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!
Honey Grilled Fruit Recipe
Grilled fruit is a delicious and simple treat that’s perfect for camping. The natural sweetness of the fruit is enhanced by the caramelization from the grill, and a drizzle of honey adds a delightful touch. Here’s a recipe to enjoy this easy and tasty dessert on your next camping trip.
Ingredients:
- 2 peaches, halved and pitted
- 2 plums, halved and pitted
- 2 nectarines, halved and pitted
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or wedges
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If using a campfire, let the fire burn down until you have hot coals with minimal flames.
- Prep the Fruit: While the grill is heating, prepare your fruit. Halve and pit the peaches, plums, and nectarines. Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into rings or wedges.
- Optional Coating: If desired, brush the fruit with melted butter or coconut oil. This can help prevent sticking and add a bit of richness.
- Grill the Fruit: Place the fruit on the grill. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the fruit is slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook; the fruit should still hold its shape.
- Add Honey: As the fruit grills, warm the honey slightly to make it easier to drizzle. You can do this by placing the honey container near the grill or in a warm spot.
- Serve: Remove the grilled fruit from the grill and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Enjoy: Serve the grilled fruit warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with yogurt, ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Tips:
- Mix and Match: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Apples, pears, bananas, and figs are also great options for grilling.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the fruit ahead of time and store it in a cooler until you’re ready to grill.
- Foil Packets: For easy cleanup, you can also cook the fruit in foil packets. Simply place the fruit in a piece of foil, drizzle with honey, wrap it up, and place it on the grill.
Grilled fruit is a versatile and easy camping dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit while adding a touch of smoky flavor. Enjoy this simple yet delightful treat on your next outdoor adventure at Meramec Campground!
Tips for Maintaining Camping Equipment
Maintaining your camping equipment is crucial for ensuring it lasts longer and performs well on your adventures. Here are some tips:
Tips to Maintain:
- Cleanliness: Always clean your equipment after use. Dirt, sand, and grime can degrade materials over time.
- Drying: Ensure everything is completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Storage: Store equipment in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fabrics.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for any signs of wear and tear such as fraying seams, loose threads, or rust on metal parts.
- Repair Promptly: Fix any damages as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming worse. Carry a repair kit for quick fixes in the field.
- Waterproofing: Reapply waterproof coatings as needed, especially on tents and rain gear.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere to care instructions provided by the manufacturer for specific gear items.
- Proper Use: Use equipment only for its intended purpose to avoid unnecessary strain and damage.
- Packaging: Use proper packing techniques to avoid over-compressing gear, which can weaken materials over time.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about specific care needs for different types of gear, such as sleeping bags, stoves, and tents, to ensure you’re maintaining them correctly.
By taking care of your camping equipment, you can extend its lifespan and ensure it performs well on your trip to Meramec Campground!
Classic Burger Recipe with Different Seasoning Options
This recipe is the perfect recipe to feed your whole family while camping! It has a few simple ingredients and everyone can customize their own burger however they want!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat for juicier burgers)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese (optional toppings)
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 1/4 pound each).
- Gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly.
- Season the Patties:
- Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper, or choose one of the seasoning options below.
- Cook the Patties:
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 4-5 minutes per side for medium, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- If using cheese, add a slice to each patty during the last minute of cooking, covering the grill or skillet to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns:
- While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a skillet.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Place the cooked patties on the bottom halves of the buns.
- Add your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Seasoning Options:
- Classic Salt and Pepper:
- Simply season the patties with salt and pepper for a traditional taste.
- Garlic and Onion:
- Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- Smoky BBQ:
- Mix 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- Spicy Kick:
- Mix 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- Herb and Cheese:
- Mix 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme, or rosemary) and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- Mediterranean:
- Mix 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese into the ground beef before forming the patties.
- Asian-Inspired:
- Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove into the ground beef before forming the patties.
By experimenting with these seasoning options, you can enjoy a variety of delicious burger flavors while keeping the basic cooking method straightforward. Try this simple burger recipe while camping with us at Meramec Campground!
Finding the North Star
Finding the North Star (Polaris) can be useful for navigation while camping. Here’s how you can locate it:
- Locate the Big Dipper (Ursa Major):
- The Big Dipper is a prominent constellation that is easy to identify in the northern sky.
- It looks like a ladle or saucepan, with a handle and a bowl.
- Identify the pointers:
- The two outer stars of the Big Dipper’s bowl are called the pointers because they point towards the North Star.
- Imagine a line extending from the bottom edge of the bowl through these two stars.
- Extend the line to the North Star:
- Extend this imaginary line about five times the distance between the two pointer stars.
- This line will lead you directly to the North Star, which is the last star in the handle of the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor).
- Recognize Polaris:
- Polaris is a moderately bright star, but it may not stand out like some of the brighter stars in the sky.
- It doesn’t twinkle much and tends to maintain a relatively fixed position in the sky due to its alignment with the Earth’s axis.
- Check your alignment:
- Once you’ve identified what you believe to be Polaris, check its alignment with the pointers again to confirm.
- The North Star will always be in the same direction relative to the Earth’s axis, so it should maintain its position throughout the night.
- Using Polaris for direction:
- Once you’ve located Polaris, you can use it as a reference point for determining north.
- If you face Polaris, north will be directly behind you, south in front of you, east to your right, and west to your left.
Remember, Polaris isn’t incredibly bright compared to some other stars, but its position makes it a valuable navigational tool, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Practice identifying the Big Dipper and using it to find Polaris before your camping trip so you can navigate confidently under the stars.
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!
