Whether you’re pitching a tent deep in the woods or parking the camper at a nearby state park, good snacks keep spirits high between meals. The best camping bites are packable, fuss-free, and sturdy enough to survive a bumpy ride in the cooler or daypack. Below you’ll find 35 reliable nibbles—some nostalgic, some new—that travel well and taste even better around the fire. Mix and match to build your own adventure-ready spread.
Contents
- 1. Classic Trail Mix
- 2. Campfire Popcorn Packets
- 3. Apple & Peanut Butter Sandwiches
- 4. Beef Jerky Strips
- 5. Cheese & Crackers Stack
- 6. No-Bake Energy Bites
- 7. Roasted Chickpeas
- 8. Banana Boat S’mores
- 9. Homemade Granola Bars
- 10. Pita Chips & Hummus
- 11. Fruit Leather Rolls
- 12. Campfire Nachos
- 13. Ants on a Log
- 14. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
- 15. Foil-Pack Quesadillas
- 16. Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts
- 17. Dehydrated Mango Slices
- 18. Campfire Cinnamon Apples
- 19. Nutella Tortilla Wraps
- 20. Pizza Bagel Bites
- 21. Frozen Berries
- 22. Turkey or Beef Snack Sticks
- 23. Cornbread Muffin Cups
- 24. Rice Cakes with Almond Butter
- 25. Grilled Peach Halves with Honey
- 26. Popcorn Trail Mix with M&M’s
- 27. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Everything Spice
- 28. Single-Serve Edamame Packs
- 29. Crispy Seaweed Sheets
- 30. Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
- 31. Tuna Salad & Cracker Kits
- 32. Maple-Glazed Popcorn Clusters
- 33. Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
- 34. Veggie Chips Medley
- 35. Mini Cheese & Salami Skewers
1. Classic Trail Mix

Trail mix is the original grab-and-go camping snack because it balances protein, healthy fats, and quick carbs. Combine roasted nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a handful of chocolate pieces for a sweet-salty blend that won’t melt into a mess. Make a big batch at home and portion it into resealable bags so everyone can stash one in a pocket. Shake up the lineup with coconut flakes or pretzel bits if you like extra crunch.
2. Campfire Popcorn Packets

Popcorn over the fire feels like a tiny celebration. Spoon kernels, a pat of butter, and a pinch of salt into heavy-duty foil, then crimp it into a pouch before you leave home. Once at camp, shake the packet over hot coals until popping slows to a few seconds between bursts. Empty the steamy popcorn into a bowl and add ranch powder or cinnamon sugar for flavor variety.
3. Apple & Peanut Butter Sandwiches

These two-bite “sandwiches” offer fresh crunch plus protein to keep hikers energized. Core an apple, slice it into rings, and spread a thin layer of peanut butter between two rounds. A dusting of granola or mini chocolate chips adds texture and sweetness without creating crumbs everywhere. Store assembled stacks in a reusable container so they don’t stick together.
4. Beef Jerky Strips

Jerky packs impressive flavor into a compact, shelf-stable snack. Look for varieties with lower sodium and minimal preservatives, or make your own with lean beef, soy sauce, and pepper in a dehydrator. Because it’s lightweight and protein-dense, jerky earns a permanent spot in daypacks for long hikes. Pair a strip with dried fruit for a satisfying sweet-savory combo.
5. Cheese & Crackers Stack

A classic cheese-and-cracker duo never disappoints at camp. Choose firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda that can handle a few hours out of the cooler without turning oily. Pre-slice or cube the cheese at home so you don’t wrestle with a knife after sunset. Tuck the crackers in a hard-sided container to keep them from crumbling in transit.
6. No-Bake Energy Bites

No-bake bites combine oats, nut butter, honey, and mix-ins into portable power pellets. Stir the ingredients together, roll into balls, and chill until firm. The oats offer sustained energy while nut butter adds plant-based protein, perfect for refueling after kayaking or a long climb. Keep them cool in a lidded container so they don’t get sticky.
7. Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas rival chips for crunch but boast more fiber and protein. Drain, rinse, and thoroughly dry canned chickpeas, then roast with olive oil and spices until crackly. They keep their snap for several days in an airtight jar, making them great make-ahead snacks. Try ranch seasoning or curry powder to shake up the flavor.
8. Banana Boat S’mores

