You’re coming to Campout, but you weren’t able to pick up a Meal Plan. You’re stressed out about food planning. We get it, but we’re here to tell you: relax, you can do this. 

The first thing to know is that you don’t need to do it all yourself.

Coordinating with friends and campmates to share food duties is a great way to lighten the burden, and also a nice, scheduled regroup during the festival. 

We also want to stress that we’ll have greatly expanded à La Carte food options for purchase.

There are more ways than ever to enjoy freshly prepared food at Campout. Here’s what’s in store.

At Pick-Me-Ups in Main Camp:‍

Open daily from 8am-8pm, across from the Food Court

• You can buy the same dishes that the chefs prepare for the Meal Plan. These are limited in numbers, and will be ready for purchase at the beginning of each meal service (9am for Brunch, 4pm for Dinner). from the Pick-Me-Ups! bar in Main Camp, across from the Food Court.
  
  
• In addition, Pick-Me-Ups! offers a variety of snacks, salads, and other bites to keep you powered all weekend.
  
  
• Little Rat Ice Cream will also be stationed next to Pick-Me-Ups!, Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-9pm, serving cones, cups, ice creams and sorbets.

At Hemlock Hole in Main Camp:

• Chance In Hell SnoBalls returns to Hemlock Hole from 1pm-6pm daily, serving NOLA shaved ice as well as a menu of street food and snacks.
  
  

At Critters Cafe in New Camp:‍

Critters Cafe is positioned next to Critters Lounge in New Camp. It plays host to three rotating vendors serving food and drinks around the clock:

• Hot Boy Coffee kicks off the day with a full-service espresso bar, specialty coffee drinks, and breakfast bites like frittatas, egg sandwiches, salads and parfaits. Hot Boy Coffee is open Thursday-Saturday, 8am to 5pm, and Sunday, 8am to 1pm.
  
  
• In the evening, Critters Cafe welcomes WERKBIRD!. They’ll be posted up Friday and Saturday from 6pm-11pm, serving incredible Fried Chicken Sandwiches.
  
  
• Queer Aperitivo takes the late night hours featuring a mix of pizzas, snacks, their signature wiggles, and specialty cocktails. Thursday to Saturday, 10pm to 4am.

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Don’t depend solely on à la carte. Make sure you bring enough food for at least one meal per day on your own, plus snacks. 

Make a checklist in advance and stop into a grocery store on your way to Campout. If you have space in your car, a lightweight camping stove opens up a world of food options, but is not necessary to survive. 

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Don’t have a cooler? No sweat. Here are some ideas for non-perishible sustenance:

• Take a walk around the shelf-stable aisles of the store. You’ll find a lot of stuff.
• Tortilla wraps are a great alternative to bread that packs easily and doesn't get smashed. Fill them with peanut butter & bananas, or shelf stable pepperonis and hard cheeses that last a few days (keep them out of direct sunlight). Cans of seasoned tinned fish (lemon pepper tuna, etc) are also great. 
• BANANAS and other fresh fruits that travel well and don’t need to be refrigerated.
• Meat sticks & jerky, dried fruit, trail mixes, granola bars, healthy chips, applesauce cups or pouches. High protein snacks that will keep you full.
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If you can bring a cooler, your options expand a bit… We'll have ice avialble for sale all weekend.

• Plus-Up your tortilla wraps with resealable packages of cured meats and other hard cheeses (sharp cheddar and gouda). 
• Pre-made deli pasta salads or grain salads (quinoa, black bean, etc)
• Pickles (electrolytes!) 
• A tub of hummus
• Yogurt cups
• Pre-washed grapes or other fruit, carrot sticks and other veggie packs
• Meal replacement protein beverages, electrolyte beverages
• Make sure everything is in a waterproof container to protect it from melted ice water.

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Are you camping with others? Do meals together.

Delegate shopping lists and meal prep. Take turns to lighten the load, or cook together. Having a scheduled meal time each day is a great way to stay connected and decompress. 

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Our queer ancestors have eaten in the woods for thousands of years without a Meal Plan – channel their spirit.

You’ve got a month to plan. Lean on the friends and camping experts around you. Spend a few hours on planning this week and you’ll be in great shape.

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