Why Choose Vegan and Vegetarian Options for Family Camping?
When planning a family camping adventure in the UK, choosing vegan and vegetarian meals can be a wonderful way to bring everyone together around the campfire. Not only do plant-based options offer a host of health benefits for growing children and adults alike, but they also help teach little ones about sustainability and caring for our beautiful British countryside. By introducing your children to vibrant fruits, colourful veggies, and hearty grains in the great outdoors, you’re opening their eyes (and tastebuds!) to new flavours and foods that are both delicious and nourishing.
Plant-based camping recipes are naturally packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre—perfect fuel for energetic days exploring woodlands, beaches, or hills. They are also simple to prepare ahead at home, making mealtimes during your trip relaxed and fuss-free. And let’s not forget: by choosing more vegan and vegetarian dishes, your family is helping reduce your environmental footprint, which is especially meaningful when surrounded by nature’s wonders.
From easy make-ahead salads to comforting stews and sweet treats made with local British produce, these recipes encourage kids to try new ingredients while building lifelong healthy habits. Sharing these meals outdoors becomes a joyful experience—full of laughter, learning, and the kind of memories that last long after the tent is packed away.
2. Prepping for the Great Outdoors: Packing Tips and Kitchen Essentials
Before heading out on your family camping adventure, a little preparation goes a long way—especially when it comes to plant-based meals. Shopping at your local Tesco or Sainsbury’s ensures you’ll find all the fresh and shelf-stable vegan and vegetarian essentials. For families, prepping ingredients at home makes mealtimes fuss-free and more enjoyable for everyone (even if the British weather has other plans!).
Family-Friendly Shopping Tips
When planning your shopping list, think about easy-to-pack veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and courgettes, as well as tinned beans and chickpeas for protein. Pick up some wraps or pitta breads from the bakery aisle—they’re perfect for quick lunches by the tent. Don’t forget oat milk or soya milk from the chilled section, ideal for morning tea or porridge.
Ingredient Prep at Home
Prepping ingredients ahead of time means less mess and stress on site. Chop vegetables, marinate tofu, and mix spice blends before you leave. Store everything in reusable containers or zip bags to keep things tidy in your cool box. Here’s a quick guide to what can be prepped in advance:
| Ingredient | How to Prep | Storage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables (carrots, peppers, onions) | Chop/slice/dice as needed | Airtight container in cool box |
| Tofu or tempeh | Marinate overnight | Sealed bag or tub in cool box |
| Spice mixes & herbs | Mix dry spices together | Small jar or pot |
| Pasta/grains (rice, couscous) | Portion out into bags | Dry storage; ready to cook |
| Tinned beans & lentils | No prep needed! | Packed with tin opener handy |
Essential Kitchen Kit for Campfire Cooking
The right kitchen kit keeps things safe and simple for family campers. A lightweight camping stove is a must for our unpredictable UK weather—no one wants soggy sandwiches after a downpour! Bring a non-stick frying pan, a saucepan with lid, sturdy utensils (wooden spoons are best), a chopping board, and a good sharp knife (with blade guard). Don’t forget marshmallow sticks—for vegan marshmallows, of course—and eco-friendly washing up liquid.
Packing with these tips will help make your family’s vegan and vegetarian campfire cooking not just possible but delightful—rain or shine!
3. Simple Breakfasts to Start the Day Right
When camping with kids, a hearty breakfast is just what you need to set the tone for an adventurous day. The good news? You don’t have to spend ages cooking in the great outdoors. With a little planning and some classic British inspiration, these easy make-ahead vegan and vegetarian breakfasts will keep everyone happy—and even get the little ones involved in the fun!
Handy Overnight Porridges
Porridge is a staple on chilly UK mornings, and it’s wonderfully adaptable for family camping trips. Before you set off, prep jars of overnight oats using rolled oats, dairy-free milk, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Involve your children by letting them choose their favourite toppings: sliced bananas, raisins, berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Come morning, just grab a jar and enjoy—no mess, no fuss.
Breakfast Baps for Hungry Campers
No British camping trip is complete without baps! For a vegan twist, fill wholemeal rolls with grilled mushrooms, smashed avocado, or smoky baked beans. Prepare your fillings at home and pack them into containers. At camp, let each child assemble their own bap—perfect for little hands and big appetites. If you fancy something sweet, try peanut butter and banana in a soft roll for an energy-packed start.
