Category: Camping Meals

5 Essential Items You Need for Camping

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

If you’re an avid camper or you’re a newcomer, you probably understand that there are essential items you’ll need to go on a successful camping trip. These are just basic camping items that will make your camping experience more fulfilling. 

Camping Tent 

If you’re tent camping, you’ll want the tent to be durable, dry and easy to set up. The Coleman Sundome tent is your best bet for success on a camping trip. It only takes ten minutes to setup, and it is set at a very reasonable price. It has great ventilation and it keeps water from getting in. It is the perfect tent for a small camping trip. 

Hammock

The Eagles Nest DoubleNest Hammock is the perfect hammock for you to bring on a camping trip. A hammock is not necessary for a camping trip, but it will enhance the trip even more. If you go on a long hike to watch a sunset, you easily pack your hammock on the hike and set it up along the way. 

Camp Cooking 

When it comes to cooking on your camping trip, you need to have a few things in order to have a meal. Most camping sites are supplied with a firepit, so you don’t necessarily need a grill. Having an easy cooking set is vital to be able to have different meals around your campfire. The MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit is an all-around kitchen set for your necessities. You’ll also need to have a utensil set that works well in the outdoors. 

Backpacking Rucksack

For those looking to go on long hikes and backpack to their camping site, an Osprey HIKELITE 32 is your best bet for a small backpacking trip. It’s compact and back-supporting to make your trek a little bit easier.  

Footwear – Hiking Boots 

Having the proper outdoor footwear is crucial to a camping trip. Check out our blog post on the top hiking boots you should consider grabbing before your next camping trip. 

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your family or friends on a camping adventure, check out Suwannee River Rendezvous! We have everything you need for a fun-filled camping, hiking, and adventure getaway in Mayo, Florida. Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today. 

Summer Camping Trip Activities in Mayo, FL

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

camping fishing tripThe best part of going camping is the amount of activities that are available in conjunction with your trip. Family members of all ages can find something fun to do in the great outdoors during your upcoming week or weekend camping trip.

Finding the Perfect Views for Setting-Up Camp

Setting up camp by a river or lake provides a scenic view as well as short trip to the banks for some quality fishing time. Adults and children alike can enjoy the thrill of fishing together. Veteran fishers are able to spend the day luring in native fish while smaller children can fish on and off throughout a hot summer day. Caught fish can also be used to make a fresh dinner over the open fire.

Hiking and Adventure

If you and your friends or family prefers a more active way to spend a day of camping, there is plenty to see on a hike. Pack a bag with snacks, water and sunscreen before you head out. Hiking in the mountains or along the riverbanks gives hikers the opportunity to exercise as well as see elements of nature that may be completely new. This is a great exploratory activity for children of all ages as well as adults that want to immerse themselves in nature.

Water Activities

Maybe you want to spend some time out on the water instead of sitting or walking. Kayaking is a great activity that can be done at your own pace without a huge time commitment. Renting kayaks for a day or week gives you the chance to paddle around a river or lake to sightsee, sunbathe or just explore. Single or double kayaks can be found depending on your group size and their ages. The great thing about kayaking is that everyone can participate, even small children when they share a kayak with an older adult.

At the end of a busy day fishing, hiking or doing another fun camping activity there is a great thing to do before you go to bed. Having a campfire cookout is an opportunity for everyone to share the stories of their day including what they saw and what they liked doing. From hot dogs and hamburgers to fresh-caught fish, campfire dinners are always fun and filling. Eating dinner around the fire is a great time for family and friends to bond before settling in for a good night’s rest and another day experiencing the outdoors.

Come Camp with Us Here at Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, FL

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we provide beautiful camping opportunities here in Mayo, FL for you and the whole family. With activities on the water like fishing, kayaking and canoeing, there is no shortage of things to do when staying with us. Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Camping Meals That Make Camping Much Easier

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Many unseasoned camping vets have trouble figuring out what to make for camping meals. Some people aren’t prepared before going on a camping trip with the family. We want everyone who is going camping to know that there are easy camping meals for the whole family to enjoy.

