Did You Know?

We have lots of
tips & tricks at your fingertips!

Whether you're a camping pro or
just a beginner, please enjoy the blog
below to help make your camping
experience even more enjoyable!

Good Sam
Facebook
Instagram
Camping Tips
Recipes

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 Breakfast Ideas to Start the Day Right

Breakfast around the campfire is one of the best ways to kick off your day in the great outdoors. Here are some tasty and easy ideas to try:

1. Classic Campfire Eggs & Bacon

  • Cook eggs your favorite way over the fire
  • Pair with crispy bacon or sausage
  • Serve with toasted bread or biscuits

2. Breakfast Burritos

  • Scramble eggs with cheese and veggies
  • Wrap in a tortilla with some cooked sausage or bacon
  • Optional: add salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor

3. Campfire Pancakes

  • Use a pre-made pancake mix for convenience
  • Cook on a cast-iron skillet over the fire
  • Top with maple syrup, berries, or chocolate chips

4. Foil Packet Hash Browns

  • Mix diced potatoes, onions, peppers, and cooked meat in foil
  • Cook over hot coals until crispy
  • A hearty and mess-free breakfast

5. S’mores for Breakfast

  • Yes, you can enjoy a sweet treat early!
  • Use peanut butter or Nutella with graham crackers and chocolate
  • Optional: add banana slices for extra yum

6. Oatmeal Cups

  • Bring pre-measured oats in jars or packets
  • Add dried fruits, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Pour hot water and enjoy a warm, filling breakfast

7. Campfire French Toast

  • Dip bread slices in egg mixture with milk and cinnamon
  • Cook on a skillet over the fire
  • Serve with syrup, jam, or fresh fruit

8. Breakfast Sandwiches

  • Use English muffins or bagels
  • Fill with eggs, cheese, and pre-cooked meat
  • Wrap in foil and warm over the fire

Try one of these iconic breakfast recipes the next time you stay at Salina Campground!

🥒 Easy Grilled Zucchini

Here’s an easy, flavorful Grilled Zucchini Recipe that’s perfect for backyard dinners, camping trips, or as a simple side dish:

Ingredients:

  • 3–4 medium zucchini
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh grated parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375–400°F).
  2. Slice zucchini lengthwise into ¼–½ inch thick strips (or cut into thick rounds).
  3. Season
     In a bowl, toss zucchini with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
  4. Grill
     Place zucchini directly on grill grates.
    Grill for 3–4 minutes per side until tender with nice grill marks.
  5. Finish & Serve
     Sprinkle with parmesan while warm and garnish with fresh herbs.

🔥 Flavor Variations:

  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet twist.
  • Top with feta and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe.

Try this recipe during your next stay at Salina Campground!

Top Camping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Every experienced or inexperienced camper makes mistakes! Here’s the top mistakes campers make and how you can avoid them!

  1. Overpacking—or Underpacking
     Avoid it: Make a checklist before you go. Bring essentials, skip the “just in case” clutter.
  2. Not Checking the Weather
     Avoid it: Always check the forecast and pack layers. Weather changes fast—especially in the Midwest.
  3. Arriving After Dark
     Avoid it: Plan to arrive with daylight so setting up camp isn’t a struggle.
  4. Forgetting Food Storage Rules
     Avoid it: Use sealed containers and follow campground guidelines to keep wildlife out of your campsite.
  5. Skipping Campsite Research
     Avoid it: Know your campground’s amenities, quiet hours, and rules before you arrive.
  6. Poor Fire Management
     Avoid it: Follow fire restrictions, keep fires small, and always fully extinguish before leaving.
  7. Ignoring Campsite Etiquette
     Avoid it: Respect quiet hours, clean up after yourself, and give neighbors space.
  8. Not Having a Backup Plan
     Avoid it: Bring indoor activities, games, or nearby attractions in case plans change.

Remember these tips the next time you stay at Salina Campground!

🥑 Camping Style Avocado Toast

This healthy recipe is the perfect wake-up meal to get you up and going on your next hike!

