Camping and delicious food belong together! Imagine returning to your campsite after a day of adventure to find a hot, home-cooked meal ready to enjoy. That’s the magic of crockpot camping meals.
These hands-off cooking wonders let you maximize outdoor fun while minimizing kitchen time. Simply prep your ingredients, set your crockpot, and head out to hike, swim, or relax.
Your reward? Walking back to camp, with mouthwatering aromas greeting you before you even see your tent. From hearty stews to tender meats and even sweet treats, crockpot meals solve the camping food puzzle.
No more struggling with campfire cooking or settling for basic sandwiches—upgrade your outdoor culinary game with these fuss-free crockpot recipes that feed hungry campers with minimal effort.
A List of Simple Crockpot Meal Recipe for Your Expedition
Camping doesn’t mean you have to eat boring food! With a crockpot and access to electricity at your campsite, you can make tasty meals with minimal work.
These recipes require basic ingredients and minimal supervision. Just set up your crockpot in the morning, have fun all day, and come back to a hot meal waiting for you! Each recipe below includes facts about the dish, followed by a quick and easy way to make it at your campsite.
1. Crockpot Vegetable Curry
This plant-based meal brings warm flavors to your camping trip. Perfect for vegetarians and those looking for a meatless option. It’s packed with nutrients and keeps well in coolers.
Quick Recipe: Mix your favorite veggies with coconut milk and curry paste in your crockpot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve with rice cooked on your camp stove for a filling dinner after a long day of hiking.
2. Slow Cooker Chili Mac
A kid-friendly option that fills hungry stomachs. This combo of chili and mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser at any campsite. It uses simple items that pack easily and stay good in a cooler.
Quick Recipe: Brown ground beef before your trip, store in cooler. At camp, mix with beans, tomatoes, and spices in your crockpot. Cook 3-4 hours, stir in macaroni for last 30 minutes. Top with cheese for a gooey, comforting meal.
3. Crockpot Paleo Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili
A hearty option without grains that still satisfies. This paleo-friendly meal packs protein and complex carbs in one pot. Great for active campers who need lasting energy for outdoor activities.
Quick Recipe: Combine chunks of sweet potato with ground turkey, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. Cook for 6 hours on low while you swim or hike. Finish with fresh lime juice and top with green onions.
4. Overnight Oatmeal
Wake up to a hot breakfast with zero morning work. This make-ahead morning meal cooks while you sleep and gives you energy for early activities. You can change up the toppings every day for variety.
Quick Recipe: Put steel-cut oats, milk or water, dried fruits, and cinnamon in the crockpot before bed. Set it on low for 7-8 hours. In the morning, top with nuts, fresh fruit, or maple syrup for a warm start to your day.
5. Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole
A protein-rich, meat-free option that works well for any meal of the day. This filling dish uses pantry goods that don’t need refrigeration, making it perfect for longer camping trips without cooler space.
Quick Recipe: Add rinsed quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and Mexican spices to your crockpot with vegetable broth. Cook on high for 2-3 hours until quinoa is fluffy. Top with cheese for the last 15 minutes.
6. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
A comforting classic that’s easy to make at your campsite. This one-pot wonder tastes like home cooking but needs almost no work from you. Perfect for cool nights under the stars.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken breasts, carrots, celery, and broth in the crockpot. Cook for 4 hours on high. Shred chicken, add cut refrigerator biscuits on top, cook 1 more hour until dumplings are puffy and cooked through.
7. Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This crowd-pleaser makes enough for several meals. The tender meat works in sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. It’s a great option when feeding a large group of hungry campers.
Quick Recipe: Rub pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and garlic. Place in crockpot with a bottle of BBQ sauce and 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred it with forks and serve it on buns with coleslaw.
8. Crockpot Chili
A camping classic that’s easy to customize. This hearty pot of goodness warms everyone up after a day outdoors. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors blend together.
Quick Recipe: Brown ground beef at home. At camp, add to crockpot with beans, canned tomatoes, onion, and chili powder. Cook 4-6 hours on low. Serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and corn chips.
9. Crockpot Apple Cobbler
A sweet treat that cooks while you enjoy dinner. This simple dessert smells amazing and brings the comfort of home baking to your campsite. Kids will love helping with the simple steps.
