15 Easy Camping Appetizers for Group Gatherings
When camping with a group, snacks and appetizers are a great way to kick off the day or enjoy some downtime together around the campfire.
These easy camping appetizers are designed to be simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re craving something savory, fresh, or a little sweet, these recipes are sure to please everyone in your group.
They require minimal equipment, can be made ahead of time, and are easy to prepare right at your campsite.
From cheesy dips to fresh veggie platters, these appetizers will keep your group energized and ready for the next outdoor adventure.
1. Campfire Nachos
Campfire nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick to assemble and packed with flavor. Layered with cheese, chips, and your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for a group.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup jalapeños (sliced)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Layer tortilla chips in a large, heat-safe pan.
- Top with black beans, jalapeños, and shredded cheese.
- Place the pan over the campfire or on a grill, cooking until the cheese melts. Serve with sour cream.
2. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Grilled veggie skewers are a healthy and colorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare and cook over the campfire. These skewers are a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your camping menu.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 red onion (quartered)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Thread the vegetables onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill over the campfire for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and charred.
3. Campfire Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing around the campfire. Serve it with crackers or fresh veggies for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 can artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- In a pot, mix together cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, and cheeses.
- Heat over the campfire until the cheese melts and the dip is smooth.
- Serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
4. Hummus and Veggie Platter
A simple yet nutritious appetizer, hummus paired with fresh veggies offers a refreshing and healthy snack. It’s easy to pack and perfect for a light group appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
- Arrange the vegetables on a platter around a bowl of hummus.
- Serve immediately for dipping.
5. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
A cheese and charcuterie board is a sophisticated yet simple appetizer that requires no cooking. It’s perfect for a group to pick at while enjoying each other’s company.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 varieties of cheese (cheddar, brie, or gouda)
- Assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
- Crackers or bread
- Grapes or dried fruits
Instructions:
- Arrange the cheese, meats, crackers, and fruits on a large platter or board.
- Serve and enjoy as a quick and easy appetizer.
6. Campfire Quesadillas
Campfire quesadillas are quick, cheesy, and customizable, making them a great appetizer for a group. You can fill them with veggies, beans, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 4 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/4 cup bell peppers (diced)
- Salsa for dipping
Instructions:
- Place one tortilla on a campfire-safe pan.
- Sprinkle cheese, black beans, and bell peppers on top, then add another tortilla.
- Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Slice and serve with salsa.
7. Guacamole and Chips
Guacamole is a fresh and flavorful appetizer that pairs perfectly with crispy chips. This classic favorite is easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe avocados (mashed)
- 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
- Mash the avocados in a bowl.
- Stir in the chopped onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt.
- Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
8. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a fresh and light appetizer, made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. They’re simple to make and perfect for enjoying outdoors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
- Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small skewers.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving. Enjoy immediately!
9. Campfire Roasted Garlic Bread
Garlic bread cooked over the campfire is crispy, garlicky, and irresistible. Perfect for dipping into marinara or served alongside other appetizers.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
- Slice the French bread into thick slices.
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture on the bread slices and wrap in foil. Roast over the campfire for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
10. Fruit Kabobs
Fruit kabobs are a refreshing and healthy appetizer perfect for a summer camping trip. You can mix and match your favorite fruits for a colorful and flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup grapes
- 1/2 cup melon (cubed)
Instructions:
- Thread the fruit pieces onto skewers in any order you like.
- Arrange the kabobs on a serving tray and enjoy fresh and juicy fruit on the go.
11. Veggie and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
These veggie and cheese stuffed mushrooms are a savory, bite-sized appetizer that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a campfire cookout.
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushroom caps (stemmed)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the campfire or grill.
- Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, and chopped spinach in a bowl.
- Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture, drizzle with olive oil, and cook over the fire for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
12. Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts
These sweet and spicy mixed nuts are a crunchy and flavorful snack that’s easy to pack and perfect for sharing around the campfire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the campfire or oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all nuts, honey, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool and serve.
13. Campfire Pizzas
Campfire pizzas are a fun and customizable appetizer that everyone can enjoy. Using flatbreads or pita as a base, top them with your favorite ingredients and cook over the fire.
Ingredients:
- 4 pita breads
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives)
Instructions:
- Spread pizza sauce on the pita bread.
- Sprinkle with cheese and your choice of toppings.
- Grill over the campfire for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
These stuffed mini bell peppers are full of flavor and make a perfect appetizer for a group. They’re easy to eat and can be filled with a variety of fillings.
Ingredients:
- 8 mini bell peppers (tops cut off and seeds removed)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp chives (chopped)
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chives in a bowl.
- Stuff the mini bell peppers with the cheese mixture.
- Arrange on a grill-safe pan and heat for 5-7 minutes until soft.
15. S’mores Dip
This campfire favorite is a twist on the classic s’mores, served as a gooey, sweet dip. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing around the fire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 tbsp butter
- Graham crackers (for dipping)
Instructions:
- In a cast-iron skillet, melt the butter and chocolate chips over the campfire.
- Top with mini marshmallows and let them melt into the chocolate.
- Serve with graham crackers for dipping.