Serves: 2
Cook Time: 5–10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of hearty bread (sourdough or thick sandwich bread works best)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings:
    • Cherry tomatoes (sliced)
    • Red pepper flakes
    • Everything bagel seasoning
    • Lemon or lime wedge
    • Cooked bacon, sausage, or a fried egg (camp upgrade!)

Instructions

  1. Toast the bread
     Place bread on a camp grill, skillet, or over a campfire grate. Toast until golden and slightly crispy on both sides.
  2. Prep the avocado
     In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or lime if you have it.
  3. Assemble
     Spread the mashed avocado generously over the toasted bread.
  4. Top it off
     Add your favorite toppings—keep it simple or go all out.
  5. Enjoy
     Eat warm by the fire or with your morning coffee and a great view ☕🔥

Camping Tip

Bring pre-sliced toppings and store avocados in a cooler to keep them fresh longer.

Try this healthy recipe the next time you wake up at Salina Campground!

Mini Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce

Here’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for Mini Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce—perfect for parties, holidays, or even campground cooking! 🍽️✨

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (about 24–32 oz) frozen mini meatballs
  • 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
  • 2–3 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions (Slow Cooker – Easiest)

  1. Add frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
  3. Pour sauce over meatballs and stir gently to coat.
  4. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve warm with toothpicks.

Instructions (Stovetop)

  1. Combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
  2. Add meatballs and stir to coat.
  3. Simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Tips & Variations

  • Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar.
  • Like a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer.

Try this recipe the next time you stay at Salina Campground!

Merry and Bright: Creative Ways to Decorate Your Campsite for the Holidays

There’s something special about celebrating the holidays outdoors—crisp air, glowing campfires, and peaceful starry nights make the perfect backdrop for festive fun. With a few simple touches, you can transform your campsite into a cozy, holiday-inspired retreat.

🎄 Light Up Your Campsite

Battery-powered or solar string lights add instant holiday magic.
Wrap them around trees, awnings, or picnic tables, or use lantern-style lights for a warm, inviting glow.

🔥 Create a Cozy Campfire Corner

Dress up your campfire area with holiday-colored chairs, blankets, and enamel mugs for hot cocoa or cider.
Keep décor fire-safe but festive!

⭐ Dress Up Your Tent or RV

Use removable hooks to hang lightweight garlands, wreaths, or mini stockings.
Add a holiday-themed doormat, window clings, or LED rope lights to make your setup shine.

❄️ Festive Picnic Table Touches

A plaid tablecloth, simple centerpiece, and holiday-themed dishes can turn every meal into a celebration.

🌲 Pack a Mini Tree

A tabletop tree decorated with lightweight ornaments or DIY pinecone crafts brings holiday cheer without taking up much space.

🍃 Use Nature to Decorate

Pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and smooth stones make beautiful, sustainable accents.
Tie small bundles of greenery with twine for a natural holiday look.

✨ Final Touches

Hang stockings, bring festive pillows or blankets, and play soft holiday music to create a warm, welcoming holiday vibe at your campsite at Salina Campground!

Campfire Mashed Potatoes

Here’s a simple and tasty Campfire Mashed Potatoes recipe—perfect for a cozy camping trip during thanksgiving season!🥔🔥

Ingredients:

  • 4–5 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: garlic powder, shredded cheese, chopped chives, bacon bits

Instructions:

  1. Boil the potatoes:
     Add diced potatoes to a pot and cover with water. Place on the campfire grate and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
  2. Drain & mash:
     Carefully drain the water, then mash potatoes directly in the pot.
  3. Mix in the good stuff:
     Add butter, milk, salt, pepper, and any extras you like. Stir over low heat until creamy.
  4. Serve hot:
     Spoon into bowls and top with cheese, chives, or bacon if you’re feeling fancy!

Try this recipe during Thanksgiving at Salina Campground!

Top 10 Most Useful Camping Apps

These apps are the perfect guide for planning, exploring, and enjoying your next outdoor adventure!

🏕️ 1. The Dyrt

One of the most popular camping apps for finding and reviewing campsites. Great for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping spots.
Best for: Planning ahead and comparing campgrounds.

🌿 2. Hipcamp

Discover unique stays like private campsites, ranches, and treehouses.
Best for: Finding one-of-a-kind camping experiences.

