Archive for Camping

What Is Glamping?

Do you want to camp in luxury? Let’s go glamping!

Glamping emphasizes ease and luxury while camping. It’s about enjoying the outdoors with less hassle. While a fairly new phenomenon, glamping is fast growing in popularity.

You can glamp in luxury tents, yurts, tree houses, or even teepees, usually cozied up in a framed bed with plush linen and comforters. Often meals are provided at an additional cost. You get to be one with nature without the hassles of setting up camp, sleeping on the ground, and using outhouses. One of the most comprehensive websites for glamping destinations worldwide is Glamping Hub.

With the right gear, it’s not hard to create your own glamping experience

By having the right gear, you can make your own camping experiences more luxurious while enjoying the freedom to go where you want to go. You can create your glamping experience in your favorite national or state forest or even your backyard. How fancy or glamorous you make it is up to you. It does not have to be difficult or costly, but to really enjoy yourself, you will need top-notch cooking gear.
My Camp Kitchen Summit with Cooking Gear

My Camp Kitchen provides the perfect glamping kitchen

We have several camp kitchens that make cooking outdoors easier and more comfortable. Our kitchens are crafted for ease of set-up and use. With the strength and beauty of hardwoods, classic joinery, and sturdy hardware, they are built to last. If you are looking for a more deluxe version, then you should consider our Summit.

Enjoy glamping outdoors in style and comfort

Check out our full line of My Camp Kitchen outdoor cooking products.

Camping Tips for Keeping Your Campsite Organized and Clean

If you are a car camper, you probably bring a lot of stuff along for your camping trip. Organization and cleanliness are essential for happy camping and keeping the animals at bay.

Here are some tips:
  • Personal belongings can be brought in a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag and left in the tent or back of your car or truck.
  • When you remove something, always be sure to put it back where you found it after using it.
  • Trash accumulates quickly over time. Be sure to bring plenty of large, heavy-duty trash bags. Bringing a collapsible garbage can helps provide a secure location for your trash if the wind picks up or little critters come searching. Having a separate recycling bin is also advised, as often drinks in glass or aluminum are enjoyed in large quantities.
  • Each morning after waking, straighten your sleeping bags and other personal sleeping items so everything is where you want it when you go to sleep. Remember by then it will be dark, and you will want to just crawl into bed.
  • The kitchen tends to be the hangout on a campout. Keeping it clean and organized with a portable camp kitchen is essential. With a quality camp kitchen, you can store all your kitchen gear and dried goods in one place. There is a place not only to cook but to clean. Clean up soon after enjoying each meal, putting everything back in its storage space.
  • When fires are not banned, campers tend to collect wood for the campfire. Be sure to set aside a space not too far from the fire where the various-sized pieces of wood can be kept. Under a tree is good so people aren’t tripping over the wood in the dark. The tree will also protect the firewood from the rain.
  • Camping is a time to relax and enjoy the natural environment. When either sitting and reading or hiking and fishing, be sure to put all your wrappers from sandwiches or snacks either in your pocket or backpack and dispose of them in the trash bin when you return. Never drop trash on the ground for someone else to find.
  • Before you leave your campsite, pack out or dispose of trash and recycling in proper bins. Be sure to check your campsite for any forgotten belongings or stray trash.

Having a clean and organized site while camping also makes packing up to leave a breeze.

Sky’s Favorite Camping Recipes: Omelet in a Bag

Omelet in a Bag

A few months ago, I shared a recipe for my delicious Spitfire-Roasted Chicken with Grilled Veggies. Today I want to share with you all one of my favorite morning recipes: an omelet in a bag. When you’re in a hurry to get out and enjoy your favorite camping activities, you need a breakfast that is substantial and nutritious but easy and quick to cook. As long as you cut and prepare the fillings ahead of time, an omelet in a bag only takes 6–10 minutes to make. Plus, it is packed with flavor and protein, making it convenient, healthy, and delicious, too!

Ingredients (per omelet)

  • 1 quart-sized ziplock bag
  • 2–4 eggs
  • cheese

Your favorite fillings, which might include:

  • ham
  • turkey
  • bacon
  • onion
  • bell peppers
  • mushrooms
  • jalapeño
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh herbs

Directions

For a fun breakfast group activity, have everyone make their own omelet! This will also ensure each omelet is filled with the right amount of ingredients.

