How to Host Thanksgiving Dinner While Camping<\/h2>\n
If your Thanksgiving dinner table looks more like a U-shaped dinette or a picnic table, this means your RV kitchen\u2019s about to be busy! If you\u2019ve decided to spend the holiday in your RV and have Thanksgiving dinner while camping, we\u2019ve got some helpful tips that\u2019ll make your day just as easy as it will be memorable.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Thanksgiving-Dinner-While-Camping.jpeg” alt=”Thanksgiving Dinner While Camping Table” title_text=”Thanksgiving While Camping” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Research Campgrounds<\/h3>\n
If you plan to cook your turkey day feast out in the open, research your RV destination<\/a>. With so many options for RV parks, campgrounds, resorts and camping across the United States, you’ll want to plan ahead. Check the amenities each campground offers and choose a site that fits your needs. You can also check out our list of the 10 best campgrounds to visit for Thanksgiving<\/a>. \u00a0Remember, choosing the right destination is vital for a successful Thanksgiving dinner while camping.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Browse All RVs CTA” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”85%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”95%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”7px|auto|30px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” border_width_all=”10px” border_color_all=”#CECECE” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding_tablet=”|20px||20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|12px||12px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_tablet=”off” background_enable_color_phone=”off” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” background_enable_image_phone=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/AdobeStock_77268069-min.jpg” alt=”An RVUSA travel trailer at sunset” title_text=”Travel Trailer for Sale” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”10px||10px|20px|true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|0px|10px|0px|true|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”center” module_alignment_phone=”” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_enable_color_tablet=”off” background_enable_color_phone=”off” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” background_enable_image_phone=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Need the perfect RV for the holidays?” button_url=”\/browse-all-rvs” button_text=”Browse all RVS” content_tablet=”<\/p>\n Check out other seasonal pillow covers in our RV holiday store!<\/p>\n ” content_phone=”” content_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”30px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#000000″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_use_icon=”off” button_alignment=”left” button_custom_padding_tablet=”10px|35px|10px|35px|true|true” button_custom_padding_phone=”” button_custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” background_layout=”light” width=”100%” width_tablet=”95%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”26px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ header_text_align_tablet=”center” header_text_align_phone=”” header_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” body_text_align_tablet=”center” body_text_align_phone=”” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|tablet” button_alignment_tablet=”center” button_alignment_phone=”” button_alignment_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We think the most important thing to keep in mind is that cooking a Thanksgiving dinner while camping won\u2019t be exactly the same as cooking in your sticks and bricks kitchen. So, a good rule of thumb is to prepare what you can at home. Sure, some people think this is not actually \u201croughing it\u201d or they think it\u2019s cheating, but that\u2019s what modern day appliances are for. They\u2019re there to make things easy! So, marinate any proteins or meats the night before, measure any ingredients you can and put them in plastic bags or Tupperware containers. Bake casseroles and pies beforehand as well so all they need is to be reheated. Anything that can be done the night before should be done then so you can relax a bit more and spend time with the fellow campers.<\/p>\n Because you don\u2019t have much help from appliances when you\u2019re cooking with a campfire, it\u2019s a good idea to start cooking early. Cooking frequently ends up taking longer than we plan, so giving yourself a bit of wiggle room for mishaps is key in preparing the perfect Thanksgiving dinner while camping. Plus, this time of year, it gets darker out much faster, so give yourself plenty of daylight to prep your foods. You can check the sunrise sunset calendar<\/a> for an accurate timeline to best plan your Thanksgiving dinner while camping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This may be against some people\u2019s Thanksgiving must-haves, but skipping the turkey and just having sides might be easier and faster than finding a way to cook a bird. It\u2019s less stress and less planning all around, and you won\u2019t have to tag along as many kitchen vessels and appliances. Gotta have a meat? No problem. Just buy a precooked ham at the store so all you need to do is heat it up over your campfire. You can read our blog for more recipes for Thanksgiving in the RV<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All right so if you must <\/i>have a turkey, there are a few ways to cut some corners and still have a delicious, juicy bird. If you want to do a whole turkey, buy a smallish one (seven pounds or less) and pop it in a Dutch oven. The trick is to have a wire rack to keep the bird sort of elevated and not touching the bottom of the pan. This ensures crispiness and no soggy turkey skin. Just put the rack in the pan (an upside down pie pan will even work), and then put your seasoned bird on the rack in the Dutch oven. Layer coals on the top and bottom. Your turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees! If you don\u2019t necessarily need a whole one, you can do a few legs or breasts the same way.