There is just something about being outside that makes everyone hungrryy! Maybe it is the extra energy burned playing or just a case of the munchies around the campfire, but yummy camping snacks are a must for most families.
I try, I promise I really do, to have healthy camping snacks available for me and my crew. But I admit that some of the snacks we love are just pure junk food! So there is a good mix of healthy and, umm, not so healthy camping snacks on my list.
Some people love making their own snacks at home for ease at the campsite, but part of the fun of camping is making some traditional camping snacks while you are there. And no shame here if you want to buy prepared convenience snacks – they make the list too.
This post contains affiliate links. You can read my disclosure here.
Big List of Camping Snacks
Before we jump into the list, I want to share a few tips:
- Do prepare some snacks at home ahead of time.
- Repackage snacks if it will save space or protect them in travel and storage.
- Repackage snacks into individual servings.
- Think about the weather. If it is too hot, some snacks will melt without air conditioning, refrigeration, or a cooler.
- I’m quicker to buy individual packages for camping than at home to make it easier to serve.
- Pack plenty, especially if you are taking kids. Of course, they probably won’t starve, but you can take it home if you have extra. We usually do!
1. Trail Mix
Trail mix is a go to, traditional, camping snack that can be homemade or store bought. Several varieties are available – spicy, chocolate, nutty, fruity etc. I love extra nuts, seeds, and coconut in mine.
2. Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is super easy if you are camping in an RV with a microwave, but even better is popcorn cooked over the campfire. Grab a bag of already popped, flavored popcorn in a pinch – we love this one.
3. Pretzels
Plain pretzels, honey mustard pretzels, buffalo pretzels – take your pick. Eat them by themselves or dip them in cheese, peanut butter, hummus, or chocolate.
4. Animal Crackers
Animal crackers are fun for the kids and us adults too. I still find myself biting off the head first! Iced animal crackers are our favorite. Do you still love these little boxes too?
5. Watermelon
Nothing beats an ice cold watermelon on a hot summer day at the campsite. Bring a cooler for your watermelon and store it on ice.
6. Apples
Apples are a delicious, healthy snack that most people like. A visit to an apple orchard can be a fun excursion while camping. There are some great campgrounds not too far from several north Georgia apple orchards in my neck of the woods.
7. Raisins
Raisins are great in trail mix and by themselves. Little, individual boxes make it easy to hand out to the kiddos on your camping trip.
8. Apple Chips
Apple chips are healthy alternative to to junk food. They are easy to make in a dehydrator or the oven. You can even buy them already prepared.
9. Grapes
I love grapes – they are like eating sweet tarts to me. Grapes are a little harder to pack as they can get mushed and may take up a fair amount of space in the cooler. Pull them off their stems and store in a plastic container to protect them and save space.
10. Bananas
A good source of potassium, bananas are a great snack for the active monkeys, I mean family members, on your camping trip. 🐵 🍌
11. Banana Chips
Like apple chips, banana chips are easy to make at home. They are also good in trail mix and granola.
12. Banana Boats
Banana boats are a fun snack for the kids to make. Top with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers for a classic treat sweet enough for a dessert.
13. Salsa and Chips
We love salsa and chips. In my opinion, the hotter the better, but I am usually over ruled by my family. Homemade or store bought salsa is fine. (My easy roasted salsa recipe is the best!) It could even be an appetizer to some camping tacos.
Related Camping Post: 24 Easy Make Ahead Camping Meals
14. Chips and Nacho Cheese Dip
Chips and nacho cheese dip is an easy snack when you serve these individual cups. Buy single serve bags of tortilla chips to make it even easie
15. Fruit Leather
Fruit leather is another go to snack for my grandkids that I like as well. if you don’t want to make it yourself, there are several available now that are healthier than just sugary fruit roll ups.
16. Fruit Cups
Canned fruit and individual fruit cups are a good alternative to fresh fruit. I always buy it packaged in juice not heavy syrup to be a little healthier.
17. Veggies and Dip
My oldest grandson loves raw veggies like carrots and broccoli. At home cut up some raw veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots and put in baggies or a container to serve with your favorite dip or dressing.
18. Crackers and Cheese
Cracker varieties are almost endless now. Pick your favorite and enjoy with some cheddar, pepper jack cheese, Babybel cheese, or Laughing Cow cheese. My hubby likes the Easy Cheese in a can.
19. Jerky
When I have time I love to make homemade jerky. I’ve made both beef and venison in strips and used ground meat. This is our absolute favorite jerky when we are buying it. We first discovered it on our way to Smoky Mountain National Park at a warehouse store in Maryville, Tennessee.
20. Meat Sticks
Meat sticks are another good option like jerky if you want a heartier snack. Chomps and Paleovalley are good choices.
