Heres Some Camping Tips & Tricks at Your Fingertips
Our Sullivan Campground Blog is the information you need to make your next camping trip in Missouri even more enjoyable. From RV and camping tips and tricks, to amazing campfire recipes, to advice on planning your next trip in Sullivan, MO... the information below is here to help you. And please, feel free to comment and share your experiences, knowledge and favorite recipes. At Meramec Campground, we are a family and all here to help each other enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest!
Campfire French Onion Soup 🧅
A cozy campground recipe perfect for chilly nights around the campfire!
There’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup after a day of outdoor adventures. This Campfire French Onion Soup is packed with sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. It’s an easy, hearty meal to enjoy at your campsite!
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over the campfire or camp stove. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–35 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- Add the flavor: Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Make the soup: Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let cook for 15–20 minutes so the flavors come together.
- Prepare the bread: Toast baguette slices over the fire or in a skillet until lightly golden.
- Add the cheese: Ladle soup into heat-safe bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle generously with cheese.
- Melt and enjoy: Place bowls under a campfire-safe broiler or carefully cover them with foil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Campground Cooking Tip
Short on time? Slice your onions at home before your trip and store them in an airtight container. You’ll have less prep at the campsite and more time to enjoy the campfire!
Grab a bowl, gather around the fire at Meramec Campground, and enjoy a little comfort food under the stars! 🔥🏕️
DIY Glitter Pumpkins: An Easy Fall Craft for the Campground 🎃
Looking for a fun and easy fall activity the whole family can enjoy at the campground? Try making DIY glitter pumpkins! This simple craft is a great way to add a little sparkle to your fall camping trip, and it’s easy enough for kids and adults alike.
Whether you choose classic orange pumpkins with gold glitter or get creative with different colors, everyone can make a pumpkin that’s uniquely theirs.
What You’ll Need
- Small pumpkins or mini craft pumpkins
- Craft glue or white school glue
- Glitter in your favorite colors
- Paintbrushes or foam brushes
- Paper plates or trays to catch extra glitter
- Newspaper or a disposable table covering
- Optional: Ribbon or other decorations
How to Make Glitter Pumpkins
Step 1: Set Up Your Craft Station
Lay down newspaper or a disposable table covering to protect your picnic table. Place each pumpkin on a paper plate or tray to catch the glitter.
Step 2: Apply the Glue
Use a paintbrush to spread a thin, even layer of craft glue over the parts of the pumpkin you want to decorate. You can cover the whole pumpkin or create fun patterns.
Step 3: Add the Glitter
While the glue is still wet, sprinkle glitter over the pumpkin. Rotate it gently to cover all the glued areas, then shake off any extra glitter onto your tray.
Step 4: Let It Dry
Set your pumpkins somewhere safe and let them dry completely. Add a ribbon or other decorations if you’d like, then show off your finished creations!
Tips for Crafting at the Campground
- Keep the mess manageable: Use trays to catch excess glitter and bring a small bag for cleanup.
- Try different designs: Make glitter stripes, polka dots, glitter stems, or two-tone pumpkins.
- Make it a family challenge: Let everyone vote on the silliest, sparkliest, or most creative pumpkin.
- Craft smart: Glitter can scatter easily outdoors, so consider biodegradable glitter or larger decorative alternatives, and collect all excess materials rather than letting them blow away.
Adult supervision is recommended for younger children, especially when using glitter and craft supplies.
Make Some Fall Memories!
A little glue, a little glitter, and a pumpkin are all you need for a fun fall afternoon. It’s an easy way to get creative, spend time together, and bring home a handmade reminder of your camping adventure at Meramec Campground.
Fall is full of little moments worth celebrating. 🍂
Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Foil Packs: The Ultimate Cozy Campfire Side
There is nothing quite like autumn camping. The air is crisp, the fall foliage is in full display, and the campfire feels extra warm after a long day of outdoor adventures. When it comes to campground cooking, foil packet meals are the ultimate secret weapon—minimal prep, virtually zero dishes to wash, and packed full of incredible seasonal flavor.
This Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Foil Pack recipe combines tender, caramelized sweet potatoes with smoky bacon, warm spices, and real maple syrup. It’s sweet, savory, cozy, and guaranteed to become a new favorite around your fire pit!
🛒 Ingredients List
- 2 large sweet potatoes, washed, peeled, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter, cubed or melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
- (Optional) Pecan halves or chopped walnuts for an extra crunch
🛠️ Equipment Needed
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Non-stick cooking spray (or oil)
- Tongs
- Heat-resistant campfire gloves
📜 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Foil
Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each). Lightly spray the center of each sheet with non-stick cooking spray to keep the sweet potatoes from sticking as they caramelize.