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Turkey-Outside.jpeg” alt=”Thanksgiving Turkey Outside” title_text=”Thanksgiving Picnic” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s also a good idea to check the weather at your destination before deciding to cook your dinner there. There\u2019s nothing worse than planning an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner at your campsite and then having a downpour begin as soon as you start to cook. If you\u2019re staying at a campground, public park or RV park, make your reservations plenty of time in advance to make sure you\u2019ll get a spot. If you\u2019re planning your stay in a remote area, like a national park or forest, you should verify the spot and make sure all access roads will still be open throughout your stay. Several areas like this are seasonal and the gates are often closed to visitors. Moral of the story: Always <\/i>have a plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For veggies, try roasting pumpkins. The skins are super thick and can actually be tossed right onto the burning coals. You can cut them up in chunks or slices with oil, salt and pepper sprinkled on them then wrap it up in aluminum foil. A more creative idea is to scoop out all the seeds and fill them with things like rice, onions or other veggies. They\u2019ll caramelize as they cook and become one deliciously sweet side dish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert? Pie might be the most traditional dessert when it comes to Thanksgiving, but if you\u2019re camping for the holiday, the last thing you\u2019re probably worried about is tradition. Finish off your meal with a simple fruit crisp or crumble that requires only a few ingredients. Take a clean cast iron skillet and add butter, brown sugar, spices and whatever cut up fruit you like. Why not add several kinds of fruit and make it more of a compote? Once these are slightly cooked through, cover with a layer of oats, brown sugar, butter or granola and cook till the fruit is fork tender.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dutch-Oven-Apple-Dessert.jpeg” alt=”Dutch Oven Apple Dessert” title_text=”Dutch oven campfire cooking.” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There will probably be a few mishaps along your journey to a perfect Thanksgiving feast, but that\u2019s perfectly okay. It\u2019s these times that you\u2019ll end up remembering and laughing about down the road. I promise you\u2019ll remember the time you accidentally set the pumpkins on fire rather than the perfectly cooked turkey. So remember to enjoy being with your friends and family, because that\u2019s what you\u2019re there for anyway. And maybe remember to pack a few frozen dinners\u2026 just in case.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Ready to find an RV for your holiday travels?” button_url=”\/browse-all-rvs” button_text=”Search RVs on RVUSA!” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EF4035″ button_alignment=”center” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s that time of year when the temperatures are dropping, and bonfires are blazing. And while some RVers are looking for RV storage, others are planning their next destination. And with fall winding down, the holidays are right around the corner. Though most people decide to gather around a table to enjoy a traditional meal, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9331,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Welcome back, RVers. Though most people decide to gather around a table to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, others choose to spend it around a campfire with a few close friends or family members. If you plan to cook your turkey day feast out in the open, we\u2019ve got some helpful tips that\u2019ll make your day just as easy as it will be memorable.\u00a0<\/span>\r\nMake What You Can Ahead of Time<\/h3>\n
Start Early<\/h3>\n
No Turkey, No Problem!<\/h3>\n
But If You Must…<\/h3>\n
What Is The Weather Like?<\/h3>\n
Camping Sides<\/h3>\n
Get Your Sweet On!<\/h3>\n
Just Enjoy Your Day<\/h3>\n
![\"Though](\"https:\/\/www.rvusa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/7-Tips-For-Cooking-Thanksgiving-Dinner-While-Camping.png\")
<\/p>\nDon\u2019t forget to stay up to date with all of our exciting RV and camping content on\u00a0Facebook<\/strong><\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0Twitter<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/strong><\/a>!<\/span><\/h6>\n