Quick Recipe: Layer sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a crockpot. Top with a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Cook on low 2-3 hours until apples are soft and topping is golden. Serve with ice cream from your cooler.
10. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A no-fuss Mexican-inspired meal that feeds the whole crew. This layered dish looks fancy but takes just minutes to put together. The spice level can be adjusted to suit your group.
Quick Recipe: Layer corn tortillas, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, and cheese in crockpot. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up. Cook on low 3-4 hours until bubbly. Top with sliced green onions before serving.
11. Crockpot Chicken Caesar Wraps
A lighter option that’s still filling. This protein-packed meal gives you a break from heavy camping food. The tender chicken can be used in many ways if you have leftovers.
Quick Recipe: Put chicken breasts and 1/2 cup Caesar dressing in crockpot. Cook on low 4 hours. Shred chicken and mix with more dressing if needed. Serve in wraps with romaine lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes from your cooler.
12. Crockpot Chicken and Rice
A simple comfort food that’s easy on the stomach. This mild dish works well for picky eaters and upset tummies. The basic ingredients are camping staples that store well.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken, carrots, onions, and broth in crockpot. Cook on low 6 hours. Add quick-cooking rice for last 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until rice is tender and has soaked up the savory broth.
13. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
The flavor of pot pie without the fuss of pastry. This creamy, chunky soup gives you the taste of comfort food with minimal work. It’s perfect for cool evenings at your campsite.
Quick Recipe: Combine chicken, frozen mixed veggies, cream of chicken soup, and broth in a crockpot. Cook 5 hours on low. Serve with biscuits on top or on the side for that pot-pie feeling without the work.
14. Slow Cooker Tortellini Sausage Potato Soup
A hearty soup that eats like a meal. This rich, chunky soup stays hot for hours, perfect for when campers come back to camp at different times. The complex flavors belie its simple preparation.
Quick Recipe: Brown Italian sausage at home. At camp, add to crockpot with diced potatoes, broth, and cream. Cook 4 hours on low, add refrigerated tortellini for last 15 minutes. Stir in spinach just before serving.
15. Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
A taste of global cuisine at your campsite. This mildly spiced dish brings exotic flavor without hard-to-find ingredients. It’s surprisingly easy to make this restaurant favorite in a crockpot.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken pieces, butter, cream, and Indian spices in a crockpot. Cook 4 hours on low until chicken is tender. Serve over rice with a dollop of plain yogurt from your cooler.
16. Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken and Veggies
A complete meal in one pot with protein and vegetables. This all-in-one dish means less cleanup and more time for camp activities. The creamy sauce makes it feel like a special meal.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken breasts, chunked potatoes, carrots, cream of chicken soup, and lots of garlic in a crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. The sauce will thicken as it cooks and coat everything with flavor.
17. Slow Cooker Korean Beef
A sweet and savory option with bold flavors. This dish brings global tastes to your outdoor kitchen. Leftovers taste even better the next day in breakfast burritos.
Quick Recipe: Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Pour over beef chuck roast in crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours until the beef falls apart. Serve over rice with sliced green onions on top.
18. Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
A cult-favorite recipe that needs just 5 ingredients. This tangy, rich beef dish makes its own gravy as it cooks. The distinct flavor comes from pepperoncini peppers and ranch seasoning.
Quick Recipe: Place beef roast in crockpot. Sprinkle with ranch and au jus seasoning packets. Top with butter and pepperoncini peppers. Cook for 8 hours on low with no added liquid. Shred meat when done.
19. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A classic Sunday dinner made camp-friendly. This all-American dish feeds a crowd with little work. The tender meat and soft vegetables need only a spoon to eat.
Quick Recipe: Place beef chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef broth in a crockpot. Cook on low 8-10 hours until meat is fork-tender. The vegetables will cook in the meat juices for extra flavor.
20. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
A creamy, comforting dish that feels fancy. This rich meal makes camping feel like dining out. The tender beef and mushroom combo is always a hit with hungry campers.
Quick Recipe: Place beef strips, mushrooms, onions, and beef broth in crockpot. Cook 6 hours on low. Stir in sour cream and cream cheese last 30 minutes. Serve over egg noodles cooked on your camp stove.
21. Slow Cooker Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
An Italian-inspired dish that’s camping-friendly. This rich meat sauce feels like a special treat in the woods. The long, slow cooking breaks down the beef into a velvety sauce.