  1. While preparing your omelet, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Using your portable kitchen and cooking supplies, beat the eggs until the yolk is well mixed. Place eggs into the baggie.
  3. Add your preferred filling ingredients to the bag. When it is full, zip the bag shut and gently massage to blend everything together. You might want to label your bag with a sharpie to prevent using the wrong ingredients.
  4. Place your mixture into the boiling water and let cook for roughly 6 minutes (more or less depending on the firmness you prefer).
  5. When done, remove and place in a bowl or on a plate to enjoy!

Camping Safety Checklist: Stay Safe on Your Next Trip with These Tips

Whether you’re camping with young children or with old friends from college, safety is a top priority. Spending a weekend outdoors can lead to injury if proper safety precautions are not taken, so use our camping safety checklist to keep everyone safe and having fun on your next trip.

Camping Safety Checklist

  • Pack a first-aid kit with essentials such as personal medications, aspirin, sunscreen, bug repellent, tweezers, bandages, tape, sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, cotton balls, poison ivy cream, and aloe vera lotion.
  • Bring flashlights or lanterns. Make sure you have extra batteries.
  • Always hike with a buddy.
  • Keep children within eyesight at all times.
  • Be on the lookout for snakes, tics, poison ivy, bees, and leeches.
  • Never eat berries you find in the wilderness; they might be poisonous.
  • Wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses to prevent sun damage.
  • Leave wild animals alone and never feed them.
  • Keep knives and other sharp kitchen supplies stored in your portable kitchen and out of the kids’ reach.
  • Practice good fire safety and never leave your fire unattended.
  • Store food after meals so you don’t attract bears and other wild animals.
  • Check the weather forecast before leaving to prevent being caught in a bad storm.

In general, practice your best judgment on the campsite. If there’s ever a situation that seems questionable and potentially dangerous, it’s best to avoid it.

5 US Camping Locations to Add to Your Bucket List

The United States offers a diverse number of campsites for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Out of the thousands of camping opportunities across America, however, only some can be considered bucket-list material. These five camping locations have been rated some of the best in not only the United States but the entire world.

1. Sahale Glacier Camp (North Cascades National Park)

Washington

Sserious backpackers need to add Sahale Glacier Camp to their bucket list. Although it takes work to reach the camp, the views at 7,686 feet make the exhaustion are exhilarating. You’ll feel as though you’re on top of the world!

2. Arches National Park

Utah

Natural beauty makes this national park one of the best. Home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, Arches National Park is also filled with breathtaking landscapes and colors unlike any others in the US. Be sure to stop any evening activities so you can take in the awe-inspiring sunsets.

3. Joshua Tree

California

At first glance, Joshua Tree might not seem like an enjoyable campsite, let alone a bucket-list destination. However, the rugged terrain that stretches over 800,000 acres offers diverse plant and animal life, large boulders for rock climbers, and a beautiful night sky that will make it hard to sleep.

4. Glacier National Park

Montana

This national park is great for hikers as its many trails provide incredible views of the mountains, glaciers, and lakes. If you have your RV, you can take the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is 50 miles long and threads right through the mountains.

5. Badlands National Park

South Dakota

Get a glimpse of history by traveling to Badlands National Park. The park contains the largest collection of Oligocene epoch fossils, which are 23 to 35 million years old. You also can’t beat the acres of pinnacles and spires, which together create an incredible scene.

Does your bucket list need a new adventure? Consider adding a camping trip to your list and then check it off!

The 5 Best Places to Camp While at Yosemite

With breathtaking waterfalls, deep valleys, beautiful meadows, and a vast amount of scenic wilderness to explore, Yosemite is not a national park that can be fully appreciated in just one day. Luckily, the park offers 13 campgrounds where visitors can stay and take in all that Yosemite has to offer. Here are five of the most popular options to consider.

1. North Pines

North Pines is one of Yosemite’s most popular campgrounds due to its beautiful views, great central location, and cooling shade. There are 81 sites available and RVs up to 40 feet are allowed.

