Best Camping Snacks

There’s something about food that just tastes better outdoors. After a day of hiking, setting up camp, and sitting by the fire, you want the best camping snacks to tie it all together - we’re here to help you plan accordingly. 

The best snacks for camping are lightweight, don’t require refrigeration, and deliver real fuel when energy levels run low, so you can get back to enjoying your adventure to the fullest. While classics like s’mores and trail mix have their place, we want to share something totally unique.

Our meat chips are bursting with tantalizing flavors, yet they contain just two natural ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it. They start out light and airy like a chip, but then start melting in your mouth like a pastry. The best part is you’re getting healthy fats and plenty of protein!

Order your carnivore chips today and see for yourself why they’re the best camping snacks. 

“Words can not express how good this is! Finally, a healthy and good for the environment, food that we can take anywhere. High quality, good value and much tastier than jerky.” - Dianne

“Definitely going to be ordering again. I love the texture flavor. And the amount we receive it surprisingly a lot more than expected.” - Carlos

“Carnivore Snax is worth every penny, but beware...I've never tried drugs in my life, but I'm pretty sure that this meat snack would rank right up there. It is soooo good that once you open the bag, there is no stopping until it is all gone. You've been warned...in the very best way.” - Joanne

What are the Best Snacks for Camping?

The best snacks to take camping can hold up to heat, don’t attract pests, and give you the energy you need to make the most of your time outdoors. The problem is, most “camping snacks” today are full of preservatives, processed carbs, and excess packaging that’s wasteful.

But finding the best snacks for camping doesn’t have to be rocket science. We’ve put together this list of the best camping snacks you have at your disposal, starting with our one-of-a-kind meat chips. 

Carnivore Snax

Carnivore Snax belongs at the top of your list if you want a snack that performs as well as it tastes. It’s truly the best of both worlds, backed by hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers.

These chips are made from regeneratively raised meat and a pinch of salt - nothing else. You get pure protein and fat in a crisp, lightweight form that fits right into your pack. There’s no refrigeration required, no grease, and no sticky residue.

Every bag starts as a pound of meat, so you can rest assured you’re getting the steady, satisfying energy you need to stay sharp through long hikes, early mornings, and late-night fireside chats. Every cut brings something different to the campsite, too:

• Pork Chips: Savory, crispy, and slightly sweet. You get rich flavor without the heaviness of traditional jerky. They’re hearty enough to satisfy after a long hike yet light enough to snack on while setting up camp.
• Brisket Chips: Smoky and deeply flavorful. These combine lean and fatty layers for a bold, balanced bite. They deliver the kind of slow-burning fuel that keeps you going through sunrise hikes or late-night firewood runs.
• Ribeye Chips: Known for their marbling. These melt in your mouth and feel just as indulgent deep in the woods as they do at home. They’re the closest thing to a steak dinner you can fit in your pocket.
• Steak Chips: Simple and satisfying. Bring the familiar flavor of a grilled cut to the campsite - no grill required. Crisp, clean, and loaded with protein, they’re a reliable snack for all-day energy.
• Lamb Chips: Rich and distinctive. A touch of variety for campers who like deeper flavor. The tender texture and mineral warmth of lamb makes these a favorite

Because Carnivore Snax are lightweight, shelf-stable, and resealable, they’re built for real adventure - not just convenience-store shelves. Skip the trail mix sugar bomb and pack the snack made for the wild. The best camping snacks are just a click away!

Granola/Protein Bars 

These are one of the best snacks for camping for a reason. They pack dense calories in a small space, require no prep, and hold up to almost any temperature. They’re easy to find, and there are tons of flavors to choose from to keep things fresh and fun.

Just do your best to find bars made with real nuts, seeds, and minimal added sugar. They’ll give you steady energy without the crash that comes from sweet, cereal-style versions. The problem is, most protein/granola bars are loaded with preservatives, sugar, and/or artificial flavors. Some bars melt or turn hard in heat or cold, so check the texture before you buy.

Or better yet, just stick with Carnivore Snax when you need a potent serving of protein and fats with none of the junk. This is the #1 alternative to protein bars.

Jerky/Biltong

Nothing says outdoor fuel like jerky or biltong, two snacks Carnivore Snax is often compared to. These are long-time staples for campers who value protein and portability. Both are shelf-stable, lightweight, and satisfying after a day of hiking.

Jerky tends to have a chewier texture, while biltong is air-dried rather than cooked so it stays softer and holds onto more of the meat’s natural flavor. Either one gives you a salty, high-protein bite that pairs well with nuts or dried fruit. They’re easy to store and won’t spoil if left in a hot car or tent.

The only real drawback is the nutrition facts of most commercially available jerky and biltong leave a lot to be desired. Choosing clean, minimal-ingredient varieties makes all the difference when you’re looking for steady energy, not thirst. 

Carnivore Snax is the last beef jerky alternative you’ll ever need, for what it’s worth. 

Crackers and Cheese

Few camping snacks feel as civilized or satisfying as crackers and cheese. This is a match made in heaven for the outdoorsman. Together, they balance carbs, fat, and protein in one simple bite. 

Hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or aged parmesan travel best since they resist spoilage and don’t turn greasy as quickly. Pair them with dense, sturdy crackers that won’t crumble at the bottom of your pack.

