Camping is the perfect way to disconnect from daily life and enjoy nature.
But enjoying the outdoors doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great food.
Italian cuisine is ideal for camping because it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors.
From pasta and risotto to grilled pizzas and fresh salads, there’s a recipe for every taste.
In this article, we’ve compiled 15 Italian camping recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing around a campfire.
15 Easy Italian Camping Recipes You’ll Love

With these 15 Italian camping recipes, you can enjoy gourmet meals even while surrounded by nature.
Italian cuisine’s simplicity and flavor make it perfect for the outdoors.
From creamy risottos to smoky grilled pizzas, there’s a recipe for every camping scenario.
Try these dishes on your next trip and make your camping meals memorable.
Cooking outdoors becomes not only practical but also an enjoyable experience when you bring Italy along.
Campfire Risotto with Wild Mushrooms
This creamy risotto brings a taste of northern Italy directly to your campsite.
It combines earthy wild mushrooms, tender Arborio rice, and a hint of Parmesan cheese.
Perfect for a rustic outdoor dinner, this dish balances rich flavors with the simplicity of camping cooking.
The campfire gives the rice a slightly smoky aroma, enhancing its natural flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth.
- 1 cup mixed wild mushrooms, sliced.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-duty camping pot over the fire.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until they release moisture.
- Add Arborio rice, stirring to coat each grain in oil.
- Pour in 1/2 cup broth, stirring continuously until absorbed.
- Gradually add remaining broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is creamy and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This risotto offers a comforting, earthy flavor perfect for a night under the stars.
Each bite is creamy, rich, and infused with the smoky essence of campfire cooking.
It is a dish that makes camping dinners feel elegant and satisfying
Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers
Juicy Italian sausages grilled over an open flame are a camping classic.
Colorful bell peppers and onions add sweetness and texture to the dish.
The smoky aroma from the fire enhances the natural flavors of the sausage.
This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for dinner after a long day outdoors.
Ingredients:
- 4 Italian sausages.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced.
- 1 large onion, sliced.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Instructions:
- Heat a grill or campfire grate.
- Brush olive oil over sausages, peppers, and onions.
- Place sausages on the grill, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.
- Grill peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and slice sausages if desired.
- Season vegetables with salt and pepper.
- Arrange sausages on a plate and top with grilled peppers and onions.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
The combination of smoky sausage and sweet peppers is irresistible.
This meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing around a campfire.
It captures the rustic essence of Italian outdoor cooking.
Campfire Caprese Skewers
These fresh caprese skewers bring the classic Italian salad to your campsite.
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are combined for a bright and flavorful snack.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness.
They are quick to prepare and perfect for enjoying around the fire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes.
- 1 cup small mozzarella balls.
- Fresh basil leaves.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wooden skewers.
Instructions:
- Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly in a cooler.
These skewers are fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor.
They make an elegant appetizer for any campsite dinner.
Each bite is a perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and herbal notes.
One-Pot Italian Pasta Primavera
This pasta primavera is a colorful and satisfying camping dish.
Fresh vegetables and tender pasta come together in a light garlic and olive oil sauce.
Cooking everything in one pot makes cleanup easy at the campsite.
It’s a perfect meal for warm evenings under the stars.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta of choice.
- 1 zucchini, sliced.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 3 tbsp olive oil.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a camping pot over the fire.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
- Cook until vegetables are tender but crisp.
- Add cooked pasta to the pot and toss to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This pasta primavera is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare outdoors.
It offers a perfect balance of fresh vegetables and comforting pasta.
Each bite is a celebration of Italian summer flavors.
Rustic Italian Pizza on the Grill
Grilling pizza over a campfire adds a smoky depth of flavor.
This rustic pizza uses simple ingredients and is quick to assemble.
The crust becomes crisp while the cheese melts beautifully.
It’s a fun and interactive meal to enjoy while camping.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms.
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Fresh basil leaves.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or campfire grate.
- Roll out pizza dough and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill pizza over medium heat until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from grill and top with fresh basil leaves.
This grilled pizza is smoky, cheesy, and full of fresh flavors.
It’s a fun way to enjoy Italian cuisine outdoors.
Each bite is a perfect mix of crunch, melt, and flavor.
Italian Bean and Vegetable Stew
This hearty bean stew is perfect for chilly camping nights.
Cannellini beans, tomatoes, and vegetables create a rich, comforting dish.
Fresh herbs add an authentic Italian aroma.
It can be cooked in a single pot over the fire for convenience.
Ingredients:
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained.
- 1 zucchini, diced.
- 1 carrot, diced.
- 1 small onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 can diced tomatoes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a camping pot over the fire.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add carrot and zucchini, cooking for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and drained beans.
- Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This stew is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for warming up after a day outdoors.
It combines the rustic charm of Italian cooking with the simplicity of camping.
Each spoonful is rich, comforting, and satisfying.
Italian Herb Focaccia on the Grill
This herb focaccia brings a rustic Italian touch to camping meals.
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it pairs perfectly with soups or sausages.
Fresh rosemary and olive oil give it an aromatic flavor.
Grilling the dough over the fire adds a subtle smoky note.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1 tsp salt.
- 1 tsp sugar.
- 1 tbsp dry yeast.
- 2/3 cup warm water.