Quick Recipe: Cook beef chuck with canned tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and Italian herbs in crockpot for 8 hours on low. Shred meat, then mix back into sauce. Serve over pasta cooked at campsite.
22. Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs
A sticky, sweet option using budget-friendly dark meat. Chicken thighs stay moist in the crockpot and have more flavor than breasts. This dish is perfect for campsite sandwiches.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken thighs in crockpot, pour over your favorite BBQ sauce. Cook 4 hours on low until chicken is tender. Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic combo that pleases everyone.
23. Crockpot Chicken Drumsticks
Kid-friendly food that’s easy to eat. These portable pieces of chicken cook perfectly in the crockpot. Everyone can grab a drumstick and keep playing without a formal sit-down meal.
Quick Recipe: Season chicken drumsticks with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place in a crockpot with 1/2 cup water or broth. Cook for 4 hours on high or 6 on low. Brush with BBQ sauce last 30 minutes if desired.
24. Crockpot Salsa Chicken
A versatile protein that works in tacos, bowls, or wraps. This simple meat base can be used in countless ways. Make it once and eat it differently for several camping meals.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken breasts and a jar of salsa in crockpot. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Shred chicken and use in tacos with toppings from your cooler, over rice, or in wraps with fresh veggies.
25. Crockpot Crack Chicken
A creamy, cheesy chicken dish that’s oddly addictive. The name comes from how hard it is to stop eating this rich combo. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike at any campsite.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese in a crockpot. Cook for 6 hours on low. Shred chicken, and stir in cooked bacon bits and cheddar cheese. Serve on buns or over potatoes.
26. Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole
A creamy, all-in-one meal with minimal prep. This family-friendly dish contains protein, starch, and veggies in one pot. The ranch flavor makes it appealing to picky eaters.
Quick Recipe: Layer chicken breasts, diced potatoes, and frozen green beans in a crockpot. Mix ranch seasoning with cream of chicken soup and pour over. Cook for 6 hours on low. Stir gently before serving.
27. Slow Cooker Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
A gooey, cheesy comfort food made hands-free. This grown-up version of a kid favorite will please everyone at your campsite. The slow cooking gives it a creamy texture without constant stirring.
Quick Recipe: Cook macaroni halfway at home. At the camp, mix butter, milk, and four kinds of shredded cheese in a crockpot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until creamy and hot throughout.
28. Crockpot Mac & Cheese
A simpler version of the classic comfort food. This no-fuss recipe works well for camping with kids. The familiar flavors are welcome after a day of outdoor activities.
Quick Recipe: Mix uncooked macaroni, milk, butter, and lots of cheese in a crockpot. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until pasta is tender and sauce is creamy. Serve with hot dogs for a kid-friendly meal.
29. Crockpot Meatloaf
A family classic adapted for camp cooking. This hands-off method gives you moist meatloaf without heating up a camp oven. The shape holds together for easy serving at picnic tables.
Quick Recipe: Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings. Form into a loaf and place in crockpot. Top with ketchup mixed with brown sugar. Cook on high 3-4 hours until meat reaches safe temperature.
30. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta
A restaurant-quality meal made simply at camp. This rich pasta dish feels special without fancy cooking. The creamy sauce comes together on its own in the crockpot.
Quick Recipe: Cook chicken, Italian seasoning, and broth in crockpot 4 hours on low. Shred chicken, add cream cheese and cream. Stir until melted. Mix with pasta cooked separately on your camp stove.
31. Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A taste of Italy at your campsite. This creamy dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach feels like a treat. The complex flavors develop beautifully in the slow cooker.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken, Italian herbs, broth, and sun-dried tomatoes in crockpot. Cook 4 hours on low. Shred chicken, add cream and spinach for last 30 minutes. Serve over pasta cooked on camp stove.
32. Buffalo Chicken Crockpot Pasta
A spicy twist on camp pasta that wakes up taste buds. This zesty dish brings sports bar flavor to the great outdoors. Adjust the heat level by changing the amount of hot sauce.
Quick Recipe: Cook chicken breasts with buffalo sauce in crockpot for 4 hours on low. Shred chicken, add cream cheese until melted. Mix with cooked pasta and top with blue cheese crumbles from your cooler.
33. Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
A flavor combo that’s always a hit with families. This creamy, savory pasta pleases picky eaters and adults alike. The familiar ranch taste makes it comfort food for many campers.
