Camp Cooking Tips

Camp Cooking Tips gives you some ideas as to whats needed to get organized in the outdoors and have a good experience. Some people love to cook as part of their camping while others prefer simplicity so there is more time for other things like hunting or hiking.

First off its a good idea as to where and what type of terrain you will be in. Keeping food can be pretty tough when camping in the desert during the summer. When we camp at Lake Powell or Flaming Gorge we usually travel at least 20 to 30 miles away from a marina so we plan the first part of the weeks meals with meat that need ice and then turn to dried foods and canned meats and vegetables for the rest of the week when our ice is gone.

When camping in the mountains the evenings get pretty cool and ice can last all week. Firewood is available for camp cooking and it can be easily used in a fire pit with a grill. Make sure there is no current fire restrictions and have all fires extinguished when unattended. At higher altitudes everything cooks slower because of the thinner air.

Try to separate supplies into categories, pot, pan, coffee pot, stove, fuel, grill, lighters, pot holders, spatula, sharp knife, can and bottle opener, tongs, large spoon, salt & pepper, spices, etc.in one container.

In another paper plates, bowls, cups, plastic ware, trash bags, baggies, aluminum foil, dish towels, paper towels, dish soap, etc. Labeling containers on sides and tops can help greatly. We have always used Tupperware storage bins with lids and a bungee hooked over the top to hold on the lid in wind. These are waterproof so they can be kept outdoors and not clutter up living space in a tent or camper.

An excellent camp cooking tip is to bring meats prefrozen in one small cooler so that it is not opened very often to keep heat out. Also put meat on a rack above the ice to prevent water from ruining the meat. Use other coolers for drinks and other foods that won't spoil as fast. Block ice seems to last about three times longer than cube ice.

Always freeze foods beforehand so that they will last longer if possible. Keep coolers covered and in the shade, you may have to move them often.

Sometimes we will precook foods at home to bring, such as chili, stews, pastas, potatoes, soups, deserts, to help cut camp cooking time.Simple things to bring are bagels and cream cheese, sandwich meats and cheeses, tortillas, breads, trail mixes, granola bars and fruits.

Aluminum foil can make camp cooking a very easy chore if you have a campfire or gas stove. Just place meat, onions, carrots, sliced potato with a little salt and pepper in foil and double wrap it. Place it right on the grill or coals and check in about 30 minutes to see if its done. Foil is great to wrap whole potatoes in and do the same but give them about 45 minutes.

Another good way to cook for several people with no hassle is to bring a charcoal smoker with the water pan, load it up in the morning and you can have vegetables, chicken, pork, or whatever you wish cooked perfectly for dinner. A dutch oven used in a fire pit or gas stove can also make great meals with less work like stews, roasts and even bread. When hunting or hiking I usually carry with me jerky, trail mix, granola bars, nuts and candy so it won't spoil and is easily restocked for the next day. Bring plenty of clean water for camp cooking, drinking and washing, about twice what you think you will need, you can always dump it before heading home.

Depending where we are at I sort our trash and wash out and flatten empty cans and burn paper cups, towels and plates to decrease odor and bulk. Never leave any trash in a fire pit. I have seen people throw bottles, cans, egg shells, and plastic in a fire pit and the surrounding area and then leave it for the next camper to clean up after them.

Not only is this disgusting and apathetic but if people keep doing this B.L.M. or the Forest Service will just close the area so nobody can use it. If possible report people like this to B.L.M. or Forest Service with license plate numbers so that they can contact them.

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