Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with a camping trip? As you plan your outdoor adventure, don’t forget to include some delicious Memorial Day camping desserts that will make your holiday weekend even more memorable. These treats are perfect for enjoying around the campfire after a day of hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in nature. I’ve compiled a list of 10 mouthwatering camping desserts that are easy to prepare, portable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or trying it for the first time this Memorial Day, these sweet treats will add a special touch to your outdoor celebration.
Table of Contents
10 Delicious Memorial Day Camping Desserts
1. Classic S’mores with a Patriotic Twist
No camping trip is complete without s’mores! This classic campfire dessert gets a Memorial Day makeover with some simple additions.
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate bars
- Marshmallows
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Fresh blueberries
- Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
Instructions:
- If desired, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut graham crackers into patriotic shapes.
- Toast a marshmallow over the campfire until golden brown and gooey.
- Place the toasted marshmallow on a graham cracker half.
- Add a piece of chocolate and a few slices of strawberry and blueberries.
- Top with another graham cracker half and enjoy your patriotic Memorial Day s’more!
2. Campfire Banana Boats
Banana boats are one of the easiest and most delicious camping desserts you can make. They’re customizable and cook right in their own natural wrapper!
Ingredients:
- Bananas (still in peels)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed graham crackers
- Red and blue M&Ms or sprinkles
- Aluminum foil
- Optional toppings: peanut butter chips, caramel bits, chopped nuts
Instructions:
- With the banana still in its peel, cut a slit lengthwise along the inside curve, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Gently open the banana and stuff it with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers.
- Sprinkle with red and blue M&Ms for a patriotic touch.
- Wrap the stuffed banana in aluminum foil.
- Place near the edge of the campfire (not directly in flames) for 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully unwrap and eat with a spoon when the fillings are melted and the banana is soft.
3. Dutch Oven Berry Cobbler
If you’re bringing a Dutch oven on your camping trip, you’ve got to try this camping berry cobbler that feeds the whole crew.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed berries (strawberries and blueberries for Memorial Day colors)
- 1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix berries, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Pour berry mixture into a greased Dutch oven.
- In another bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, melted butter, and vanilla to make the batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter over the berries and sprinkle with remaining sugar.
- Cover with the Dutch oven lid.
- Place over medium-hot coals and add some coals on top of the lid.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and berries are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving this perfect Memorial Day camping dessert.
4. Grilled Pound Cake with Fresh Berries
For a super simple yet impressive camping dessert, this grilled pound cake requires minimal prep but delivers major flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought pound cake, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- Whipped cream (canned works well for camping)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Butter both sides of each pound cake slice.
- Place on a grill grate over medium campfire heat for 1-2 minutes per side until toasted with grill marks.
- Mix berries with sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to create a light syrup.
- Top each grilled pound cake slice with the berry mixture.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with mint if desired.
- Serve immediately for a red, white, and blue dessert that’s perfect for Memorial Day.
5. Campfire Cones
For a fun twist on traditional s’mores, try these campfire cones that are less messy and highly customizable.
Ingredients:
- Waffle ice cream cones
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Strawberries, diced
- Blueberries
- Optional fillings: butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, banana slices, crushed cookies
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Fill each waffle cone with your desired mixture of marshmallows, chocolate chips, and berries.
- Wrap each filled cone tightly in aluminum foil.
- Place near the edge of the campfire for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Carefully unwrap (they’ll be hot!) and enjoy as the fillings melt together into a delicious Memorial Day dessert.
6. Skillet Cookie
This giant campfire cookie bakes right in your cast iron skillet for a warm, gooey treat everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 roll of pre-made cookie dough (or make your own)
- 1/2 cup red and blue M&Ms or chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
- Cast iron skillet
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Grease a cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the skillet.
- Sprinkle with red, white, and blue chips/candies.
- Cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
- Place on a grill grate over medium campfire heat for about 15-20 minutes until edges are set but center is still soft.
