15 Easy Low-Carb Camping Meals for Summer
Let’s be honest—campfire cooking is awesome… but when you’re trying to keep things low-carb, it can feel like you’re dodging a landmine of buns, chips, and marshmallows. Good news: low-carb camping doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.
These meals are easy to prep, require minimal gear, and are packed with flavor and fuel to keep your energy up for hiking, swimming, or chilling in a hammock. From foil packs to fire-friendly bowls, here are the first 5 low-carb camping meals to throw in your cooler or over the flame this summer:
1. Sausage & Veggie Foil Packs
Description:
These all-in-one foil packs are a camping classic. Juicy sausage, crunchy bell peppers, and zucchini cook up perfectly over the fire or grill—with zero dishes and zero carbs.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken or pork sausages (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Wrap in foil and seal tightly.
- Cook over hot coals or on a grill for 15–20 minutes, flipping once.
Tip: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Keto Breakfast Scramble (One Pan)
Description:
No toast, no problem. This hearty breakfast scramble is cooked in one pan and loaded with protein from eggs, bacon, and veggies. It’s a filling way to start your camp day.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup spinach
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook bacon in a pan until crispy.
- Add veggies and sauté until tender.
- Crack in eggs and scramble until cooked.
- Season and serve right out of the skillet.
Tip: Make it even easier with pre-cooked bacon!
3. Grilled Chicken & Pesto Skewers
Description:
Tender chicken cubes marinated in pesto and grilled on skewers are juicy, satisfying, and completely low-carb. Serve with grilled veggies or on their own by the fire.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- ¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper
- Skewers (soaked if wooden)
Instructions:
- Toss chicken in pesto and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers.
- Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Tip: Prep and freeze before your trip—then thaw and grill.
4. Zucchini Noodle Salad with Tuna
Description:
This cool, crunchy salad is perfect for hot camp days when you want something light but filling. Zoodles + tuna + olive oil = a protein-packed, refreshing low-carb lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss spiralized zucchini with tuna, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season to taste.
- Chill in a container or serve right away.
Tip: Bring a small spiralizer or pre-spiralize at home!
5. Campfire Philly Cheesesteak Packets
Description:
Skip the bun and go straight for the good stuff: sizzling steak, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions. These foil packs are hearty, cheesy, and totally low-carb.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb thinly sliced steak (sirloin or flank)
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup shredded provolone or mozzarella
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss steak and veggies with oil and seasoning.
- Wrap in foil and seal tightly.
- Cook over fire for 12–15 minutes.
- Open packet, sprinkle with cheese, and let melt.
Tip: Use parchment inside foil to prevent sticking.
6. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Description:
This chilled, creamy snack is low in carbs and high in protein. Pre-make the egg salad and spoon it into crisp lettuce leaves for a light lunch that’s perfect for sunny campsite afternoons.
Ingredients:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayo or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
Instructions:
- Mix chopped eggs with mayo, mustard, and seasoning.
- Chill in a container.
- When ready to eat, spoon into lettuce leaves and enjoy.
Tip: Pack the egg salad and lettuce separately to keep things crisp.
7. Kielbasa & Cabbage Skillet
Description:
Just one pan and a whole lot of flavor. This smoky kielbasa and cabbage combo is super filling and totally camp-cook friendly. Plus, cabbage holds up great in the cooler.
Ingredients:
- 1 smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet over the campfire or stove.
- Add kielbasa and cook until browned.
- Add cabbage and seasonings, cook until wilted and caramelized.
- Serve hot and hearty.
Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
8. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Description:
Thick, juicy portobello mushrooms make amazing burger bases—and they’re totally carb-free. Fill them with cheese, grilled veggies, or even a turkey patty for double the protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
- 2 slices cheese (optional)
- Toppings: avocado, tomato, lettuce, grilled onion
Instructions:
- Brush mushrooms with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill gill-side down for 3–4 minutes, flip and add cheese.
- Top with extras and enjoy like a bun-less burger.
Tip: Wrap in parchment paper to eat without the mess.
9. No-Cook Chicken Avocado Salad Cups
Description:
No heat? No problem. This simple chicken and avocado salad is creamy, cool, and totally low-carb. Serve it in lettuce cups or eat it straight with a fork.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt, pepper, and cilantro
- Lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions:
- Mix chicken, mashed avocado, lime juice, and seasoning.
- Scoop into lettuce leaves or pack into containers.
- Keep chilled until ready to eat.
Tip: Use rotisserie chicken to make it even easier.
10. Cheesy Cauliflower Mash Packets
Description:
Missing mashed potatoes at the campfire? This cheesy cauliflower mash is the next best thing—only lighter, lower in carbs, and packed with flavor. Make ahead and reheat over the fire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups steamed and mashed cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together and spoon into a foil packet.
- Seal and store chilled.
- Reheat over campfire coals for 10–12 minutes.
- Stir and serve hot.
Tip: Add bacon bits or chives for extra flavor.
11. Stuffed Bell Peppers (Make-Ahead Cold or Reheated)
Description:
These vibrant bell peppers are stuffed with a savory mix of ground turkey, cheese, and low-carb veggies. You can prep them at home and enjoy them cold or warm them up over the fire.
Ingredients:
- 2 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey
- ¼ cup chopped spinach
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix turkey, spinach, cheese, and seasoning in a bowl.
- Spoon into bell pepper halves.
- Wrap in foil and chill.
- Eat cold or reheat over the campfire for 10–12 minutes.
Tip: Use colored peppers for extra visual appeal!
12. Low-Carb Taco Bowls (Cooler-Ready)
Description:
Ditch the tortillas and go full flavor with these layered taco bowls. Packed with seasoned ground beef or turkey, cheese, avocado, and salsa—no flame required.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey (taco-seasoned)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons salsa
- Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
Instructions:
- Layer lettuce, taco meat, cheese, avocado, and salsa in a bowl.
- Store in a lidded container in the cooler.
- Serve chilled with a fork or spoon.
Tip: Prep in mason jars for easy grab-and-go servings.
13. Bunless Bacon Cheeseburgers
Description:
Fire-grilled burgers topped with crispy bacon and melty cheese—without the bun. Wrap them in lettuce or serve as is for a camping classic that won’t spike your carbs.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb ground beef (makes 2 patties)
- 2 slices bacon, cooked
- 2 slices cheddar or American cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Lettuce leaves, tomato slices, or pickles (optional)
Instructions:
- Form patties, season, and grill over campfire or grill grate.
- Add cheese during last minute of cooking.
- Top with bacon and wrap in lettuce to serve.
Tip: Bring pre-cooked bacon to save time at camp.
14. Cold Antipasto Skewers
Description:
These skewers are a party on a stick: think salami, cheese cubes, olives, and cherry tomatoes—all low-carb, high-protein, and totally picnic- or beach-ready.
Ingredients:
- Cubed mozzarella or cheddar
- Slices of salami or pepperoni
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pitted olives
- Small skewers or toothpicks
Instructions:
- Alternate ingredients on small skewers.
- Store in a sealed container in the cooler.
- Serve cold as a snack or appetizer.
Tip: Drizzle with Italian dressing for extra flavor.
15. Foil Pack Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus
Description:
This dinner feels gourmet, but it’s shockingly easy. Toss shrimp and asparagus with garlic butter, seal in foil, and let the fire do the work. Light, clean, and full of protein.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb peeled shrimp
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, pepper, lemon wedge
Instructions:
- Toss shrimp and asparagus with butter, garlic, and seasonings.
- Wrap tightly in foil.
- Grill or cook over coals for 10–12 minutes.
- Serve with lemon juice for brightness.
Tip: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
