Friendsgiving at the Campsite: Recipes and Setup Ideas

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to happen around a dining table — it can unfold under a canopy of stars, around a crackling campfire, with friends who feel like family. A Friendsgiving at the campsite is all about gratitude, good food, and the joy of simplicity. You don’t need a full kitchen or fancy décor — just a plan, some creativity, and the right gear.

At SunnySports, we believe that nature makes the best dining room. Here’s how to turn your campsite into a cozy outdoor feast with easy recipes, setup ideas, and gear essentials that make cooking (and celebrating) in the wild a pleasure.

1. Setting the Scene: Your Outdoor Dining Space

A great Friendsgiving starts with a welcoming setup. The key is balancing comfort with portability.

Pick the Perfect Spot

Choose a flat, open area close to your fire ring or camp stove, but not too close to risk sparks or smoke. If your site allows it, string up fairy lights or lanterns between trees — instant mood lighting that sets a festive tone.

Tables and Seating

• Use folding camp tables for prep and dining — they pack small but provide a stable surface for food and gear.

• Bring camp chairs or inflatable loungers for relaxed seating.

• Spread a waterproof blanket or picnic mat for extra space if your group likes sitting on the ground.

SunnySports’ collection of lightweight camp furniture makes it easy to create a functional, comfortable dining setup without overpacking.

Decor Touches

Keep it simple and nature-inspired:

• Pinecones, small pumpkins, and autumn leaves make excellent table accents.

• Use a battery-powered LED lantern as a centerpiece.

• Bring reusable plates, cloth napkins, and mugs — it feels more special than disposable ware and is eco-friendly.

Pro tip: Add a small Bluetooth speaker for background music and turn the campfire into your evening entertainment hub.

2. Cooking Gear for a Camp Feast

Cooking outdoors is all about smart tools. With a few essentials, you can prepare a full Friendsgiving meal — no oven required.

Essential Gear

• Two-Burner Camp Stove: Perfect for multi-dish cooking — like boiling, sautéing, or simmering sides.

• Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven: Works on stoves or directly over the fire for roasting, baking, or frying.

• Cooler with Ice Packs: Keeps ingredients fresh all day.

• Campfire Grill Grate: Great for grilling meats or vegetables directly over coals.

• Heat-Resistant Gloves & Utensils: Safety first — camp cooking gets hot fast!

• Reusable Food Containers: Pre-chop veggies, marinate meat, and store leftovers without waste.

SunnySports offers reliable camp cookware from brands like GSI Outdoors, Stanley, and MSR, built for easy use and long-lasting performance.

3. The Friendsgiving Menu: Simple, Delicious, and Campfire-Friendly

You won’t miss the kitchen when your campfire menu includes these flavorful, easy-to-prep dishes. Each one packs big Thanksgiving flavor with minimal hassle.

Main Dish: Campfire Turkey Foil Packets

You don’t need a whole bird to enjoy Thanksgiving’s star ingredient. These individual foil packets deliver all the flavor with none of the fuss.

Ingredients:

• Turkey tenderloins or breast slices

• Diced potatoes and carrots

• Chopped onions

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary

• A touch of butter for richness

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in foil packets, drizzle with olive oil, and season well.

2. Seal tightly and cook over hot coals or a camp grill for 25–30 minutes.

3. Open carefully and enjoy tender, smoky turkey with veggies infused with flavor.

Side Dish: Skillet Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a must-have, and they’re easy to whip up on a camp stove.

Ingredients:

• Pre-boiled potatoes (from home)

• Butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of milk or cream

Instructions:

1. Mash the potatoes in a skillet with butter and garlic.

2. Stir in milk or cream until creamy.

3. Sprinkle with herbs for extra flavor.

Serve directly from the skillet — rustic and delicious.

Side Dish: Campfire Cornbread

Cornbread pairs perfectly with everything Thanksgiving. Use a Dutch oven or cast iron pan.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients until smooth.

2. Pour into a greased pan and bake over the fire (covered with coals) for 20–25 minutes.

3. Top with honey or butter before serving.

Dessert: S’mores Apple Crisp

Turn classic ingredients into a campfire dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• Canned apple pie filling

• Crushed graham crackers

• Mini marshmallows

• Cinnamon and butter

Instructions:

1. Layer apples, crushed crackers, and marshmallows in a foil pan or cast iron dish.

2. Heat over coals for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3. Sprinkle extra graham crumbs and cinnamon on top before serving.

Bonus: Add a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Drinks: Campfire Cider or Spiced Cocoa

Warm drinks bring people together — and they’re easy to make over a camp stove.

Spiced Apple Cider

• Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices in a pot.

• Simmer for 10 minutes, then ladle into mugs.

Spiked Cocoa (for adults)

• Mix cocoa powder, milk, and sugar.

• Add a splash of Irish cream or bourbon for a cozy twist.

4. Staying Cozy and Comfortable

Late-fall camping can get chilly, but that’s part of the fun. Keep the group warm and happy with a few comfort-focused essentials.

• Insulated Blankets and Sleeping Bags: Lay a few around the seating area for guests to wrap up in.

• Portable Fire Pit or Extra Firewood: Nothing ruins a night faster than running out of heat.

• Hot Water Bottles: Slip one into your sleeping bag before bed for extra warmth.

• Hand Warmers: Small but mighty — and they make great table favors for guests.

SunnySports carries cold-weather camping gear designed for late-season trips, so your Friendsgiving stays festive even when the temperature dips.

5. Games, Gratitude, and Good Company

Food brings everyone together — but it’s the moments between bites that make Friendsgiving special.

• Campfire Gratitude Round: Have each person share something they’re thankful for. It’s simple, heartfelt, and perfect for the occasion.

• Outdoor Games: Bring a frisbee, cards, or a mini cornhole set. Lighthearted fun keeps spirits high before and after dinner.

• Music and Stories: A small Bluetooth speaker or acoustic guitar makes for an easy soundtrack. Or trade stories around the fire — no Wi-Fi needed.

6. Clean-Up Made Easy

Leave the campsite better than you found it — that’s the golden rule of outdoor feasts.

Tips:

• Bring extra trash bags and separate compostables if your site allows.

• Use biodegradable soap and a small basin for washing dishes.

• Wipe down tables before packing up.

• Double-check for food scraps or wrappers — wildlife safety depends on it.

SunnySports’ eco-friendly cleaning kits and collapsible wash basins make clean-up fast and efficient.

7. Friendsgiving Packing Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown to help you organize your outdoor feast:

Cooking & Dining

• Camp stove, fuel, lighter

• Cooler and ice packs

• Pots, pans, utensils

• Plates, bowls, and mugs

• Foil, paper towels, trash bags

Comfort & Décor

• Camp chairs and tables

• Lanterns or string lights

• Blankets, napkins, and reusable cutlery

• Décor (pinecones, candles, leaves)

Food & Drinks

• Prepped ingredients

• Seasonings, oils, butter

• Drinks, cider, cocoa, or wine

• Dessert ingredients

Cleanup

• Soap, sponge, towels

• Trash and recycling bags

• Wet wipes or sanitizers

Pack light, plan ahead, and you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable meal under the open sky.

Final Thoughts

A Friendsgiving at the campsite isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. It’s the laughter that rises with the smoke, the shared stories, and the way food tastes better outdoors. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows, sipping cider, or counting stars, this kind of celebration reminds you what Thanksgiving is really about: gratitude, togetherness, and simplicity.

So grab your friends, pack your favorite recipes, and let SunnySports help you make this Friendsgiving one for the memory books — filled with warmth, flavor, and the spirit of adventure.