cheese shreds for extra flavor.
  • For a special breakfast, top leftover chili with avocado and enjoy with Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
  • Add a side of Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners if you have a second burner or camp stove.

Conclusion

Camping as a vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can enjoy hearty, wholesome meals that keep you energized and happy on every outdoor adventure.

From the smoky warmth of chickpea chili to the fresh burst of grilled veggie skewers and the gooey decadence of banana-peanut butter s’mores, these recipes prove that plant-based eating is just as satisfying in the wild as it is at home.

So pack up your gear, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create memorable camping meals that everyone will love. The best vegan camping recipes are simple, adaptable, and full of flavor—just what you need for your next trip into nature.

Happy camping and happy eating!

📖 Recipe Card: Campfire Vegan Chili

Description: A hearty, protein-packed vegan chili perfect for camping. Easy to make over a campfire with minimal ingredients.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over campfire.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 48 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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