30 Best Camping Snacks for Kids and Adults: Easy & Balanced

Key Takeaways

• The best camping snacks are portable, shelf-stable, and packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural ingredients to keep you energized outdoors.

• From meat sticks and trail mix to fresh fruit and homemade options, there are snacks to fit every camping trip, whether you're backpacking, hiking, or car camping.

• Planning a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and high-protein camping snacks helps you stay fueled, satisfied, and ready for every adventure.

The warmth of a fire you made yourself, a camp meal that somehow tastes better than a Michelin Star restaurant (even though it came from a box), and the inevitable moment when your friend John finds a spider and screams like your 10-year-old niece.

Camping is a way of hitting the off button on society’s computer. It grounds you, is good for your mental health, and brings you closer to both nature and the ones you love.

And while I argue that, in addition to road trips or beach days, camping is always enjoyable, there is one thing that can really take it to the next level: the best camping snacks.

Finding the right camping snacks is crucial for keeping your energy up and spirits high. Whether you’re looking for simple outdoor treats or hearty options to fuel your hike, having a game plan makes all the difference.

How to Choose the Best Camping Snacks

While everything does taste a bit better out in the wild, nothing beats healthy camping snacks made with natural ingredients and packed full of the nutrients you need to stay energized. You’ll feel cleaner, have more energy when hiking, avoid subjecting your body to unnecessary additives, and the snacks will just taste better.

For the best on-the-go camping snack ideas, pick up snacks from transparent, trustworthy companies OR opt to make your own with fresh ingredients. I’m not saying you shouldn't indulge in some s’mores or cheeky sleeping bag chocolate, just that having a balance and opting for better ingredients in your snacks has a lot of benefits!

With that in mind, we’ve got 30 of the best camping snacks (in our opinion) to help you get your shopping list prepped, collected over many years of pitching tents and trial and error.

Or should we say, “trail and error?”

Savory and Satisfying Camping Snacks

#1 Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is the holy grail of camping snacks. It keeps well, is easy to pack, is full of protein, and is lightweight. The feeling you get eating beef jerky at the top of a summit or after finally setting up camp is priceless. Your body just screams for the nutrients, and the taste is so good and so filling.

The thing is, regular beef jerky always feels like too much money for your dollar, plus many national brands are full of additives and use low-quality beef. 

The solution? Shop Chomps Meat Sticks.

Our Original Beef Jerky Sticks are made with the freshest, tastiest, and highest-quality ingredients available. They can also be enjoyed on the trail or cooked over the fire for some extra pizzazz, and are as portable as it gets.

Take Chomps on your next camping trip; you won’t find a better camping snack.

#2 Turkey Jerky

If you’ve got beef with beef, or would just rather stick to poultry instead of beef for any reason, then turkey jerky is a leaner alternative that is just as convenient and satisfying.

It’s also important to have go-to camping snacks that are small enough to eat in between meals yet packed with enough protein to leave you satisfied and full until your next meal. As one of the best camping snacks (in our humble opinion), Chomps Turkey Mini Jerky Sticks will do just that with 5g protein per serving.

# 3 Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic source of protein and one of the best, healthy camping snacks. Peel them ahead of time at home to minimize mess and waste at the campsite. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a midday boost. If you can’t keep them in a cooler, it’s best to eat these on the first day of camping or as a road-trip snack on the way to the campsite.

#4 Trail Mix

Trail mix got its namesake for obvious reasons. This staple backcountry fuel is always a great option when it comes to camping snacks, and there are so many varieties. I prefer trail mix without raisins and with minimal chocolate, but you can either buy or make your own with whatever ingredients you like.

Just try to opt for a trail mix that has a good balance of fats, sugars, and proteins. In other words, try to make your snacks for camping as nutritionally “complete” as you can. That way your snacking checks all of your body’s needs.

#5 Nuts and Seeds

These snacks for camping are also known as trail mix light. For a budget-friendly version, opt for peanuts. They are by far the cheapest nut* and are packed with healthy fats and high-quality protein. They’re also pretty high in calories, which is a good thing if you plan on hiking around where you camp.

Outside of peanuts, you can grab almonds, pecans, shelled pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or whatever mix you like!

*For the semantics police out there, we know peanuts are technically legumes!

#6 Salami

Salami, or any other cured meat like Spanish chorizo, make for delicious and easy camping snacks. You can grab a log of salami, pull out your knife, and cut yourself some slices for a nice after-lunch snack or dinner appetizer. I’m a big fan of making little sandwiches out of salami when having a picnic out in nature, which brings us to...

#7 Cheese

As one of the best camping snacks, cheese is a little tricky to pack without a cooler, but if you pick the right kind, it is so worth it! You want a sharp, hard cheese in block form for best results.