🏞️ 3. Recreation.gov

The official app for booking federal recreation sites — including national parks and forests.
Best for: Booking official and scenic public lands.

🗺️ 4. Gaia GPS

An advanced mapping and navigation app with offline topo maps for hiking and backcountry camping.
Best for: Off-grid or dispersed camping adventures.

🥾 5. AllTrails

Find nearby hiking trails, reviews, and maps. Great for pairing your campsite stay with outdoor activities.
Best for: Exploring trails near your campground.

🚐 6. Campendium

Find free or low-cost camping spots, including dispersed sites and public lands, with community reviews.
Best for: Budget-friendly camping and boondocking.

🌍 7. Park4Night

Community-driven app that helps you find overnight parking, campsites, and rest stops.
Best for: Road trips and spontaneous camping stops.

🏕️ 8. AllStays Camp & RV

Detailed information for RV and tent campers — includes hookups, site size, and amenities.
Best for: RV travelers or those who want detailed campground data.

🚙 9. iOverlander

Community-based maps for dispersed camping, water stations, and services in remote areas.
Best for: Off-grid and overlanding adventures.

🧶 10. Knot Guide

Learn over 100 knots for camping, climbing, and outdoor use — complete with step-by-step diagrams.
Best for: Campers who like hands-on, practical skills.

Be sure to download these apps before your next stay at Salina Campground!

Witches Brew Stew

This is the perfect spooky, Halloween-themed recipe! Witches Brew Stew is both eerie and delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef or chicken, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dark red kidney beans (optional, for extra “creepy” effect)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional, for a little “bite”)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or green beans (“witches’ eyes”)

Optional spooky additions:

  • Corn kernels (like golden “witches’ teeth”)
  • Purple cabbage or beet slices for a ghoulish color

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  2. Brown the meat until sealed on all sides.
  3. Add carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and beans. Stir for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Pour in broth, add paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cover and let simmer 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables and meat are tender.
  6. Stir in peas or green beans in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  7. Serve hot in a cauldron-like bowl for full spooky effect!

Try this version of stew the next time you stay at Salina Campground during spooky season!

Spooky Campsite Decorating Ideas

Here are some spooky campsite decorating ideas that are easy to set up and perfect for Halloween camping at places like Kiefer Campgrounds 🎃🏕️

👻 Lighting & Ambience

  • Glow-in-the-dark lanterns: Paint mason jars with glow paint or fill them with glow sticks for eerie lighting.
  • String lights: Hang orange or purple fairy lights around trees or your camper awning.
  • Jack-o’-lantern path: Line your campsite with carved pumpkins or LED pumpkin lights to guide trick-or-treaters.
  • Ghost lanterns: Place white fabric over solar lights or jars to create glowing “floating” ghosts.

🕸️ Creepy Campsite Additions

  • Spiderweb tents: Stretch fake spiderwebs across your camper, picnic table, or trees and add plastic spiders.
  • Skeleton campfire guests: Pose skeletons in camping chairs around your fire pit—bonus points for a marshmallow stick in hand!
  • Graveyard scene: Use foam tombstones and flickering candles to create a mini haunted graveyard near your tent.
  • Creepy critters: Scatter fake rats, snakes, and bugs near your cooler or tent for a frightful surprise.

🎃 Fun & Themed Touches

  • Halloween flags & banners: Hang spooky garlands, bats, or “Happy Haunting” signs around your site.
  • Pumpkin station: Set up a small table for pumpkin carving or painting.
  • Costume line: Hang costumes from a clothesline for decoration and convenience!
  • Campfire cauldron: Swap your regular fire ring decor for a black “witch’s cauldron” look — add green LED lights or dry ice for effect.

🌲 Nature-Inspired Ideas

  • Ghost trees: Drape white sheets or cheesecloth over tree branches for ghostly shapes that sway in the wind.
  • Bat silhouettes: Cut out bat shapes from black cardboard and tape them to trees, campers, or picnic tables.
  • Foggy forest feel: Use a small fog machine (battery-powered) to make your site look like a haunted forest at dusk.

Try decorating your campsite the next time you stay at Salina Campground during October!

Rest with the best

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!

https://kiefercampgrounds.com/