20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas

20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas

These 20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas are all low calorie and delicious! I’ve even included 10 tips on healthy eating while camping.

I’ve also included some plant based options, no cook lunches, protein packed lunches, and some for the kids and picky eaters! You’ll find 20 low calorie camping lunch ideas below, all 100% all-natural and delicious!

20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas

Are you planning a camping trip and want to stay healthy while enjoying the great outdoors? It’s easy to fall into the trap of eating junk food when camping, but with a little bit of planning, you can prepare healthy and delicious meals that will keep you energized throughout your adventure.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 20 healthy camping lunch ideas that are easy to prepare and pack. From salads to sandwiches, these recipes are packed with nutrients and will satisfy your hunger cravings.

So, let’s get started with our list of 20 healthy camping lunch ideas!

20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas

1. Mason Jar Salads

Layer your favorite salad ingredients in a mason jar for a healthy and easy-to-pack lunch option. Start with a layer of dressing, followed by your choice of veggies, protein, and nuts or seeds.

Try this Low Calorie Mason Jar Salad Recipe, it’s packed with protein and so easy to make!

2. Quinoa Salad

Cook quinoa in vegetable broth and add chopped veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Toss with olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty and filling lunch option.

This Protein Packed Quinoa Salad is yummy and easy, and it travels well. Enjoy it cold right out of the cooler.

3. Veggie Wrap

Fill a whole-wheat tortilla with hummus, veggies, and avocado for a satisfying lunch that’s easy to eat on-the-go.

These Low Calorie Hummus Wraps are so easy and yummy, they are great for camping and packed with flavor!

4. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Roll deli turkey and cheese together for a protein-packed lunch that’s easy to eat with your hands.

If you prefer to boost these roll-ups with vegetable add-in, try these Low Calorie Cucumber Sandwich Rolls!

5.Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Mix cooked chicken, Greek yogurt, and chopped veggies for a healthy twist on the classic chicken salad. Serve with whole-grain crackers or veggies.

I love chicken salad, and almost always bring it on camping trips. I like to eat it like a dip with vegetables and a few crackers. And for my kiddo, I serve it on a tortilla as a wrap. No matter how you make it, this Low Calorie Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad is amazing and great for camping lunches.

6. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Mix canned tuna with avocado, celery, and lemon juice for a tasty and low-carb lunch option. Serve in lettuce cups for a fun twist.

Just like the chicken salad above, tuna salad travels well and can be served many different ways! Here is my Low Calorie Tuna Salad Recipe, its’ a reader favorite and perfect for low calorie camping lunches!

7. Chickpea Salad

Mix canned chickpeas with chopped veggies like red onion and bell peppers. Toss with olive oil and vinegar for a flavorful and filling lunch option.

This Protein Packed Chickpea Salad is a reader favorite! It’s fulled with flavor and good for you ingredients, and it travels well making it perfect for healthy camping lunches!

8. Hummus and Veggie Sandwich

Spread hummus on whole-grain bread and add your favorite veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and sprouts for a delicious and easy-to-pack lunch option.

This Hummus Sandwich comes from my Plant-Based Recipe Website. It’s packed with flavor and you can use regular, or beet hummus in it.

9. Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Grill chicken and veggies on skewers for a tasty and portable lunch option.

You can really use any meat you like to make these, but I find everyone loved chicken and it’s usually lower in cost than steak or fish. This Low Calorie Chicken Veggie Kabob Recipe is perfect for low calorie camping lunches or dinners!

10. Hard-Boiled Eggs and Veggies

Pack hard-boiled eggs with sliced veggies like carrots and celery for a protein-packed lunch that’s easy to prepare.

This extra simple lunch is especially great to bring on a hike or down by the lake when fishing. I have these wonderful Egg and Vegetable Protein Boxes that work great as a healthy camping lunch!

11. Caprese Salad

Layer sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil for a refreshing and easy-to-prepare lunch option.

This Low Calorie Caprese Salad is great for camping lunches! And if you want something heartier, try these Low Calorie Caprese Sandwiches, just add them to the grill to crisp up the bread and melt the cheese, yum!

12. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

Spread peanut butter on whole-grain bread and add sliced bananas for a satisfying and sweet lunch option.

Perfect for the kids, everyone loves a peanut butter and banana sandwich! For a more “Grown-Up” version, try these 10 Almond Butter Toast Ideas. You can eat them “open faced” or slap two together for a wonderful protein packed camping lunch!

13. Mason Jar Ramen Noodles

Layer cooked ramen noodles, chopped veggies, and broth in a mason jar for a filling and easy-to-pack lunch option.

This Spicy Chicken Soba Noodle Salad is great hot or cold, and travels great in a mason jar!

14. Fruit Salad

Mix your favorite fruits like berries, kiwi, and pineapple for a refreshing and nutrient-packed lunch option. I like to add some protein with greek yogurt, or serve it with a couple string cheese sticks for a more “snack-able” camping lunch.

Try this Low Calorie Fruit Salad, it has an amazing dressing altho makes the entire salad pop with flavor!

