STIRRING UP FLAVOR AT SC STATE PARKS:
GREAT CAMPING RECIPES
By Terri Cowling
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
There is something about cooking outdoors – is it primal? Getting back in touch with the earth? Mastering fire? Naw – I think food simply tastes better when eaten under the sky. Of course it helps when you are in one of South Carolina’s beautiful state parks where it is pretty easy to find ways to work up an appetite. Naturally, I turned to our State Park family to find the crème de la crème of campfire recipes. Who better to ask than our most passionate – and hungry - outdoors people?
South Carolina offers several types of camping – some of which will require different types of food and preparation.
Grilled Fish
For example, there are two state parks that offer boat-in camping – Cheraw State Park and Devils Fork State Park. All camping items must be carried in and carried out and there is no water, electrical, or restroom facilities. But, wait – there is a fire ring located at each campsite. Now this is the life! Nothing beats catching a trout or bream steps from your campsite. Tony spends Monday through Friday in an office, but heads outdoors with his family every chance he gets. Here is his recipe for grilled fish.
Beef Jerky Stew
Sometimes pairing down to the basics is best and that’s when trailside camping is the most satisfying. South Carolina’s Mountain Bridge Wilderness offers some of the most stunning scenery in the state. While GORP (raisins, peanuts, apples, pecans, and banana chips) is a standard issue in the world of trail food, you need not limit yourself to re-hydrating packaged foods.
Try Kathy’s satisfying recipe for Backpacker's Beef Jerky Stew. If you are doing a day hike, Sherri suggests packing some fresh fruit, such as grapes or cut up melon. If it is handy, kids will eat it on the run and it is a great source of water. (Staves off dehydration).
Skillet Scramble
Like to camp with your friend Flicka? Then our six equestrian camps are just the ticket. These parks have miles of trails, are located near bodies of fresh water and some have stalls, stables, or corrals. Aside from hauling in grain and hay for your favorite horse, you need to think about your dining options. Here is a yummy, but easy, way to start your day, Skillet Scramble.
Meal in a Pouch & Campfire Pies
Tent, Trailer and RV camping – most of the advantages of home, with all of the advantages of Mother Nature. Jason, a former Boy Scout and avid camper says this is a great recipe for remote or wilderness camping (and he’s thrown in a few tips for good measure). Meal in a pouch. But what is dinner without dessert? Rand shares his recipe for campfire pies.
Let the sights and scents of camping in South Carolina help you relax and connect with nature. You will definitely be making lifetime memories for your kids or grandkids. To help you get outside and get cookin’, check out our list of great camping recipes.