Heres Some Camping Tips & Tricks at Your Fingertips
Our Salina Campground Blog is the information you need to make your next camping trip in Kansas even more enjoyable. From RV and camping tips and tricks, to amazing campfire recipes, to advice on planning your next trip in Salina, KS... the information below is here to help you. And please, feel free to comment and share your experiences, knowledge and favorite recipes. At Salina Campground, we are a family and all here to help each other enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest!
🥖 Campfire Bread Rolls
Here’s a simple and delicious Campfire Bread Rolls recipe that you can make while camping:
(Stick Bread or Skillet Rolls)
Option 1: Stick Bread Rolls (Fun for Kids & Adults)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup water (or milk)
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
- Optional: herbs, shredded cheese, or cinnamon sugar
Instructions:
- Mix Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add water and oil; mix until you get a soft dough. Knead lightly.
- Divide & Shape: Divide into golf ball-sized portions. Roll each into a rope about 12-18 inches long.
- Wrap on Stick: Wrap the dough rope around the end of a clean, thick stick (not too dry or it might burn).
- Cook Over Fire: Hold over hot coals (not direct flames), rotating frequently until golden brown and cooked through (8–15 minutes).
- Optional: Brush with butter, dip in jam, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or serve with savory spreads.
Option 2: Skillet Campfire Rolls (For a More Traditional Roll)
Ingredients:
- 1 tube of refrigerated biscuit or crescent dough or make your own simple dough (same as above)
- Butter or oil for greasing
- Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven
- Optional toppings: garlic butter, cheese, herbs
Instructions:
- Prep Skillet: Grease your skillet or Dutch oven well.
- Place Rolls: Arrange dough pieces (store-bought or homemade) with a bit of space between each to allow for rising.
- Cover & Cook: Cover with foil or a lid. Place over hot coals and cook for 10–20 minutes, checking often.
- Rotate & Flip: Rotate the skillet for even cooking. Flip rolls if needed for browning both sides.
- Finish & Serve: Brush with butter, sprinkle herbs or cheese, and serve hot.
🔥 Tips:
- Keep the fire low and steady—too much flame can burn the outside before the inside cooks.
- Make dough ahead at home and store in a cooler.
- These rolls go great with chili, stew, or roasted marshmallows for dessert!
Try these yummy bread rolls next time you stay at Salina Campground!
Things To Do While Staying at Salina Campground
Here’s a simple checklist of things to do around Salina Campground, including nearby attractions and local dining options:
✅ Activities at Salina Campground
- Swimming Pool & Splash Pad
Cool off in the campground’s pool or let the kids enjoy the splash pad. - Stretching Equipment & Playground
Enjoy our stretching equipment or let children play on the playground. - Fishing Pond
Try your luck at the catch-and-release fishing pond. - Evening Campfires
Relax by the fire and enjoy s’mores under the stars.
- Gem Mining
Try your hand at gem mining and see what cool gems you can find!
🌄 Nearby Attractions
- Rolling Hills Zoo
Explore over 100 species of animals and a 64,000 sq. ft. wildlife museum. Wikipedia - Kanopolis State Park
Hike scenic trails, fish in the lake, or explore sandstone canyons. Wikipedia - Indian Rock Park
Hike to panoramic views and see exposed shale bluffs. Wikipedia - Smoky Hill Museum
Learn about local history through interactive exhibits.
🍽️ Local Dining Options
- Martinelli’s Little Italy
Family-friendly Italian restaurant known for its pasta and warm atmosphere. - The Cozy Inn
Historic burger joint serving famous sliders since 1922. - Blue Skye Brewery and Eats
Offers craft beers and a menu of pizzas and pub fare. - Hickory Hut BBQ
Casual spot known for its smoked meats and classic sides. - La Casita
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a variety of traditional dishes.
Whether you’re enjoying the amenities at Salina Campground or exploring the local attractions and dining spots, there’s plenty to see and do in the Salina area.
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Here’s a classic strawberry shortcake recipe that’s simple, delicious, and perfect for spring or summer camping trips!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Strawberries:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Shortcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (optional, for brushing)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar.
- Let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to macerate (juices will form).
- In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar.
- Make the Shortcakes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk and vanilla. Stir gently just until dough comes together—don’t overmix.
