Essential Spices For Your Camping Spice Kit: How to DIY your own

Try spice blends to create yummy flavor combinations with some basics in your camping spice kit and produce your favorite globally inspired cuisines! Herbs and dry spices provide super flavorful dishes without packing a full-sized refrigerator! That’s one of the secrets to “no recipe” camping food that doesn’t taste like cardboard.

5 Essential Camping Spices For Your Portable Herb And Camping Spice Kit For Yummy Meals To Carry In A Multi Compartment Spice Container For Awesome Camp Meals by CampingForFoodies

My 5 Favorite Spices

If I could only pack minimal ingredients for my camping trips, they would be:

  • Garlic powder
  • Basil
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder or cayenne pepper
  • Curry powder

This basic spice set takes camping meals toward Italian and Mexican flavor profiles which happen to be our favorites. We sprinkle them on meat for grilling and roasting in our Dutch ovens.

We also mix them into veggies, beans, rice and pasta for side dishes and meatless main dishes. Note: These five spices would be in addition to salt and pepper which are absolutely mandatory for seasoning.

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

Best Camping Spice Container Sets

The variety and amount of spices you want to carry for outdoor cooking will dictate the best option for your spice containers.

How I carry my spices

I like to carry more than just five spices, especially when we go on longer trips. Because the containers are small, I looked for a space in our RV that could accommodate holding a tray of spices.

Plastic Storage BinsPlastic Storage BinsPlastic Storage Bins

 

I decided to go with a clear plastic container that measures about 12×6 inches and is about 4 inches high. Depending on the size of the bottles/containers of my spices, I can fit between 15-18 spices in one of these bins.

GSI Outdoors spice missile

GSI Outdoors - Spice Missile: Lightweight, Modular Spice Carrier for Camping and OutdoorsGSI Outdoors – Spice Missile: Lightweight, Modular Spice Carrier for Camping and OutdoorsGSI Outdoors - Spice Missile: Lightweight, Modular Spice Carrier for Camping and Outdoors

 

Use a camping spice container that keeps your spices dry and neatly contained without spilling. This GSI Outdoors Spice Missile is a lightweight multi-compartment spice container that holds salt, pepper, and up to FOUR MORE spices. The modules screw together and a convenient filler cap stores below the base for easy refilling of any of the compartments!


Portable spice shaker set with travel bag

Portable Stainless Steel Spice Shaker Set  With Rotating Lids & Travel BagPortable Stainless Steel Spice Shaker Set With Rotating Lids & Travel BagPortable Stainless Steel Spice Shaker Set  With Rotating Lids & Travel Bag

 

Basic pre-filled multi spice shaker sets only get you so far when it comes to unique flavor combinations. It’s a great idea to fill your own spice jars to be sure you create the perfect essence for your food. This handy set comes with a carrying case that only takes up a little space. The adjustable dial allows you to shake a small amount or pour larger amounts of seasonings as you cook.

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GSI Outdoors waterproof spice rack

GSI Outdoors Waterproof Spice Rack RV & Car CampingGSI Outdoors Waterproof Spice Rack RV & Car CampingGSI Outdoors Waterproof Spice Rack RV & Car Camping

 

Using a spice rack allows you to carry many different spices without placing huge demands on your limited storage space which is especially important when car camping and backpacking.

This compact spice kit contains empty jars you can fill with your dry seasonings or premixed spice blends. The set includes a rack that links the waterproof spice bottles together for easy access. It also includes 18 removable, pre-printed spice labels and 4 additional customizable labels.

Portable Spice Jar Set & Condiment Storage Bottles

WGIA Portable Spice Jar Set of 7 Sauce Condiment Storage Container Bottles with Carry Bag, Perfect for Outdoor CampingWGIA Portable Spice Jar Set of 7 Sauce Condiment Storage Container Bottles with Carry Bag, Perfect for Outdoor CampingWGIA Portable Spice Jar Set of 7 Sauce Condiment Storage Container Bottles with Carry Bag, Perfect for Outdoor Camping

 

If you’re looking for a set that holds wet and dry ingredients, this set is a good option.