2. Toss the Ingredients
In a large bowl (or right on the foil sheets if you want to save a dish!), combine the diced sweet potatoes, chopped bacon, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well so every piece of sweet potato is lightly coated in maple goodness.
3. Seal the Packets
Divide the mixture evenly among the 4 foil sheets. Bring the long sides of the foil together over the top and fold down twice to seal. Fold and crimp the ends tight, leaving a little room inside for steam to circulate.
💡 Campground Tip: Double-wrap the packets with a second layer of foil! This prevents tears and keeps ash from sneaking inside your meal when cooking directly on campfire coals.
4. Fire Up & Cook
- Campfire Method: Place packets directly on a bed of hot glowing campfire coals (avoid flaming logs) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs.
- Camp Stove / Grill Method: Place on a grate set over medium-high heat for 20–25 minutes, turning once.
5. Check & Serve
Carefully open one packet (watch out for escaping steam!) and test a sweet potato with a fork. Once they are fork-tender and the bacon is cooked through, remove them from heat. Top with extra crisp bacon or pecan pieces if desired, and enjoy right out of the packet!
🌟 Why This Recipe Works at the Campsite
- Zero Clean-Up: Cook in foil, eat out of foil, throw the foil away. No scrubbing pots in the dark!
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your sweet potatoes and bacon at home before your trip, storing them in ziplock bags in your cooler to make camp prep a 2-minute task.
- Versatile Pairing: These pair amazingly well with grilled pork chops, campfire chicken, skillet steaks, or served alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty camp breakfast.
Try this recipe the next time you stay at Meramec Campground!
How to Have the Perfect Fall Campfire Night 🍂🔥
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a campfire on a cool fall evening. The crisp air, crackling fire, cozy blankets, and time spent with family and friends make fall camping special. Whether you’re camping in an RV, staying in a cabin, or pitching a tent, a little preparation can make your campfire night even more memorable.
Get Cozy with Warm Blankets
Fall evenings can get chilly once the sun goes down, so bring plenty of warm blankets, sweatshirts, and extra layers. Flannel blankets, cozy socks, and beanies can make sitting around the campfire much more comfortable. Set up your camping chairs around the fire and create a cozy spot where everyone can relax and enjoy the evening.
Make Some Delicious Campfire Treats
No campfire night is complete without something delicious to snack on! S’mores are always a classic, but there are plenty of other treats to enjoy. Try roasting marshmallows, making campfire cones filled with chocolate and fruit, or preparing foil-packet cinnamon apples. Don’t forget a warm cup of hot chocolate or apple cider to enjoy alongside your favorite treats.
Plan Fun Campfire Activities
A campfire is the perfect place to unplug and spend quality time together. Bring along a deck of cards, play a few group games, share funny stories, or tell spooky campfire tales. If you’re camping with kids, try a nighttime scavenger hunt before settling in around the fire. Sometimes, the best memories come from simply laughing and talking with the people around you.
Enjoy the Fall Scenery
One of the best parts of fall camping is the beautiful scenery. Take a walk around the campground to admire the changing leaves, enjoy the crisp air, and watch the sunset before gathering around the fire. Once night falls, take some time to look at the stars and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Dress for the Weather
Fall temperatures can change quickly, so dressing in layers is essential. Bring warm jackets, long sleeves, comfortable shoes, and extra socks to stay comfortable throughout the evening. Checking the weather forecast before your trip can help you prepare for colder temperatures and unexpected changes.
Don’t Forget Campfire Safety
While campfires are a big part of the camping experience, safety should always come first. Always follow campground fire rules and local burn restrictions, use designated fire rings, and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before heading to bed.
Make Memories Around the Campfire
The perfect fall campfire night doesn’t need to be complicated. With good company, warm blankets, tasty treats, and a little planning, you can create memories that last long after your camping trip ends. Fall is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make the most of your time together.
So grab your favorite blanket, gather around the fire, and enjoy everything that makes fall camping special at Meramec Campground! 🍂🏕️
🔥🍂 Campfire Chicken Pot Pie
Nothing says cozy fall camping quite like a warm, hearty pot pie enjoyed around the campfire! This Campfire Chicken Pot Pie is an easy comfort-food recipe packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy filling, all topped with a golden, flaky crust.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 tablespoon butter
🔥 Directions
- In a bowl, mix the chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place one pie crust into a cast-iron skillet or disposable foil pan.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the crust and top with the second pie crust.
- Pinch the edges together and cut a few small slits in the top for steam to escape.
- Brush the top with melted butter.
- Cover the skillet with foil and cook over hot campfire coals, checking occasionally, until the filling is hot and the crust is golden brown, about 30–40 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the fire, let cool for a few minutes, and serve!
🍁 Campfire tip: Prepare the chicken mixture at home and keep it chilled in a cooler. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the pot pie at your campsite for an easy fall dinner.