- Drop dough by large spoonfuls (or shape into 6 round biscuits) onto baking sheet.
- Optional: Brush tops with a beaten egg for golden color.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Whipped Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- In a chilled bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Assemble:
- Slice shortcakes in half horizontally.
- Spoon strawberries over the bottom half, add a generous dollop of whipped cream, then top with the other half of the shortcake.
- Optional: Add more strawberries and cream on top!
- Slice shortcakes in half horizontally.
Bring this refreshing sweet shortcake with you on your next camping trip to Salina Campground!
Best Outdoor Camping Activities
Here’s a list of the best outdoor camping activities that are fun for all ages and help you make the most of your time in nature:
🌲 Classic Nature Adventures
- Hiking – Explore nearby trails and get some exercise while enjoying scenic views.
- Fishing – Whether from shore or a boat, it’s peaceful and rewarding.
- Wildlife Watching – Bring binoculars and keep an eye out for birds, deer, raccoons, or whatever’s native to the area.
- Stargazing – With little light pollution, campgrounds are perfect for spotting constellations and shooting stars.
🔥 Campground Fun
- Campfire Cooking – Roast hot dogs, make s’mores, or try foil packet meals.
- Storytelling or Ghost Stories – Classic around the fire at night.
- Sing-Alongs or Acoustic Jam Sessions – If someone brings a guitar, even better.
- Glow Stick Tag – Especially fun for kids after dark.
🧭 Games & Challenges
- Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of things to find in nature.
- Capture the Flag – Great for big groups with open space.
- Cornhole, Ladder Toss, Frisbee – Easy-to-pack yard games.
- Geocaching – A modern treasure hunt using GPS.
🧘♀️ Relax & Recharge
- Hammock Lounging – Just chill and read a book or nap.
- Sketching or Photography – Nature is a perfect muse.
- Yoga or Meditation – A peaceful way to start or end the day.
🚣♂️ Water-Based Fun (if near a lake or river)
- Kayaking or Canoeing
- Swimming
- Skipping Stones
- Paddleboarding
Try any of these activities next time you stay at Camp Lakewood Campground or Salina Campground!
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Here’s a simple and delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grapes, halved (or dried cranberries for sweetness)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional, for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices of bread, croissants, or sandwich rolls
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, grapes, nuts (if using), and lemon juice.
- Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 15–30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve on bread, croissants, or sandwich rolls with lettuce for extra crunch.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Salad Sandwich at Salina Campground! 🥪
How to Preserve Things Found On Your Camping Trip
Preserving items from your camping trip depends on what you’ve collected—whether it’s plants, flowers, leaves, rocks, wildlife observations, or other natural keepsakes. Here are some tips for different types of finds:
1. Flowers & Leaves
- Pressing: Place leaves or flowers you want to preserve between wax paper inside a heavy book for 1-2 weeks.
- Laminating: Once dried, laminate for bookmarks or decorations.
- Resin Encasing: Embed in resin to create keychains, coasters, or jewelry.
2. Rocks & Minerals
- Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water; scrub with a brush if needed.
- Sealing: Use a clear sealant or mineral oil to enhance colors.
- Labeling: Keep a small notebook or tag them with the location and date.
3. Pinecones, Bark, & Nuts
- Drying: Spread on newspaper and air-dry.
- Baking: Heat in an oven at 200°F for 30 minutes to kill pests.
- Sealing: Apply clear varnish to prevent decay and to preserve.
4. Feathers & Animal Findings (Non-Living)
- Cleaning: Soak in a mild bleach solution, then rinse and dry.
- Displaying: Frame or place in shadow boxes.
- Legal Considerations: Research laws about keeping feathers, bones, or shells, as some (like eagle feathers) are illegal to possess.
5. Photos & Journaling
- Photo Album: Print and organize your best shots.
- Scrapbooking: Combine pictures, notes, and small dried items in a scrapbook.
- Digital Memory Book: Create an online journal or blog post.
6. Wildlife Sightings
- Sketching: Draw animals or plants in a nature journal.
- Writing Notes: Record behaviors, habitats, and times of day.
- Apps: Use apps like iNaturalist to log observations without taking anything from nature.
Try this with your findings next time you stay at Salina Campground!
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!