2. Tuolumne Meadows

Yosemite is a popular place to camp in the summer. Usually, you need to book your spot months in advance. Half of the campsites in Tuolumne Meadows are first-come, first-served campgrounds, which means you can still camp without a reservation. Located in the Sierra Nevada at 8,775 feet, this campground is the perfect location for hikers.

3. Yosemite Creek

Yosemite Creek is just an hour from the valley and is also first-come, first-served. One of the more secluded campsites, it is good for campers who prefer privacy, peace, and quiet on their trips.

4. White Wolf

Those who enjoy the views of the high country but don’t want to spend their trip backpacking can camp at White Wolf. The campground is at an elevation of 8,000 feet and has trails leading to Lukens and Harden Lakes. It also contains a ring fire and food storage locker. It is located only 30 minutes away from the grocery store, so you can bring along your portable kitchen and cook a gourmet meal easily.

5. Wawona

Wawona campground is in a great location, close to Mariposa Grove and the Merced River. Take in the beautiful sequoia trees or spend the afternoon fishing by the river.

Summer is going by fast, but it’s not too late to plan your camping trip at Yosemite. Browse through the different campgrounds available and consider which site offers the best camping experience to you!

8 Must-Have Tools for Camp Cooking

Who says you can’t cook while camping? As long as you have the right tools, preparing a delicious gourmet meal out in the woods is easy! Before your next trip, make sure you have these eight tools for camp cooking.

1. A camp stove

Not every meal has to be grilled or prepared using a stick. There are plenty of camp stoves available that are lightweight and easy to pack.

2. Pots and pans

If you’re going to bring a stove, you’ll need some pots and pans, too!

3. Knife

This can be forgotten easily. When packing your knife, make sure you put a plastic cover over the blade for protection.

4. Spatula

Bring along a spatula that can handle both heavy and lightweight foods. That way you can use the same spatula while cooking your steak and potatoes.

5. Portable camp kitchen

You’ll need a place to store your kitchen items and prepare food. Pack a portable kitchen to make camp cooking a breeze.

6. Can opener

It would be frustrating to bring cans of beans and vegetables and then not be able to open them!

7. Headlamp

If you’re preparing a late-night meal, a headlamp can help you see so you avoid injury. It’s a lot more convenient than trying to hold a flashlight.

8. Cleaning supplies

Before you prepare each meal, make sure your pots, knives, and spatulas are clean. When washing dishes, keep at least 200 feet away from the lake or river so you don’t impact the natural environment.

How to Camp Safely in Bear Country

Keeping food away from bears and acting calmly in an encounter with one are important strategies for staying safe while camping.

Here are five tips for camping safely in bear country:
  1. When you’re not eating, keep food safely stored in bear-resistant containers. This will prevent the smell from attracting animals. You should also pack containers to store your leftovers and garbage.
  2. Never bring food inside your tent. If you can, set up your tent about 100 yards from where you store and prepare food.
  3. Before sleeping, change your clothes to get rid any food odors.
  4. If you come across a bear while hiking, do not run away. Instead, distinguish yourself as human by putting your arms out and slowly moving them up and down while speaking in a calm voice. Slowly back away, but make sure you’re facing the bear.
  5. If the bear attacks you, lie face down and play dead, protecting your head and neck with your hands. You can also use bear spray, but be sure to read the directions before camping.

Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to learn more ways you can reduce the risk of a bear attack and keep out of harm’s way on your trip.

Great Vegetarian Recipes for Camping

Camping as a vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to fill up on just sides and snacks. There are plenty of healthy vegetarian camping recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, and even the meat-eaters on your trip will enjoy them! Here are three to get you started.

1. Campfire-Roasted Potatoes

Kick your bland potatoes up a notch. This recipe is packed with flavor and can be served with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

  • 5 large red potatoes, cubed
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3/5 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp. dried oregano
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix your ingredients together.
  2. Place your mixture in several layers of aluminum foil and then seal the edges.
  3. Position a wire rack over the hot coals and place your aluminum packet on top of the wire rack.
  4. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, flipping the packet midway through cooking.
  5. These potatoes also make great side dishes for those on your trip who still want a burger.

