10 Delicious and Easy Camping Desserts Everyone Will Love

Camping is all about simple joys—crackling campfires, starry skies, and sweet treats shared with loved ones. Whether you’re deep in the woods or cozied up at a local campground, a delicious dessert can be the cherry on top of a perfect outdoor adventure.

The best camping desserts are:

• Easy to make with minimal equipment 🔧
• Travel-friendly and mess-free 🏕️
• Big on flavor but low on hassle 🍓

From gooey s’mores to fruity foil packs and make-ahead bars, these 10 crowd-pleasing dessert ideas are perfect for campers of all ages and experience levels. Let’s dive in and sweeten your next outdoor trip!

🔥 Classic S’mores with a Twist: Elevate the Ultimate Campfire Treat

No camping dessert list would be complete without the iconic s’more. This gooey, chocolatey favorite has warmed hearts and sticky fingers around the campfire for generations. Traditionally made by sandwiching a toasted marshmallow and a square of milk chocolate between two graham crackers, s’mores are the sweet symbol of outdoor fun.

But why stop at the basics when you can give this classic a gourmet upgrade? Here are a few creative twists to make your s’mores unforgettable:

🍫 Swap the Chocolate

• Use dark chocolate with sea salt for a rich, sophisticated flavor.
• Add a piece of caramel-filled chocolate or peanut butter cups for an oozy surprise.
• Try white chocolate with raspberries or cookies and cream bars for a fun twist.

🍪 Ditch the Graham Crackers

• Use chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, or shortbread for added crunch and flavor.
• Gingersnaps or pretzel thins can offer a sweet-and-salty edge.

🍓 Add Some Layers

• Thin slices of banana, strawberries, or apples add a fresh, fruity kick.
• A smear of peanut butter, Nutella, or cookie butter makes it even more indulgent.

🔥 Pro Tip:

Wrap your assembled s’more in foil and place it on the edge of the fire for a perfectly melted, hands-free version. Or turn the ingredients into s’mores bars ahead of your trip—bake them at home and enjoy with less mess.

Whether you’re sticking with tradition or exploring new flavors, s’mores are all about melting together sweet memories under the stars.

🍫🔥 Dutch Oven Chocolate Lava Cake: Ooey-Gooey Campfire Indulgence

Warm, rich, and decadently gooey—chocolate lava cake cooked in a Dutch oven is the ultimate comfort dessert for chilly nights under the stars. With its perfectly baked outer layer and molten chocolate center, this treat delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, making it a favorite among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

🥄 Easy Prep, Big Payoff

This crowd-pleasing dessert starts with a few simple ingredients:

• A box of chocolate cake mix (or your favorite homemade blend)
• A rich “lava layer” made from brown sugar, white sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder
• Hot water to activate the gooey center

Simply grease your Dutch oven, pour in the cake mix, sprinkle the lava mixture over the top, and carefully add hot water without stirring. Cover tightly and cook over medium campfire coals for 30–40 minutes, rotating the lid and base halfway through to bake evenly.

🔥 Campfire Magic

As the cake bakes, the sugars melt and sink, forming a luscious, pudding-like layer beneath the sponge. The result is a warm, gooey lava cake that scoops like a dream, with built-in chocolate sauce.

🍓 Top It Off:

• Dust with powdered sugar
• Add fresh berries
• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream (if you’ve got a cooler!)

This dessert turns your campsite into a rustic chocolate haven. Perfect for sharing and simple to make, it’s the kind of sweet that feels like a reward after a long day of hiking, paddling, or just relaxing by the fire.

🍌🔥 Campfire Banana Boats: Gooey, Customizable, and Fun for All Ages

Looking for a hands-on, no-fuss camping dessert that everyone can build themselves? Campfire banana boats are a deliciously melty treat made right in the peel, with zero dishes and tons of flavor.

🍫 How It Works:

Start by slicing a banana lengthwise, leaving the peel intact to create a natural “boat.” Gently open the banana and stuff it with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and whatever toppings your heart desires:

• Crushed graham crackers for a s’mores twist
• Chopped nuts for crunch
• Peanut butter chips, sprinkles, or even coconut flakes for added flair

🔥 Easy Campfire Cooking

Wrap the banana in foil and place it on the outer coals of the fire or over a grill for 5–10 minutes. The result? Melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a sweet, soft banana—all eaten straight from the foil pouch.

