Avoid This Grocery Shopping Mistake When Prepping For Your Camping Cookouts

Spending time outdoors hiking, biking, paddling, and adventuring can seriously work up anyone's appetite. When you return to your campsite at the end of a long day of exploration, you'll want to make sure that you have some tasty things to munch on. It's even more important to give your body the nutrients and hydration it needs when you're on a camping trip so that you can feel comfortable and energized for all of the fun times in nature.

Even the simplest breakfasts can taste delicious on a camping trip. Enjoying a meal under the stars with your loved ones can become a cherished memory. Roasting sausages over an open fire or cooking veggies on your camp grill is a fun experience, and cooking outdoors can inspire you to break out of your usual suppertime routine. That being said, don't make the mistake of getting overly adventurous with your meals and snacks on a camping trip. 

Camping is not the time to experiment, because if you end up making something disastrous you're not going to have a ton of other options. Instead, opt for hassle-free cooking while camping. Stick to the tried and true snacks and recipes that you know you'll enjoy, and make sure you pack plenty to go around. 

Meal time is one of the most enjoyable parts of camping. There's something so primal about making meals outdoors; cooking over a fire sort of feels like walking in the footsteps of your ancestors. For thousands of years, people have prepared food and enjoyed eating it together in exactly the same way, but it isn't as easy to prepare elaborate dishes without the kitchen appliances and utensils you might be used to. There's a reason why hot dogs and s'mores are classic foods for camping cookouts — they're easy to prepare and difficult to mess up.

If you make the mistake of cooking something complicated and it doesn't turn out right, you may have to go without food for the night, which can put a real damper on an otherwise perfect camping experience. Depending on where you set up camp, you might not be able to reach the grocery store for more food. Even if you can, returning to civilization for a grocery store run can throw things off. You'll be doing yourself and your fellow campers a big favor by keeping it simple.

Before you go shopping, reach out to your camping group and ask them what some of their favorite snacks are. You should also make sure you're aware of any dietary restrictions if you're in charge of cooking for the group. When you grocery shop for your camping trip, it can be tempting to purchase all sorts of things that you wouldn't normally buy. You may think that it's the perfect opportunity to test out a new brand of granola bars or sample an exciting breakfast sausage, but it absolutely isn't. Instead, stock up on simple snacks and meals that you already love. They'll surely taste even more delicious at your campsite.

Before you even set foot in the grocery store, you should have a solid idea of what you're going to buy. That way, you won't be tempted to splurge on a bunch of random food that might not taste as good as it looks. Creating a simple meal plan is an excellent idea. Not only does it help you stay on track when you're at the grocery store, but it will also help you make sure you have enough meals and snacks to last for the duration of your camping trip. Remember: a full belly helps you sleep comfortably when camping. 

When I was a child, my parents would take my brother and I on an annual camping trip with another couple and their kids. The moms were in charge of planning our meals and the dads were in charge of pretty much everything else. Our moms would make sure we had tons of our favorite foods. There was always something tasty to nibble on. Those familiar snacks helped us feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

One year, the moms went on a girls' trip and the dads took us camping on their own for the first time. They made some delicious meals, but everything had to be cooked — and we were picky eaters. Without our emotional support snacks, chaos ensued. I remember sneaking out of our tent in the middle of the night and breaking in to the single box of Cocoa Puffs. In the morning there was no breakfast for anyone and the tears were flowing faster than the river. The moral of the story is to make a meal plan and pack more than you think you'll need. Also — never skimp on the snacks!