  • The jars hold about 3 ounces of dry ingredients and the bottles hold about 5 ounces of liquid ingredients.
  • If you carry things like olive oil or canola oil and balsamic vinegar you can make fast salad dressings and sauces. Toss vegetables in a little soy sauce and you can make a simple stir fry.
  • Maybe you want to carry ketchup, mustard and hot sauce for campfire favorites like hot dogs and burgers.

DIY Spice Containers

Thinking you want to do a simple DIY camping spice kit using cheap Dollar Store items or objects you have at home?

This is the perfect DIY project. It allows you to carry your own spices that satisfy your tastes. Some people like combining basic spices at the campsite, others want to use all-purpose spice blends. Carrying exactly what your palate desires goes a long way to making ordinary meals extraordinary on a weekend camping trip or extra long road trip!

  • The best packaging materials should be lightweight and non-breakable.
  • Avoid glass bottles unless you don’t care about the extra weight and the delicate nature of glass.
  • Plastic containers with screw-on lids make a great container for this project.
  • You also want to make sure you use waterproof containers that have an open end so they’re easy to fill and re-seal but there are other options too.

Top choices for this camping hack include:

  • Pill containers and small medication bottles are a great addition to your gear. When the bottle seals well you can use it for wet or dry ingredients. These are perfect when you’re baking and need a few teaspoons of vanilla extract, for example.
  • Pill organizers are convenient but it is a good idea to keep the organizer in a very secure location where it is supported in an upright position so the spices don’t get mixed together.
  • M&M tubes that you get when you’re standing in the grocery store checkout line.
  • Ziplock bags have plenty of space when you are measuring and mixing ingredients at home so you can dump and cook at the campsite. They come in different sizes so if you need to carry small amounts of spices, you can use the snack size resealable plastic bags, if you need larger quantities, the sandwich or quart size Ziploc bags seem to be the best fits. If you are doing a dry rub or liquid marinade on a cut of meat, a gallon freezer bag is a great way to go.
  • Film canisters work great for this. You know, the old fashioned way of taking 35mm photos with film instead of digital cameras? These little plastic containers have larger openings with tight-fitting lids making them easy to fill and securely seal.
  • Plastic straws are a clever idea for transporting spices … these are great when you just need a tsp of something. Here’s how you do it:
    1. Cut the straw to the desired length.
    2. Use a lighter or propane gas burner to create a small open flame.
    3. Hold one end of the straw with needle nose pliers and slowly wave the straw above the flame until it softens. This will seal that end of the straw closed.
    4. Let the straw cool.
    5. Carefully pour the spices into the open end of the straw but don’t fill it completely. You’ll want to do this over a piece of parchment paper because it’s really hard to get the spices into that tiny opening. You’ll end up with more outside the straw than inside it … so, when you’re done you can just curl the parchment paper into a funnel and pour it back into your larger spice bottle.
    6. Now, hold the open end of the straw with the pliers over the flame to seal the second end.
    7. Let the straw cool, label it and place it in a secure container for transportation. An empty Altoids tin or pencil case work great for holding these spice-filled straws.

Don’t forget to add a self-adhesive label so you know what is inside your little containers. At the end of a long day you don’t want to mistakenly add garlic salt instead of pumpkin pie spice to your dump cake! Now, start loading your gear to head out on your next trip!

Don’t forget the S&P!

No matter what spices you decide to add to your kit, don’t forget to bring salt and pepper! Otherwise, you can just eat tree bark and pine needles! LOL (Kidding … NOT kidding!)

Keeping spices fresh

Do you know what causes herbs and spices to lose their flavor?

  • If you answered humidity, light and heat … you are correct!
  • Therefore, make sure you store your camping spices in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight and don’t keep them above your stove if you camp using an RV.

