One of the best parts about travelling by campervan is the freedom to explore Australia at your own pace. However, after a long day of driving, hiking, or exploring, having simple and delicious meals ready can make your trip even better.
The good news is that cooking in a campervan doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few basic cooking tools, some affordable ingredients, and a little preparation, you can enjoy tasty homemade meals without needing a full kitchen.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer Australian road trip, these easy campervan meals are perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Looking for the perfect vehicle for your adventure? Compare campervan hire options with Australian Backpackers and find a campervan with the facilities that suit your travel style.
Quick Answer: What Are Easy Meals to Cook in a Campervan?
The best campervan meals are simple, affordable, and require minimal equipment.
Some popular campervan food ideas include:
- One-pan pasta dishes
- Wraps and sandwiches
- Stir-fries
- BBQ meals
- Breakfast bowls
- Toasties
- Rice and noodle dishes
- Easy camping dinners
When travelling by campervan, the goal is to create meals that are filling, easy to prepare, and don’t require lots of washing up.
Campervan Cooking Essentials
Before preparing your meals, it helps to have a few basic cooking supplies.
Most campervans include some cooking equipment, but having these essentials will make preparing food much easier.
Camp Stove
A portable gas stove is one of the most useful items for campervan cooking.
It allows you to prepare hot meals wherever you park and is perfect for cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Frying Pan and Pot
A good frying pan and saucepan are enough for many campervan recipes.
They can be used for:
- Frying eggs
- Cooking pasta
- Making stir-fries
- Heating sauces
- Preparing one-pan meals
Basic Utensils
Useful items include:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Plates and bowls
- Reusable containers
Seasonings and Basics
A few simple ingredients can make a big difference.
Consider packing:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Spices
- Sauce
These small additions can transform simple ingredients into delicious meals.
Easy Campervan Breakfast Ideas
Maple Syrup Glazed Bacon and Eggs
A classic breakfast that is quick, filling, and perfect before a big day of exploring.
Ingredients:
- Bacon strips
- Eggs
- Maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
- Toast (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat your frying pan over your camp stove.
- Cook the bacon until it starts becoming crispy.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup during the final few minutes for a sweet and savoury flavour.
- Remove the bacon and cook your eggs in the remaining pan juices.
- Season and serve with toast.
This easy campervan breakfast is perfect for slow mornings at the campsite.
Easy Campervan Lunch Ideas
Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Capsicum
A simple grilled sandwich is one of the easiest campervan meals because it requires minimal ingredients and cooking equipment.
Ingredients:
- Bread slices
- Cheese
- Tomato
- Bell peppers
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place one slice in a heated frying pan.
- Add cheese, tomato, and bell peppers.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the second slice of bread.
- Cook until golden and crispy, flipping once.
Serve with fresh fruit or a simple salad for an easy road trip lunch.
Easy Campervan Dinner Ideas
One-Pan Chicken with Black Beans and Sour Cream
One-pan meals are ideal for campervan travel because they reduce preparation time and washing up.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Canned black beans
- Sour cream
- Olive oil
- Seasoning of choice
Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices.
- Heat olive oil in your frying pan.
- Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Add black beans towards the end to warm them.
- Serve with sour cream on top.
This is a simple, filling dinner after a busy day exploring.
More Easy Campervan Food Ideas
If you want more variety during your trip, try these simple meals:
Breakfast
- Overnight oats
- Breakfast wraps
- Scrambled eggs on toast
- Pancakes
- Fruit and yoghurt bowls
Lunch
- Wraps
- Toasties
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Leftover dinner bowls
Dinner
- Pasta dishes
- Stir fry
- Tacos
- Curry
- BBQ meals
- Rice bowls
These meals are affordable, easy to adapt, and perfect for cooking in a campervan.
Tips for Cooking in a Campervan
Prepare Food Before Your Trip
Preparing some ingredients before you leave can save time and space.
Consider:
- Chopping vegetables
- Preparing marinades
- Portioning snacks
- Cooking rice or pasta ahead of time
This makes preparing meals after a long driving day much easier.
Choose One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals are ideal for campervan travel.
They:
- Reduce washing up
- Require fewer ingredients
- Save cooking space
- Are quick to prepare
Use Ingredients That Last Longer
When travelling, especially in remote areas, it helps to choose ingredients that store well.
Great options include:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Canned beans
- Canned vegetables
- Sauces
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Long-life milk
These ingredients are affordable and easy to store.
Plan Your Food Shopping Stops
Australia is a huge country, and some remote areas have limited supermarkets.
Before heading into more isolated regions:
- Stock up on essentials
- Fill your water tank
- Check your fridge supplies
- Plan your next supermarket stop
Make Use of Australian Campground BBQs (“Barbies”)
One of the best parts of travelling Australia by campervan is that many campsites, parks, and beach areas have public BBQ facilities available.
Known locally as a “barbie”, these free BBQs are a classic part of Australian outdoor culture and are a great way to cook a meal without using your campervan kitchen.
They are perfect for preparing:
- Steak or burgers
- Sausages
- Grilled vegetables
- Fish
- Toasted sandwiches
Using campground BBQs can also help save gas in your campervan and gives you the chance to enjoy a meal outdoors while meeting other travellers.
Campervan tip: Always check local signs, clean the BBQ after use, and leave the area ready for the next traveller.
How to Store Food in a Campervan
Food storage is an important part of campervan travel, especially during longer trips.
Tips include:
- Use airtight containers
- Keep your fridge organised
- Store dry goods separately
- Avoid buying too much fresh food before remote sections
- Use a cooler bag for short trips
Good organisation makes cooking in a campervan much easier.
Is Cooking in a Campervan Difficult?
Not at all.
Many travellers find that cooking becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of a campervan trip.
Preparing meals outdoors, enjoying dinner with a view, and sharing food after a day of adventure are some of the experiences that make campervan travel special.
With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious meals without needing a traditional kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions: Campervan Meals
What are the easiest meals to cook in a campervan?
The easiest campervan meals are usually one-pan dishes, wraps, pasta, rice bowls, and BBQ meals because they require minimal equipment and preparation.
How do you cook in a campervan?
Most campervans include a small kitchen area with a stove, cooking equipment, and storage space. Travellers can prepare meals using simple ingredients and basic cooking tools.
What food should I bring on a campervan trip?
Good campervan foods include:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Canned goods
- Snacks
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Bread and wraps
- Easy proteins
The best options are foods that are affordable, versatile, and easy to store.
Can you eat cheaply while travelling Australia by campervan?
Yes. Cooking your own meals is one of the easiest ways to save money during a campervan trip.
By shopping at supermarkets, preparing simple meals, and limiting restaurant visits, travellers can significantly reduce food costs.
LINK: Campervan Trip on a Budget Australia
Start Your Campervan Adventure in Australia
Cooking in a campervan is more than just a way to save money, it is part of the adventure.
From enjoying breakfast beside the ocean to preparing dinner under the stars, simple campervan meals can become some of the best memories from your road trip.
At Australian Backpackers, we make it easy to find the perfect campervan for your journey. Compare campervan hire options from Australia’s leading operators and choose a vehicle that matches your route, budget, and travel style.
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a long Australian adventure, your next great road trip starts with the right campervan.
Compare campervan hire Australia today and start planning your next adventure.
