SALT LAKE CITY — It’s officially the start of the camping season! Whether you’re a camping pro or new to the outdoors, having a large repertoire of camping recipes can be helpful.

When considering what to eat, it’s important to think ahead. Are you staying in an RV with a full kitchen? Sleeping in a tent with access to a campfire, propane stove and a cooler? Backpacking with only a small single-burner propane stove? Answering these questions will allow you to tailor your food appropriately. Additionally, make sure you plan for how many days you will be outside. There's nothing worse than having to eat protein bars for every meal on your last camping day.

Now that you know what supplies you will have available to you, and how many days of food you will need, it’s time to find some recipes. In most of these meals, look for a good combination of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and/or veggies, plus spices and fat for flavor. The main goal with these meals is to make something that is filling and allows you to go about playing in the outdoors.

Campfire meals

Using a campfire to cook your meals is the quintessential camping experience. Doing so takes a bit of skill, but the payoff is really delicious food. Here are some ideas:

• Enjoy eating fish? These fish packets cook up really well in a campfire.
• Need something you can walk around with? Take a look at these walking tacos.
• Are you into nachos? These bean and cheese nachos can be modified to your liking.
• Enjoy cooking in a cast iron pan? This campfire hash is delicious.
• Prefer an easier protein option? Check out these garlic butter sausage packets.
• Do you enjoy glamping? Try out this shrimp scampi.
• Prefer the classic burger? Try this recipe for All-American hamburgers.
• Need new breakfast ideas? Check out this Blueberry-Cinnamon Campfire Bread.

Propane camp stove

If you don’t want to cook over a fire, or are unable to, a propane stove might be a better option. The stove allows for a bit more flexibility in what you cook. These meals could be used for backpacking as well, with a few modifications.

• Want a pasta recipe? Try pasta with tuna or this classic one-pot spaghetti.
• Trying to get in some veggies? Try this one-pot protein pasta with kale.
• Need a vegetarian or vegan meal? Take a look at this sweet potato and peanut stew.
• Going backpacking? Take a look at this extensive collection of recipes.
• For more great one-pot recipes check out this site.

No cooking needed meals

If you’re not into cooking or want something quick before you head out on a hike, this section is for you. Here are some ideas:

• peanut butter and jelly sandwich + fruit
• deli meat sandwich + veggies
• cereal + milk + fruit
• granola + yogurt + fruit
• protein bar + fruit
• premade pasta salad
• muffin + boiled eggs + fruit
• beef jerky + orange + crackers
• tuna or salmon in pouches with crackers + fruit
• overnight oatmeal

Editor’s Note: Anything in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition; Any opinions, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of KSL. KSL does not endorse nor is it responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement made in this article. KSL expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this article.size="2">

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