Tacoma Boys’ Tips and Tricks for Labor Day Camping
September is just about here and many people are looking forward to Labor Day camping! The holiday always falls on the first Monday of September. It’s generally a three day weekend for many people and an opportunity to go out and have fun in the sun. That’s also because it tends to mark the end of summer for most people and communities. The sun is still shining, the summer produce is ripe, and it’s one last chance for some warm-weather Labor Day camping.
Head Out For Labor Day Camping!
The holiday on September 4th is one of the last chances to go camping in the warm weather as the summer season comes to an end. If you have a three-day weekend, why not take the opportunity to go camping close by? Washington and the Pacific Northwest is packed with so many popular and smaller places to camp overnight or longer. Many people will be camping over the long weekend so be sure to prepare ahead of time! Book a spot, go grocery shopping, and prep your meals so you’re comfortable and satisfied with the experience.
How About Camping Activities?
Once you’re out in the wilderness or otherwise in your camping zone, there are plenty of fun activities to do. Other than lounging around by the campfire and making food, you can try a hike or maybe water activities— Chances are you may be near a lake or river! Consider these activities to keep busy and enjoy the outdoors:
- Nature walk through the trees and meadows
- Hike and identify nearby foliage, flowers, and more
- If you’re near a body of water, blow up some inner tubes or floaties for lounging
- Yard games like bocce ball and cornhole
- Low-effort sports like pickleball
Delicious Labor Day Recipes
Half the fun of camping this weekend is the tasty Labor Day recipes! There are so many ideas for camping recipes all over the web and with different families and groups. But specifically for Labor Day, it might be nice to try more seasonal foods to celebrate the summer. Summer will be winding down soon and it’s a great time to appreciate the fruits and vegetables of the season. That means roasted corn, fresh tomato sandwiches, and more. Grill-style recipes like hot dogs or sausages and potatoes are also good for rocking the summer vibes. Adapt your favorite summer recipes for camping and Labor Day by using a campfire or grill if you have one. Consider the tools and equipment you have and go from there: Like for foil packet meals over a fire, skillet meals in a cast iron skillet, or sausages roasted on a stick.
Twice Baked Chili Potatoes
Bake a few potatoes ahead of time then throw ‘em on the campfire for a second bake. Mix the cooked potato with extras like cheese and premade chili. Easy, tasty, and with just a few ingredients!
Ingredients
- 4 Russet Potatoes, baked
- 1 cup Tillamook Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 can Amy’s Organic Black Bean Chili
Directions
- Bake the potatoes before heading out of town to the campsite. Store each potato wrapped in foil.
- Once a campfire is rolling, nestle the potatoes amongst the coals. Heat, rotating every 5-10 minutes, until warmed through to the center of each potato.
- Fluff the inside of the potato and mix it with the cheese and chili. Wrap it back up in the foil and heat for another 5-10 minutes or until hot and melty.
- Unwrap and dig in!
Celebrating The End Of Summer
Seasonal vegetables over the fire, fresh fruit as a mid-afternoon snack… Tastes just like summer! Especially when camping for Labor Day and celebrating those last few weeks of warm weather and produce. Check out these tips for food plus other camping need-to-know information. And think about what types of seasonal foods you might enjoy when camping out in the wilderness with friends or family.
Camping Meal Prep
For a weekend away it’s necessary to get set ahead of time with camping meal prep. Of course all the grocery shopping should be done before you head out. Then, do what you can to eliminate further prep down the road such as pre-cooking meats and chopping vegetables. If not, make sure to bring everything you need: Visualize cooking the meal or preparing a snack and write down each and every ingredient and tool you’ll need. From cutting boards, to tupperwares, and salt and pepper, gathering items ahead of time saves a potential bummer moment later on. Prepare your meals ahead of time and keep convenient snacks on hand including fresh fruit and vegetables:
- Fresh peaches, nectarines, apricots, and cherries
- Gardetto’s Italian Cheese Snack Mix
- Celery, cucumber, and carrots with Boar’s Head Traditional Hummus
- Johnson’s Northwest Style Trail Mix
Plus more snacks from Tacoma Boys! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!
