If there’s one thing we’ve learned from countless nights under the stars, it’s that nothing brings people together quite like a steaming plate of nachos around the campfire. Sure, hot dogs and s’mores are camping classics, but wait until you see how these camping nacho recipes take outdoor snacking to a whole new level (especially when it’s been a busy day).
Whether you’re craving the classic loaded nachos, want to try something vegetarian, or need a crowd-pleasing solution for picky eaters, these recipes have got you covered. We’ve included options for different cooking setups too – from basic campfire to Dutch oven. So grab your favorite chips and let’s make some camping memories, one cheesy layer at a time.

1. The Adventure Bite’s Classic Campfire Nachos
This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, using basic ingredients like tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and pre-cooked hamburger meat. The instructions are clear and detailed, with helpful tips on preventing soggy nachos and spicing options. The recipe smartly suggests cooking the meat ahead of time to save effort at the campsite. Their method of using a cast iron skillet with foil cover is particularly effective for even heating.

2. Adventures of Mel’s Chicken Recipe
This recipe elevates camping nachos by using shredded chicken and roasted red pepper hummus for unique flavor. The detailed layering instructions ensure every bite has the perfect balance of ingredients. Their cooking method using a tripod grill offers excellent temperature control, and the recipe includes precise timing guidelines. The combination of white queso and two types of shredded cheese creates an exceptionally creamy result.

3. Amanda Outside’s Dutch Oven Approach
This version excels with its detailed Dutch oven technique and coal placement instructions. The recipe is particularly beginner-friendly, with clear explanations of why certain ingredients work better than others (like using thicker tortilla chips). Their layering method with beans creates excellent texture contrast, and the recipe includes helpful scaling tips for different group sizes.

4. The Live-In Kitchen’s Campfire Nachos
This vegetarian adaptation proves that meat isn’t necessary for delicious camping nachos. The recipe cleverly uses canned vegetables for convenience while camping, and includes smart tips for customization and alternative cooking methods. Their suggestion of using foil pans makes cleanup particularly easy, and the layering technique ensures even distribution of ingredients.

5. Fox Farm Home’s Loaded Nachos
This innovative approach uses individual foil pans, allowing each person to customize their nachos. The recipe includes practical tips for cooking over different heat sources and preventing burning. Their emphasis on quick cleanup and simple ingredients makes this particularly suitable for family camping trips. The detailed instructions for managing cooking time and heat levels help prevent common camping cooking mishaps.
Closing Thoughts
These camping nacho recipes can turn simple evening snacks into memorable outdoor feasts. Remember, the beauty of camping nachos is that they’re pretty forgiving – if your fire’s running a bit hot or your layers aren’t perfect, they’ll still taste amazing under the open sky.
And don’t be afraid to make these recipes your own. Add extra jalapeños if you’re feeling brave, swap in different cheeses, or create a topping bar so everyone can customize their portion.
Give them a try and let us know how you like them!