Mountain Pies

Mountain pies are extremely easy and fun for the whole family. What you’ll need is a cast iron pie maker, which you can purchase at a very reasonable price at many different stores.

Ingredients:

  • Pizza Sauce
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Pepperoni
  • Loaf of bread
  • Butter

This can be an easy nighttime snack around the campfire or even a dinner meal for family and friends. The benefit of this meal is that it’s cheap and tastes great when camping. All you have to do is spread butter on 2 slices of bread, add sauce, pepperoni and cheese on one slice, throw in the cast iron pie maker, and cook over the fire. Remember to flip the pie maker!

Campfire Frittata

For a little bit more of a meal, the campfire frittata is a delicious one. This one is an easy quick recipe that will be great for the family waking up in the morning before the daily camping activities. You will need a cast iron skillet to cook the meal in over a fire. Note: a lid is recommended, so you don’t burn the bottom of the eggs before cooking the top.

Ingredients:

  • Eggs
  • Vegetables such as sweet peppers and onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Mushrooms
  • Meat (optional): sausage, beef, chicken, ham
  • Cheese (optional)

To make sure you don’t burn the bottom of the eggs is to layer the bottom of the pan with vegetables. Then, pour the scrambled eggs in the skillet on top and add the meat and other ingredients. Use the lid to cover the top and keep an eye out for when the eggs are done.

For more easy and delicious campfire meals, check out these awesome ones!

At Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground, we offer an amazing place in Mayo, Florida to go camping and adventuring. From kayaking to hunting and fishing trips, we have it all. We also offer lodging at our grounds. Contact us at 386-294-2510 today!

Tips for Planning a Winter RV Camping Trip

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Although it might be tempting to spend the cold months of winter hibernating at home, an RV trip can offer a great way to beat the winter blues and refresh yourself with time in the great outdoors. Most modern RVs are well equipped to handle cold temperatures, but it’s still a good idea to take some extra precautions before you embark on a winter camping trip. Check out a few of our favorite tips for traveling in an RV this winter below!

Check Seals Around Windows and Doors

Before you leave, inspect all the windows, doors, storage compartments and access panels on your RV to make sure they are properly sealed with weather stripping and caulk. An RV can be a cozy shelter during winter camping trips, but only if it’s properly protected against the elements. The last thing you want is to spend your whole trip searching for the source of a draft that could have been sealed before you left.

Pack Emergency Supplies

In addition to packing your usual emergency supplies like a first aid kit and weather radio, it’s a good idea to bring some additional cold-weather accessories as well. These include extra blankets and warm clothes, sleeping bags rated for sub-freezing temperatures and tire chains for your RV in case you get surprised by a snowstorm.

Choose Your Destination Wisely                                      

Taking a winter camping trip doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend the whole time traveling through a frozen tundra. There are plenty of destinations in warmer climates you can get away to instead! At Suwannee River Rendezvous, our campground and RV resort in Mayo, Florida is open all year round.

To reserve a spot for your next winter camping trip, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

Keep These Campfire Safety Tips in Mind on Your Next Trip

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, telling scary stories or just enjoying the company of family and friends, there are few things we love more than spending some quality time around a campfire. It’s important to remember, though, that campfires can become dangerous if you’re not careful. In the spirit of Smokey, today we’ll share a few important campfire safety tips to keep in mind on your next camping trip.

Pick the right place for your campfire.

Campfire safety should really start before you ever strike a match. Prior to building your campfire, look around to make sure there aren’t any low-hanging branches or brush nearby that might ignite from a stray spark. If you’re staying at a campground or state park, you should always use established fire pits whenever possible rather than trying to build one of your own.

Keep water and a shovel handy.

You never know when a strong gust of wind might blow and turn your little campfire into a roaring blaze. With this in mind, you should always keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby in case you need to smother the fire in a hurry. You can even wet the area around your campfire to prevent sparks from catching in the grass.

Avoid leaving the campfire unattended.