Fruity Pots Bursting with Colour
Fruit pots are brilliant for breakfast on the go. Layer chopped apples, pears, grapes, and strawberries in tubs before you leave home. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep everything fresh. You can also pop in some dairy-free yoghurt or a handful of granola for crunch. Encourage your children to help build their own fruity pots—it’s a lovely way to include them in meal prep while sneaking in those all-important vitamins.
Vegan Beans on Toast: A Homely Classic
This simple dish is beloved across Britain—and it’s incredibly easy to adapt for vegans and vegetarians. Bring along tins of reduced-salt baked beans and your family’s favourite wholegrain bread or crumpets. Warm the beans over your camp stove and toast the bread until golden. Let the children spoon their own beans on top and sprinkle with chives or nutritional yeast for extra flavour.
Getting Everyone Involved
The best part about these breakfasts is how easily children can join in: from shaking up oat jars to layering fruit or constructing baps, there’s something for everyone to do. Not only does this foster independence and confidence at mealtimes—it turns breakfast into another cherished family memory under canvas.
Wholesome Lunches and Snacks to Keep Energy Up
When you’re out exploring the British countryside with your family, having nourishing lunches and snacks on hand is a must. Easy-to-prepare wraps, comforting dips, and snackable treats using familiar UK ingredients can keep everyone fuelled and happy between activities. Here are some simple ideas that you can make ahead at home, pack into your cool bag, and enjoy together as a family.
Tasty Wraps for On-the-Go Lunches
Wraps are brilliant for camping—they’re mess-free, easy for little hands to hold, and endlessly customisable. Fill wholemeal tortillas or soft flatbreads with a variety of tasty fillings like:
| Wrap Base | Filling Ideas | Flavour Boosters |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal tortilla | Hummus, grated carrot, sliced cucumber, rocket leaves | Lemon zest, black pepper |
| Soft pitta bread | Roasted veggies (courgette, red pepper, onion), vegan cheese slices | Pesto drizzle, fresh basil |
| Lettuce leaves (for a lighter option) | Couscous salad, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas | Mint yogurt dip (plant-based) |
Satisfying Dips with Crunchy Dippers
Dips are perfect for sharing around the picnic table or munching in the tent. Prepare these wholesome options in advance:
- Classic hummus: Blend tinned chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of olive oil.
- Mushy pea guacamole: Mash cooked peas with avocado and a squeeze of lime for a British twist.
- Baba ganoush: Roast aubergines until smoky and blend with garlic and lemon.
Pair your dips with crunchy crudités such as carrot sticks, celery batons, mini cucumbers, or oatcakes—a beloved British snack!
Snackable Treats for an Energy Boost
No camping trip would be complete without some sweet treats to boost morale during long walks or after games. Try making these classic British-inspired snacks at home before you set off:
- Roasted veggie pasties: Flaky pastry parcels filled with root vegetables like potato, swede (rutabaga), carrot, and onion—delicious hot or cold.
- Oaty flapjacks: Chewy bars made from porridge oats, golden syrup (or agave), dried fruits and seeds. Easy to wrap up and pop in rucksacks!
- Fruit scones: Lightly sweetened scones studded with raisins or currants—perfect served with a dollop of plant-based spread.
Packing Tips for Family-Friendly Lunches & Snacks
To keep things fresh and easy: use reusable containers; pack napkins; bring a small chopping board for last-minute sandwich assembling; and don’t forget extra water bottles. By preparing these wholesome options ahead of time using local British ingredients, you’ll have more energy—and more time—to spend enjoying nature together as a family!
5. Hearty Dinners Around the Campfire
As evening falls and the stars begin to twinkle, there’s nothing quite like gathering the family around a crackling campfire for a cosy supper. With a little make-ahead magic, you can serve up warming, one-pot vegan and vegetarian dinners that everyone will love—no fuss, just comfort and joy.
One-Pot Wonders for Everyone
Big pots of stew are perfect for camping. Try a classic British vegetable stew, packed with carrots, potatoes, leeks, and lentils. Simply prepare your ingredients at home, pop them in a freezer bag or container, and simmer over the fire until piping hot. Add a handful of fresh herbs for a homely touch. These stews are hearty enough to satisfy after a day of adventures and simple enough for little hands to help stir.
Jacket Potatoes with Creative Vegan Toppings
No British campfire dinner is complete without jacket potatoes. Wrap potatoes in foil and nestle them among the embers. While they roast, set out bowls of colourful toppings: vegan cheese, baked beans, roasted sweetcorn, sautéed mushrooms, or even homemade guacamole. Let each family member build their own perfect spud—it’s interactive and fun!