🏕️ Perfect for:

• Family camping trips
• Group dessert bars (set out toppings for everyone to DIY)
• Cozy campfire evenings when you want something warm, comforting, and just the right amount of messy

No campfire? No problem. Banana boats can also be baked in the oven or made on a backyard grill, bringing the magic of camping into your own backyard.

This nostalgic treat proves that the best camping desserts are simple, gooey, and made with your hands—and your heart.

🍪🔥 Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Campfire Crowd-Pleaser

Nothing says comfort like a giant, gooey chocolate chip cookie, especially when it’s baked golden brown in a cast iron skillet over an open fire.

🍫 Why Campers Love It:

This campfire dessert combines all the best parts of a classic cookie—crispy edges, chewy middle, and melty chocolate chunks—in one warm, shareable skillet. Baked directly over coals or in an RV oven, it’s rustic, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying after a day outdoors.

🧈 Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:

You only need the basics:

• Flour, butter, brown and white sugar
• Eggs, vanilla, baking soda
• A generous helping of chocolate chips (or chunks for even more gooey fun)

Prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in a cooler or fridge. When dessert time rolls around, just press it into a well-greased skillet and bake over the campfire until the edges are crisp and the center is still soft.

🏕️ Serve It Up:

• Scoop it straight from the pan with spoons for that cozy “camp-style” feel
• Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream if you have a cooler
• Perfect for family-style sharing and a hit with both kids and adults

Whether you’re camping in a tent or glamping in an RV, this skillet cookie brings a little bit of homey magic to the wild.

🍰🔥 Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Berries: A Sweet and Smoky Campfire Treat

Grilled pound cake with berries is a warm-weather dessert that’s equal parts easy, elegant, and indulgent—perfect for outdoor dining under the stars.

🍓 Why You’ll Love It:

This dessert is made for minimal effort, maximum flavor. With store-bought or pre-baked pound cake, you can whip up something spectacular in just minutes over the grill. A quick sear gives the cake a toasty golden crust, while the inside stays buttery and soft.

🔥 How to Make It:

1. Slice your pound cake into thick pieces.
2. Brush lightly with butter (optional for extra crisp).
3. Grill for 1–2 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
4. Top with a medley of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

Add a dollop of whipped cream, a spoonful of mascarpone, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’ve got a cooler handy. A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze can elevate it even more.

🏕️ Campfire-Ready Convenience:

• No baking required
• Quick clean-up
• Works with portable grills, skillets, or cast iron pans

It’s a light yet flavorful way to wrap up a day of adventuring. Whether you’re camping, picnicking, or just backyard lounging, this dessert delivers summer sweetness with zero fuss.

🍫🔥 Grilled Nutella & Marshmallow Sandwiches: A Gooey Campfire Delight

Looking for a fun and cozy campfire dessert with a modern twist? Grilled Nutella and marshmallow sandwiches are everything you love about s’mores—just easier to make and even gooier to eat!

😋 What Makes It So Good?

Picture this: warm, crisp golden bread hugging a rich layer of melted Nutella and soft, toasted mini marshmallows. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and gooey textures, with just the right hit of sweetness.

🔥 How to Make It:

1. Spread Nutella generously on two slices of sandwich bread.
2. Sprinkle a handful of mini marshmallows in the middle.
3. Close the sandwich and grill slowly over the campfire or on a skillet.
4. Cook until the outside is golden brown and the inside is oozing.

You can also use brioche or cinnamon swirl bread for added flavor, or toss in sliced bananas or strawberries for a fruity twist 🍌🍓.

🏕️ Why It’s Great for Camping:

• Needs just a few ingredients
• Quick and mess-free prep
• Crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults

This dessert is a fun, no-fuss way to indulge by the fire—comfort food with a gooey heart. It’s the kind of camping treat that gets requested again and again.

🥜🔥 Campfire Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches: A Toasty Twist on a Classic

Take your childhood favorite to the next level with campfire PB&J sandwiches! This sweet, melty treat is quick to make, deeply comforting, and perfect for the great outdoors.

🍓 Why You’ll Love It:

By wrapping a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in foil and heating it near the campfire coals, you get a warm, gooey dessert that’s nostalgic with a smoky twist. The peanut butter melts, the jam bubbles, and the bread toasts up just enough for crispy edges and a soft center.