21. Sour Candies
Add a little fun and pucker to snack time with sour candy like Warheads, Sour Patch Kids, and sour Skittles. Check out this handmade sour rock candy from Sticky. I would like to try it!
22. Candy Bars
Stash some of your favorite candy bars in the cooler so they won’t melt if you are camping in hot weather. Be sure to save some milk chocolate bars for the smores.
23. Smores
Camping without smores would be almost criminal. Traditional smores are a given and there are tons of flavor combinations you can create.
24. Graham Crackers and Peanut Butter
Use your graham crackers for banana boats and smores and as a yummy snack of graham cracker sandwiches made with peanut butter.
25. Roasted Marshmallows
Another campfire tradition along with smores that you don’t want to miss. I like my barely toasted and warm. I can’t stand charred ones, but I will admit that I’m notorious for catching mine on fire and burning them!
26. Brownies
Bake brownies at home or bake them in the dutch oven for an afternoon snack. My guys even like Little Debbie brownies, especially the cookies and creme brownies.
27. Moon Pies
How about a Moon Pie and an RC Cola? Moon Pies were first created by the Chattanooga Bakery, and you can visit the Moon Pie General Store in Chattanooga. If you are going to Smoky Mountain National Park, stop by the Moon Pie General Store in nearby Pigeon Forge. We usually do when we visit the park.
You can even order personalized, custom Moon Pie boxes. What a fun surprise with a family camping photo and message.
28. Hand Pies
Have you ever had homemade apple or peach friend pies? Yum yum! Hand pies are a great finger licking, lip smacking, take along snack. You can even make your own pudgy pies over the campfire or coals in pie irons.
29. Granola Bars
Oats, honey, maple syrup, chocolate chips, nuts and more. There are tons of granola bars to choose from – some healthy, some not. Or make your own with exactly what yow want in them.
30. Peanuts
My husband is in the boiled peanut camp, and I’m in the roasted peanut camp. We often stop and buy boiled peanuts if we come across a roadside store with them. Check out the boiled peanuts at Sunrise Grocery in Blairsville, Georgia near Vogel State Park, Blood Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail if you are ever in the area.
31. Nuts
Nuts are a great crunchy snack with a little bit of protein. They are perfect with fruit or cheese. We usually buy nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios in bulk, but occasionally get a can of mixed nuts to munch on.
32. Apple Bread
Homemade apple bread is another favorite of my grandkids. My daughter makes hers with a sugar glaze on top. Slice it at home and put the slices in individual bags for easy grab and go serving at the campsite.
33. Blueberry Muffins
Packaged, bakery, or homemade blueberry muffins are easy and delicious. I often make mine with oat flour, frozen blueberries, and walnuts.
34. Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme doughnuts are delicious, but I’ve noticed that glazed doughnuts kinda melt if it is warm so we usually opt for white powdered doughnuts when camping.
35. Oatmeal Cookies
Oatmeal cookies can be made healthier with applesauce and honey and still taste yummy like an old fashioned oatmeal cookie. I prefer mine without raisins. What about you?
36. Oatmeal Cream Pies
Make your own oatmeal cream pies with oatmeal cookies and frosting. Little Debbie’s are pretty good but not as yummy as homemade!
37. Firecrackers
We first had Firecrackers at one of my son’s Scout events years ago. We were hooked! They are so addicting. Here is an easy recipe.
38. Pickles
Some people love pickles with crunchy dill pickles a favorite. If I eat pickles, it is an occasional sweet gherkin pickle.
39. Pork Rinds
This is another snack like salsa that I prefer to be hot, but sweet and mild BBQ are good too. If you can find someone frying fresh pork skins, you should try them. We’ve found them at fairs, farmers markets, flea markets, and roadside stores.
40. Corn in a Cup
Corn in the cup is a great side dish and an easy snack. All you need is corn, mayo, butter, cotija or parmesan cheese, and chili powder.
41. Ants on a Log
Sneak some veggies in the kids with ants on a log. My family won’t fall for it though! Celery, peanut butter, and raisins is an odd combination to some, but others love it.
42. No Bake Energy Bites
Energy bites remind me of granola bars in a ball. Either way, they are still good and easy to make.
43. Corn Chips and Bean Dip
This is one of my husband’s favorite snacks. A bag of corn chips and can of bean dip is easy enough!
44. Pudding Cups
Most pudding cups are non refrigerated so they are an easy snack to take camping. Yu can even top them with marshmallow, chocolate chips, bananas, and vanilla wafers depending on the flavor you pick.
45. Granola
Granola is great by the hand full or served with a little milk. You can buy it ready made or make you own. I love a grain free granola made with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and honey or maple syrup.
What Are Your Favorite Camping Snacks?
What are your favorite camping snacks? I know there are lots more healthy camping snacks and kid friendly camping snacks. Please share your ideas in the comments below.
Please PIN and share this on Pinterest!
