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Millions of people go on camping trips. When camping, you are sharing your living space with the great outdoors. In addition, camping is a time to enjoy, relax and get away from the daily stresses of life. Part of the fun of camping involves eating different types of meals cooked over an open fire, so to maintain the kitchen for outdoor camping you need to remember 10 basic rules. First and foremost, camping kitchens must be safe, environmentally friendly and practical. - Create a meal plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for each day you anticipate camping. Although living off the land may be great, especially with big plans of catching fish and eating berries, it is best to make sure you have enough food for everyone by planning your meals ahead time.
- Cook as many meals as you can in aluminum foil. Cooking food in foil, rather than pots and pans, makes cleaning simple because you can place the foil in the trash. Cooking times may change, however, so check your food every 15 minutes before taking off the fire.
- Review your meal selections to determine what ingredients you need to take with you. Measure and pre-pack all of the ingredients, such as powdered milk, oatmeal, coffee, cereal and spices. Afterward, place the ingredients in a Ziploc bag. Group the ingredients according to the meal. Then, place the grouped ingredients in a covered plastic container to keep bugs away. Also, place a block of ice or frozen bottles of water in a cooler to keep food cold.
- Set up your tents and kitchen area in different locations. Keep food, food equipment and food aromas far away from your tents. Though you may not see animals, such as bears, raccoons, or a deer around, it's likely the animals may roam at night. In addition, if the tent and kitchen areas are far from each other, the lurking animal may not bother you.
- Leaving your food out in the open may be convenient, but it is not the safest thing to do because it attracts wildlife. While some animals may be harmless, they may eat all of your camping food. So, keep your food in a located cooler or hang on high tree branches.
- Dispose of food waste in the campground trashcans or place dry ingredients back into Ziploc bags. Never throw food into the lake or river.
- In a small pan of soapy water, wash your dishes. Then, with another pan rinse your dishes. Do not wash dishes in a river, stream or lake. Put out the cooking fire with the leftover dishwater.
- Always watch your cook fire or stove. Keep water or an extinguisher close to your stove or fire. During heavy winds, fire has the ability to lose control quick, and it is possible for trash or a leaf to catch fire.
- Use caution with gas canisters. Always stand canisters straight and keep them in a ventilated area. In addition, always turn canisters off when you are not using them. Just in case, bring an extra canister and set of matches.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby; it is better to be prepared if a mishap or emergency occurs.
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