Weekend at the Races Camping Grocery List

Here's a camping grocery list for a weekend at the track

When I first met my husband, he was getting back into vintage motorcycle racing and reconnecting with old friends. I loved going to the races with him, camping out in the back of a borrowed van on an inflatable mattress, right in the heart of the action. Then we had a baby. I found lodging nearby for some races, but I really missed staying at the track with our friends. We decided to buy a small camper we could tow with our van, and the next thing I knew, my husband was driving a 13-foot fiberglass egg back from Michigan!

Photo by Ellen O'Donnell

Over the years we've put together a pretty great packing list. For couples, the best way to tackle this is to create a shared note in your phone and check off what you've completed as you go. I handle the grocery shopping while he takes care of camper maintenance. We've since upgraded to a 16-foot Scamp with a bathroom—pretty handy after campfire beers on a cool night.

Here are a few simple meal ideas and a basic grocery packing list for a camping weekend at the races. This assumes we're dry camping (no water or electricity), maybe eating a concession burger or two, or doing a potluck cookout with friends.

MEAL IDEAS

Skirt Steak

Trim the fat, pound it flat, and season generously with just salt and pepper. Grill on high flame, slice thinly against the grain, and pass out steak to your friends to eat with their fingers. It will go fast!

Grilled Brats and Burgers 

Toast buns lightly. Serve with a side of chips or a bagged salad kit.

Afternoon Cheese Board

Use your cutting board and put together a cheese plate with salami and crackers. Having something so elegant at a campground feels rather fabulous.

Kids Breakfast

My kiddo likes to lounge in the camper, so I hand her breakfast pastries or cereal in a mug while she wakes up to the sound of vintage motorcycles.

S'mores Hack

Use peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate for a special treat.

Quick Camp-side Sammy

Take your lunchmeat and cheeseboard leftovers and make a quick sandwich with extra burger or brat buns.

A little prep and planning goes a long way when you're camping at the races. A few simple meals can keep you fueled for the weekend without missing time with friends. Plus, any leftovers make great road trip snacks on the way home.