5 Easy Camping Breakfast Ideas

Campers rely on breakfast to reach the trail summit, rappel down the rock, or patiently wait for fish to bite. Breakfast is a nature lover's ritual. Sipping coffee while the sun comes up, listening to the bacon crackle while you huddle by the fire - it sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Every camper craves a warm, delicious breakfast, but no camper wants an ordeal. Don't opt for another granola bar! We've compiled 5 easy camping breakfast ideas that are ready in minutes. And whether you cook like Barefoot Contessa or Bear Grylls, we've got you covered. Somebody put the coffee on, breakfast is served!

1. Pancakes, Please!

Is there anything yummier for the tummy than pancakes on a brisk morning? Luckily, pancakes are one of the quickest things to throw together when you camp. Try these tips for pancakes that drag the drowsiest campers out of their sleeping bags. For the Kid in All of Us. Grab a box of "complete" pancake mix at the store before you head on the trip. This lovely invention requires only a splash of water before you ladle it in the pan. But why stop there? Grab some shelf-stable goodies like chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruit to jazz up the hotcakes. You're camping, live a little! Grain-Free Goodness. If you have to give up gluten, you shouldn't have to give up pancakes, too! Try this ingenious recipe that's a camper's best friend. Mash one ripe banana, stir together with one egg, and a dash of cinnamon (optional). Drop by large spoonfuls onto a greased skillet and cook until almost done before flipping. Top with more sliced bananas if you're feeling fruity! Vegan Fluffiness. Combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a container before you leave. At the campsite, add 1 1/4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of oil and stir together for a light and fluffy batter. Griddle them up and drizzle with maple syrup.

2. How Would You Like Your Eggs?

You expect to hear this question at a cozy diner, but eggs are easy to adapt to the camping life. Whether you're a tent lover, an Airstream fiend, or an overlander, there's an egg breakfast suited to you. Great for grain-free and dairy-free diets, this breakfast is a filling and rustic camping classic. Obviously, you can scramble eggs in a pan, but here are some simple twists. [caption id="attachment_25547" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Eggs, a super fast and high-protein breakfast for outdoor activities[/caption] When You Don't Want to Cook. Whether you don't like to wait or don't like to cook, there's a quick way to get your protein fix. Purchase hard-boiled eggs at the grocery store, or prep them yourself before the trip. Grab a pack of pre-cooked bacon (hint: it's usually right next to the eggs). Throw that bacon in a pan on your campfire. It heats up just like regular bacon but faster. Slice up your eggs and douse with a little salt and pepper for a breakfast that's ready before the roosters. When You're a True Wanderer. Hiking without coolers, campers, or stoves? Throw some powdered eggs, dried herbs, bacon jerky, a thermos of boiling water, and a frying pan in your pack. Stir your dried eggs and seasonings (we like chives or dill) with boiling water or heat together in a pan over a fire. Add a side of bacon jerky, and pat yourself on the back for serving up brunch in the middle of blissful nowhere. When You're With the Fam. Whether your family is a spouse and kids or a team of hiking buddies, sometimes you're cooking for a crowd. Throw some bacon in a pan until crisp, and leave the drippings to grease the pan. Whisk together 6 eggs and seasonings of choice, and pour into the greased pan. Top with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, peppers, or anything the family prefers. Loosen the edges frequently with a spatula and let cook until set, for a gorgeous frittata in minutes.

3. Oats With a Twist.

Instant oatmeal is a little tired. Let's stir those oats into something worth waking up to. Even if you're not a fan of oatmeal, we bet these concoctions will change your mind. No matter how ruggedly you camp, oats are a cinch for breakfast. Pull an All-Nighter. You've probably heard of oats soaking in yogurt or milk overnight in the fridge for breakfast. But there's a quick and shelf-stable way to get the same delish results. Combine 1/2 cup of oats (gluten free if you like) with 1/2 cup of water, 2 teaspoons of chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Let them sit overnight, and breakfast is ready when you wake up! You can add extra water if needed and top with fruit in the morning. PB&J to Start the Day. Simmer up a pot of warm oats for the crew, then stir in dollops of peanut butter and strawberry preserves, or dried strawberries if you're out on the trail. This one's a satisfying crowd pleaser. Go Rogue. On a remote trek but in need of warm sustenance? Toss your granola into a pot or thermos of warm water and gently stir to rehydrate for hearty, grainy, goodness. Got nuts or raisins? Toss those tasty nuggets in too and enjoy while wrapped in your toasty blanket.

4. Sausages for Strength.

Camping makes your stomach growl louder than a grizzly. And sometimes trail mix just won't cut it. If you're craving a salty, meaty, melt-in-your-mouth meal, try one of these tasty tips. [caption id="attachment_25550" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Every peak is conquerable when you start your day with sausages. Photo by Dan Edwards.[/caption] Sausage McMuffin-ness. So, you like sausage? Join the club. Grab a sleeve of English muffins and a package of precooked sausage patties for a 2-minute flavor extravaganza. Toast the insides of the muffin on your pan, and then warm the sausage to tuck inside. Beware of locals following the scent to your tent. Breakfast Game-Day Style. Got kitchen gadgets and an appetite for fun? Cook sausage links in a skillet and wrap each with crescent roll dough. Then pop them on a pan in the camp oven, and bake for 8 minutes for breakfast pigs in a blanket. Layer cheese inside each crescent roll before the sausage, if you really want to get crazy! Veggie Delight. Grill up a vegan English muffin and fold a warmed vegan sausage patty inside. Douse with sriracha for a kick to the taste buds that will wake you up faster than campfire coffee!

5. Let's Make a Toast!

Cheers to you! You're outdoors and having fun. Let's raise a toast at breakfast, since toast is the quintessential way to start your day. Vive la France! French toast sounds fancy, but it's surprisingly simple. For an elegant bite in the wilderness, whisk together an egg with equal parts water or milk, and a splash of cinnamon or nutmeg if you have it. Dunk bread slices in the mix, and fry up in a greased pan. Flip to cook both sides, then top with powdered sugar or syrup. Bon appétit! Green Gold. Avocado toast is a welcome treat on the trail. But peeled avocado likes to turn brown, so slice it up just before serving on your favorite whole grain or gluten-free toast. Sprinkle with a little sea salt or crushed red pepper,  and leave yourself a tip - that's fine dining. Toad in a Hole. Kids love this one, and it's the perfect outdoor breakfast. Cut a 3-inch hole in the center of a slice of bread and lay in a greased pan. Once the bottom is toasted, flip it. Crack an egg into the hole and cook until the egg is done to your liking. Some kids like to decorate this with ketchup! Breakfast for campers is essential, and luckily, it's also quite simple. Grab a few ingredients and show off your skills with these easy and tasty camping breakfast ideas. Word to the wise - pack a little extra. When other campers get a whiff of your culinary creations, they'll likely ditch their protein bars and casually drop by to see what's cooking.