Camping is a great opportunity for families to really sit down and enjoy a meal together. Most camping families though are looking for something a little more substantial than s'mores and hot dogs on a stick to sustain them. There are quite a few great family camping recipes that you should bring along with you in order to make sure that your dinner options aren't limited to the catch of the day.

Creekbank Potatoes

This family favorite is easy to make and even easier to clean up. It's a must for those who want to be able to spend their camping time on something other than housekeeping duties.

What you will need:

Heavy duty aluminum foil
Russet potatoes (2 per person)
1/2 pound smoked sausage (per person)
onions - to taste
salt and pepper - to taste

Slice sausage, onions, and potatoes in thin slices. Place slices on foil. Wrap foil to make a pocket. Add about 1 tablespoon of water to the packet before closing completely then place on grill until done. This generally takes about an hour to cook depending on how thinly you sliced the potatoes. As a word of caution it is wise to watch for steam when opening the packets and always handle the packets for little ones as they can be easily burned.

You can add variations to this recipe by using seasoning salt, adding sliced cheddar cheese, or chives.

Hobo Pie

This tasty dinner works a few veggies into your weekend in the woods. It also provides quick and easy cleanup and is a dish that generally warrants few complaints.

1 1/2 pounds of ground beef or sausage
6-8 red potatoes that have been cut into wedges
1 pound of baby carrots
1 medium sized onion sliced thick

Create a large foil pocket and liberally spray it with non-stick spray. Crumble the ground beef or sausage and spread it around the foil. Top with veggies, add a little salt and pepper to taste then close the foil around it. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 30 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are fork tender.

Campfire Pizza

This is a fun family favorite that is easy enough for the little ones to help make. Be sure to make plenty though because these pizzas disappear quickly.

Pie Iron-It is better to use cast iron rather than aluminum if possible.
Butter
Loaf of bread
Pizza sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni

Butter one side each of two bread slices. Place the slices in the pie iron. Then add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Close the pie iron then place over coals. Check often in order to avoid burning. The goal is to get the bread a nice golden brown. The more pie irons you have going for this delicious dish the better. You can also add other great favorites such as Canadian bacon, olives, mushrooms, peppers, and onions to make your pizza a little more to your personal liking.

Don't be surprised to find that you actually eat better while camping than you do at home with so many great family camping recipes from which to choose. These are a great start and fairly easy to work into your camping routine. Enjoy!