Quick Recipe: Cook chicken with ranch seasoning in crockpot 4 hours on low. Shred chicken, add cream cheese and pre-cooked bacon. Stir until creamy and mix with pasta cooked on your camp stove.
34. Crockpot Hot Chocolate
A warm treat for cool camping nights. This rich drink serves a crowd and stays hot for hours. Perfect for sipping around the campfire while watching stars.
Quick Recipe: Mix milk, chocolate chips, sugar, and vanilla in crockpot. Heat on low 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until chips melt and mixture is hot. Keep on warm setting and let campers serve themselves with ladle.
35. Crock Pot Chocolate Cobbler
A gooey, pudding-like dessert that cooks while you eat dinner. This magical dish forms its own sauce as it cooks. The chocolate smell around camp will make everyone ask what’s for dessert.
Quick Recipe: Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter for batter. Place in greased crockpot. Pour hot water mixed with cocoa and sugar over top. Don’t stir! Cook 2-3 hours on high until cake forms with sauce underneath.
36. Crockpot Candy
An easy sweet treat that makes a great gift. This simple chocolate confection can be made at camp with just a few ingredients. Pack some in bags for hiking snacks or to share with camping neighbors.
Quick Recipe: Place chocolate chips, white almond bark, and peanuts in crockpot. Cook on low 1 hour, stir once halfway. Scoop onto wax paper in small mounds and let cool until firm. Store in cooler.
37. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
A crowd-pleasing protein that’s cheaper than pulled pork. This simple meat works in many meals over several days. It freezes well if you have access to a freezer for future camping trips.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken breasts and a bottle of BBQ sauce in crockpot. Cook 4 hours on low. Shred chicken with two forks, mix back into sauce. Serve on buns with pickles and chips on the side.
38. Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Chicken
A tangy chicken dish with Italian flair. The peppers give mild heat and bright flavor to plain chicken. This works well in sandwiches or over rice at your campsite.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken breasts, a jar of pepperoncini peppers with juice, and Italian seasoning in crockpot. Cook 4 hours on low. Shred chicken, mix with liquid in pot. Serve on rolls or over rice.
39. Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
A hearty, meat-free option packed with protein. This filling dish satisfies even meat-lovers in your camping group. The beans and vegetables provide complete nutrition in one bowl.
Quick Recipe: Combine assorted beans, canned tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and chili spices in the crockpot. Cook 4-6 hours on low. Serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and corn chips from your cooler.
40. Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili
A milder, creamy alternative to traditional red chili. This lighter-colored chili has a different flavor profile that many prefer. It’s gentler on sensitive stomachs but still filling.
Quick Recipe: Place chicken, white beans, green chilies, onions, and chicken broth in crockpot. Cook 6 hours on low. Shred chicken, add cream cheese and stir until melted before serving with tortilla chips.
Other Easy Camping Crockpot Meals
41. Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Beans
42. Crockpot Shrimp Jambalaya
43. Slow Cooker Shrimp Jambalaya
44. Crockpot Stuffed Shells
45. Crockpot Turkey-Stuffed Shells with Spinach
46. Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Pasta
47. Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken
48. Co-Pilot Tacos
49. Boondock Butternut Squash Soup
50. Road Warrior Ribs
51. Crock Pot Ravioli Casserole
52. French Dip Sandwiches
53. Chicken Parmesan Pasta
54. Cashew Chicken
55. Crock Pot Steak Fajitas
56. Crockpot Lasagna
57. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
58. Crockpot Banana Bread
59. Crockpot Blueberry French Toast
60. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
61. Crockpot Camping Sloppy Joes
Wrapping It Up!
Crockpot camping meals transform outdoor cooking from a chore into a joy. These recipes prove that camping food can be both easy and amazing.
Pack your slow cooker on your next outdoor trip and watch as it becomes your most valued piece of camping gear. The simplicity of morning prep followed by all-day cooking means more time enjoying nature and less time stuck at camp watching pots.
Your fellow campers will be amazed by the quality meals coming from your simple setup. Camping food has evolved beyond hot dogs and trail mix—these crockpot creations bring comfort and flavor to outdoor living.
Happy camping and even happier eating on your next wilderness expedition!
Return soon for fresh food tips, campfire recipes, and creative outdoor cooking ideas.
