28 Best Foods to Bring When You Go Camping
Updated: May 17, 2023
Taking a family camping trip? Keep everyone from getting hangry after a long day of outdoor activities by packing a few of these snacks!
Homemade Guacamole
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TexasPack your snacks up with these convenient camping food containers.
Chocolaty S'mores Bars
One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
Snack Crackers
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
Cookout Caramel S’mores
These gooey treats make a playful finish to a camping meal and it’s a fun thing to do as a family.
Justin’s Honey Almond Butter Squeeze Packs
For a quick burst of energy, turn to these almond butter squeeze packs. They’re made with all natural, non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients. Spread this easy-to-carry snack on crackers, or eat it as-is for a protein, fiber-rich snack.
Campers Favorite Dip
Our family craves this cheesy chili dip so much we make two batches, especially for the guys. If you’re not grilling out, bake it in the oven. —Valorie Ebie, Bel Aire, Kansas
Mary’s Gone Crackers
These crackers are perfect for any kind of snack. Spread your favorite nut butter on them, dip them in that cheese dip, or serve them with a side of sliced cheese.
Fruity Pull-Apart Bread
Who doesn't love to start the day with monkey bread? This skillet version is packed with bright berries and dolloped with irresistibly rich cream cheese. A sprinkle of fresh basil brings it all together. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Granola-To-Go Bars
This grab & go goodie makes a hearty snack for a long day out. Chewy and sweet, these fruity bars that will have you craving more! —Sally Haen, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
PROBAR Meal bars
When you don’t have time to make your own granola bars, these PROBAR meal bars are the way to go. This tasty little package is made with all plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO ingredients.
Apricot Leather
Since it's not sticky, this is a tasty, nutritious snack that's perfect to take along on whatever trail you travel. In pioneer days, fruit leather was made by thinly rolling fruit and drying it in the sun. —Patsy Faye Steenbock, Riverton, Wyoming
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
Whenever I make these zucchini chocolate chip muffins, I freeze several. As I'm leaving for work in the morning, I pull one out and enjoy it at the office with a cup of coffee. —Janet Pierce DeCori, Rockton, Illinois
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
GourmetNut Power Up Trail Mix
If you don’t have time to make your own, this healthy trail mix makes a great alternative. It’s made with all natural ingredients and (as a bonus) it’s also gluten-free and vegan!
Fudge Brownie Pie
Here's a fun and festive way to serve brownies. Family and friends will love topping their pieces with whipped cream and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
Old Bay Crispy Kale Chips
Here in East Hampton, NY, harvest time means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York
SOGO Snacks Jalapeno Beef Sticks
Looking for an individually wrapped, on-the-go snack? These grass-fed beef sticks are perfect! They have a spicy flavor and boast grass-fed beef, no MSG, and they’re gluten- and soy-free.
Slow-Cooker Honey Granola
It's so simple to put this granola together, and it really helps with breakfast on busy mornings. Change up the fruits to fit your preferences or the seasons. —Arisa Cupp, Warren, Oregon
Bear Naked Granola
These re-sealable granola packs are perfect for camping. The banana chips are perfectly balanced by sweet honey, crunchy nuts, and a touch of coconut. Talk about the perfect snack!
Spiced Nut Mix
One Christmas, my good friend gave me this recipe and a sack of ingredients. I think of her every time I stir up these pumpkin-spiced nuts. —Patti Holland, Parker, Colorado
Biltong Grass Fed Beef Jerky
Some beef jerky is loaded with nitrites, MSG, and unpronounceable ingredients. That’s why we love this brand – it has a minimal ingredient list, so you’ll get a burst of clean protein energy without any of that other stuff.
Healthy Party Snack Mix
Party mix has always been a tradition in our home. I lightened my mom's recipe, replacing margarine with heart-healthy olive oil. No one even noticed. —Melissa Hansen, Rochester, Minnesota
Fruit & Almond Bites
With big handfuls of dried apricots and cherries, almonds and pistachios, we make dozens of no-bake treats you can take anywhere. —Donna Pochoday-Stelmach, Morristown, New Jersey
Ranch Popcorn
Have a little fun with seasoned popcorn around the campfire. You can make the mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container so the popcorn keeps its crispy texture.
Karen’s Naturals Just Veggies
This healthy snack is the perfect way to sneak some extra veggies into your camping diet. You can reheat the package to add to campfire meals, but I love eating the freeze-dried veggies out-of-the-bag as a crunchy snack.
Slow-Cooker Coconut Granola
Here’s a versatile treat with a taste of the tropics. Mix it up by subbing dried pineapple or tropical fruits for the cherries.Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: July 01, 2019
