The Best Camping Snacks For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

When it comes to camping, there’s a lot more to think about than just the tent and sleeping bag. Whether you’re backpacking or car camping, you’ll want to pack snacks for your trip so that you don’t go hungry but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring!

From nuts and fruit to smores fixings and even protein cookies, these snacks will satisfy your hunger while keeping your stomach happy.

NEW* Camping Meal Ideas – What I Eat in a Day CAMPING

Key Takeaways
Find the best camping snacks for your next outdoor adventure.
Enjoy delicious and easy-to-make recipes for the whole family.
Pack snacks that are easy to carry, store, and make on the go.
Keep snacks cool in a cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles.
Customize your snacks by making homemade options like energy bites and trail mix.

Mixed Nuts

Nuts are a good source of protein, but they can be high in calories and fat. So, though nuts are a smart choice for camping snacks, you want to make sure you don’t eat too many.

If you’re going to be active while camping (and you should), having a few nuts as part of your meal can provide the energy boost you need.

Be sure to keep them in moderation so that if it’s hot out, or if there’s no place for shade nearby, the only thing slowing down your fun will be how fast those extra calories add up!

Planning your camping trip with kids can be overwhelming, but our article on How to Plan the Perfect Camping Trip with Your Kids provides some great tips and tricks for a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, with no added sugars. This makes it a great snack on the go, as well as something you can use to add flavor and texture to trail mix.

Dried fruits also contain a decent amount of vitamin C, which will help boost your immune system during outdoor adventures.

In addition to eating dried fruit as is, you may opt to soak them in water before consuming or adding them to smoothies, oatmeal or hot cereal!

Best Dried Fruits for Camping

Fruit	Brand	Benefits
Bananas	Barnana	Rich in potassium and fiber, easy to pack and carry.
Apples	Bare	Low in calories and high in fiber, great for pairing with nut butter.
Mangoes	Trader Joe’s	Sweet and tangy, high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Strawberries	Sun-Maid	Small and easy to pack, rich in vitamin C and natural sugars for energy.
Pineapple	Natierra	High in vitamin C and bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory.

Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a great snack for camping because of its high protein content and relatively low carbohydrate count. It’s also a good source of iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and niacin.

While beef jerky can easily be eaten on the go, I like to make my own because I love experimenting with different flavors.

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen (and if not they are easy enough to find at any grocery store).

From s’mores to campfire pizzas, our list of 15 Delicious Campfire Recipes has got you covered on your next camping trip for easy and tasty meal options with minimum equipment.

Energy Bars

Energy bars are a great option when it comes to camping snacks. They’re quick, easy and can be packed with the rest of your food and eaten on the go.

They’re also high in protein and fiber, making them a great snack for when you need something filling but nutritious.

Energy bars come in all sorts of flavors, so there’s one for every taste bud! Whether you like chocolatey or fruity, there’s an energy bar out there for you! Try one today from brands like Kind Bar or Nature Valley (or whichever brand is currently on sale).

Top Energy Bars for Camping

Brand	Flavor	Benefits
Clif Bar	White Chocolate Macadamia Nut	A classic energy bar that’s high in carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers for sustained energy.
RXBAR	Peanut Butter	Made with simple, whole food ingredients like egg whites and nuts, perfect for a post-workout snack.
KIND Bar	Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt	Contains a balance of salty and sweet flavors, low in sugar with a mix of nuts that provide healthy fats.
Larabar	Apple Pie	Made with only a few whole food ingredients, Paleo-friendly and gluten-free with a home-made taste.
Bobo’s	Original	Provides long-lasting energy from whole grain oats and organic ingredients with an added bonus of delicious taste.

Granola

Granola is a convenient, inexpensive snack that can be packed in small quantities and easily eaten on the go. It’s also a good source of fiber and protein, providing you with energy that’ll keep you going all day.

The key to buying granola is to look at the nutrition content then avoid those brands that are too salty or have tons of sugar (or worse, artificial sweeteners).

A good rule of thumb: if your cereal has more than 15 grams of sugar per serving, then it’s not worth your time or money!

You know what’s great about popcorn? It’s easy to make, it stores well, and it’s healthy. What else do you want from an outdoor snack? Popcorn is a classic camping food because of its versatility: you can make it in an air popper or on the stovetop (or even in a microwave!).

Plus, there are so many ways to flavor popcorn that you’ll never get bored with this snack. But if you’re vegan or gluten-free, fear not there are plenty of varieties out there that fit into your dietary needs!