Gather around the campfire and enjoy a warm, comforting meal with this Campfire Chicken Pot Pie! 🔥🍂 It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for a crisp fall evening at Meramec Campground. So grab your skillet, gather around the fire, and enjoy a homemade meal under the autumn sky! 🏕️🥧🍁
Camping as a Couple: How to Make the Most of Your Getaway
Camping is a great way to escape the everyday routine, slow down, and spend quality time together. Whether you’ve been together for years or are planning your first camping trip as a couple, a campground getaway gives you plenty of opportunities to relax, explore, and make memories together.
You don’t need an elaborate itinerary or a packed schedule. Sometimes, the best camping trips are the ones where you simply enjoy being outside and each other’s company.
Choose a Campsite You’ll Both Enjoy
Start by choosing a campground that offers something for both of you. Maybe one of you loves relaxing by the fire while the other enjoys swimming, biking, hiking, or playing outdoor games.
Look for a campground with amenities and activities that fit your interests. Having plenty to do nearby means you can mix relaxation with a little adventure without having to travel far from your campsite.
Leave the Everyday Routine Behind
One of the best parts of camping as a couple is getting a break from everyday distractions. Put away the phones for a while, turn off the notifications, and give yourselves permission to slow down.
Instead of worrying about errands, work, or a never-ending to-do list, spend the afternoon sitting outside, taking a walk, or simply enjoying the campground together.
Cook a Meal Together
Camping meals don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Pick a meal you can prepare together and make cooking part of the experience.
Try grilling burgers, making foil-pack dinners, roasting hot dogs, or preparing breakfast over the campfire. And, of course, no camping trip is complete without dessert around the fire!
Divide up the responsibilities, grab your favorite drinks, and enjoy dinner outdoors.
Try Something New Together
Camping is the perfect opportunity to try activities you might not normally do at home.
Take a bike ride, play a game of cornhole, challenge each other to a game of basketball, go for a hike, or explore somewhere nearby. Even something simple can turn into a favorite memory when you experience it together.
Plan a Little, But Not Too Much
It can be helpful to have a general idea of what you want to do, but don’t feel like every minute needs to be scheduled.
Leave room for spontaneous plans. Maybe you discover a beautiful walking trail, decide to spend an extra hour by the pool, or simply realize that sitting around the campfire is exactly what you want to do that evening.
Sometimes the unplanned moments become the best ones.
Make Time for a Campfire
There’s something special about ending the day around a campfire. Grab some chairs, make s’mores, listen to music, and talk without the distractions of everyday life.
Use the time to catch up, tell stories, laugh about the day, or simply enjoy a quiet evening together.
Take a Break From Screens
A camping trip can be a great excuse to spend less time staring at screens and more time looking at each other.
Try setting aside a few hours where phones stay in the camper or tent. Play cards, take a walk, cook dinner, or sit around the fire instead.
You might be surprised how much more connected you feel when there’s nothing competing for your attention.
Capture the Memories
While unplugging is important, don’t forget to take a few pictures along the way. Snap a photo of your campsite, capture a sunset, or take a picture together during one of your activities.
You don’t need to document every moment. Just capture a few of the memories you’ll want to look back on later.
Ready for Your Next Couple’s Getaway?
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a change of scenery, camping at Meramec Campground can be a great way to reconnect. Pick a destination, pack the essentials, and make some time for the two of you.
Sometimes, the best getaway is the one where you have nowhere to be except together.
🍑 Campfire Peach Cobbler
A warm, gooey peach cobbler made right over the campfire—easy, cozy, and perfect for a summer night at the campground!
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter, sliced into thin pieces
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Directions
- Prepare the peaches: Place the sliced peaches in a large cast-iron Dutch oven. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the peaches. Do not stir.
- Add the butter: Arrange the butter slices evenly over the top of the cake mix. Sprinkle with pecans if using.
- Cook over the campfire: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it over hot coals. Add a few hot coals to the top of the lid for even cooking.
- Bake: Cook for about 35–45 minutes, rotating the Dutch oven occasionally, until the top is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then scoop into bowls and top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🔥 Campfire Tip: Canned peaches make this recipe especially easy for camping because there’s no peeling or slicing required!
Try this southern comfort dessert the next time you stay at Meramec Campground!
5 Reasons to Book Your Summer Camping Trip Right Now
Summer camping season is one of the busiest times of the year, and the best camping experiences often start with one simple decision: booking early. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a road trip with friends, reserving your campsite now can make all the difference.
Here are five great reasons to book your summer camping trip today!
1. Get the Best Campsites
The most popular campsites are usually the first to fill up. Pull-through RV sites, waterfront locations, shaded spots, and sites close to playgrounds or amenities are often reserved weeks or even months in advance.