Make What You Can Ahead of Time<\/h3>\r\nWe think the most important thing to keep in mind is that cooking a Thanksgiving dinner while camping won\u2019t be easy. So a good rule of thumb is to prepare what you can at home. <\/b>Sure, some people think this is not actually \u201croughin it\u201d or they think it\u2019s cheating, but that\u2019s what modern day appliances are for. They\u2019re there to make things easy! So marinate any proteins or meats the night before, measure any ingredients you can and put them in plastic bags or Tupperware containers. Bake casseroles and pies beforehand as well so all they need is to be reheated. Anything that can be done the night before should be done then so you can relax a bit more and spend time with the fellow campers.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
Start Early<\/h3>\r\nBecause you don\u2019t have much help from appliances when you\u2019re cooking with a campfire, it\u2019s a good idea to start cooking early. <\/b>Cooking, for me at least, always takes a big longer than I planned, so giving yourself a bit of wiggle room for mishaps is key in preparing the perfect campfire Thanksgiving dinner. And clocks have been set back by this time, so it gets darker out much faster. So give yourself plenty of daylight to prep your foods.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
No Turkey, No Problem!<\/h3>\r\nThis may be against some people\u2019s Thanksgiving must haves, but skipping the turkey and just having sides <\/b>might be easier and faster than finding a way to cook a bird. It\u2019s less stress and less planning all around and you won\u2019t have to tag along as many kitchen vessels and appliances. Gotta have a meat? No problem. Just buy a precooked ham at the store so all you need to do is heat it up over your campfire.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
But If You Must<\/h4>\r\nAll right so if you must <\/i>have a turkey, there are a few ways to cut some corners and still have a delicious, juicy bird. If you want to do a whole turkey, buy a smallish one (seven pounds or less) and pop it in a Dutch oven. The trick is to have a wire rack to keep the bird sort of elevated and not touching the bottom of the pan. This ensures crispiness and no soggy turkey skin. So just put the rack in the pan (an upside down pie pan will even work), and then put your seasoned bird on the rack in the Dutch oven. Layer coals on the top and bottom. Your turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees! If you don\u2019t necessarily need a whole one, you can do a few legs or breasts the same way.\r\n
What Is The Weather Like?<\/h3>\r\nIt\u2019s also a good idea to check the weather <\/b>at your destination before deciding to cook your dinner there. There\u2019s nothing worse than planning an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner at your campsite and then having a downpour begin as soon as you start to cook. If you\u2019re staying at a campground, public park or RV park, make your reservations plenty of time in advance to make sure you\u2019ll get a spot. If you\u2019re planning your stay in a remote area, like a national park or forest, you should verify the spot and make sure all access roads will still be open throughout your stay. Several areas like this are seasonal and the gates are often closed to visitors. Moral of the story: Always <\/i>have a plan.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
Camping Sides<\/h3>\r\nFor veggies, try roasting pumpkins. <\/b>The skins are super thick and can actually be tossed right onto the burning coals. You can cut them up in chunks or slices with oil, salt and pepper sprinkled on them then wrap it up in aluminum foil. A more creative idea is to scoop out all the seeds and fill them with things like rice, onions or other veggies. They\u2019ll caramelize as they cook and become one deliciously sweet side dish.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
Get Your Sweet On!<\/h3>\r\nWhat Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert? <\/b>Pie might be the most traditional dessert when it comes to Thanksgiving, but if you\u2019re camping for the holiday, the last thing you\u2019re probably worried about is tradition. Finish off your meal with a simple fruit crisp or crumble that requires only a few ingredients. Take a clean cast iron skillet and add butter, brown sugar, spices and whatever cut up fruit you like. Why not add several kinds of fruit and make it more of a compote? Once these are slightly cooked through, cover with a layer of oats, brown sugar, butter or granola and cook till the fruit is fork tender.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
Just Enjoy Your Day<\/h3>\r\nThere will probably be a few mishaps along your journey to a perfect Thanksgiving feast, but that\u2019s perfectly okay. It\u2019s these times that you\u2019ll end up remembering and laughing about down the road. I promise you\u2019ll remember the time you accidentally set the pumpkins on fire rather than the perfectly cooked turkey. So remember to enjoy being with your friends and family<\/b>, because that\u2019s what you\u2019re there for anyway. And maybe remember to pack a few frozen dinners\u2026just in case.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n
\r\nDon\u2019t forget to stay up to date with all of our exciting RV and camping content on\u00a0Facebook<\/strong><\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0Twitter<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/strong><\/a>!<\/span><\/h6>","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2297],"tags":[1875,1876,33,195],"class_list":["post-9315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rv-recipes","tag-7-tips-for-cooking-thanksgiving-dinner-while-camping","tag-outdoor-cooking","tag-recipes","tag-thanksgiving"],"yoast_head":"\n