- Let cool slightly, then cut into wedges and serve warm with ice cream for a perfect Memorial Day camping dessert.
7. Foil Packet Peach Crisp
This easy camping dessert cooks in individual foil packets, making serving a breeze with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced (or use canned peaches)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup granola
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions:
- Tear off four 12-inch squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Divide peach slices equally among the foil squares.
- Sprinkle each with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Top with granola and dot with butter pieces.
- Fold foil to create sealed packets.
- Place packets on hot campfire coals or on a grill grate for 10-15 minutes until peaches are soft and topping is crisp.
- Carefully open packets (watch for steam!) and top with ice cream if desired for a delicious camping treat.
8. No-Bake Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Jars
These make-ahead patriotic desserts are perfect for camping since they require no cooking at the campsite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 4 small mason jars with lids
Instructions:
- Before your trip, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and divide among mason jars, pressing down firmly.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then fold in whipped topping.
- Spoon mixture over graham cracker bases.
- Top with layers of strawberries and blueberries.
- Seal jars and refrigerate or keep in cooler until ready to serve.
- Enjoy these Memorial Day camping desserts straight from the jar!
9. Campfire Apple Pie Packets
These individual apple pie packets deliver all the flavor of apple pie without the need for baking.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 4 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Granola or crushed graham crackers
- Optional: caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
- Tear off four 12-inch squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- In a bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Divide apple mixture among foil squares.
- Top each with butter pieces.
- Fold foil to create sealed packets.
- Place on hot campfire coals or on a grill grate for 10-15 minutes until apples are tender.
- Open carefully and top with granola and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serve with ice cream for a camping dessert that tastes just like apple pie.
10. Star-Spangled Rice Krispie Treats
These patriotic treats can be made before your trip and are perfect for snacking throughout your Memorial Day weekend.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10 oz) package marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Red and blue food coloring
- White chocolate chips
- Red and blue sprinkles
- Star-shaped cookie cutter (optional)
Instructions:
- Before your trip, melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies until well coated.
- Divide mixture into three portions.
- Leave one portion white, color one portion red, and one portion blue.
- Press each colored mixture into separate layers in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Let cool completely, then cut into squares or use a star-shaped cookie cutter.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles if desired.
- Store in airtight containers for a ready-to-eat Memorial Day camping dessert.
Tips for Camping Dessert Success
To ensure your Memorial Day camping desserts turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Prep ahead: Do as much preparation as possible before leaving home.
- Pack smart: Use airtight containers and consider pre-measuring ingredients.
- Bring versatile tools: A cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, and heavy-duty foil are camping dessert essentials.
- Watch the heat: Campfire cooking requires attention to avoid burning. Look for medium coals rather than flames.
- Simplify cleanup: Use foil packets when possible and bring biodegradable wipes for sticky fingers.
FAQs About Memorial Day Camping Desserts
Use a high-quality cooler with plenty of ice. Place items you need to keep coldest at the bottom and open the cooler as infrequently as possible.
No-bake options like the cheesecake jars and pre-made Rice Krispie treats are perfect. You can also pack cookies, brownies, or muffins made at home.
Check for bubbling around the edges and a golden-brown top. If possible, use a cake tester or toothpick to test doneness in the center.
Some recipes, like s’mores and banana boats, are lightweight enough for backpacking. Others might be better suited for car camping where weight isn’t an issue.
Pack out all trash and food scraps according to Leave No Trace principles. Never leave food out that might attract wildlife.
Share Your Memorial Day Camping Desserts!
I hope these Memorial Day camping desserts inspire you to add something sweet to your outdoor adventure! If you try any of these recipes, why not save this pin to your camping recipe board on Pinterest? Share these ideas with friends who are planning their own Memorial Day getaways—everyone loves a good camping dessert hack!
Remember, the best part of camping isn’t just the beautiful scenery or the adventure—it’s the memories you make while sharing delicious food around the campfire with those you love. Happy Memorial Day camping!