- 3 tbsp olive oil.
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped.
- Coarse sea salt for topping.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Gradually add warm water and knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough to desired thickness.
- Brush olive oil over the surface.
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt.
- Grill over medium heat until golden brown, flipping carefully.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
This focaccia is fragrant, fluffy, and perfect for sharing outdoors.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a snack on its own.
Each bite is warm, savory, and delightfully rustic.
Campfire Italian Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is a classic Italian stew perfect for camping.
Tender chicken simmers in a tomato, pepper, and onion sauce.
Fresh herbs add depth and aroma to the dish.
Cooking over the campfire enhances the flavor with a subtle smokiness.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced.
- 1 onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 can diced tomatoes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tsp dried oregano.
- 1 tsp dried basil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a camping pot over the fire.
- Brown chicken thighs on all sides, then remove.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil.
- Return chicken to the pot.
- Simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This chicken cacciatore is hearty and packed with flavor.
It’s a perfect main dish for a cozy evening by the fire.
Each bite is tender, rich, and infused with Italian herbs.
pesto Pasta Salad for Camping
A cold pasta salad with pesto is refreshing and easy to prepare outdoors.
It’s perfect for picnics or a quick lunch at the campsite.
Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella add a burst of color and flavor.
Basil pesto ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta of choice.
- 1/2 cup basil pesto.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1 cup mozzarella balls.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh basil for garnish.
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta and pesto.
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
This pasta salad is light, flavorful, and easy to serve.
It’s perfect for a refreshing meal during a sunny day outdoors.
Each bite is aromatic, tangy, and wonderfully satisfying.
Italian Grilled Veggie Sandwich
A grilled vegetable sandwich brings Italian flavors to your campsite lunch.
Zucchini, peppers, and eggplant are perfectly charred over the fire.
Mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil complete the sandwich.
It’s quick, easy, and full of wholesome flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced.
- 1 small eggplant, sliced.
- 4 slices ciabatta bread.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh basil leaves.
Instructions:
- Brush vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
- Place grilled vegetables on ciabatta bread slices.
- Add mozzarella and basil leaves.
- Close the sandwich and grill lightly until cheese melts.
- Remove and serve warm.
This grilled veggie sandwich is smoky, cheesy, and full of fresh flavor.
It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying camping lunch.
Each bite is a delicious combination of tender vegetables and melted cheese.
Italian Campfire Polenta with Tomato Sauce
Creamy polenta topped with tomato sauce is a comforting camping meal.
The dish is simple but hearty, perfect for a rustic outdoor dinner.
Polenta absorbs the flavors of herbs and sauce beautifully.
Cooking it over the fire gives a warm, homey feeling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal (polenta).
- 4 cups water.
- 1 tsp salt.
- 2 tbsp butter.
- 1 cup tomato sauce.
- 1 tsp dried basil.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil in a camping pot.
- Add salt and gradually whisk in polenta.
- Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat tomato sauce separately and add dried basil.
- Serve polenta topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.
This polenta is creamy, comforting, and full of Italian flavor.
It’s perfect for a filling meal after a day of outdoor adventures.
Each bite is rich, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Italian Sausage and Bean Skillet
This one-pan dish is hearty and perfect for camping.
Italian sausages are combined with beans, tomatoes, and herbs for a rich flavor.
Cooking over the fire gives it a smoky, rustic taste.
It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 4 Italian sausages.
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained.
- 1 can diced tomatoes.
- 1 onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a camping skillet over the fire.
- Brown sausages on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and oregano.
- Return sausages to the skillet.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until sausages are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This dish is rich, filling, and full of Italian flavor.
It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner outdoors.
Each bite combines tender sausage, creamy beans, and savory tomato sauce.
Italian Tomato and Mozzarella Flatbread
A quick and easy flatbread perfect for camping.
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a fresh, flavorful topping.
Cooking over a grill or campfire gives the bread a smoky edge.
It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made flatbread.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1 small tomato, sliced.
- Fresh basil leaves.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill or campfire grate.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the flatbread.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and arrange tomato slices on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill until cheese melts and edges are golden.
- Remove and top with fresh basil leaves.
This flatbread is cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
It’s perfect as a snack or light meal while camping.
Each bite combines fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and aromatic basil.
Italian Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Garlic shrimp skewers are quick, flavorful, and perfect for the fire.
Juicy shrimp marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs cook quickly over flames.
They make a perfect appetizer or light main dish.
Camping cooking has never been this easy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water.
- Lemon wedges for serving.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked.
- Remove from heat and serve with lemon wedges.
These shrimp skewers are garlicky, tender, and full of flavor.
They make a light, elegant, and quick camping meal.
Each bite bursts with juicy, smoky, and aromatic goodness.
Italian Roasted Vegetable Medley
A colorful medley of vegetables roasted over a fire.
Zucchini, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes are seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
This dish is simple, healthy, and full of natural Italian flavors.
It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pasta, or bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced.
- 1 small eggplant, sliced.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Fresh basil for garnish.
Instructions:
- Toss all vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables on a grill basket or foil over the campfire.
- Roast, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil.
This roasted vegetable medley is fresh, smoky, and bursting with flavor.
It’s a perfect side dish for any camping meal.
Each bite is tender, savory, and full of Italian charm.