For some (like us!), camping snacks are the best part of the whole experience. In this guide, we put together our favorite ideas for easy camping snacks, including some you prep at home, several that are ready to eat, and a few that involve a campfire.
Everyone knows one of the best things about camping is the food.
But while a lot of love and planning goes into those early-morning breakfasts cooked on a griddle and dinners enjoyed around the fire, it’s easy to overlook camping snacks.
Many people grab a few bags of chips and call it good. While there’s nothing wrong with chips (in fact, they may or may not be on this list…), we’re here to help you level up your camping food game.
As a bonus, many of the snacks we included double as a light breakfast or lunch (or at least share several ingredients!).
Ready-to-eat camping snacks
No prep necessary, these camping snacks are ready to eat!
1. Fresh fruit and veggies
Before diving into some of the more unique camping snacks, it’s important to recognize the value of plain ol’ fruit and vegetables. It’s tough to beat the nutritional benefits of fresh produce, so be sure to pack a nice variety.
2. Dried fruit
Dried fruit is mess-free, doesn’t require any special storage, and you can easily eat it on the go.
If you keep an eye on your sugar intake, be mindful of added sugars in store-bought versions. With a basic dehydrator, you can also easily make your own dried fruit!
3. Trail mix
A classic camping snack, trail mix combines nuts, dried fruit, and anything else you think up. It’s satisfying, easy to pack, loaded with calories and protein, and a breeze to buy or prepare.
It’s easy (and inexpensive!) to make your own trail mix. Customize it with favorites like chocolate chips, almonds, berries, or pretzels, and shop in the bulk section to keep costs down.
4. Chips and dip
A tried-and-true classic, it’s safe to say many of us could literally live on chips and dip. There are absolutely no rules here, so stick with favorites like tortilla chips and salsa or branch out and try flavored chips and a variety of dips.
5. Veggies and hummus
For an easy snack with no prep or clean-up, pack pre-made hummus and veggies for dipping. Carrots, cucumber sticks, and grape tomatoes are all great.
6. Rice cakes
Camping snacks don’t get much easier than a simple rice cake. You don’t have to keep them hot or cold, and you can eat them straight out of the bag. Spread some nut butter on one to make it a heartier snack.
7. Dressed up cottage cheese
Love it or hate it, cottage cheese is an unsung hero, especially when it comes to healthy camping snacks. It’s packed with protein and nutrient-dense, yet low in calories.
Bring a container, along with toppings like fruit, honey, nuts, or granola. You can also add a bit of your preferred seasoning and eat it as a dip with crackers or pretzels.
8. Tuna
Another polarizing food, there’s no denying the nutritional punch that tuna packs (pun intended!). The ready-to-eat pouches keep for a long time and are extremely easy to pack.
Doctor your tuna up with seasoning and eat it with crackers, or hollow out an avocado and scoop it into the center.
9. String cheese
Practically designed for adventuring, string cheese is high in protein and highly portable. Just be sure to keep it in the cooler.
Camping snacks you prep at home
With a little pre-planning a preparation, these ideas make excellent camping snacks.
10. Veggie pinwheels
There’s a reason pinwheels have been popular at parties for decades. They’re easy to make using whatever you have on hand and aesthetically pleasing, too.
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla or wrap, add some everything bagel seasoning, and layer the veggies. Use whatever you prefer or have, just make sure it’s thinly sliced.
11. Hard-boiled eggs
Boil a batch of eggs before your trip for a portable, protein-rich camping snack. They transport easily, just make sure you keep them cool. Bring some salt and pepper or “everything” bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
12. Aussie Bites
While these tasty little treats could fool a child into calling them “mini muffins”, they pack quite a nutritional punch.
Made with all organic ingredients like rolled oats, flax seeds, dried apricots, coconut, quinoa, and chia seeds, these are a far better alternative than packing, say, a chocolate chip cookie, yet it’ll give you that same “dessert” satisfaction!
You can find these babies in bulk at Costco, or you can bake your own copycat version by following this recipe!
13. Apple granola stackers
We’ve previously mentioned these delicious little snacks as an easy camping meal. You don’t have to prep these at home, but the ingredients can get a bit messy at camp.
Simply slice apples crosswise, like a donut, then spread peanut butter, granola, and cinnamon sugar on the slices. Stack the layers and wrap each “apple” up to transport and store.
14. Marinated olives
Technically, this can be considered a ready-to-eat camping snack. However, we’re listing it in this section to encourage you to stop spending money at the olive bar and start making your own marinated olives.
It’s surprisingly easy and affordable, using just a variety of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. And your preferred types of olives, of course.
15. DIY pizza lunchables
Use mini naan or flatbread (pitas or halved English muffins also work) for your “crust,” then top with marinara sauce and cheese.
From there, everyone makes their own pizza how they prefer it. Camping-friendly toppings include pepperoni, diced bell peppers and mushrooms, olives, and pineapple. Pack ingredients in separate small containers, to make sure nothing spills.
16. Stuffed mini peppers
It’s crazy that these are so delicious, because they require three simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes.
Best of all, there are countless ways to customize them. Use flavored cream cheese, add chopped green onions, drizzle with hot honey, or heat over the campfire.
