10 Healthy Snacks Perfect for Road Trips and Camping

There’s something magical about packing up the car, cranking up the tunes, and hitting the open road—whether it’s for a 14-hour haul back to my hometown or a quick 2-hour drive down to the Outer Banks. (By the way, if you’re heading to the OBX and plan on driving on the beaches, don’t miss my guide here. You’ll thank me later!) But let’s be real for a second: nothing derails the joy of a road trip quite like “hanger.” And trust me, I’ve learned from experience that kids are never more hungry than when they’re bored in the backseat.

To help you avoid the dreaded “Mom, I’m starving” chorus (and to keep your own energy up), I’ve rounded up 10 healthy snacks that are perfect for road trips and camping. These easy make-ahead camping snacks recipes will also work wonders for long road trips with kids. These options are tasty, easy to pack, and won’t leave your car looking like a war zone of crumbs and wrappers.

1. Trail Mix (DIY or Store-Bought)

Trail mix is the MVP of road trip snacks. It’s customizable, non-perishable, and satisfies both sweet and salty cravings—perfect for those long drives to the Outer Banks or anywhere else on your travel list. My go-to mix? Almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, and just a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips (because, balance). Here’s a quick recipe to try:

Easy DIY Trail Mix

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• Optional: Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut or pumpkin seeds for extra flavor.

Mix everything in a large bowl, then portion it into reusable snack bags to cut down on waste. Enjoy!

2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus

Carrots, celery, bell peppers—you name it. Pair them with individual hummus cups for a mess-free, nutrient-packed snack. Pro tip: pre-chop your veggies the night before and store them in the fridge to grab and go.

3. Energy Balls

These little bites of heaven are perfect for long drives or hikes. Made with oats, peanut butter, honey, and a few add-ins like chia seeds or mini chocolate chips, they’re easy to make ahead and store. Plus, they’re kid-approved. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:

Energy Ball Recipe

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. Store them in an airtight container for a quick, delicious snack on the go!

4. Popcorn

Popcorn is light, crunchy, and endlessly versatile. Sprinkle it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or cinnamon for a sweet twist. Divide it into portions before hitting the road to avoid squabbles over who gets the last handful.

5. Cheese Sticks or Babybel Cheese

Individually wrapped cheese is a lifesaver. It’s rich in protein and calcium, and it’s easy to toss in a cooler. Even on a camping trip, these little guys hold up well if kept cool.

6. Jerky

Beef, turkey, or even plant-based jerky—there’s something for everyone. Jerky is a fantastic protein-packed snack that’s both satisfying and portable. Just watch the sodium if you’re munching on it all day.

7. Fruit Leather or Freeze-Dried Fruits

Fruit leather is like candy—but better for you. Freeze-dried fruits, on the other hand, are crunchy and surprisingly addictive. Both are easy to pack and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without the sugar crash.

8. Granola Bars

Granola bars are a classic road trip staple, especially when you’re looking for kid-friendly non-perishable snacks for road trips. But not all are created equal. Look for ones with minimal added sugar and plenty of whole ingredients. Or, make your own with oats, nuts, and honey—it’s easier than you think! Here’s a quick recipe you can try:

Homemade Granola Bars

• 2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup nut butter (like peanut or almond butter)
• 1/4 cup dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries)
• Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8×8 pan and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until set. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container for a wholesome snack on the go!

9. Nut Butter Packets and Apple Slices

Pairing apples with nut butter is a winning combo. Bring along pre-sliced apples and single-serve almond or peanut butter packets for a mess-free, nutrient-rich snack. Bonus: the protein and fiber keep you full longer.

10. Whole-Grain Crackers and Tuna Packets

For something a little more substantial, try whole-grain crackers with flavored tuna packets. It’s like a mini-meal that doesn’t require a fridge or microwave. Just don’t forget a small spoon or fork for spreading.

Snack Storage Tips

Keeping snacks fresh and organized is half the battle on a road trip. Whether you’re prepping for a quick beach getaway or a cross-country journey, here’s what I’ve learned to make healthy snacks for long road trips with kids easier:

• Use reusable containers or silicone bags to cut down on trash.
• Pack a small cooler with ice packs for perishable items like cheese and hummus.
• Keep a trash bag handy to corral wrappers and peels. (This tip alone will save your sanity!)

Bonus Advice: Don’t Forget the Water!

My best advice is to bring water in a reusable bottle! Lots of times, when kids think they’re hungry, they’re actually thirsty. Prepare for bathroom breaks, but know that hydrated kids are happier than dehydrated kids. Plus, staying hydrated keeps everyone’s energy levels up and makes those long drives so much smoother.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cruising along the highway or setting up camp in the great outdoors, having healthy snacks on hand can make all the difference. From quick and healthy road trip food ideas to energy-packed bites for camping, these snacks ensure everyone stays happy and fueled. Not only do these options keep everyone fueled and happy, but they also save you from relying on overpriced (and often unhealthy) roadside options.

Got a favorite road trip or camping snack I missed? Drop it in the comments below! And if you’re heading to the Outer Banks, don’t forget to check out my tips for beach driving. Here’s to smooth roads, happy kids, and snack bags that never run dry!