10 Snacks to Bring on Your Next Camping Trip


Photo by Yaroslav Barchuk
From packing gear, to planning activities, to mapping where you’ll stay - there's a lot to think about when planning your next camping trip! And while campfire dinners and camp stove breakfasts are important, no camping trip is complete without a carefully curated selection of snacks to keep you fueled during your adventures! Planning what you’ll eat on a camping trip can seem like a difficult task, but luckily it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will dive into 10 snacks that will keep you energized for a full day of exploring and prevent hanger from ruining any of your friendships!
What Makes a Good Camping Snack?
First, let’s dive into a few features that make a snack perfect to bring along on a camping trip!
- Portability: The best camping snacks should be easy to transport and lightweight, as you'll likely be carrying them in a backpack or cooler. Snacks that come in individual portions or can be easily divided into smaller servings are convenient for sharing and portion control.
- Shelf Stability: Since refrigeration may not be readily available during camping trips, snacks that have a longer shelf life or do not require refrigeration are preferable. This ensures that your snacks stay fresh and safe to consume throughout the duration of your trip.
- Nutritional Value: Camping activities often involve physical exertion, so snacks that provide a good balance of nutrients are important. Look for snacks that offer a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy and keep you fueled during outdoor adventures.
- Ease of Preparation: While some snacks can be made ahead of time, others should require minimal preparation and be easy to grab before you hit the trail. Quick and simple snacks that don't require complex cooking methods or specialized equipment are more practical and time-efficient.
Ok! Now let’s get into our list of 10 camping snack ideas for your next trip!
1. Roasted Chickpeas
Photo by Liliana Fuchs
Roasted chickpeas are an excellent camping snack for their crunch, flavor, and nutritional value. Before your camping trip, drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, then pat them dry. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle them with seasonings like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or chili powder, and roast them in the oven until crispy. Once cooled, pack them in a resealable bag. These protein-packed morsels provide a savory and satisfying snack option that can be enjoyed on the go! If you’re not up to making them at home, you can find these in grocery stores and they are just as tasty. My favorite brand is The Good Bean.
2. Fresh Fruit or Fruit Salad
Photo by JLCo Ana Suanes
When you're out in nature, nothing beats the refreshing taste of fresh fruit, especially on a hot day! Whether you pack whole fruits like apples, oranges, or bananas or prepare a colorful fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple before your trip, the natural sweetness and hydration of fruits are perfect for camping. Not only do they provide essential vitamins and minerals, but they also offer a burst of flavor and help quench your thirst on hot summer days. Make sure you dispose of any orange peels or watermelon rinds in your camp trash and pack it out with you when you leave!
3. Popcorn
Photo by Laurie SH
Popcorn is my absolute favorite snack whether I’m at home or camping. It’s a classic and so easy to make! You can bring pre-popped bags or opt for the nostalgic experience of making popcorn in a skillet with some aluminum foil over a campfire. It's versatile and can be flavored to your liking with seasonings like salt, butter, or even adventurous options such as cinnamon sugar or barbecue spice.
4. Trail Mix
Photo by Imgz
Trail mix is another go-to classic for outdoor adventures, and for good reason. Combining a mix of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and sometimes chocolate chips or granola, it offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. You can purchase pre-made trail mix or create your own by mixing your favorite ingredients. If you have kids, making trail mix before a camping trip is always a fun activity to get them excited for the trip before leaving! Trail mix provides a quick and energizing boost, making it an ideal snack for hikes or long days exploring the wilderness.
5. Rice Cakes and Peanut Butter
Photo by MS Photographic
Low in calories and high in fiber, rice cakes are a light and crunchy snack that can be eaten on their own or with toppings like peanut butter, almond butter, honey, or hummus. Their low weight makes them a great option for backpacking or bringing along on a day hike where weight is a concern. Peanut butter is my favorite topping for rice cakes since it has protein (and my pup can get a bite) but you can get creative with toppings!
6. Veggie Chips
Curated Expert Nicole O.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, veggie chips are a fantastic choice. Made from a variety of veggies like kale, carrots, or beets, they give you more nutrients than potato chips to better fuel your adventures. My favorite kind of veggie chips are Hippeas; they’re made from chickpeas and come in different flavors. However, classic veggie chips at the store or even homemade kale chips are also great options!
7. Mussels and Crackers
A lot of my friends were wary of this camping snack, but it’s actually a great source of protein! Mussels on crackers contain a lot of iron and omega 3s, which are both great nutrients for active campers! I always bring along a tin or two of Patagonia Provisions Mussels on camping trips along with some crackers. My favorite is the Lemon Herb flavor, but they’re all good! If you’re not on board with mussels, a classic tuna packet or salmon packet are great substitutes.
8. Chips and Salsa
Photo by Adam Lot
Chips and salsa are a classic and popular combo for campers. Pack a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and a jar of salsa for an easy, no-fuss snack option. It’s a great pre-dinner treat or a tasty reward to have waiting at the car after a long hike!
9. Nuts
Photo by Makskim Shutov
It might seem too simple, but nuts are a compact and nutrient-dense snack that provides a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for camping. Pack a variety of nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pistachios in resealable bags or containers. Not only are they easy to carry and require no preparation, but they also offer a satisfying crunch and can help keep hunger at bay between meals. Whether you're hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, a handful of nuts provides a quick and convenient snack that fuels your outdoor adventures.
10. Energy Balls
When it comes to portable and nutritious snacks, energy balls are hard to beat. If you’re making them at home, combine dates, nuts, seeds, and other desired ingredients in a food processor until you get a sticky mixture. Roll the mixture into small balls and store them in a container. If you prefer not to make them at home, you’ve got to try Odd Balls Energy Balls. They are a newer company and their energy balls come packed with all the nutrients plus some functional mushroom supplements! Whether you make them or get them pre-made to bring along on your trip, energy balls are perfect for a quick boost of energy during hikes or outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the right selection of snacks can make a world of difference when it comes to enhancing your camping experience. From the savory crunch of roasted chickpeas to the burst of flavor from fresh fruit or fruit salad, each snack on this list offers its own unique qualities that make it a perfect companion for your outdoor adventures.
Whether you're seeking a quick energy boost during a hike, a comforting treat by the campfire, or a refreshing bite to beat the summer heat, these 10 snacks cover all the bases. So pack your backpack or cooler with these delicious and practical snacks and let them fuel your exploration, nourish your body, and bring moments of delight to your camping journey!