🔥 How to Make It:

1. Use hearty bread (like sourdough or whole grain) to hold up to the heat.
2. Spread your favorite peanut butter and jam or fruit preserves.
3. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
4. Place near hot coals (not directly in flames) for 5–7 minutes.
5. Unwrap and enjoy that warm, oozing deliciousness!

🏕️ Campfire PB&J Tips:

• Try chunky peanut butter for added texture.
• Swap jam for fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries 🍓.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few dark chocolate chips for an extra treat.

This easy campfire dessert is a low-effort, high-reward option that both kids and grown-ups will crave by the fire.

🍌🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Bananas: A Cool Treat for Hot Camping Days

Looking for a refreshing, no-bake camping dessert? Chocolate-dipped frozen bananas are a sweet, healthy, and kid-approved favorite that’s easy to prep and perfect for warm outdoor evenings.

❄️ Why It Works:

Frozen bananas offer a creamy, ice cream-like texture. Dip them in rich melted chocolate, and you’ve got a cool and crunchy dessert that’s both satisfying and simple. Add fun toppings, and suddenly you’ve got a crowd-pleaser around the picnic table.

🍦 How to Make It:

1. Slice ripe bananas in half or into thick coins.
2. Insert popsicle sticks or skewers for easy handling.
3. Freeze until firm (3–4 hours or overnight).
4. Melt your favorite chocolate (dark, milk, or white) over low heat or camp stove.
5. Dip bananas and immediately roll in toppings like:
   • Chopped nuts 🥜
   • Shredded coconut 🥥
   • Mini chocolate chips 🍫
   • Rainbow sprinkles 🌈
6. Freeze again for 15 minutes or keep them in a cooler until ready to serve.

🏕️ Camping Tip:

Make a batch at home before your trip and store them in an airtight container in your cooler with plenty of ice packs. No mess, no fuss—just pull out and enjoy whenever the craving hits!

This camping dessert idea is fun for all ages and makes a delicious alternative to sugary snacks. Plus, it’s a creative way to sneak fruit into your s’mores-filled weekend!

🔥🍫 Campfire Mocha Brownies: A Gooey, Caffeinated Campfire Favorite

Warm up your night with campfire mocha brownies, a delicious twist on the classic that combines rich chocolate with a bold coffee kick—all baked fireside! These skillet brownies are easy to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing under the stars.

☕ Why You’ll Love Them:

The addition of instant coffee or espresso powder adds depth and richness to the chocolate flavor, creating that signature mocha taste. Paired with gooey chocolate chips or melted marshmallows, it’s the ultimate cozy treat for coffee and chocolate lovers.

🔥 How to Make Them:

1. Prepare your brownie batter (from scratch or a mix).
2. Stir in 1–2 tsp of instant coffee or espresso powder.
3. Grease a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
4. Pour in the batter and spread evenly.
5. Place the skillet over low, indirect campfire heat or hot coals.
6. Top with chocolate chips, nuts, or mini marshmallows for extra flavor.
7. Bake slowly for 25–40 minutes, until set on the edges and soft in the center.

🏕️ Camp Tip:

Cover the skillet with foil or a Dutch oven lid to trap heat for even cooking. Rotate occasionally to avoid hot spots.

These brownies are best enjoyed warm with a spoon, straight from the skillet, with a hot mug of campfire cocoa or coffee. Whether it’s your first night or your last, mocha brownies make the fire feel extra special.

🥥🍯 Coconut Date Balls: No-Bake Energy Bites for Sweet Campfire Snacking

Looking for a healthy, no-fuss dessert that fits right into your backpack? These Coconut Date Balls are a chewy, naturally sweet treat that requires zero cooking—just blend, roll, and enjoy!

🌰 Why Campers Love Them:

Made with just a handful of ingredients like Medjool dates, shredded coconut, and nuts, these little bites are packed with energy, fiber, and flavor. The natural sugars in the dates give you a quick boost, while the coconut adds a creamy, tropical twist.

✨ Easy as 1-2-3:

1. Blend pitted dates, nuts or seeds (like almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds), and shredded coconut in a food processor.
2. Form into small balls and roll in extra coconut for texture and crunch.
3. Chill or pack in an airtight container. They keep well for days, even on the trail!