I like Dutch Irish Cheddar. It can be a little crumbly, so pack it in a separate bag, but it is so good! You could also get some cheese sticks, but believe me, opting for slightly nicer cheese on a trip really pays off. And if you’re packing a cooler in a car, then the culinary world is your oyster!

#8 Crackers

And now for the final ingredient in our cracker sandwich trio, the cracker! You have a ton of options here to make snacks for camping, but I like to opt for thin multigrain crackers. 

Crackers like Triscuits get really crumbly and pretty much disintegrate on walks (that won’t matter as much if you’re car camping), so I like to buy crackers that don’t crumble as easily. You can obviously eat your cracker sandwiches at camp, but I think these are best enjoyed on a hike before settling into your campsite for the night.

#9 Popcorn

Popcorn, as long as it’s not microwaved, is probably healthier than you think! And it weighs almost nothing, making it one of the best camping snacks when hiking is on the menu. 

If you’ve never bought your own kernels and popped them on the stove, try it for your next trip! Not only is it super fun, but you can customize the flavor and end up with a healthier end product than store-bought brands full of preservatives.

Sweet and Refreshing Camping Snacks

#10 Apples

I know I just talked up beef jerky as being among the best camping snacks, which I still stand by, but complementing it with fresh fruit is really the way to play. There’s something magical about biting into a crisp apple after a long walk in the woods, even better if it’s in autumn. The natural sugars and carbs from this fruit are great fuel and just taste so refreshing. Pairing them with un-salted peanut butter creates some of the most filling low-sodium snacks for the trail. 

My favorites are Fuji and Gala apples, and make sure you pick out some good ones! A mushy apple is the worst.

#11 Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is among the classic camping snacks for a reason. It’s shelf stable and lightweight. Also, the sugars give you a nice bit of energy and feel like dessert without the crash. I love dried apricots in particular, and they’re also good for adding to oatmeal in the morning. My go-to camp breakfast is two oatmeal packets, some dried fruit, and dehydrated peanut butter for extra protein.

#12 Granola Bars

When it comes to snacks for camping, I’m a big fan of making my own granola bars and/or energy bites. But store-bought can be fine, too! I love RX bars due to their preference for natural sweeteners like dates, but they can be a bit expensive. For more budget-friendly and store-bought camping snack ideas, buy granola bars in bulk from somewhere like Costco and pack some for the whole family.

#13 Mandarins

Mandarins, especially when they are in season through the winter and early spring, are wonderful camping snacks for kids and adults alike. That natural burst of Vitamin C and delicious sugar is truly craveable. Plus, they are extremely easy to pack, peel, and eat. Navel oranges have nothing on mandarins!

#14 Dates

I’ll admit I was late to the date game, but my goodness are they good. I was finally convinced when a friend of mine filled them with almond butter and brought them on a backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains. The almond butter got a bit messy, but the texture and flavor was incredible. Even without almond butter, these camping snacks are a delicious way to get some carbs in when putting together your backpacking meal plan!

#15 Peanut Butter

The good thing about peanut butter is that it’s versatile and one of the more filling snacks. You can make easy camping snacks for the kids with it. Smear it on your apples, eat it out of the jar, bring dehydrated peanut butter for oatmeal in the morning, put it on crackers, you name it. If you bring it on your trip, you’ll find use for it!

Veggies & Dips to Bring Camping

#16 Carrots and Hummus

Carrots are the ultimate durable veggie. Packing them alongside a container of hummus creates one of the best camping snacks because it provides a satisfying crunch and a good dose of protein while you’re off the grid. 

#17 Cucumber Rounds 

Refreshing, hydrating, and easy to pack, cucumber rounds are perfect camping snacks for hot days at the campsite. They are a lightweight way to add some freshness to your day. Dip it in your favorite salad dressing or hummus.

#18 Sugar Snap Peas 

These are naturally sweet and offer a perfect, audible crunch. Because they hold up well in a cooler, they are great trail-ready camping snack ideas for kids and adults alike. 

#19 Cherry Tomatoes

These bite-sized, juicy treats are easy to pack in a sturdy container. They’re great as standalone snacks for camping or tossed into a salad at camp.

#20 Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa are the ultimate "chill at the campsite" snack. It’s a classic combo that’s easy to pull out when you’re relaxing by the fire after a long day.

#21 Chips and Guacamole

If you’ve got the cooler space, guacamole is a game-changer. It brings a creamy, savory element to your snack rotation that pairs perfectly with salty tortilla chips.

#22 Pita Chips and Tzatziki 

For slightly more elevated camping snacks, pack some pita chips and a container of tzatziki. The tangy yogurt dip is refreshing and pairs beautifully with the crunch of the chips. 