From the moment you start a campfire, you should keep an eye on it at all times. If you have to leave your campfire for a few minutes, make sure there’s someone else nearby to tend to it while you’re gone. Before you go to bed, smother the fire with ash and water and spread out any remaining embers to prevent them from reigniting.

If you’ve been missing the warm glow of a campfire this winter, we’d love to have you come visit us at our campground in sunny Florida. Book your reservation today or give us a call at (386) 294-2510 to learn more!

Four Clever Ways to Make Coffee at Your Campsite

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

If you’re like us, you need your morning cup of coffee whether you’re at home or on the road. The good news is, making coffee when you’re camping is easier than you might think. Check out these four clever ways to make coffee at your campsite:

Cowboy Coffee

All you need for this classic method of campsite coffee brewing is a kettle and a campfire. To make cowboy coffee, boil water in a kettle, then remove it from the heat source and let it cool enough to stop boiling (about 30 seconds). Then, stir in two tablespoons of coffee grounds per serving. Let it rest for two minutes, then stir again and let it rest for two more minutes. Once the grounds settle to the bottom, pour the coffee as slowly as possible into a mug to minimize grit.

MacGyver Coffee

If you really don’t like drinking your coffee unfiltered, you can make coffee at your campsite using a thermos, a fastener such as a rubber band and a mesh coffee filter or cotton cheesecloth. You can find detailed instructions for this method here.

Coffee Bags

You can either buy coffee bags (essentially tea bags for coffee) or make one yourself with a coffee filter and twine. All you need to do is throw it in a cup of hot water to brew your coffee.

French Press

No need to bring your French press from home—these days you can find French press coffeemakers designed specifically for camping.

There’s no better place to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee than the Suwannee River Rendezvous campground and RV resort. With plenty of hiking, swimming and entertainment options to enjoy, you’re sure to having a relaxing, refreshing time when you stay with us. To book your next trip, just give us a call or contact us online today!

Keep Camping More Environmentally Friendly

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Want to minimize your impact on the local ecosystem during your next camping trip? Camping offers a great way for people to reconnect with the great outdoors, but it can have some unintended consequences on nearby plants and animals if we’re not careful. Check out a few of our favorite environmentally-friendly camping ideas below!

Leave the Plastic Water Bottles at Home

It’s important to stay hydrated when camping, hiking and canoeing, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack cases of disposable water bottles that will wind up in a landfill. Instead, use a water bladder or reusable bottle that won’t create additional waste. This way, we can all do our part to cut down on the 50 billion water bottles that are consumed each year.

Take Everything you Brought Camping Home with You

After spending a few days in the woods, you might be tempted to toss some things in the garbage instead of bringing them home with you. Rather than leaving these items behind, try to make sure you have everything you brought with you when you leave your campsite. Any remaining waste and recyclables should be sorted and disposed of in designated collection centers.

Stay in Designated Camping Sites

If you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast, you might enjoy camping off the beaten path in remote areas that don’t have established campsites. Unfortunately, this can disrupt sensitive habitats and leave lasting environmental damage as well. In general, it’s best to stay at designated campgrounds rather than make your own campsite in areas that have been undisturbed by humans.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we offer comfortable camping accommodations with environmentally-friendly amenities like recycling containers and water hook-ups. To book your reservation, give us a call or contact us online today!

Secrets to Camping Light This Summer Season

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Camping in the summer at Suwannee River Rendezvous requires a different type of camping experience. Since summers are mostly hot in Florida, you must adjust your camping materials and equipment to ensure an enjoyable camping trip here.

One of the most important tips when it comes to camping in general is to always pack light and only bring the essentials. Now, you don’t have to stick to a boring camping trip, but don’t over pack unnecessary items. Here are some tips on packing light for your summer trip.

Camping Gear

If you’re planning to bring an RV, then your packing task will much more flexible since you’ll have the extra storage space. This is good for longer camping trips. If you are planning on lodging or even tent camping, you’ll have to make sure you’re pretty much only packing the camping essentials.

