Give Me Your Best Camping Hacks!

About a month ago, I asked for your best road trip tips. The epic road trip I took with my kids (travelling to and from North Dakota) was successful, thanks in part to your helpful advice. This Sunday, my kids and I are embarking on our second adventure of the summer: a five-day-long camping trip in northern Arizona!

We are going to be at a group campsite with friends, and there will be several teenagers around to help keep an eye on the little kids — handy since my husband is unable to do the trip with us due to his work schedule, and my oldest daughter is out-of-state visiting her grandfather.

Sadly, I think the fire restrictions in effect at our chosen campsite means that only propane-fueled devices will be allowed, so no campfires or charcoal grills/devices can be used.

It’s a shame because I found a brand-new cast-iron Dutch oven at Goodwill for $40 last year, and I haven’t had a chance to use it yet. (One of these years I want to get a propane fire ring — it’s a very useful camping tool to own given how often AZ campsites are under fire restrictions.) Camping just isn’t the same without s’mores over the campfire.

While it’s been a bit challenging meal planning only meals that can be prepared over a camp stove, I’ve enjoyed the process. Pinterest has been a treasure trove of ideas, and I’ve also gotten some use out of the cookbook I bought at the local Boy Scout shop a year or two ago (I have two sons in Scouts, so I visit the shop occasionally).

I think I’ve gotten meals and snacks pretty well sorted, but it has been a year or two (at least) since the last time I was camping, so I’m interested to hear your best camping tips, hacks, advice, and/or recipes — especially when it comes to camping with a toddler!