Think of banana boats as s’mores with extra fruit and none of the balancing act. Slit a banana lengthwise, stuff it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, then wrap in foil. Place the packet near campfire coals until everything melts into a creamy filling. Hand out spoons so campers can scoop the warm dessert straight from the skin.
9. Homemade Granola Bars

Granola bars tailored to your taste beat store-bought any day. Combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and a binder of honey and nut butter, press into a pan, and chill before slicing. Wrap individual bars in wax paper and secure with a rubber band for easy tossing into backpacks. They hold up well even when summer heat softens chocolate chips a bit.
10. Pita Chips & Hummus

Hummus provides plant-based protein while pita chips deliver the crunch everyone craves. Pack hummus in a leak-proof container and freeze it the night before; it will thaw slowly in the cooler and stay fresh longer. Toast pita wedges at home to keep them sturdy and less likely to break. When hunger strikes, the dip-and-chip combo disappears fast.
11. Fruit Leather Rolls

Fruit leather offers all the flavor of fruit with none of the juicing mess. Purée berries or stone fruit, spread thin on a parchment-lined sheet, and bake at low heat until pliable. Roll the dehydrated sheet and cut into strips for individual servings. Kids love unrolling the chewy snack during trail breaks.
12. Campfire Nachos

Layer chips, cheese, beans, and salsa in a cast-iron skillet, cover with foil, and set it over the campfire for melty perfection. The bottom chips crisp while the top turns gooey, giving everyone their preferred texture. Add pickled jalapeños or olives just before serving so they keep their bite. Serve with sturdy paper plates to avoid washing up late at night.
13. Ants on a Log

This childhood classic still shines on the trail. Crunchy celery hydrates, peanut butter fuels, and the raisin “ants” add natural sweetness. Assemble logs at camp to keep the celery crisp, or pack peanut butter in a squeezable pouch for easy filling on the go. Swap raisins for dried cranberries if you want a tart twist.
14. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels

Pretzel rods meet chocolate coating for a snack that blends salty crunch with sweet richness. Melt chocolate chips at home, dip each rod halfway, and set on parchment until firm. Store them in a wide-mouthed container so the coating doesn’t chip. They make a fun late-night treat when the campfire stories get spooky.
15. Foil-Pack Quesadillas

Tortillas, shredded cheese, and pre-cooked chicken create an easy foil-pack snack. Layer fillings on one half of a tortilla, fold, wrap in foil, and heat over embers until melty. Slice into wedges and share straight from the wrapper for minimal cleanup. The edges crisp nicely, adding satisfying texture.
16. Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts

Coated nuts deliver flavor fireworks in a small handful. Toss almonds, pecans, and cashews with maple syrup, cayenne, and rosemary, then roast until fragrant. Once cooled, the glaze hardens into a crunchy shell that won’t leave sticky fingers. Seal in a jar to keep them crisp through humidity swings.
17. Dehydrated Mango Slices

Dried mango brings tropical flair to any mountain setting. Slice ripe fruit thin, arrange on dehydrator trays, and dry until pliable but not sticky. The natural sugars concentrate, giving each strip big flavor in a lightweight form. A pinch of chili powder before drying adds a gentle kick.
18. Campfire Cinnamon Apples

Apples baked in the embers turn soft and caramel-sweet. Core each apple, stuff with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, wrap in foil, and nestle into hot coals. After about 15 minutes, you’ll have steaming fruit that tastes like pie filling minus the crust. Serve with a spoon or over morning oatmeal for a dessert-breakfast crossover.
19. Nutella Tortilla Wraps

A smear of Nutella turns humble tortillas into crave-worthy wraps. Spread a thin layer over a tortilla, add sliced fruit, and roll tight like a burrito. Cut into bite-size pinwheels for easy sharing or leave whole for a compact treat. They taste best the same day, so make just before heading out.
20. Pizza Bagel Bites

Mini bagels topped with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni bake quickly over a grate or camp stove. Assemble at home, freeze, and pack them in a cooler so they double as ice packs. Reheat until the cheese melts and edges crisp, releasing that unmistakable pizza aroma into the woods. Kids practically sprint from hammocks when these come out.
21. Frozen Berries

Frozen berries satisfy sweet cravings and offer a hint of protein. Place the berries on a lined tray, and freeze until solid. Pack them in a small insulated container so they stay cold for a few hours on the trail. They double as mini ice cubes keeping other snacks chilled.
22. Turkey or Beef Snack Sticks

