Campfire nachos are a quick and easy solution for family camping meals, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. The blend of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings ensures that everyone can customize their meal to their liking.
When you’re camping with family, keeping mealtime simple yet satisfying is essential. These easy campfire nachos use just a few simple ingredients, allowing you to whip up a delightful dish that appeals to all ages while enjoying the great outdoors.

Why Campfire Nachos Are a Family Favorite
For a satisfying camping dish, make campfire nachos your go-to option, especially if you're feeding picky eaters or kids who enjoy hands-on meals. Alternatively, consider simple foil packets with veggies and protein for families looking for a healthier option that's equally easy to prepare.
Easy Campfire Nachos Recipe
This campfire nachos recipe results in melted cheese atop crispy chips, adorned with your favorite toppings.
Prep time 10 minutes | Cook time 15 minutes | Total 25 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beansdrained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh salsa (or pico de gallo)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1 avocado, diced (for topping)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your campfire and let it burn down until you have a nice bed of hot coals.
- Lay out a large piece of aluminum foilabout 2 feet long, to create a pouch for the nachos.
- Spread 1 (12-ounce) bag of tortilla chips evenly on the foil.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the chips, ensuring an even layer.
- Add 1 (15-ounce) can of drained and rinsed black beans over the cheese.
- Pour 1 cup of fresh salsa evenly over the beans and cheese.
- If you like a little heat, scatter 1 sliced jalapeño on top.
- Seal the foil pouch tightly, ensuring it won’t leak.
- Place the sealed foil pouch directly onto the hot coals, cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pouch from the heat and carefully open the foil (watch out for steam).
- Top with diced avocado, a generous dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro if using. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container and consume within a day. To make ahead, pack your ingredients separately, then assemble them right before cooking. You can substitute black beans with cooked shredded chicken or ground beef for a heartier meal.
Nutrition (per serving) Calories 520 | Protein 34g | Carbs 18g | Fat 32g | Fiber 3g | Sodium 890mg
Nutrition is an estimate based on the ingredients above.
Our write-up on budget camping stoves picks up where this leaves off.
See also our take on camping stove.