🏕️ Perfect for Camping:

These no-bake bites are:

• Mess-free
• Shelf-stable (no refrigeration needed)
• Great for kids and adults
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan

Whether you’re hiking, relaxing by the campfire, or need a midday trail pick-me-up, Coconut Date Balls hit the sweet spot without the sugar crash.

🔧🔥 Tips for Easy & Fun Camping Desserts: Gear Up for Sweet Success!

Camping desserts don’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you can whip up tasty treats outdoors with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. 🍫⛺

🧰 Must-Have Tools for Campfire Treats:

Make dessert time smooth and stress-free by packing a few camping dessert essentials:

• Campfire-safe pan or cast iron skillet 🔥
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy wrapping and cleanup
• Grill grate to cook directly over the fire
• Reusable containers for storing prepped ingredients
• Small cooler for perishable favorites like chocolate, butter, or cream cheese 🧊

These tools help you bake, melt, grill, or toast your way to sweet satisfaction—without the mess.

🛒 Sweet Ingredients to Pack:

A few strategic staples go a long way! Be sure to bring:

• 🏕️ Marshmallows (for s’mores, banana boats & more)
• 🍫 Chocolate bars or chips (dark, milk, or caramel-filled!)
• 🍪 Graham crackers or sturdy cookies
• 🍓 Fresh fruit like bananas or berries
• 🍰 Pre-mixed cake or brownie mix (just add water or oil!)
• 🌟 Cinnamon, sugar, or mini spice jars for flavor boosts

Mix and match these items to create dozens of quick desserts—all with just a fire and a little creativity!

⏱️🧁 Time-Saving Prep Tips for Easy Camping Desserts

A little dessert prep at home goes a long way when you’re out in the wild. By tackling key steps ahead of time, you can spend less time cooking and cleaning—and more time enjoying the stars ✨ and s’mores.

🔪🍓 Do-Ahead Tasks That Make a Big Difference:

• ✅ Chop fruit, crush cookies, or portion toppings like chocolate chips and nuts.
• ✅ Mix batters or dough (like brownie mix or cookie dough) and store them in leakproof containers.
• ✅ Assemble no-bake treats, such as parfaits in mason jars or date balls, and chill before packing.

🧺 Pack Like a Pro:

• 🧃 Use zip-top bags or reusable containers for pre-measured ingredients.
• 🏷️ Label everything to keep it organized (and avoid “mystery meals” by the fire).
• 🧊 Store perishables in your cooler with ice packs for freshness.

⏰ Plan Your Dessert Time:

Know when dessert is happening—right after dinner or post-sunset snack? Setting a time helps everyone relax and look forward to the sweet finale without last-minute stress.

🔥🍫 Making Desserts Over the Campfire: Easy, Safe & Delicious

There’s something magical about ending your camping day gathered around a glowing campfire—especially when sweet treats are involved. With a few basic tools and simple safety know-how, you can whip up cozy, delicious desserts right in the heart of nature.

🛡️ Safety First: Smart Campfire Cooking Tips

Before you start roasting or baking by the flames, here’s how to keep things safe and smooth:

• 🔥 Wait for hot embers, not open flames, for steady, even heat.
• 🧤 Use long-handled tools and heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
• 🚫 Never leave food or fires unattended.
• 💧 Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
• 🧼 Clean tools before and after use to prevent food contamination.

Creating a safe cooking setup ensures that dessert-making stays fun—not stressful.

🧁🥄 Campfire Magic with Foil & Skewers

These two humble tools—foil and skewers—are your campfire dessert MVPs. They’re lightweight, mess-free, and can transform simple ingredients into crowd-pleasing sweets.

✨ Creative Ways to Use Them:

🪵 Foil Packets

• Fill with sliced apples, peaches, or berries
• Add cinnamon, sugar, or even a splash of maple syrup
• Seal and place in hot embers for 10–15 minutes
• Top with granola or whipped cream—done!

🔥 Skewers

• Not just for marshmallows! Try:
  • Cubes of pound cake with strawberries 🍓
  • Banana chunks with chocolate chips 🍌🍫
  • Brownie bites toasted like s’mores

🥧 Foil Mini Pans

• Shape foil into little cups or shells
• Bake mini pies, cobblers, or cookie cups right in the coals
• Easy cleanup, no extra dishes—just peel and enjoy!

🔥 These low-fuss methods add rustic charm and creativity to your camping dessert menu—no oven or mixer needed.