Build-Your-Own Meal Night
Encourage togetherness by making dinner an event. Lay out tortilla wraps or soft baps with an array of fillings such as grilled peppers, chickpea salad, crunchy lettuce, or vegan mayo. Kids can create their own masterpieces while sharing stories from the day’s explorations. It’s not just about feeding hungry tummies—it’s about creating memories under the open sky.
With these easy and wholesome recipes, dinners around the campfire become more than just meals—they’re moments of laughter, connection, and comfort that your family will cherish long after the tent is packed away.
6. Sweet Campfire Treats and Nighttime Nibbles
After a day full of adventure, there’s nothing more comforting than gathering around the campfire for a sweet treat. In true British camping fashion, ending the evening with simple yet indulgent desserts is a tradition that brings everyone together. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out on these magical moments if you’re following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Classic Fruit Crumbles
Fruit crumbles are a beloved British pudding and can easily be made ahead for your camping trip. Prepare individual portions at home using seasonal fruits like apples, berries, or rhubarb tossed with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon. Top with an oat-based crumble mix—using plant butter—and pack them in foil trays. At camp, simply heat over the embers until bubbly and golden. Serve warm for a comforting finish to your day.
Chocolate Banana Boats
This fuss-free dessert is always a family favourite. Slice bananas lengthwise (keeping the skin on), stuff with dairy-free chocolate pieces and a handful of nuts or vegan marshmallows, then wrap in foil. Pop them onto the campfire coals for about 10 minutes until melty and delicious. Unwrap and enjoy by the glow of the fire—kids will love making their own combinations!
Marshmallow Alternatives
If you’re craving that classic marshmallow roast but want to keep things vegan, there are plenty of plant-based marshmallows available at most UK supermarkets these days. Toast them on sticks just as you would traditional ones, or sandwich them between rich dark chocolate and digestive biscuits for a British twist on s’mores.
Little Extras for Cosy Evenings
For those who love to nibble as the stars come out, pack some homemade flapjacks or oat bars—these travel well and offer a wholesome sweet bite. Pair with mugs of hot chocolate made from oat or almond milk for an extra touch of warmth and comfort.
Making Memories Together
Sharing these easy treats not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also creates lasting memories around the firelight. With a bit of planning, it’s simple to give your family those special British camping moments—deliciously vegan or vegetarian style.
7. Tips for Involving Kids and Making Mealtimes Memorable
One of the most magical aspects of camping as a family is sharing meals together in the great outdoors. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can turn each mealtime into a memorable moment that your children will treasure long after the tents are packed away. Here are some parent-approved ways to involve kids in cooking and make food a real highlight of every camping adventure.
Encourage Little Explorers with Foraging
Before you set off, research which local berries or wild herbs are safe to pick in your chosen campsite area. British woodlands and hedgerows often offer blackberries, wild strawberries, or even wild garlic in spring. Give your children a small basket and guide them on what’s safe to collect—this not only builds their confidence but also connects them to nature and the origins of their food. Always double-check for safety before adding any foraged finds to your recipes.
Get Hands-On with Meal Prep
Even the youngest campers can help assemble wraps, layer up overnight oats, or sprinkle seeds onto salads. Older children might enjoy chopping softer vegetables (with child-safe knives) or mixing up a marinade for tofu skewers. Assigning simple tasks gives kids ownership over the meal and helps develop important kitchen skills in a fun, relaxed setting.
Safe Marshmallow Roasting—The Vegan Way
No British camping trip is complete without marshmallows toasted over an open fire. Opt for vegan marshmallows and supervise closely: let children use long roasting sticks and stay seated while they toast their treats. Remind them about campfire safety—keep a bucket of water nearby, tie back long hair, and always have an adult present.
Turn Meals into Family Traditions
Create traditions by giving favourite dishes fun names—like “Forest Berry Porridge” or “Campfire Veggie Stew”—or inventing little rituals such as sharing what everyone enjoyed most about their day before tucking in. Simple touches like these make each meal feel special and strengthen family bonds.
Make It Playful and Educational
Use mealtimes as opportunities to chat about nutrition, where ingredients come from, or even try guessing games with herbs and spices. The more interactive and engaging you make the experience, the more likely kids are to get excited about healthy eating—even when back at home.
Capture the Moments
Let children snap photos of their creations or keep a “camping recipe journal” together. Looking back on these memories will inspire future trips and encourage adventurous eating habits all year round.
By weaving together hands-on involvement, learning opportunities, and a sprinkle of fun, you’ll transform vegan and vegetarian camping recipes into unforgettable family experiences under the British sky.
