A winter camping trip is all about relaxation, rejuvenation, camp fires and good food. We have put together six of our favourite recipes that we recommend to fellow campers. We have fire drums on the camping site to cook these delicious recipes, and to make the most of your winter camping experience in Kingston on the Limestone Coast.

1. Damper

The smell of damper on a cold winter’s day or night is enough to warm the bellies of the entire campsite! It is one of the greatest pleasures of Australian camping that we highly recommend. Using our fire drums to cook your damper, here is a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self raising flour
• Pinch of salt
• Half a cup of water
• 80 grams butter cubed

Method:

Mix the flour and salt and then rub the butter in with your fingers until you get a nice, granular mixture. Add the water and form a dough. Knead it gently on a floured surface. Shape it into a ball and wrap in tin foil, place in the camp oven or a saucepan you have designated as your camping one. Let it sit in the fire for about 30 minutes – and you have delicious damper. You will know if your damper is ready when you tap it and it sounds hollow.

2. Pancakes

Pancakes are always a treat on a camping trip. If you want to make it super easy, buy the ready-made pancake mix and just add water. Give it a good shake (kids like doing this), use a skillet on campfire and make sure you have the maple syrup ready to go along with some bananas and peanut butter.

3. Nachos

This is a nice and easy one for a quick savoury meal while you’re camping.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag corn chips
• 1 x 400 gram can refried beans
• 1 cup yellow cheese shredded
• Ready made salsa
• 1 avocado
• Chilli sauce to suit

Method:

Fill your camp oven or a deeper frying pan with a layer of corn chips, add a layer of refried beans and then the cheese and salsa. Cover it with the lid or tin foil and let it cook on the camp fire for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are slightly brown. Dig in and share!

4. A toad in the hole – Australian style!

We love this recipe for either breakfast or even dinner for the kids.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Sliced bread – white, wholemeal, multi-grain (your choice)

Method:

Cut a 5 cm round hole in the middle of the bread. Place into an oiled frying pan on the camp fire. Add one egg into the hole and let it cook for about 2 minutes, then turn over and cook on the other side for about a minute. The kids will love this one – a toad in the hole and a meal in one!

5. Campfire Banana Boats

A camping experience in Kingston would not be complete without campfire banana boats – bananas in their skin with chocolate and marshmallows is an old time favourite.

Ingredients:

• Bananas – leave peels on
• Chocolate chips – dark or milk
• Small marshmallows

Method:

Cut a slit into the banana lengthways and take care not to cut to the other side. Open gently and press in a teaspoon of chocolate chips and about a tablespoon of small marshmallows or chop up a larger marshmallow. Wrap in tin foil so that they look like boats and place on the campfire for about 10 minutes or until the marshmallows and chocolate are melted and the banana is heated through. This one is delicious for all ages!

6. Baked Potatoes

This is as easy camp fire meal and a satisfying one for winter. Scrub your potato clean, wrap in tin foil and place directly on the embers of your camp fire for about 45-60 minutes. Remove the foil and cut open, add butter, grated cheese, chopped tomato, grated carrots, lettuce or a diced meat stew. This can be a meal on its own or a delicious accompaniment.

And don’t forget the skewers

Skewers on a camping trip are a must. You can place all sort of things on a skewer and cook it on the campfire. Marshmallows are an obvious favourite of course and so is the discussion about the best way to cook them! But you can also add potato cubes, meat, chicken, tofu, corn and anything else you might like to try on a campfire.

Book your next Kingston camping trip at our Caravan Park – we have fire drums throughout winter

Throughout the winter time we have fire drums at the caravan park along with kindling and firewood. Make your camping trip the best it can be with a fire to enjoy for food, warmth and stories with yourself, friends and family.

Take advantage of our winter specials where you can book three nights and pay for two over winter. Your hosts, Chad and Kristy are here to make your stay as comfortable as it can be. Call us today on 08 8767 2050 or book your campsite online here.

Image courtesy of Ella.