Table of Contents
Delicious rafting recipes are what put the cherry on top of an epic raft trip. Any river guru knows that you need to eat well to have a good time and these recipes and river snack ideas are easy and will keep you satisfied. Enjoy!
If you’ve ever spent copious amounts of time in the water doing recreational activities, you know exactly how hungry you’ll be when you get out of the water. There’s nothing worse than being stuck with food that doesn’t hit the spot. Satisfy everyone’s cravings and avoid hunger issues while river rafting with some of our favorite rafting recipes. No one expects a party of rafters to go the whole day without eating! Stops will occur and mouths will need to be fed.
Over 22.9 million Americans participated in paddlesports like kayaking and canoeing in 2019 (Boat‑Ed, 2022)
Our guess is zero (unless they were marooned at sea). And for good reason: “Whitewater rafting, kayaking or canoeing burns approximately 352 calories per hour for a person weighing around 155 lb,” (DHS Wisconsin) according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. That’s a serious energy burn—and a powerful case for replacing those calories with nutritious meals throughout the day.
Whether you’re an experienced camper or just looking to break into the scene, we want you to have the best recipes and food ready to go for any breaks in the trip. Don’t plan a Colorado white water rafting trip without having delicious food ideas ready to keep your energy up and your spirits high.
Our Favorite Rafting Recipes
Albacore Salad
- Bring as much canned tuna as you need and drain it. Add the drained tuna into a bowl.
- Add as many onions, carrots, and celery as you’d like to the bowl.
- Include a few capers to bring out the flavor.
- Add your favorite flavored mayonnaise to bring the mix together.
- For some starch, make sure you have chips, bread, or any other bread-based foods to add to the mix or use as a base.
If you’re looking for a river lunch idea, albacore salad makes a great light lunch or snack to help you make it to dinner. If you plan on having a large amount of food for a big group, this salad is great as a side dish.
Pesto Pasta
- Boil water and add your linguine. Drain the linguine after your pasta is soft.
- Mix in your homemade or store-bought pesto.
- Add feta, parmesan, and Romano cheese. Trust us, the cheese completes this dish.
- Sprinkle in pepper and black olives for color and fresh taste.
Pesto pasta is one of our favorite choices because there’s a vegetarian version that’s also easy to make for anyone with dietary restrictions. If you bring some chicken to grill, this pasta will go great with it.
Turkey And Waffles
- Toast Belgian waffles over an open fire.
- Fry your turkey slices or turkey chunks in a frying pan.
- Cover your waffles with the turkey and pour gravy over the top.
This recipe works great for any meal at any time. You might not want to add another bread item, so serve this with vegetables or fruit.
Campfire Salmon
- Have the right amount of salmon filets to feed your party.
- Season the salmon with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and some garlic.
- If you have the space in your supplies, also consider bringing along some Dijon mustard to spread on the salmon.
- Wrap the salmon in aluminum foil and place it over the fire.
- Cook for six to eight minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked.
If you have some favorite vegetables you brought along, this is a wonderful meal for them to act as a side dish. Just cook them over the fire with the salmon.
Chili-Corn Stew
- Open up a large can of chili (or vegetarian chili if you prefer) and dump it in your pot.
- If your can of chili doesn’t include beans, add some red kidney, pinto, or black beans.
- Add a can of corn kernels to the mix.
- Dice some onions and sprinkle them into the pot.
- Mix and stir until hot and bubbling.
- Finish it off by sprinkling cheese on top. Variety is good, so we recommend cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey (or make it interesting and use all three).
- Serve with tortillas or tortilla chips.
This is an incredibly simple recipe to make and doesn’t take much time or effort. Chili-corn stew is a great meal for an exhausting first day, or save it for a long day when you are more tired than usual.
Walking Tacos
- Brown ground beef and drain it.
- Add taco seasoning and a little bit of water to the beef, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Hand out a lunch-sized bag of Doritos or Fritos (or similar brands) to each person.
- Open the bags and add some of the meat.
- Sprinkle shredded taco cheese on top.
- Set up a small table of an assortment of taco toppings for each person to customize their “taco”: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and sour cream, just to name the usual suspects
Some of you may be familiar with walking tacos from schools and sporting events. They are easy to make, and a whole lot of fun, making them a great outdoor recipe too.
River Snack Ideas to Pre-make Before Your Trip
You’ve got the recipes and river snack ideas from this article, now all that’s left is to enjoy your rafting trip. As long as the rest of your trip prep is squared away, you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Forget the usual granola bars and trail mix. With these delicious, easy-to-pack options, you’ll be eating well no matter how long your rafting trip lasts, from a half-day float to a weeklong expedition. Because fueling up with real food keeps you ready for whatever the river throws your way.
At Wilderness Aware, we have been cooking amazing food on the river for our clients since 1976. Since our start, we have offered outstanding outdoor experiences on seven of the most amazing rivers in the American West, including rivers in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Take a look at our 5-star Colorado white water rafting trips, Browns Canyon rafting trips, as well as the many others we offer. We look forward to seeing you on the river!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best meals to bring on a white water rafting trip?
The best meals for a white water rafting trip are easy to pack, high in energy, and satisfying after a long day on the river. Popular options include albacore tuna salad, pesto pasta, chili-corn stew, and campfire salmon. All of which can be prepped in advance or made quickly at camp.
How many calories do you burn while white water rafting?
White water rafting burns an average of 350 calories per hour for most adults. This high energy output makes it important to fuel up with nutritious, satisfying meals throughout your trip.
Can I cook real meals while camping on a rafting trip?
Yes! With some simple planning, it’s easy to cook delicious meals on a rafting trip. Recipes like turkey and waffles, walking tacos, or foil-wrapped salmon require minimal gear and are perfect for riverside cooking.
What snacks should I pack for a river rafting trip?
The best snacks for a river rafting trip are portable, nutrient-dense, and satisfying enough to keep your energy up between meals. Some top choices include our Berry Blast Smoothie (great for a refreshing boost), Crispy Hot Wing Chickpea Crunchies (packed with protein and flavor), Decadent Dark Chocolate Energy Bars (perfect for a sweet, energizing treat), and good ol’ Trail Mix (a classic for a reason). These snacks are easy to prep before your trip and hold up well on the river.
How do I plan meals for a multi-day rafting trip?
For a multi-day rafting trip, plan a mix of pre-made snacks, simple one-pot meals, and fire-friendly recipes. Choose foods that are easy to store, require minimal prep, and can be customized for dietary needs. Think hearty stews, pasta dishes, and protein-packed lunches.
