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!
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!
