Camping Hot Dogs with Caramelized Onions

Camping hot dogs are a must when we pack up the tent and head into the forest. There is something special about the way a weiner or a smokie tastes when it's been charred over the fire. When we make ours, we almost always turn them into caramelized onion hot dogs as it takes them over the top.

This is one of those recipes that is hardly a recipe at all. Camping hot dogs with caramelized onions is more of an idea or suggestion than an official recipe. We trust that you've skewered a hot dog on a stick and held it over the fire until it's hot and crispy. (And if you haven't can you please promise that you will this summer?)

And the term caramelized onions is really just a fancy way of saying onions that are cooked to the point of being deliciously sweet.

For these hot dogs with caramelized onions, we pile those onions into a hot dog bun with all your favorite condiments then top them with a fire-charred hot dog. It's an elevated camping hot dog recipe that is super easy to make and unbelievably delicious.

Beyond camping hot dogs

While we love our camping hot dogs, there is so much more to make at the campsite!

When it comes to eating delicious food while camping, a little bit of planning goes a long way. There's a lot you can do with a grill, a fire, or a simple camp stove, but we still like to prepare some food ahead of time because we like to kick back a bit, too!

We typically bring a cooler with yogurt, eggs, and a small bottle of milk in addition to fresh veggies and fruits. We also pack some pantry items like little jars filled with olive oil, salt and pepper, nut butter, jam, oats, and pancake mix. Plus a few extra empty sealed containers for saving portions of things.

For cookware, we can usually get by with a simple cast-iron skillet, a pot, a cutting board, and a knife in addition to a few plates, bowls, and utensils. Toss in a few tea towels and candles for ambiance (if fires are permitted), and you're set!

More easy camping recipes

While camping hot dogs are a must-make meal, we have a few other go-to recipes that we love. Here is our curated list of easy camping recipes that are either simple to make, or ideal for preparing ahead of time:

• The Best Black Bean Veggie Burgers – make these at home before you go and then simply heat them in a pan over the fire
• Prawns with Lemon Garlic Butter – make sure you eat these on your first night as prawns don't last long
• Smoky Parmesan Corn on the Cob – this corn recipe tastes especially great on the grill!
• Pecan Crusted Salmon – prepare the pecan mixture before you leave – this salmon recipe is simple to make
• Baja Fish Tacos or Grilled Fish Tacos – tacos are always easy to make while camping. Serve them with some Easy Guacamole for a simple and healthy dinner.
• Black Bean and Corn Chili – one-pot dinners like this are perfect for reheating on a camp stove. You could even roast some sweet potatoes on the fire to make chili stuffed sweet potatoes
• Deliciously Rich Lentil Bolognese – pasta is easy, too. Prepare a homemade sauce ahead of time for a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing – a hearty pasta salad that travels well and makes a filling and delicious lunch.
• Lemon Tahini Dressing or Strawberry Vinaigrette – a dairy-free homemade vinaigrette makes tossing a salad an easy and tasty affair.
• Fajitas or burritos – just cook up a bunch of veggies in a pan and serve them with tortillas, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and some grated cheese.

The list doesn't end here! We've got lots of inspiration for more camping recipes you'll love. So plan on making some camping hot dogs with caramelized onions then choose a few other easy camping recipes from the list!