Popcorn

If you’ve never tried making your own gourmet popcorn before but would like to give it a try at home instead of spending money on pre-packaged versions at the grocery store, here’s how we recommend doing so:

If using an air popper:

1 cup unpopped kernels + 1 tsp coconut oil + 1/4 tsp salt + 2 tablespoons canola oil + large bowl filled halfway with water

Best Popcorn Brands for Camping

Brand	Flavor	Benefits
SkinnyPop	Original	Low calorie, non-GMO, gluten-free and made with just three simple ingredients.
Boom Chicka Pop	Sea Salt	Light and airy with a salty crunch, this popcorn is low in calories and perfect for snacking on the go.
Pop Secret	Homestyle	A classic movie theater taste, this microwave popcorn is easy to make over a campfire stove.
Angie’s Boomchickapop	Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn	The perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors, made with non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients.
Quinn Popcorn	Hickory Smoked Cheddar	Organic and non-GMO, this popcorn is popped in pure coconut oil and flavored with real cheese and spices.

Don’t know what to bring on your next camping trip for meal prep? Check out The Best Camping Recipes for a Perfect Outdoor Getaway for some delicious and easy-to-make options to help you stay fueled up the entire time.

Trail Mix

Trail mix: This is a great snack to take on the go. It’s easily portable, and can be eaten with one hand while walking or hiking.

Trail mix is also perfect for climbing, biking and canoeing because you can quickly stash a few handfuls into your pocket without worrying about spilling any crumbs on your shirt or pants (which would be more difficult to clean up if they got wet). Plus it’s delicious!

Mini Peanut Butter Cracker Packs

Mini peanut butter cracker packs are a great option for camping because they’re portable and easy to eat. Peanut butter is high in calories, so you don’t need to eat too many of these.

You should keep an eye on how much you’re eating, though, because peanut butter can be a good source of fiber and protein. If you’re looking for something that’s more filling than just crackers, this might not be the snack for you!

If you’re looking for some easy and delicious camping recipes that the whole family can enjoy, visit our guide to Easy Camping Recipes for the Whole Family and make your camping trip a memorable experience.

Protein Cookies

Protein powder is a great way to boost your protein intake. Pick a powder that you enjoy, but also make sure that it’s something you can drink easily if you don’t like the taste of it.

Nuts and seeds are healthy fats that will give your body energy!
Chocolate chips add extra sweetness, but they’re also full of antioxidants so they’ll help protect your body from free radicals.
Dried fruit is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, plus it gives things a nice crunch!

Peanut butter makes everything better… especially when camping! For example: peanut butter on apple slices, peanut butter on celery sticks, or even just straight up pb&j sandwiches (with some jelly).

The possibilities are endless when it comes to this classic snack food; just use common sense when deciding how much PB2® Powder should be used because some people might find too much could get messy quickly without proper preparation beforehand (like getting yourself covered in chocolate syrup while cooking pancakes).

S’mores Ingredients

The classic campfire treat, S’mores are a must for any outdoor adventure. The perfect combination of sweet, salty and chocolatey goodness. All you need is:

Chocolate bars (milk chocolate is best)
Mini marshmallows (mini-sized are easier to eat)
Graham crackers (try an entire box!)

Eating healthy while camping doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out our list of 30 Healthy Camping Recipes that are tasty, easy to make, and perfect for outdoor lovers who want to stay in shape while having fun.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are the perfect camping snack. They’re easy to make, and they can be eaten on their own or used in other recipes.

To hard boil an egg, place a pot of water on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the eggs gently (you don’t want them cracking) and set a timer for 9 minutes for large eggs or 10 minutes for extra large ones.

Then remove them with tongs and place them in an ice bath until they’ve stopped cooking completely (about 5 minutes). Once they’re cool enough to touch, peel off the shell with your hands or under running water as soon as possible—if you wait too long, it will get harder!

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many delicious camping snacks that you can enjoy when you’re out on an adventure.

There are so many options available, but we hope that this list gives you a good starting point for your next trip!

FAQs

What types of snacks are good for camping?

Snacks that are easy to carry, store, and make on the go are ideal for camping. Some good options include trail mix, beef jerky, fresh fruit, granola bars, and veggies with dip.

How do I pack snacks for a camping trip?

Pack snacks in airtight containers or resealable bags to keep them fresh and prevent pests. Label each container or bag with the contents and date so you know what you have and when you packed it.

Can I make my own snacks for camping?

Yes! Making your own snacks for camping is a great way to customize them to your liking and bring a taste of home to the outdoors. There are many recipes online for homemade snacks like energy bites, popcorn, and trail mix.

How many snacks should I bring on a camping trip?

It depends on the length of your trip and how often you plan to snack. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to bring at least one snack per person per day, plus extra in case of unexpected delays or hunger cravings.

How can I keep my snacks cool while camping?

Use a cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep perishable snacks like fruit, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs cold. Store non-perishable snacks like crackers and granola bars in a separate container to keep them dry and easy to access.

Hellen James

I’m Hellen James, and I am a camping enthusiast. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and have always loved it the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the great outdoors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer!