Camping Recipes

Camping is the oldest way of living. There is hardly an adult who does not long for the simplicity of the open road or the campsite. And all the refinements of modern civilization have not dimmed our appreciation for a place in the vast wilderness away from it all.

Organized camping in America dates back as far as the 1860's, but recreational camping didn't take root until the 1920's. The newly industrialized nations changed millions of people from rural dwellers to urban residents who had more wealth and leisure time to spend.

With the advent of the affordable automobile, middle class Americans began to access a world beyond their neighborhoods. The first camping club, which formed in 1919 and grew to 100,000 members by 1930, was based on the automobile. Its members called themselves the "Tin Can Tourists" because most of them were Model T owners. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were campers themselves.

As America's vast system of interstate highways developed, visits to some of nature's most splendid secrets, such as Yosemite National Park, became commonplace in the 1930's and 40's. As a result of this increased mobility, facilities were established to accommodate travelers' demands, and the practice of setting up camp became very popular. Hence, the earliest recreational camping was largely associated with travel.

When World War II broke out, recreational activities diminished. But soon after in the 1950's, Americans started to travel again. Motels and roadside inns were established along the highways and privately owned campgrounds and state park campsites replaced municipal campgrounds. Camping began to evolve. Rather than camping for economical reasons, people camped because they loved being outdoors.

It's interesting that, as Americans' leisure time decreases, their camping and outdoor activity time is increasing. Outdoors is a cherished part of our lives. Soon maybe, we'll pack a two-pound, six-person umbrella tent in a glove compartment with a solar cook set that requires no matches. No matter how much camping evolves, what's important to many people is that there's always a spot in the wilderness waiting our return.

There a many common camping meals those are easy to prepare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, grilled chicken and others. Instead of the routine meat on the grill recipes I have found some fun recipes that will add variety and spice to an outdoor meal.