Tips for Camping and Grilling in Vermont

Summer in Vermont is all about enjoying the great outdoors—and there’s no better way to do that than by camping under the stars and grilling up a delicious meal by the fire.

We asked a few team members to share their favorite camping and grilling tips to help you stay safe, eat well, and fully enjoy your time outside this season.

Find a Unique Place to Camp

If you don’t have a go-to campground yet, Wellness Coordinator Michele H. suggests Waterbury Reservoir.

“It has remote camping sites that you can only access by boat,” shares Michele. “I have always found this to be a unique and fun camping experience. Some of them are so remote you don’t have any ‘neighbors’ while camping.”

For more information about areas and amenities available for camping in Vermont, visit the Vermont State Parks website.

Build a Fire

What’s a camping experience without a campfire? If you want to get an impressive fire going, Customer Service Team Leader Kenneth O. recommends calling on any friends who do woodworking who might have some extra scrap wood lying around to make great kindling or tinder. “You could also check your local hardware store, as some may have a small cut or scrap bin to give you some small pieces for little out of pocket cost,” he says. “Unfinished 1-inch pine boards work very well for this and will split very easily along the grain.”

Protect Your Camp

A fire can help keep you warm but won’t keep the rain out of your tent. For expert-level rain protection, Staff Accountant Carolyn F. says she always brings two tarps: one for the ground to have a clear, dry surface for the tent to sit on and the other to use as a cover over the tent.  “In my experience, rain flies can only keep out so much, but a tarp will last through down pours,” she says. “My family calls it Tarp City.”

Automation Engineer Katie W. adds that her family uses a third tarp. “If you opt for a lean-to like we usually do, a tarp from the front can often cover most of your site and allow whoever is cooking on the fire to not get totally soaked when it rains,” she says.

Beware of Ticks

Anytime you plan to spend time outdoors in the summer, you should be prepared to encounter bugs. Since most ticks carry diseases and their bites can cause infection, it’s especially important to be aware of how to avoid them.  “I carry a small tick remover tool, and some natural tick repellant wherever I go in the summer,” says Digital Content Strategist Cass Lang. Learn more about how to prevent tick bites.

Entertain Your Kids

If you’re bringing kids along on your camping adventure, Research Specialist Amanda E. suggests bringing play kitchen toys. “Doesn't matter how old a kid is: if it rains and kitchen toys are available, a mud kitchen will entertain all ages,” she says.

But don’t forget the real silverware! Katie W. remembers a camping trip when her family accidentally forgot to pack any forks, knives, or spoons. With only a spatula and a jackknife on hand, they decided to get creative. Her kids went out into the woods to find natural replacements - an interesting collection of sticks shaped by rocks. “Worked for the weekend, and it's one of the earliest camping adventures my kids remember enjoying,” she shares. While this article is all about preparation, Katie’s story serves as a great reminder that our best memories can be the ones we don’t prepare for.

Make Your Meals Convenient

Provider Engagement Expert Teresa M. buys meat in bulk when it’s on sale at the grocery store to prepare for her family’s camping meals. “When I get home, I usually split it all up and freeze meat in bags with marinade,” she says. “This has been super helpful for camping because I may already have a bag of frozen steak, or frozen chicken pre-marinated that I can put in a cooler. It acts as an ice pack as it thaws out and it's ready to be thrown on a grill.”

Use a Vacuum Sealer

For optimal flavor and tenderness, Kenneth O. recommends using a vacuum sealer to store and marinade your protein. “Place the bag of protein and marinade into the freezer just until the protein firms up (but not fully frozen), then take it out to let it rest on the counter until room temp and ready to grill,” he says. “The vacuum process pulls marinade into the fibers of the meat and when the water freezes, the ice crystals create miniature cuts, which will help tenderize.”

Try a New Recipe

Looking for a meat alternative? Senior Accountant Kristie R.’s family loves a simple summer bean salad. “You can pair it with veggie burgers, or hot dogs, or whatever makes you happy,” she says. “It’s a perfect alternative to a heavy carb pasta salad and just as filling.”

Here’s all you need to make Kristie’s bean salad:

• 4 cans of different kinds of beans you love
• 1 can of corn
• Cut sweet peppers, cucumber (or whatever veggies you love in a pasta salad)
• Seasoning: garlic, salt, pepper
• Dressing: your favorite balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing
• Cubed cheese

Between grilled meats and hearty salads, you should have your mains all set -- but don’t forget your sides! Operation Manager Julie S.’ savory grilled potatoes are the perfect addition to any summer barbeque. Check out the ingredients and directions below.

Savory Grilled Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup Miracle Whip
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp. paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 baking potatoes, scrubbed and cut into ¼” slices
• Large onion, sliced

Directions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Mix Miracle Whip and seasonings in large bowl until well blended.
3. Stir in potatoes and onions and stir to coat well.
4. Divide potato mixture evenly among six 12” square pieces of heaving duty aluminum foil. Spray pieces of foil with cooking spray.
5. Place foil packets on grill over medium-high coals.  Grill, covered, 25 – 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

We hope these tips we’ve gathered from our team can help you plan your next camping adventure or backyard barbeque. For more ideas on how to enjoy a healthy summer in Vermont, check out our list of everyday activities.