How To Plan Your Next Camping Trip With Friends

Looking to plan a memorable camping trip with friends or family? Of course, choosing the right location for your camping trip — with all the activities and sights to suit your squad — is absolutely essential, but what about the amenities?

When it comes to putting together a killer group camping trip, having a top-notch camp kitchen is pretty important. You and your friends need to be properly fueled for the mountain biking, hiking or tubing that you are planning to fill your days. The good news: Planning for a great culinary experience at camp does not have to be rocket science. In fact, with traditional camping equipment, you can whip up the gourmet meals that will keep your bellies full.

PREPARING RECIPES FOR YOUR CAMPING TRIP WITH FRIENDS 

First and foremost, before you begin planning your menu for a group camping trip, you need to know whether anyone has food allergies or dietary restrictions. This is essential for safety — you might be far away from civilization, and you may not be able to quickly access medical care in case someone has an allergic reaction. Make sure that you keep allergen-free food separate from the group’s fare, perhaps in a dedicated cooler, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

When it comes to getting your camping trip planning on, checklists are your friend. Make sure that you have a complete list of all camping equipment that you might need, including:

  • Tents, poles, and stakes
  • Tent footprint or tarp for beneath the tent
  • Canopies, benches, chairs and tables
  • Sleeping bags and pillows for each individual person
  • Repair kits
  • Kitchen equipment, including grill, matches, firewood, utensils, pans and cleaning products
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Coolers and ice for beverages
  • Your camera

Using a simple online or paper checklist can help you make sure that you have everything in order before you drive off into the wild blue yonder.

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LOGISTICS AND TEAMWORK 

Planning your camping trip may require camping trip planning discussions about logistics. Who has the best vehicle for accessing the camp site, and is a 4WD vehicle required? How many people can pool shared resources such as a grill, lanterns, cooking supplies or even a camp shower?

We often find ourselves too dependent on our phones and technology in today’s connected world. This may be a challenge when you are trying to go camping, particularly when it comes to using GPS or maps. Make sure that you have a hard copy of any map that you might need for your wilderness adventure. You may even consider leaving your phone in a safe place at home so you can really dedicate yourself to spending time in nature.

RECIPES FOR YOUR CAMPING TRIP WITH FRIENDS

When you are out camping, you can’t run down to the local donut shop for morning snacks. You will be responsible for every meal while you are “roughing it,” so make sure you plan accordingly.

Preparing food in advance can be a lifesaver when it comes to your camping experience. Instead of spending your time seasoning and salting, you can prepare dishes for easy cooking on the fire or the grill. No group camping trip is complete without grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, but you can also prep foods in foil packets for cooking on the campfire or grill. Recipe ideas for your pre-packaged, foil-wrapped convenience include:

  • Pre-made breakfast sandwiches that can be heated in their foil pouches
  • Sausage and peppers or asparagus
  • Garlic fries
  • Taco packets with beans, meat and corn
  • Granola with chocolate chips and marshmallows (a great substitute for s’mores)
  • Ham and pineapple sandwiches or other types of hot sammy

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The food you serve on your camping trip with friends is only limited by your imagination and cooler space! Do your research to learn more about fun ways to bring grilled meats, veggies and even fruits into your camp’s culinary experience.

Truly, the best camping trip with friends is one that is properly planned, well-appointed with snacks and activities, and designed to give you a chance to reconnect with each other. Take the time to check your supplies and research your campsite options, and your camping trip is far more likely to come off without a hitch.

Use your FIREDISC® Portable Propane Cooker for all of your camping trips this season. Get your cooker here!