Camp food depends on many things, not least personal taste – some people love spicy food, others may have allergens – so this is a very general list of food to take camping based on personal circumstances.

In the fridge
If you are lucky enough to have a camp fridge (or an esky if you are just going away for a weekend) then you have some good options.

• Eggs – don’t necessarily have to be chilled
• Bacon – lasts well as it is cured/salted
• Butter/margarine
• Milk
• Cheese – blocks take up less space but grated goes further when used
• Yoghurt
• Salami

If you’re lucky enough to have a fridge-freezer then frozen vegetables are always a bonus for long trips. And icy poles for the kids if you have the space!

In the pantry
What you carry in the pantry depends on your space constraints. Storage containers such as tupperware and ziplock bags work well as space savers for your dry goods.

• Oil – I love olive oil
• Salt, pepper and your favourite herbs
• Coffee, tea or hot chocolate
• Sugar
• Flour
• Quick oats
• Pasta – mix it up a bit
• Rice, cous cous, quinoa
• Canned food – tuna, baked beans, whole beans, soups, beetroot, sweet corn, tomatoes
• Spreads – peanut butter, Vegemite, Marmite, syrup
• Bread – pita bread, tortillas, bread rolls
• Sauces – tomato, soy, bbq (I try to pack sachets instead of bottles)
• Cereal – Weetbix is a favourite in our family
• Nuts – if you’re not allergic
• Popcorn – another family favourite
• Beef jerky (or biltong as I’m originally from South Africa)

If you have space in your fridge or are able to access fresh food (and use it while it’s still fresh), then go for it! It’s always great to have some fresh fruit or vegetables instead of the canned or frozen stuff.

• Apples, pears, carrots, potato, sweet potato and oranges all last fairly well outside the fridge
• Whole melons – last longer when not cut

Of course, if you have the space, don’t forget the luxuries. Cookies, chips, soft drink, beer, wine, lollies and don’t forget the marshmellows!

Another great idea is to cook meals at home before you leave and vacuum pack them. We did this last year when we travelled to Uluru. As we were arriving after dark some days, it was easy to whip out the bolognaise that we had cooked at home and vacuum packed, heat it in a pan and serve it on baked potatoes or a serve of pasta.

Got any tips or camping food favourites? Why not share them with us below.