  • Pack light clothes due to the weather being hot
  • Bring water jugs to be refilled when you need
  • Tent, camping chairs, sleeping bags
  • Toiletries
  • Raingear, Hiking Boots, Bathing Suit and other water gear
  • First Aid Kits

Miscellaneous Gear

Make sure you are packing the proper camping equipment and gear for your camping trip in Florida. Packing only the necessary items should be your top priority, but it doesn’t mean that you have to limit your gear. For the weather down in Florida, it’s important to pack other items that can help with your trip. Bug spray, protective clothing, and sunscreen are just to name a few extra items that you should bring.

Planning Your Days Out

One of the biggest things campers don’t plan out is their days while on the camping trip. This is one of the most important aspects of planning out the adventure. If you’re able to plan each day (without too many restrictions), you can make sure that you are packing the right equipment for those days. We want to make sure that you don’t restrict your flexibility on the trip, though. Camping is about relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors, so you don’t want to have a strict itinerary.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we can provide you with the best camping for you and your family here in Mayo, Florida. If you’re looking to bring your family or friends down to Florida for some adventure on the river, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Prepare for Hot Weather Camping in Florida

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

It’s only March, but before too long that famous Florida heat will be returning to the Suwannee River. Hot, humid weather can make tent camping a little challenging during the peak months of summer, but it doesn’t have to keep you from having a good time. In fact, with a little care and preparation, you can camp comfortably and enjoy yourself even on the warmest days of the year!

Here are some tips to help you stay cool:

Stay Hydrated

Of course, this is the most important thing to keep in mind on especially hot days. Drinking plenty of water will not only prevent you from getting dehydrated, but also help to regulate your body temperature so that you don’t overheat. Keep a bottle of water on hand at all times, and consider packing some refreshing snacks like cucumbers and watermelons for the trip as well.

Stay Dry

Circulation is key for keeping your tent cool overnight, but it can be problematic if you get surprised by a summer rainstorm. If your tent’s rain fly makes it feel hot and stuffy inside, create a canopy over your tent by tying a tarp to a couple of nearby trees instead. This will keep your tent dry without blocking air flow and impeding circulation.

Dress Light

How hot you feel depends largely on what you’re wearing, and certain materials perform better in heat than others. In general, you should avoid clothes made of cotton. For shirts, consider a merino wool base layer that washes well and is light to wear. These days, you can also find active-wear pants that are soft, light and capable of wicking away excess moisture. Be sure to bring a good pair of waterproof shoes, too; if you’re sweaty, you don’t want your feet to be.

Getting ready to plan this year’s summer camping getaway? We’d love to see you at Suwannee River Rendezvous. If you’re nervous about the heat, you can even stay in one of our air conditioned vacation homes! Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more.

Why You Should Go Camping After the COVID-19 Crisis

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Camping has been many family’s tradition for generations. Getting out in the wilderness comes with plenty of great benefits regarding physical and mental health. After the country is able to open up, camping will play an important role in getting back in touch with nature and your loved ones. 

A Down to Earth Experience

There’s a beautiful experience when it comes to camping. Everything from organizing your gear, packing up the car, and setting up camping is a down to earth experience. In reality, you’re setting up a home for the next few days. 

Creative Problem Solving – When camping, there are always moments when problem solving is required. Cooking, setting up camp, preparing for bad weather, lighting a fire, and much more involves creative problem solving. You’ll always run into problems, and creative problem solving with your family or friends creates a great bonding experience. 

Physical & Mental Health Benefits

Getting outside is always a good thing to do. When we have been stuck inside for a few months, the outdoors seems like heaven. Well, it is heaven to be honest with you. With camping, you’ll get the exercise, stress relief, and escape you need to improve your productivity, mood, and physical activity. 

Whether you’re hiking, making simple meals, mountain biking, swimming, or doing other activities, you’ll most likely improve your sleep as well. If you have been struggling with sleep during the quarantine, camping might be a good reset. 

Suwannee River Rendezvous is your best place to get out camping in Florida. We have everything you need when it comes to camping. From kayaking and canoeing to hunting and fishing, escape to the outdoors with us. If you’re looking for a place to camp in Florida after the quarantine, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510.