Minimal prep camping snacks
If you don’t have much time, but want to throw something together before you head out on your camping adventure. Here are some great ideas…
17. DIY charcuterie
If you’ve never considered bringing charcuterie as one of your camping snacks, consider your life officially changed.
Pack our favorite meats, cheeses, and extras, making it as fancy or un-fussy as you like. There are tons of ways to make this even more convenient for camping, like buying pre-sliced everything or doing some of the slicing at home. Don’t forget a box of wine!
18. Caprese skewers
Keeping with the charcuterie theme, you can make a simpler (but just as tasty!) version with these skewers.
Put cherry or grape tomatoes, mozzarella (the small, fresh balls or cubing a block work equally well), and fresh basil onto skewers. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and enjoy.
If you make these ahead of time, wait until you’re ready to serve to add the balsamic drizzle.
19. Peanut Butter & banana wraps
For this camping snack, simply spread your favorite peanut butter on a tortilla or wrap, add banana slices, and roll it up. You can also add honey, a few chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
To make this treat even sweeter, swap the peanut butter for Nutella or Biscoff spread!
Quick note: you could make these at home, but the bananas will brown fairly quickly, especially in hot weather or humidity.
20. Yogurt parfaits
Parfaits work as a snack, dessert, or camping breakfast. In a bowl, layer yogurt (vanilla, strawberry, or honey-flavored work best!) with granola and fresh berries. You can even add chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or seeds.
To make prep even easier, set all the ingredients out and invite everyone to make their own custom parfaits.
21. Ants on a log
This kid-friendly food is actually a clever camping snack, combining different textures and flavors. And speaking of kids, get them involved and let them help make their own.
22. Chia seed pudding
If you’re unfamiliar with chia seed pudding, think of it like making overnight oats that have the consistency of tapioca pudding.
Using your preferred type of milk (almond or coconut work best), soak the chia seeds to hydrate them. Once the “pudding” is ready, top with whatever you like to make it yours. Chocolate, fresh fruit, and nuts all make great toppings.
Pro tip: the longer you soak the chia seeds, the better, so consider making these during breakfast to eat later in the day.
Campfire snacks
Prepare these snacks around the campfire for an extra dose of fun!
23. Campfire caprese brie
All that talk earlier about charcuterie and caprese skewers got us thinking about camping snacks with similar flavor profiles—like this caprese brie.
Cooked in a cast iron pan over the fire, this snack is indulgent, unbelievably satisfying, and almost too-good-to-be-true easy. Don’t forget a baguette or sturdy crackers for dipping!
24. Campfire fruit kebabs
Layer chunks or slices of your favorite fresh fruit onto skewers, then grill over the campfire for a few minutes. The caramelization brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, resulting in a satisfying sweet—but healthy—snack.
You can use just about any fruit, but some are better grilled than others: pineapple, peaches, melon, apples, pears, and bananas.
This is one of the best camping snacks for younger children, because they can get involved and make their own fruit combos.
25. BBQ lil’ smokies
A package of pre-cooked cocktail weenies and your favorite barbecue sauce are the only two ingredients you need for this crowd-pleasing camping snack.
Combine the sausages and sauce in a Dutch oven or foil packet and heat up over your fire. Because they’re technically already cooked, it really is just a matter of heating them through.
26. Popcorn
Popcorn is a super quick and easy camping snack. You can even bring a bag pre-popped from home! However, there’s nothing quite like that just-popped taste, especially when you get one of those old-school Jiffy Pop varieties that you have to shake continuously over the fire.
To make your popcorn fancier, create a mix with pretzels, nuts, and M&Ms or similar candy.
27. Avocado toast
Initially it might not sound very snack-y, but hold that thought. Avocado toast is packed with healthy fats and super easy to make.
To keep things simple at camp, toast your bread over the fire and then spread it with lightly seasoned, mashed avocado. Of course, you can also fancy it up with toppings, like tomato slices, feta, a fried egg, or a drizzle of hot honey.
28. Cinnamon sugar pita chips
Cut pita bread into wedges, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Then, toast lightly over the fire for a sweet and crispy treat. You can even use dairy-free butter to make these gluten!
These pita chips can be made over the campfire or in an oven, so they work well no matter what type of camping you usually do. If you prefer, you can also make them ahead of time at home.
29. Campfire nachos
Nachos can be as simple or fancy as you like and either way, they’re easy to put together as a camping snack. You can use a Dutch oven or make them in foil packets, heating just until everything is nice and gooey.
Start with just chips and cheese, and then let everyone add their own toppings. Beans, olives, green onions, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa are all fan favorites.
30. Chicken stuffed crescent rolls
These quick rolls are like the camping version of a popover — creamy, comforting, and just rich enough to be a hearty snack.
Use a variety of hacks to make these ultra easy to prep, including refrigerated crescent rolls and rotisserie chicken. To cook them over a campfire, use a Dutch oven or wrap in foil.
Be sure to download this FREE PDF of our complete camping food checklist so you can prepare for your next camping adventure!
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- Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking
- How to Find Discounted Outdoor Gear
- A Beginners Guide to Car Camping
- Essential Camping Food List + Meal Ideas
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We want to hear from you!
What’s your favorite snack from this list that you cannot wait to try? Are there any other camping snacks you think we’ve missed? Comment below and let us know!