15. Turkey and Avocado Sandwich

Fill whole-grain bread with deli turkey, avocado, and veggies for a healthy and satisfying lunch option.

If you’re looking to lower the calories even more, this Healthy Turkey Spinach Wrap Recipe is great for camping and lower in calories and carbs!

16. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Fill a whole-wheat tortilla with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing for a tasty and easy-to-eat lunch option.

I love salad wraps, and if you want to try more flavors, these Tandoori Chicken Wraps are perfect for camping and packed with flavor and good for you ingredients!

17. Veggie Kabobs

Skewer your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutrient-packed lunch option. Brush with olive oil and grill over an open flame for a smoky flavor.

Here’s another great plant based camping lunch, from my vegan website! Try out these Veggie Kabobs for lunch, and make extras for a side dish for dinner later.

18. Pasta Salad

Cook your favorite pasta and mix with chopped veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with a light vinaigrette for a filling and flavorful lunch option.

I love pasta salad, it travels well and is so hearty and filling! You can even make it with protein pasta! And since I love it so much, I have a few healthy recipes to try. This Pesto Pasta Salad is made with summer veggies and is packed with flavor. For a Greek flair try my Healthy Recipe for Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese and of course, this Low Calorie Traditional Pasta Salad never disappoints.

19. Bean and Cheese Quesadilla

Fill a whole-wheat tortilla with beans, cheese, and veggies for a protein-packed lunch that’s easy to prepare over an open flame.

For a more protein packed meal, try these Low Calorie Chicken Quesadillas or for a plant-based camping lunch, these Avocado Veggie Quesadillas are amazing!

20. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

Grill portobello mushroom caps and serve on a whole-grain bun with your favorite toppings like avocado and tomato for a healthy and satisfying lunch option.

Finally it’s burger time, and I have a few for you to choose from! For a plant based lunch try these Portobello Mushroom Burgers, or my yummy Homemade Veggie Burgers. Both traveler well and are perfect grilled on the campfire!

For something more traditional, my Low Calorie Burgers can’t be beat, and I also have a Low Calorie Turkey Burger for you to try out.

10 Ways to Eat Healthy While Camping

  1. Plan ahead: Before you go on your camping trip, plan out your meals and snacks. Make a grocery list and purchase healthy, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to prepare and pack.
  2. Pack a cooler: Bring a cooler with you to store perishable items like fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and hummus. Make sure to pack it with plenty of ice to keep your food at a safe temperature.
  3. Choose whole foods: Opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains instead of processed snacks and meals. Whole foods will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay energized and healthy.
  4. Bring healthy snacks: Pack healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and granola bars to keep you fueled throughout the day.
  5. Avoid sugary drinks: Skip the soda and sugary drinks and opt for water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea instead.
  6. Cook over an open flame: Cooking over an open flame can add flavor to your meals without the need for added oils or fats. Grill lean proteins like chicken or fish, or roast vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.
  7. Use healthy oils: When cooking, use healthy oils like olive oil or coconut oil instead of unhealthy oils like vegetable or canola oil.
  8. Season with herbs and spices: Instead of using high-sodium seasonings like salt or pre-made seasoning blends, opt for herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, or oregano to add flavor to your meals.
  9. Practice food safety: Make sure to practice food safety while camping by washing your hands, keeping raw meats separate from other foods, and cooking food to the appropriate temperature.
  10. Don’t forget to indulge: While it’s important to eat healthy while camping, don’t forget to indulge in some treats or comfort foods that make your camping experience special. Just make sure to do so in moderation.

Low Calorie Camping Lunch Recipes

20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas

25 Low Calorie Camping Lunches

Lose Weight By Eating
These 25 Low Calorie Camping Lunches are all healthy and great for traveling!
Many of these healthy camping lunches require no cooking or prepping once you've gotten to your camping spot, and a few require some prepping and or cooking. This way there is something for everyone.
Special Tip: There are most great healthy camping tips and meal ideas above, so be sure to check out the full article!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Instructions
 

  • Choose the healthy camping lunches you want to try.
  • Click on the link to collect the free recipe card.
  • Make your low calorie camping lunches, pack your cooler, and head out for some healthy camping fun!

Nutrition

Serving: 1mealCalories: 300kcal
Keyword camping lunches, lunch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can these lunch ideas be made ahead of time?

Yes! Many of these lunch ideas can be made ahead of time and stored in a cooler until ready to eat.

Can these lunch ideas be customized to fit dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! Many of these lunch ideas can be customized to fit dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free.

Are these lunch ideas kid-friendly?

Yes! Many of these lunch ideas are kid-friendly and can be adjusted to fit their taste preferences.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Camping Lunches

Eating healthy while camping doesn’t have to be difficult. With these 20 healthy camping lunch ideas, you can fuel your body with nutrient-packed meals that are easy to prepare and pack.

Whether you prefer salads or sandwiches, there’s something for everyone on this list.

So, the next time you’re planning a camping trip, be sure to add these healthy lunch ideas to your menu.

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20 Healthy Camping Lunch Ideas