Booking early gives you the best chance to choose the site that fits your camping style instead of settling for what’s left.
2. Lock In Your Vacation Plans
Summer calendars fill up quickly with family events, sports, weddings, and other activities. Reserving your campsite now gives everyone something exciting to look forward to and helps you plan the rest of your summer around your trip.
You’ll avoid the last-minute scramble and enjoy the peace of mind that your getaway is already planned.
3. More Time to Prepare
Once your reservation is on the calendar, you have plenty of time to prepare. You can:
- Check your camping gear
- Plan meals
- Stock up on supplies
- Invite family or friends
- Create a fun itinerary
Planning ahead means less stress and more time enjoying your vacation.
4. Make the Most of Summer Weather
Long days, warm evenings, campfires, swimming, hiking, fishing, and outdoor games are what summer camping is all about. Booking now helps ensure you don’t miss out on the season’s best weather before campsites become unavailable.
There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from your campsite after a day spent exploring the outdoors.
5. Create Memories That Last
The best part of camping isn’t just where you stay—it’s the memories you make along the way. From roasting marshmallows around the campfire to morning coffee outside your RV, these are the moments your family will remember long after summer ends.
The sooner you reserve your trip, the sooner you can start counting down to your next adventure.
Start Your Summer Adventure Today
Don’t wait until your favorite campground is fully booked. Reserve your campsite now at Meramec Campground, start planning your getaway, and get ready for days filled with outdoor fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories!
Summer won’t last forever—but the memories you make while camping certainly will.
🌮🔥 Campfire Fajitas
Bring the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant to the campground with these easy campfire fajitas! Packed with sizzling peppers, onions, and seasoned meat, this recipe is perfect for a family camping night around the fire.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Fajitas:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, steak, or shrimp (sliced into strips)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 8–10 flour tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Lettuce
🔥 Campfire Instructions
- Prep at Home (Optional):
Slice your meat and vegetables ahead of time and store them in a cooler for an easy campsite meal. - Season the Meat:
Toss your sliced meat with olive oil, garlic, fajita seasoning, and lime juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor. - Cook Over the Fire:
Heat a cast iron skillet over the campfire or camp stove. Add the meat and cook until browned and fully cooked. - Add the Veggies:
Stir in sliced peppers and onions. Cook until they are tender and slightly charred. - Warm the Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in foil over the fire for a few minutes until warm and soft. - Build Your Fajitas:
Fill tortillas with the sizzling fajita mixture and add your favorite toppings.
🏕️ Camping Tip:
Make cleanup easier by prepping ingredients ahead of time and cooking everything in one cast iron skillet. Less mess means more time enjoying the campfire!
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
🌮🔥 Nothing beats a hot meal, a crackling campfire, and a night under the stars at Meramec Campground!
Red, White & Blue Fruit Kabobs: A Festive Fourth of July Camping Treat
Looking for a simple, refreshing snack to enjoy around the campsite this Fourth of July? These Red, White & Blue Fruit Kabobs are easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for celebrating America’s birthday. With fresh fruit and no cooking required, they’re a great addition to any campground picnic, cookout, or holiday gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 bananas, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- Wooden skewers
Optional Add-Ons
- Whipped cream for dipping
- Vanilla yogurt
- Mini marshmallows
- Angel food cake cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit
- Wash the strawberries and blueberries thoroughly.
- Remove the strawberry stems.
- Slice bananas into thick rounds to help them stay on the skewers.
- Assemble the Kabobs
- Thread a strawberry onto the skewer.
- Add a banana slice.
- Add several blueberries.
- Repeat the pattern until the skewer is full.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the kabobs on a platter.
- Serve immediately or keep chilled in a cooler until ready to eat.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for dipping.
Tips for Campers
- Assemble the kabobs at home before your trip and store them in an airtight container in your cooler.
- If making them at the campground, let kids help create their own colorful combinations.
- For an extra-special treat, alternate fruit with mini marshmallows or angel food cake cubes.
A Perfect Fourth of July Snack
These Red, White & Blue Fruit Kabobs are a healthy, refreshing way to celebrate the holiday while camping. They’re quick to prepare, easy to transport, and bring a festive touch to any campsite gathering. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic lunch, an afternoon snack, or a patriotic dessert, at Meramec Campground, these colorful kabobs are sure to be a hit with campers of all ages!🍓🍌🫐🏕️
Family owned and operated, Kiefer Campgrounds strive to offer you the best rates for a comfortable location with outstanding service, and spotless facilities. When you stay in one of our parks, you are no longer just a happy camper, but a part of our family! We are most certain you will enjoy your stay with us. Pick your favorite location and book your spot now before it’s too late! You’ll be happy you did!
