As a kid I don't remember any of the planning and preparation for a camping trip, I only remember the excitement of going and finally getting there!

But now that I have a family of my own, who love visiting Virginia State Parks, going camping can sometimes be the antithesis of a vacation for me. While Dad is off fishing, fooling around and having fun with the kids, I am cooking, cleaning and then more cooking and cleaning, and more...well you get the idea.

So what can we do to make the camping less stressful and hard work? Especially if it is not in an RV, but tent camping? I thought I would share a few simple recipes that have helped me along. I hope you can share some of your own with us, we would love to hear what you find helpful in keeping it easy!

Primitive camping at New River Trail State Park

View from the primitive campground at New River Trail State Park 

CAMPFIRE STEW

Basically pre-chop everything at home you would put into a regular stew, and package it up to go. Then while you are at the campground put everything together (meat, veggies, stew seasoning packet mix) and wrap it all in foil (double wrap it) and lay it right on the red hot embers in the fire pit. Just leave it there. Wait, and listen as you will hear it sizzling and the most delicious aromas arising from this stew. You will know when it is about ready, say 20 minutes later.

STIR FRY/FRIED RICE

Pre-cook the rice at home, and then bring everything along that you would need for a stir fry or fried rice (don't forget the egg and soy sauce). This is a great Coleman cook stove recipe that my family adores. Put the fry pan on high add a dash of oil, toss in the cooked rice first, then the egg and veggies/ham/chicken/shrimp whatever your fancy, and soy sauce last. If this doesn't make your neighbors hungry I don't know what will!

CAMP DONUTS

These are simple and easy, fun for kids and adults alike. Make sure you have plenty of cold milk in the igloo! This recipe calls for a couple rolls of refrigerator biscuits. Oil for frying. Sugar (either confectioners' sugar to make a glaze or regular sugar to sprinkle on after cooked). Basically heat the oil in a sauce pan on the stove, drop the biscuits that have been cut with something small to make a donut hole, into the hot oil, cook for a minute on one side, then flip over (you can use a fork to do this). Remove from oil and let drain onto paper towel covered plate. Dip into icing sugar mixture or add sprinkles, whatever you bring along for the kids to decorate them. Serve and eat hot with a tall glass of ice cold milk! 

EGGS IN A FRAME

No need to have a toaster, or three or four pans, you can cook the eggs right in the bread! Butter both sides of the bread, cut out a circle from the middle using a cup, place in hot skillet and break egg into center of hole in bread. Cook for a few minutes, the flip to brown other side. After the bread (Egg in the Frame are cooked, then toss in the centers of the bread to brown up). Serve hot with glass of orange juice!

Please share any fun and easy recipes you can add that the whole family will enjoy in the great outdoors! Learn more about Virginia State Parks camping here, there are 1700 camp spots to choose from!