How to Camp without a Fridge

Food can still be delicious without the convenience of refrigeration; you just need to be prepared, choose the right foods and know your smart storage options.

So let's get into our latest blog, how to camp without a fridge.

Be Prepared

The key to camping without a fridge is preparation. You must rely on non-perishable items that will last several days at room temperature. Some of the best camping foods come from creativity; pre-planning your meals ahead of your trip will save time and energy. 

Before heading out, think about the meals you want to eat that require minimal ingredients or cooking. Canned goods such as sausages, beans, and pasta are all great options.

Dried foods such as rice and quinoa will keep you fuller for longer, and powdered alternatives for milk, coffee, and sauces will last the whole length of your trip and make it simple to rustle up something good.

If you want camping staples like pancakes or omelettes in the morning, consider preparing them before you leave and keeping the mix in zip-locked bags. Porridge oats with dried fruit and nuts are also an excellent breakfast choice; its simple to make and delicious.

Pack foods with Longevity

Many fresh foods can last days without refrigeration, especially in the winter months when camping. Root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots will last several days and are perfect for roasting. Apples, oranges, and pears are tough and can withstand travel. Dried fruits and nuts are great for snacks and have a long shelf life. 

If you're smart, you can pack meat and cheese without a fridge. Cured meats like salami, beef jerky, or smoked sausages can last without refrigeration and are great for protein snacks.

Cheeses like cheddar and parmesan can also be kept at room temperature. Make sure they are covered to keep them fresh with parchment paper or kept in Tupperware containers. 

Store Food Properly

To ensure your food stays fresher for longer, make sure you have the correct storage. It may sound simple, but dry foods need to be kept dry. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent moisture from ruining your food. 

Make sure you separate your raw and cooked foods when camping without a fridge. Keeping raw foods in one container and ready-to-eat food in another will avoid cross-contamination. Bring ice packs to keep raw food cooler in a well-packed cool bag, and make sure it's eaten within 36 hours.

Creative Cooking

If you're camping without a fridge, then it's time to get creative with your cooking! Stick to easy-to-prepare meals that require minimal effort and still pack flavour. Spreads like chocolate and peanut butter are great for adding sweetness to your meals. Add a dollop to your morning oats or spread over a tortilla with a banana for the ultimate sweet treat. 

When camping without a fridge pre-cook meals like pasta to add the sauce on site, or make a hearty vegetable soup, which you can easily heat up in our campsite kitchen. Consider batch-cooking meals before you go and keeping them in zip-logged bags, ready for a meal in minutes. 

Make sure you stay hydrated when camping without a fridge! Powder alternatives to coffee, milk, and hot chocolate are easy to store and save space. Buy packaged drinks that don’t require a fridge, like juice boxes and cartons, which are great for kids and quick energy.

A final note from us

With our handy tips for cooking on a campsite without a fridge, you won't have to sacrifice flavour and nutrition! Being prepared, planning your meals, and using smart storage will help you create delicious meals on the campsite. 

Looking for more inspiration? Why not discover all our blogs on our Camp Life area of the website. Including ‘ Top Storage Solutions When Camping and Caravanning’ and ‘Types of Camping Tents.’