Snack sticks bring jerky-like convenience with a slightly softer bite. Look for nitrate-free options and keep them in a cooler until opened. Pair with cheese cubes or apple slices for a balanced mini meal. Individually wrapped sticks also make handy emergency rations in daypacks.
23. Cornbread Muffin Cups

Portable cornbread muffins pair perfectly with chili or morning coffee. Bake them in cupcake liners so they travel without crumbling. Add canned corn, diced jalapeño, or shredded cheese to boost flavor. They freeze well, so make a batch ahead and let them thaw in the cooler as you drive to camp.
24. Rice Cakes with Almond Butter

Lightweight rice cakes become more filling with a smear of almond butter. The combo gives crunch, healthy fats, and just enough sweetness when you add banana or honey. Pack the rice cakes in a rigid container to prevent breakage, and bring a travel-size nut-butter pouch for mess-free spreading. They’re quick to assemble when breakfast needs to happen fast.
25. Grilled Peach Halves with Honey

Ripe peaches turn wonderfully jammy when warmed on the grill. Halve and pit the fruit, brush with a little oil, and set cut-side down on a grate over the campfire. After a few minutes, the sugars caramelize and grill marks appear. A drizzle of honey finishes the simple dessert that feels gourmet in the wilderness.
26. Popcorn Trail Mix with M&M’s

This mash-up combines airy popcorn with the staying power of nuts and chocolate. Make a fresh batch of popcorn, let it cool, then stir in peanuts and M&M’s. The candy shell prevents melting, making the mix more camp-friendly than plain chocolate. Store in big zip-top bags so everyone can reach in without spillage.
27. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Everything Spice

Hard-boiled eggs are nature’s protein packs, easy to prepare in bulk before a trip. Peel them at home to avoid shell bits scattering around camp. A dusting of everything bagel seasoning adds salty crunch and requires no extra prep. Keep eggs on top of the cooler ice so they stay food-safe for up to three days.
28. Single-Serve Edamame Packs

Pre-cooked edamame provides plant protein in tidy little pods. You can buy them frozen and let them thaw in the cooler, or steam at home and pack in portion cups. A sprinkle of sea salt or chili flakes makes them more snackable. The shells are compostable, which is handy for Leave No Trace campers.
29. Crispy Seaweed Sheets

Roasted seaweed offers briny flavor with almost no weight, ideal for light-packing trips. The thin sheets satisfy salt cravings and pair well with rice crackers or almonds. Keep the packets sealed until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess from humidity. Crumble any broken pieces over instant ramen for an easy upgrade.
30. Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries roasted at home reheat beautifully in a camp skillet. Cut the potatoes into thick wedges, toss with oil and spices, and bake until tender inside and crisp outside. Store them in a foil packet so you can warm them near the fire without dirtying extra dishes. A side of smoky chipotle mayo seals the deal.
31. Tuna Salad & Cracker Kits

Pouches of cooked tuna mix quickly with mayo packets and relish for an on-the-spot salad. Portion it into a reusable cup and pair with sturdy crackers for scooping. This combo supplies protein plus carbs without needing refrigeration for more than a few hours. Add canned chickpeas to stretch it into a heartier shareable dip.
32. Maple-Glazed Popcorn Clusters

Popcorn gets a sweet makeover when coated in a quick maple syrup glaze. Simmer syrup with a pinch of cinnamon, pour over popcorn, and bake briefly to set the coating. Once cooled, break into clusters that won’t crumble at the bottom of the bag. The subtle maple flavor feels perfectly at home in the forest.
33. Dark Chocolate Almond Bark

Melt dark chocolate, stir in roasted almonds, and spread onto parchment to harden into breakable bark. Dark chocolate travels better than milk chocolate in warm weather and satisfies dessert cravings in small squares. A sprinkle of flaky salt heightens the flavors without extra weight. Keep the bark in a tin so it stays intact on bumpy roads.
34. Veggie Chips Medley

Dehydrated veggie chips offer crunch with fewer oils than standard potato chips. You can dehydrate thin vegetable slices yourself or buy a quality mixed bag. Their vivid colors make any snack plate more appealing, especially for reluctant veggie eaters. Pair with guacamole or queso dip for extra flavor.
35. Mini Cheese & Salami Skewers

Bite-size skewers combine savory flavors in a single easy-to-grab portion. Thread cheese, salami, and maybe an olive onto sturdy toothpicks ahead of time and chill. They’re less messy than a full charcuterie board yet feel just as festive. Tuck the finished skewers in a sealed container so they don’t perfume your whole cooler.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
