You’ve just arrived at camp after a long day in the fresh air, occupied by whatever outdoorsy activity you prefer. If the discussion over whose turn it is to cook ends up in a brawl, it might be time for a snack. Not that you, or anyone, is getting hangry.
The best camping snacks exist just as much in the imagination as they do in reality. You might be halfway up Snowdon, huffing in one breath and cursing your hiking partner, who hasn’t broken a sweat, in the other. "Whose idea was this anyway?"
The only thing that stops you from giving up is the dream of perfectly toasted marshmallows when it’s all over. If this doesn’t keep you going, not much else will.
A camping snack isn’t to be confused with a hiking snack. It’s the heavier stuff you don’t want to lug up the mountain or the comfort food for when it’s all over. You don’t need quick-release energy, but a little something to tide you over while dinner is cooking or to munch on around the campfire later on in the evening.
What exactly might this be, though? Read on for our top picks, compiled from recommendations across the team.
1. Toasted marshmallows
Some say fire is essential to human civilisation as it allows us to toast marshmallows. These fluffy sugar clouds are, in fact, the very reason why substances combine with oxygen to give out heat.
Anyone who’s pierced a marshmallow, held it above the flames, then watched as it slowly forms a golden brown, crisp outer shell, while the inside melts into a gooey mess, will understand.
2. Smores
You may think that toasted marshmallows is as good as it gets, but you'd be mistaken. Take your melted marshmallow, sandwich it between two biscuits and give it a squeeze. You've just achieved camping snack perfection.
This creation is called a smore and, in our opinion, it's best when there's chocolate involved. A classic chocolate digestive is a solid choice, as are Bahlsen's Choco Leibniz biscuits. Just be prepared for a bit of mess.
3. A juicy watermelon
Watermelons are to be enjoyed on summer camping trips to continental Europe, as they're best found in places like Spain, Italy and Greece. Unlike many camping snacks, they’ll actually hydrate you, and won’t leave any plastic waste behind. All you need is a euro or so and a good penknife.
4. Pistachios
Pistachios are the fashionistas of the nut world. The smell of pistachio lattes, pastries and cakes wafts from every trendy bakery. Everything about the once-humble nut has taken off, from its taste to its colour and smell. It was even named ‘nut of the year’ in 2023.
The US is the chief exporters of pistachios, where farming the nut earnt the Californian state almost $3bn in 2024. If you can get your hands on these high-value snacks, they’re ideal for munching on around the campfire.
They're a good source of healthy fats, protein, fibre and other nutrients, while the fact that you need to take the shell off should help you avoid scoffing the whole bag!
5. Halloumi
Halloumi has got to be one of the most versatile camping snacks. It’s great in salads with chopped mint, or any snacks involving bread or wraps.
It’s got a high melting point, so it’ll keep its shape if you roast it on the fire. You can also fry it, barbecue it or enjoy it raw with watermelon – a popular pairing in the home of halloumi, Cyprus.
6. Foraged foods
Berries, nuts, edible greens or mushrooms – food that is foraged tastes better with the satisfaction of having found it yourself, hunter-gatherer style.
Just make sure you pick the right kind of mushroom, or you might be tripping over more than just tree roots.
But no, really, make sure you're 100% sure that what you've foraged is actually edible – if in doubt, leave it out.
For guidance, consider joining a foraging course, or invest in a book such as The Forager's Calendar: A Seasonal Guide to Nature’s Wild Harvests.
7. Roasted chestnuts
Chestnuts are in season during the late autumn and early winter, so this isn’t one for summer camping. When roasted they become earthy and sweet, with a smooth texture.
They're full of carbs, too, so they’ll help keep you fuelled for the next day of adventures. On a chilly night, there’s not much better to put on your campfire.
8. Your favourite crisps
In my opinion, which in this post-truth world counts for almost as much as fact, Bugles are the best crisps on the planet. By this, I mean the cone-shaped Lay’s 3D Bugles, which you can find in supermarkets outside the UK.
It’s difficult to place a finger on why exactly, something to do with the satisfying crunch. Or maybe it's the fact that, unlike most crisps, Bugles are corn-based.
Of course, other crisps are available.
9. Chorizo
Like halloumi, chorizo is a versatile snack. A whole chorizo can go a long way. You can eat it on its own, with cheese or roast it on the fire (or fire up the camping stove and mix it with rice). Full of protein, it’ll help repair tired muscles and restore energy for tomorrow. You don't need a fridge, either.
10. Bread, olive oil and balsamic
A winning combination, if ever there was one. Buy (or make) some delicious bread, grab your best bottle of extra virgin olive oil and pack the balsamic glaze – we're going continental!
In truth, standard balsamic vinegar also works, but we find a squeezy bottle of glaze is less messy. Either way, with these three ingredients you'll end up with a top-tier snack that you can devour ahead of your main course.
It's packed with flavour, is full of carbs and brings a bit of class to proceedings – especially when you pull out your little tapas dishes to pour the liquids into.
Hell, why not go one step further and switch the bread out for focaccia?
11. Apple and peanut butter
Combine two things that are deliciously sweet and salty by dipping apple slices into a jar of peanut butter. Neither item require any refrigeration, making it an ideal camping snack.
You'll also get a nice punch of carbs, plus some good fats and protein. You could even chuck some chocolate chips on there for good measure, making it a semi-healthy dessert.
12. A cheeseboard
We know we've already got halloumi on this list, but can you really have enough cheese? The answer is, of course, no.
So if you're car camping with a fridge, stock it up with the good stuff. Brie, smoked, mozzerella, burrata, a fine cheddar... just maybe skip the stilton or risk stinking out the whole family tent.
Pair it with crackers or maybe some of that fine bread we've just been talking about. If you're feeling particularly posh, turn it into a charcuterie board with some cured meats, fruit, chutneys and olives.
Just be prepared for your fellow campers to try and pinch bits from you.
13. Twin Peaks chocolate
The Swiss brand Toblerone is renowned for its expensiveness. Sure, it tastes good, but why not try Poundland’s rip-off version: Twin Peaks.
Made in Birmingham, their chocolate shape and logo are inspired not by Toblerone’s Matterhorn, but by two Shropshire hills – The Wrekin and The Ercall. If that's not already reason enough, Toblerone and Twin Peaks have been beefing for years, which we find greatly amusing.
Want to snack in comfort? Take a look at our list of the best camping chairs.