Multi-spice shaker with herb assortment

Coghlan's Multi-Spice Shaker SetCoghlan’s Multi-Spice Shaker SetCoghlan's Multi-Spice Shaker Set

 

If you don’t want to build your own DIY camping spice kit, you can start with the basic pre-filled, ready-to-go multi spice shaker set which is a super portable and really popular shaker that takes up minimal space.

These are really nice options when you don’t have much room for supplies on your simple camping trips and need to reduce the gear you pack. This shaker includes paprika, curry, cayenne, garlic salt, black pepper and salt. Each spice has its own flip top shaker lid so they will not mix or spill.

There are two things I don’t like about these shakers:

  1. After some time, the snap-down part of the lid will not completely close.
  2. If you are camped in humid climates, the spices will tend to clump-up inside the shaker and you can’t shake them out.

Using dried ingredients frees-up cold storage space

Using dried herbs and spices effortlessly take your camp meals over-the-top without the need to use precious cold-storage space in a cooler or refrigerator … unlike when using fresh herbs and aromatics to flavor your camping meals.

9 simple ways to use spices from your kit

You don’t always have to follow a recipe to up your food game with interesting flavorings and aromas. Here are some ideas for adding a dash of ____________to make bland food taste AMAZING!

  1. Dried dill to salads
  2. Chili powder to spicy noodles
  3. Garlic powder to potatoes (a spritz of fresh lemon juice is wonderful too)
  4. Dried oregano to fresh tomatoes
  5. Ground cumin to a pot of soup
  6. Smoked paprika to popcorn (this is a great simple travel snack for longer trips)
  7. Dried basil to quinoa
  8. Ground cinnamon to French toast (kids love this)
  9. Crushed fennel seed to campfire pizza (don’t forget the fresh cheese too!)

Choosing Appropriate Spices For Your Kit

Avoid making bland camp food based on your taste buds. The first thing you need to do is make a list of your personal preferences when eating in the great outdoors. After you determine the essence of those flavorings, you can easily decide which dry ingredients you want to add to your own spice kit.

Classic Ethnic Flavor Combinations

Camp cooking is personal … so, feel free to add ingredients you like and subtract those you hate. If you want a basic spicy dry rub that has just enough heat to please everyone in the crowd, our favorite blend is great for beef, pork and chicken.

Camping Spices And Spice Combinations For Unique Flavors For Your Portable Herb And Camping Spice Kit For Yummy Meals To Carry In A Multi Compartment Spice Container For Awesome Camp Meals by CampingForFoodies

Here are the common spices used in cuisines from around the globe that will expand your flavor options beyond the basic camping spice kit selections.

Southwest

  • Chili Powder
  • Chipotle Powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Smoked Paprika

Caribbean

  • Allspice
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Cloves
  • Ground Ginger
  • Nutmeg

Jerk

  • Allspice
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Nutmeg
  • Sage
  • Thyme

Italian

  • Basil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme

Mexican

  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano

Cajun

  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Thyme

Greek

  • Basil
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ground Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Onion Powder
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme

Thai

  • Basil
  • Cardamom
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Curry Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Ground Cloves
  • Ground Ginger
  • Ground Mustard
  • Nutmeg
  • Turmeric

Storing & organizing your camp kitchen

Keeping your camping spices organized and fresh is important but if you need additional help organizing your other camping gear, check out my Camping Storage Ideas post for RV spice rack ideas and other great tips!

Use a checklist

Seasonings are not the only items you need to remember to pack for your camping kitchen! When we first started camping, I tried to pack “by memory” and that was a disaster … there was always something I forgot to pack … so I created this checklist for camping, Ultimate RV And Tent Camping Checklist and I never had that OOPS moment again! Get your FREE copy now!

FREE Printable Menu Planner

Meal Planning

Use my camping menu planner to stay organized when planning meals for your next trip. It’s FREE and you’ll get it delivered instantly to your inbox!

Camping Menu Template Meal Planner Free Printable by CampingForFoodies features a collage of free camping printables including a camping menu planner template, a campfire stew recipe card and a healthy no cook camping salad with text over the image that reads free camping menu template, tips and recipe ideas.

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