Camping is great outdoor recreation, but even though we are at a campsite, there are still plenty of daily chores that will need to be done to insure our comfort and well being. With the activities of setting up camp and exploring your outdoor destination, appetites usually soar, but then food always tastes better at the campground anyway. Besides wanting the expert outdoor chef to prepare the meals (you'll surely find plenty of campground experts), you'll need a volunteer or two to clean up the mess after everyone has filled their guts. Here's some tips to consider:
- Kitchen Location
When arriving at your campsite, besides eyeing the location for your tent or RV, keep in mind where you'll cook and eat. Look for shade where possible. - Keeping Foods Cold
Keep all perishable foods well chilled. Place coolers in the shade and check the ice daily for replenishing. If you're not sure, ask where to get ice when checking into the campground. If any food smells bad, pitch it. - Dry Food Storage
With dry foods, the only precautions are to be sure the items are securely stowed out of site and off the ground so that birds, ants, and other critters don't get into them. Store foods so they won't get rained on, should you be camping in such a climate. - Washing Dishes
Don't wait! Boil some water, use a bio-degradable detergent, and then clean and dry all your dishes. Not only is this good hygiene, but cleaning up dirty dishes helps keep unwanted pests out of your campsite. - Disposing of Food Wastes
Before washing the dishes, scrape all plates, pots, and pans into a plastic garbage bag. Don't leave any food wastes around the campsite, dispose of it in the camp dumpster, and store leftovers in your cooler.
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