5 Easy Camping Seafood Recipes for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Camping and cooking go hand in hand, but adding seafood to the mix? That’s pure culinary adventure. Seafood is not only quick to cook but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're by the lakeside, beach, or deep in the woods, these camping seafood recipes will bring a gourmet twist to your outdoor meals.

This blog will take you through five simple but flavorful seafood recipes that are tailored for camping conditions. From fire-grilled shrimp to foil-packed salmon, you’ll find ideas that are easy to make, pack, and clean up. Let's get cooking!

Why Seafood is Perfect for Camping

Seafood can often seem like a tricky option for outdoor cooking, but it’s actually one of the better choices for campers. Here’s why:

• Quick to Cook: Most seafood, like shrimp and fish, cooks in under 10 minutes, saving you fuel and time.
• Nutritious: Seafood is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent option for fueling a day of hiking or exploring.
• Lightweight: Seafood like canned tuna, shrimp, or vacuum-sealed salmon fillets are easy to pack and don’t take up much space in your cooler.

With just a few ingredients and tools, you can create restaurant-quality meals in the great outdoors. Keep reading for recipes that are sure to impress everyone at your campsite.

5 Seafood Recipes for Your Next Camping Trip

1. Fire-Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Before leaving for the campsite, marinate the shrimp in the olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Store it in a sealed container or Ziploc bag in the cooler.
2. At the campsite, thread the shrimp onto skewers.
3. Grill over the fire for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turns pink and opaque.
4. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

Why it Works for Camping:

Shrimp skewers cook in minutes and require minimal cleanup. Plus, they’re easy to eat without plates or utensils, making them a camper’s dream.

2. Foil-Packed Lemon Herb Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil

How to Make It:

1. Place each salmon fillet on a piece of aluminum foil.
2. Top with lemon slices, a pat of butter, and fresh dill or parsley. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Fold the foil into a sealed packet.
4. Place the foil packet directly on the fire grate or hot coals. Cook for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
5. Open carefully (watch out for steam!) and enjoy.

Why it Works for Camping:

Foil packets are a camping classic. They eliminate the need for pots and pans, and the foil traps moisture, so the salmon comes out tender and flavorful.

3. Cast-Iron Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

• 1 can minced clams (with juice)
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 2 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over your campfire and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
2. Add onions and potatoes to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
4. Gradually add the milk and clam juice from the can while stirring. Simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked.
5. Add the clams and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Why it Works for Camping:

This hearty one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings in the outdoors. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to pack.

4. Spicy Campfire Fish Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 white fish fillets (like tilapia or cod)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Tortillas
• Salsa or hot sauce

How to Make It:

1. Season the fish fillets with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the fish in a cast-iron pan over the campfire, about 3-4 minutes per side until flaky.
3. Warm the tortillas over the fire.
4. Assemble the tacos by adding fish, avocado slices, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. Squeeze lime juice on top for extra flavor.

Why it Works for Camping:

These tacos are quick, fun to assemble, and packed with flavor. Plus, the minimal ingredients keep your packing light.

5. Campfire Crab Boil

Ingredients:

• 1 pound crab legs
• 1 cob of corn, cut into thirds
• 1 sausage, sliced
• 4 baby potatoes
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Water

How to Make It:

1. Using a pot over the campfire, fill with water and add the Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the potatoes and sausage. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add crab legs and corn, and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain the water and serve with lemon wedges.

Why it Works for Camping:

This recipe brings the joy of a seafood boil to the campsite. It’s a communal dish that encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Tips for Cooking Seafood While Camping

• Keep It Cold: Use a high-quality cooler and keep seafood on ice at all times to ensure freshness and avoid spoilage.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate, chop, and portion ingredients at home to minimize prep work at the campsite.
• Pack the Essentials: Don’t forget foil, skewers, and a sturdy cast-iron pan, as these will be your best friends when cooking seafood outdoors.
• Clean Responsibly: Dispose of seafood scraps properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

Bring Gourmet Flavors to Your Campsite

Seafood might seem fancy for camping, but with these simple recipes, you’ll enjoy gourmet flavors under the stars. Whether you’re grilling shrimp skewers or enjoying a hearty clam chowder, these dishes promise to elevate your camping trip.

Looking for more great camping recipes? Be sure to check out our complete guide to outdoor cooking. Share your own seafood recipes in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s been cooking at your campsite!