2. Campfire Salad

You don’t need meat to get a healthy dose of protein. This salad includes veggies and black beans to keep you energized and full.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. fresh oregano, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad

  • 2 lbs. asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1 lbs. fresh green beans, cut into pieces
  • 3 large carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

  1. To make the dressing, use a whisk to mix the vinegar, sugar, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, then slowly add the oil while whisking.
  2. Blanch the asparagus and green beans. Blanching is when you drop vegetables into boiling water briefly and then place them in ice-cold water immediately afterward for a minute or two.
  3. Combine your carrots, black beans, and green beans in a mixing bowl.
  4. Drizzle your dressing on top, mix thoroughly, and serve.

3. Campfire Couscous with Zucchini and Pine Nuts

As long as you have the right supplies and a portable kitchen, cooking gourmet meals is easy! This recipe offers a nice break from your typical camp food.

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 medium garlic clove, thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 cups dry couscous
  • 4-1/2 cups water
  • 1 fresh thyme sprig
  • 1 medium zucchini, seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 3 tbsp. currants

Directions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook until garlic is softened.
  2. Add couscous and cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Add your water and thyme sprig and reduce heat to medium-low. Then cover the pan and let the couscous simmer for about 8 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the stove and stir in the zucchini. Cover once more and let the pan sit for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the pine nuts, currants, and remaining olive oil.

What are your favorite vegetarian recipes? Leave a comment and let us know!

Catch of the Day: Preparing Your Catch for Dinner

Fishing may be a fun and relaxing activity, but it’s also a convenient way of getting nutritious food on your next camping trip. After a successful go at fishing, use your catch of the day to make a delicious and flavorful meal. These three fish recipes demonstrate healthy ways to prepare your catch for dinner.

Lemon-Garlic Walleye

(Recipe from Craig Kirk)

When you’re in the mood for a healthy, simple meal, this lemon-garlic walleye recipe is perfect.

Ingredients

  • 4–6 fresh filets (preferably walleye)
  • 4–6 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 2 handfuls of cilantro
  • salt and pepper for flavor

Directions

  1. Salt and pepper each side of your fillets and lay them out on aluminum foil.
  2. Sprinkle the sliced garlic cloves onto the fish.
  3. Shred the cilantro into small pieces and spread  over the fish.
  4. Squeeze the lemon quarters over the fish and place the lemon rind in with the filets.
  5. Wrap the foil and seal it tightly. Bake over hot coals for 20–30 minutes.

Tilapia Tacos

(Recipe from Adam Hickman)

Not only does this recipe allow you to be resourceful and use your catch of the day, but it is also a healthy alternative to typical beef tacos!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices white onion (1/2-inch thick)
  • 1 package mini sweet bell peppers (8 oz.)
  • cooking spray
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 8 corn tortillas (6-inch)
  • 8 lime wedges (optional)

Directions

  1. Spray the grill rack with cooking spray.
  2. Grill onions and bell peppers for 12 minutes (turn over each at 6 minutes). After removing from the grill and cooling them, cut your onion rings in half and slice the bell peppers into thin pieces.
  3. Combine your onions, bell peppers, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. of black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Sprinkle fish with remaining salt and black pepper. Then place the fish in a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray. Cook fish for 3 minutes on each side.
  5. Place the fish and onion mixture onto the tortillas. If you’d like, top each taco with a lime wedge.

Fish Stew

(Recipe from Elise Bauer)

If you’re tired of eating grilled fish every day, make a stew! This fish stew recipe is both healthy and filling.

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup onions, chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2/3 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup of chopped tomato
  • 2 tsp. tomato paste
  • 8 oz. clam juice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1-1/2 lb. fish fillets, cut into 2-inch pieces (use halibut, cod, or red snapper)
  • dash each of dried oregano, tabasco, thyme, pepper, and salt

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in large pot.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Saute for 4 minutes.
  3. Add parsley and stir mixture for 2 minutes. Then add the tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Add your clam juice, dry white wine, and the fish filets. Let the mixture simmer until the fish is thoroughly cooked. It should take less than 10 minutes.
  5. Add seasoning and salt to taste.

As long as you have the right kitchen camping supplies, cooking healthy, flavorful meals is easy. Browse My Camp Kitchen’s selection of portable kitchens and enjoy gourmet meals out in the wilderness.