A Simple Thanksgiving Camping Dinner

If you've never tried camping at Thanksgiving, I urge you to give it a try. If you've done it before, you already know how enjoyable the crisp air and stunning fall colors can be, as well as how rewarding it is to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner outdoors.

Several dishes on a checkered tablecloth with a vintage camper in the background.

It's tempting to overdo it. The first time we camped for Thanksgiving, I went all out and cooked a turducken and two types of pie. Delicious? Yes. Enjoyable? No. Much of this simple Thanksgiving camping dinner can be prepared ahead of time, and you won't need any fancy equipment beyond your trusty Dutch oven and cast iron skillet.

Thanksgiving Camping Dinner Recipes

Snacks & Cocktails

Kick off your holiday meal with a creamy Buffalo chicken dip and cozy hot apple cider cocktails while you're prepping the main event. The dip can be made entirely ahead of time and cooked over the fire, and your mulled cider can also be prepped at home.

Two tall glass mugs filled with hot apple cider cocktail with a cinnamon stick resting on top.

Warm up the mulled cider at camp and add rum, if desired. Get the recipe: Hot Apple Cider Cocktail.

A foil pan filled with buffalo chicken dip with carrots, crackers, and bread cubes nearby.

Get the recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Dinner

Now isn't the time for seven different dishes, so I've included an easy campfire turkey recipe, as well as two sides. If you want more, stop by the store and grab some dinner rolls.

A sliced turkey breast on a plate with onions on top.

This easy Dutch oven turkey is made with a boneless turkey breast (making carving a dream!) and cooks in a sauce that doubles as gravy. If you would like cranberry sauce, make your favorite at home before heading out or grab a can from the store.

Get the recipe: Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

Green bean casserole in a cast iron skillet with fried onions on the side.

Yes, your beloved green bean casserole is completely doable while camping! This version uses a make-ahead mushroom sauce and is prepared in your cast iron skillet over the fire or on your camp stove. Get the recipe: Skillet Green Bean Casserole.

A bowl of make ahead roasted potatoes with fresh herbs and some parsley on the side.

Prep these easy roasted potatoes at home and finish cooking them over the fire or on your portable grill. Get the recipe: Make-Ahead Roasted Potatoes.

Dessert

I highly recommend making these mini pumpkin cheesecakes, since they can be prepared at home and tossed in the cooler, and there's no cooking involved. If you simply must have pie, do make it in advance or pick up a couple from the store.

A spoonful of no-bake mini pumpkin cheesecake resting on top of a mason jar filled with the cheesecake.

Get the recipe: No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake.

How to Get Ahead

There are a few things I recommend doing before heading out to make your Thanksgiving meal easy to prepare and enjoy.

Up to 1 month before the trip, prep the roasted potatoes and the make-ahead mushroom sauce and freeze them. If you don't want to freeze them, prep them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge.
Up to 2 days before your trip, make your mini pumpkin cheesecakes and store them in the fridge until you go. You can also make the mulled cider and the Buffalo chicken dip and keep that in the fridge.
Just before leaving, wash and trim your beans.

Equipment You'll Need

All of these recipes are designed to be made with minimal equipment and can be prepared over a campfire using a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, or can be made in advance in a foil pan. You will need to pack the following few items (in addition to regular utensils and plates/cups):