This combo works well as a quick lunch or fireside snack, especially when you want something that feels more like “real food.” The one limitation is temperature. Cheese can sweat or soften on hot days, so keep it in the cooler if you have space.  

Nuts, Seeds, and Trail Mix

Trail mix is practically synonymous with camping. It’s compact, calorie-dense, and offers the perfect mix of fats, carbs, and salt to keep you moving. 

Almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are great base ingredients. From there, you can add dried fruit for sweetness and electrolytes, or dark chocolate pieces if temperatures stay cool. 

The best part is flexibility. You can customize trail mix endlessly to really make it your own. You can also pre-portion small servings to avoid mindless snacking, since trail mix can sneak up on your calorie count.

The only potential issue is that many commercial mixes are heavy on candy and light on actual nutrition. Mixing your own gives you full control and keeps it from turning into dessert in disguise.

Veggies and Hummus

Who says the best camping snacks can’t align with a vegan or vegetarian diet? Fresh veggies and hummus provide crunch and clean flavor in a sea of salty snacks. Carrots, celery, cucumber slices, and bell peppers hold up well in a cooler for several days. 

Meanwhile, hummus adds a dose of protein and healthy fat which can make the snack more filling. Single-serve hummus cups are especially handy and prevent cross-contamination when you’re sharing with others.

Be mindful of the temperature, though. Hummus doesn’t love direct heat and should stay chilled when not in use, just like the veggies. It’s still not a bad pick for an easy midday snack at the picnic table.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are one of the simplest, most nutrient-dense snacks you can bring camping. Just because they’re basic and boring doesn’t mean they can’t be the best camping snacks! You get complete protein, healthy fat, and a satisfying texture without needing seasoning.

Make them at home before you go, peel them ahead of time, and store in a small rigid container to prevent cracking. They pair well with a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce if you want to elevate the flavor.

Eggs are as close to a superfood as it gets. So what’s the catch? Limited shelf life. They’ll need to be gone by day three. They’re some of the best snacks for camping trips that only last a weekend, though!

Roasted Marshmallows/S’mores

Let’s be honest, no camping trip would be complete without roasting marshmallows around the campfire - and perhaps even whipping up some s’mores! No, they’re not the healthiest choice. But some snacks are just good for the soul, and these fall into that category.

They’re messy, sweet, and nostalgic all at once. The downside? They’re pure sugar, so they won’t give you lasting energy or help recovery after a hike. As long as you balance the indulgence with some protein-packed snacks, there’s no harm in leaning into the moment.

Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are another camping classic. We were hesitant to refer to them as the best camping snacks since they can technically be a full-fledged meal, but they work well for between lunch and dinner without spoiling your appetite.

They cook quickly over a fire, require no utensils, and make cleanup minimal. Their high salt and fat content make them satisfying after a long day outdoors, though they don’t deliver much in the way of nutrition.

We suggest all-beef or uncured dogs with short ingredient lists. Toasting the buns directly over the flame adds a smoky flavor that ties the whole experience together.

Chips

It doesn’t get much easier than a bag of chips. These can satisfy that inevitable craving for crunch around the fire. They’re salty, light, and comforting - a familiar break from the usual camp snacks.

The key is picking ones that travel well. Kettle-cooked or baked varieties tend to resist crushing better than thin, oily chips. You might even want to portion chips into smaller bags to avoid messy hands getting into the same bag.

Be clear, these offer next to nothing as far as nutrition goes. If you’re going to go with chips, why not make them the functional kind? Our meat chips at Carnivre Snax are a perfect replacement for the basic potato chips you’ve been settling for all this time.  

Dried/Fresh Fruits

Fruit bridges the gap between dessert and nutrition while out in nature, making it one of the best snacks for camping you have access to. There are two ways you can go about it - dried or fresh fruit.

Dried mango, figs, and apricots deliver fast energy and chewable sweetness, while fresh apples, oranges, and bananas give hydration and fiber. Both have their place. The key is choosing fruit that doesn’t bruise easily or require refrigeration.

Apples and citrus can last for days without losing quality, especially if stored in a shaded bin or cooler. Be mindful of sugar content, though. Too much dried fruit can spike your blood sugar and leave you dragging later.

Raisins

Last (and perhaps least) on our list of the best camping snacks, we have raisins. They may not be all that inspiring from a taste and enjoyment point of view, but they are one of the most underrated camping staples.

Raisins provide fast, digestible energy. They also contain potassium and iron - two nutrients that support muscle function and recovery. Because they’re so lightweight, you can carry several days’ worth in a single small bag. They also blend easily with trail mix or oatmeal for added texture and sweetness if you don’t want to eat plain raisins (we don’t blame you).

The only issue is stickiness: if they get warm, raisins can clump together or coat your fingers with syrup. Keeping them in a sealed, cool pouch fixes that quickly.

Closing Thoughts on the Best Camping Snacks

The best camping snacks strike a balance between taste, endurance, and simplicity. They should hold up to heat, travel light, and deliver real energy for long days outdoors - without creating mess or waste.

Whether you’re looking for the best hunting snacks or the best fishing snacks, the best snacks for kayaking, or the best snacks for camping, your search ends here at Carnivore Snax. You get pure protein, pure flavor, no nonsense.

Shop now and keep your energy steady from sunrise to campfire with Carnivore Snax!