Food Inspiration When Camping in a Campervan
Easy Campervan Meals & Pub Pit Stops
We've put together a handy campervanner's guide to eating well on the road! Just because you're camping in a campervan doesn't mean you have to skimp on the good food. With a little creativity and effort, you can make some amazing meals that will rival any restaurant. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Easy Campervan Meals
One-Pot Wonders
One pot meals are perfect for campers because they are simple to make and only dirty one dish. A great one-pot meal option is this One Pot Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta. All you need is one pound of Italian sausage, one onion, one green bell pepper, two cloves of garlic, one can of diced tomatoes, one teaspoon of dried basil, salt, black pepper, as much pasta as you wish, and Parmesan cheese for garnish.
BBQ Classics
No camping trip is complete without a good old-fashioned BBQ! Fire up the grill and cook up some juicy burgers or hot dogs for an easy meal that everyone will love. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new on the grill, check out these Grilled Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers. You will need boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes, olive oil, sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, salt, pepper and metal skewers. Soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn.
Fancy a Break From the Campervan Cooking?
If you're looking for a break from campervan cooking and are keen to try out restaurants, pubs and cafes nearby to where you've parked up for your trip, there's plenty of options available across various locations. Whether you're staying in Northumberland, The Lake District, Cumbria, The Scottish Borders and more.
Northumberland
There are some incredible seafood options in Northumberland. If you find yourself near Bamburgh, be sure to check out The Potted Lobster. They have delicious seafood platters, as well as traditional fish and chips. For something nearby to Herding Hill Farm, try the Blackbull in Haltwhistle - serving traditional pub grub, the perfect choice for after a full day exploring. They offer plenty of traditional ales and drinks too, so you can easily sit back with a pint. If you're looking for a nice restaurant meal, The Treehouse Restaurant in Alnwick is definitely worth checking out. They have an impressive menu with something for everyone.
The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders is known for its produce, so there are tons of great options for places to eat. The area is especially famous for its lamb, so if you're a fan of lamb dishes, you'll be in heaven. For something unique, head to Mr Pook's Kitchen in Dumfries. It focuses on creative cooking and always local produce to deliver an exceptional selection of dishes every time. If you're craving Indian food, Shukria Indian Cuisine in Peebles is highly commended. It's purely a takeaway restaurant with no dine in service but that means you can head back to the van and enjoy from the comfort of your campervan! And finally, no trip to the Scottish Borders would be complete without having haggis at least once. The Clachan Inn in Castle Douglas makes an excellent haggis that is definitely worth trying.
The Lake District
The Lake District is known for its stunning scenery, but it also has some great places to eat. A favourite amongst Lake District locals is Woodstone Pizza & Flamegrill in Keswick. Their wood-fired pizzas are mouth-wateringly good, and they have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options as well. Another fantastic option is The Traveller's Rest in Helvellyn – their food is absolutely outstanding and their views are unbeatable. This is also a particularly good choice if you're keen to walk Striding Edge in The Lake District. A hearty meal will be well deserved after a long day of walking. If you're looking for something more casual, The Four Seasons Cafe in Ambleside does excellent food such as scones and baguettes that are sure to hit the spot after a long day of exploring the lakes.
Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming! By choosing recipes that only require a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors with your friends and family. So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy some delicious meals on your next camping adventure! And don't forget, you can ditch the pots and pans some days and visit our restaurant and cafe recommendations in this article.