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When the pandemic caused the world to pause and vacation schedules to slow down, those who enjoyed nature and being outdoors continued to go on camping trips. In addition to enjoying being able to unplug from technology and exploring the wilderness, campers like the opportunity to test their survival skills outdoors. That includes using their resources to live and prepare meals without all the benefits of appliances at home. Continue reading to discover some great campgrounds in the United States and five easy meals for your next camping excursion.
Regardless of how close or far you want to travel to go camping, the United States is home to several famous campgrounds. Some of the best campgrounds are:
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
- Havasu Falls, Arizona
- Jumbo Rocks Fairground, California
- Trap Pond State Park, Delaware
- Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
- Wilson State Park, Kansas
- Blackwoods Campground, Maine
As you can see, these are only a few of the best campgrounds. However, from east to west, there are significant areas to camp.
One of the best things about camping is preparing food outdoors. Experienced campers know that prep work makes it easy to have full meals while camping; however, those who own cooking gear or opt for a Coleman camping trip get the luxury of having resources that help make cooking easy. Here are some easy yummy meals to enjoy on your next camping trip.
Warm Potato Hash
Ingredients:
1 onion – chopped
4 eggs, beaten
6 slices of bacon – cut into ¼-inch pieces
2 white potatoes – washed and cubed
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
Over medium heat, cook bacon in a skillet until it is crispy. Place bacon on a paper towel.
Return the skillet to the fire, add olive oil, and cook potatoes and onion. Add salt and pepper and cook until potatoes and onion are softened and translucent.
Return bacon and cook for another five minutes until everything is cooked well.
Then add the eggs and scramble in with everything until the eggs are done.
Serve hot.
Campfire Pizza
There is almost nothing that kids and families love more than a hot pizza. And camping is no exception for making good pizza.
Ingredients:
1 pound refrigerated pizza dough (can be store-bought or fresh made)
1/4 cup pizza sauce
½ cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup pepperoni
Directions:
Put Pizza stone over the flame so that it warms.
Carefully roll the pizza dough out on a pan and put it back over flames for 10 minutes or until the dough is golden.
Remove from flame and add sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Tent the pizza with foil and put the stone back over the flame—Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove stone and pizza from flame and carefully transfer to a cutting board.
Enjoy it while it’s hot.
Sweet Rolled Oats
Crafty cooks can do so much with oats and they are a great way to start the day.
Ingredients:
6 cups rolled oats
2 cups pecans or almonds
½ to 1 cup of maple syrup
1 cup of dried cranberries
Directions:
Place a cast-iron pan over the heat and get it hot before using.
Toss the nuts in a hot pan.
Once the nuts start smelling nutty, add the oats.
When the oats and nuts begin browning, remove them from the heat.
Add the oil and begin adding the syrup – slowly.
Once you have the consistency you like, toss in the cranberries and enjoy your sweet, warm oats.
Baked Potato Boats
This meal can be prepared entirely at home and put together on the campsite for a delicious gourmet tasting meal.
Ingredients:
3 baked potatoes
9 strips of cooked bacon
1 cup cooked ham
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 stick of butter
Sour cream (optional)
Directions:
Cut each potato five times without cutting it all the way through – so that each potato has six equal sections.
In each section, add some ham, a piece of bacon, and some ham.
Lay each potato in its own foil.
Put a bit of butter in each section and close the foil.
Put on the grill for 20 minutes or so – until the potato is thoroughly warmed.
Serve when the insides are deliciously messy.
Sour cream is optional but will make the meal complete.
As you have read, camping is still an exciting way for families to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. In addition to exploring, preparing meals outside is a great part of camping. Some easy recipes for your family to enjoy on your next camping excursion are above and will be enjoyed by all.