Would you believe that as a kid growing up on a boat I would get seasick? I would be fine as we sailed out of port, happily sitting at the bow of the boat waving to everyone as we sailed by but as soon as we would get out into the open seas nausea would take over and I would head down to my little bunk to play with my crafts and books.
At sea the feeling would come and go, but it was all made worthwhile on a sunny afternoon when I would settle up on the front deck with a big blanket for some fresh air watching a school of dolphins.
Years later, I’ve learned that ginger is a great cure for an upset stomach whether it be from airplane or boat motion, morning sickness, or a general sensitivity. It’s also great for inflammation, pain, and cold and flu prevention. With so many benefits, homemade ginger ale is a must-have in any home cook’s arsenal.
These vegetarian and vegan camping meal ideas keep us fueled and satisfied at some of our favorites overnight music festivals. You can find us jamming at Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Australia, spending the labour day long weekend with Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington, or watching one of the greats at an outdoor venue near you! No matter where, we’ll be grilling up a delicious healthy veggie meal and making our campground neighbors jealous.
These recipes are based on being able to cook on a double element portable gas stove or campfire stove and the ingredients can be picked up from any grocery store (handy if you are flying in or driving a long way to get to your destination). These ideas also work great if you are in a hotel or Air B&B for a long period of time and want to eat something homemade instead of eating out, again.
Breakfast
Vegan Ideas
Baked Beans or Avocado– serve with fresh bread
Overnight Oats – Make-ahead oats (2:1 water to steel cut oats, bring to a boil for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and keep covered overnight) served with fresh or dried fruit, raisins, and seeds
Protein Powder Shakes – brands like Vega One are filled with nutrient dense plant-based protein and you can just add water to make a quick shake.
Muffins – wholewheat with fruit, or banana bread
Vegetarian Ideas
Scrambled Egg Bowl – made with frozen shredded hash browns, salsa and fruit
Breakfast Burrito – a tortilla wrap stuffed with organic scrambled eggs, salsa, avocado, peppers, mushrooms, etc
Granola – served with small pots of low fat organic yogurt and a banana
Pancakes – try the buttermilk pancake mix and add berries or bananas
French Toast – bread soaked in whisked organic eggs and fried; serve with fruit, cinnamon and a miniature jar of local honey.
Nothing beats waking up to breakfast and a fresh pressed coffee prepared at your campsite
Lunch & Dinner
Vegan Meal Ideas
Tomato Spaghetti or Tortellini – served with a jar of Pomodoro sauce
Fresh Sandwiches – fresh bread, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, red pepper, lettuce, hummus, pesto, etc. You can find single serving condiment packets from fast food restaurants.
PB&J – Peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches
Falafel Kebab – lettuce, tomato, hummus, and pan-fried chickpea falafel in tortilla wraps.
Veggie Hot Dogs – veggie sausage, hot dog buns, condiments, sautéed onions
Indian curry – sauté mixed vegetables with tinned chickpeas and a jar of curry sauce, with pita bread (or garlic Naan bread for vegetarians).
Asian Noodles – sauté mixed vegetables with pre-marinated tofu and quick-cook rice noodles. Look for mini soy sauce packets to bring. Optional: add sesame seeds or peanut garnish.
Soups & Chili – Pick up a pack of soup or chili and enjoy with toast, toasted tortillas, or your burger buns for easy vegan sloppy joe’s 🙂
Salad – Choose a pre-made hearty salad at the store or mix together quinoa, chickpeas, pre-washed mixed lettuce, crunchy vegetables and a creamy or tangy dressing (add the dressing when you are ready to eat).
Greek Mezze Platter – raw veggies, hummus dip, baba ganoush, tortillas, and falafel.
Vegetarian Meal Ideas
Pesto Pasta – noodles, a jar of pesto, and blanched broccoli, asparagus or spinach (add the veggies 2-3 mins before the noodles are ready for a one-pot meal).
“Camp-Fire” Nachos – multigrain chips and grated cheddar, placed in a pan with tinfoil lid covering it and cooked on low until melted. Serve with black beans, salsa, avocado and chopped tomatoes.
Veggie Frittada – whisked eggs with peppers, onions, mushrooms, frozen hash browns, or other vegetables, serve with bread.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Sandwich – served with a side salad & vinaigrette
Quesadillas – onion, pepper & cheese with Mexican spices and salsa in tortilla wraps. Optional, add marinated jackfruit
Kitchen Utensils & Tools to Bring
Small bottle of olive oil, salt and pepper
French press and ground coffee or tea bags
Bar of dark chocolate
Nut & fruit trail mix
Cutting board & knife
Beer & Wine Bottle opener
Pan & pot
Plates & bowls & cups
Spatula, knives, forks and spoons (you can whisk eggs with two forks)
Cleaning sponge & small bottle of dish soap
Dish towels & paper towels
Tin foil, zip lock bags, and/or tupperware containers for leftovers or opened items, and garbage bags
Cooler & Ice… Santa, please bring me one of these Yeti Coolers
Two burner gas stove with gas bottle & lighter.
Sails & Spices Tip: Gas stoves can generally be put into checked airline luggage, so long as they are clean, have been disconnected and ventilated for 24 hours, and are not traveling with the fuel source (buy your gas bottle on arrival)
Folding chairs and small folding table
There you have it! With a little pre-planning you’ll have your festival vegan and vegetarian meals sorted, and will certainly be the envy of the pop-tart eating guy posted up in the site beside you.
Readers, what are some of your favorite festival camping vegan meals? Send us a note in the comments section below to share your best ideas…
Lunch & Dinner
