The Camp Pantry

Pantry items are best stored in airtight containers but how long do they last in the camper or RV?

Create a Checklist

The campground pantry is a great way to add spice to every meal. However, unlike in the kitchen of a home, spices and other camp amenities like flour and baking powders may not last as long due to storage and weather conditions. It can get hot or cold in a camper when not in use.

The main thing to remember is to keep it fresh.

Spices lose flavor, and what's the point once the taste is gone?

Most spices will tell you if they are expired. Look at the color, the smell—the flavor.

Camp Note: Bring expired spices to life with a light toasting in a hot pan before use.

Don’t forget your Let’s Go Camping Guide.

It does not matter if it is in a camper, RV, or a Box. Create a camp pantry that can move into the campground.

Camp Note: Take a box, any box will do and fill it up with your favorite camp pantry needs. When you get to the campground, turn the box upright to create a camp pantry for the camp trip. Perfect for tent camping.

To keep pantry staples at their best

Store in airtight containers
Vanilla extract and salts last forever.
Whole spices and seeds last 3-4 years, but check them every two years if left to the elements in a camper.
Ground spices last 1-3 years, but check every six months if the ground spices are delicate, like basil, parsley, or mint.
Baking powders last 1-2 years, but check every six months for best results.
To see if the backing powder is good, drop a teaspoon into a cup of boiling water; if it bubbles, it is good.
Baking soda lasts a long time, so store it in an airtight container in the camp pantry and not the box.
Some flour will tell you immediately if it has gone bad, but white flour can last up to 8 months if stored properly.
Sugars have a long shelf life of up to 2 years.
Can goods like soups, tuna, and beans should be used withing a year to keep a good rotation flow.
Dried beans can last forever.
Try to use ground coffee during the camp trip but coffee beans can last 8 months to 1 year for best flavor profile.
Cereals, oats, breakfast bars should all be used withing the year.
White rice last about two years, while brown rice last about six months.
Dried pasta last 2 years.
Cooking oils will tell you right away if they are rancid, especially nutty ones, but most oils last 1-2 years.