Creative Snacks for Camping

#23 Cheese Tortellini

Believe it or not, cooked, cold cheese tortellini makes fantastic, filling camping snacks. It’s bite-sized, easy to manage, and provides a good source of protein to keep you moving. 

#24 Peanut Butter Pretzels

Salty, crunchy, and packed with peanut butter. What’s not to love? These are an addictive staple that balances sweet and salty profiles perfectly. You can find them at most grocery stores or even make them yourself.

#25 Apple, Brie, and Honey Crostini

This is a bit fancier, but incredibly easy. Top slices of baguette with brie, apple slices, and a drizzle of honey. It’s a delightful "glamping" snack that feels gourmet without the effort.

#26 Tuna Packets

For a quick nutritious source of protein, grab a flavored tuna packet. These camping snacks are pre-seasoned, require zero prep, and are excellent for a quick energy boost on the trail.

#27 Cottage Cheese with Crackers

Cottage cheese is an underrated high-protein snack for camping. Pairing it with hearty crackers or pretzels makes for a satisfying, creamy bite that keeps you full longer.

#28 Pinwheels

For fun, portable backcountry fuel, roll up shaved turkey breast, dairy-free cream cheese, dried cranberries, and fresh greens inside a whole wheat tortilla to make your own pinwheels. Adding sliced Chomps beef or turkey sticks into the mix not only adds a delicious crunch but provides a high-quality protein boost for your outdoor adventures. 

#29 Yogurt with Granola

Pack a single-serve yogurt cup and a small bag of granola. This isn’t just a great breakfast; it makes for some of the best camping snacks when you need something creamy and crunchy on your next adventure.

#30 Rice Cakes with Avocado 

Rice cakes are lightweight and shelf-stable. Top them with avocado slices and/or nut butter for a crisp, satisfying snack that feels more substantial than a standard cracker. 

How to Pack Snacks for Camping

Packing camping snacks requires a balance of preparation, portability, and preservation. Because many of our favorite options are lightweight and shelf-stable, they double as the perfect travel snacks for your drive to the trailhead or campsite. Here are some tips to ensure your camping snacks stay fresh and delicious:

• Use Airtight Containers: Store snacks in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent any spills.

• Portion Snacks: Pre-portion camping snacks into individual servings to make them easy to grab and eat. This is a smart snacking strategy that prevents overeating and keeps everyone satisfied.

• Pack Non-Perishables: Choose snacks that don’t require refrigeration like Chomps meat sticks, nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars.

• Use a Cooler: For perishable items, use a cooler with ice packs to keep them at a safe temperature.

• Keep It Light: Opt for lightweight snacks like popcorn or dried fruit to avoid heavy packs.

• Think Like a Kid: Prioritize camping snacks for kids that are easy to open and fun to eat, like cheese sticks, fruit leather, and granola bars.

• Pack the Essentials: You can even use small, empty snack containers to stash non-food items like band-aids, lip balm, or matches to save space.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the best camping snacks without any hassle. 

Fuel Your Next Camping Experience With Chomps

Packing the right snacks for camping can make your next trip more enjoyable and stress-free. From savory options like BBQ beef jerky and nuts, having a variety of camping snack ideas can guarantee you stay energized and satisfied on your outdoor adventures.

For that perfect mix of convenience and nutrition, Chomps are among the best camping snacks. Made with grass-fed and finished beef, our best selling meat sticks are a good source of protein and 0g sugar. If you prefer poultry at the campsite, Chomps Chicken Sticks are made with antibiotic-free chicken and pack 12 grams of protein per stick, including a Nashville Hot option for those who like a little extra heat.

Discover your new favorite camping snacks. Shop now and fuel your next adventure with Chomps!

Frequently Asked Questions

What snacks can you take camping without a fridge?

You can bring plenty of shelf-stable snacks for camping that don’t require refrigeration, including beef jerky (like Chomps), nuts, seeds, trail mix, dried fruit, nut butters, crackers, and granola bars.

What are nonperishable camping snacks?

Nonperishable items are those that won't spoil quickly at room temperature. Great examples include canned items, dried fruits, jerky, peanut butter, and most nuts and seeds.

What are the best camping snacks for kids?

The best camping snacks for kids are easy to manage and mess-free. String cheese, dried fruit, pre-peeled mandarins, and beef sticks are all huge hits with the younger crowd.

What are the best high-protein camping snacks?

For a good source of protein on the go, look for beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, roasted chickpeas, nuts, and cheese. These will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Are Chomps meat sticks good for camping?

Yes, Chomps are a top-tier choice for any outdoor trip. They’re shelf-stable, convenient, have 0g sugar, and a good source of protein, making them the perfect fuel for your adventures.