Smooth Operator
Camping trips come with many outdoor activities and treats, whether it's a campfire complete with s'mores or quality time with family members.
As campers venture into the outdoors this summer, some preparation and planning is required to make the trip run smoothly.
Todd Wehr, guest services manager at Bear Run Campground in Portersville, said a good camping diet consists of s'mores, hot dogs and condiments.Wehr said mountain pies, which are made from cast iron pie makers, are the most popular choice for camping meals."That's the type of cooking our campers really enjoy, and they can make anything from breakfast sandwiches to desserts, including all of the appetizers and main entrees," Wehr said. "It's great because everybody can participate. The whole family can make mountain pies."Wehr said mountain pie makers are "mini toaster ovens on a stick."To preserve their food, campers have a few options."If they have a cabin rental, our cabins have refrigerators, and then if they are tenting, they can bring a cooler and we have ice on site," Wehr said.At the Hills Family Campground on Presque Isle in Erie, Cindy Purvis, office manager, said there are camping cookbooks available for those looking for interesting campfire dinners. She also said mountain pies are a favorite."There are cast iron pie irons that come in a square shape or round shape, and there are all kinds of camping recipes for them," Purvis said.Different variations of grilled cheese sandwiches, cherry pie filled sandwiches, tuna melts and pizza all can be made with the mountain pie makers, Purvis said.For those who like to fish, grilling baskets are available for easy cooking over the camp fire.Purvis said while families pack for their camping trip, they might forget some of the basics. Most campgrounds keep hot dogs, hamburgers, ketchup, mustard and other essentials stocked in their stores.She also said the most basic rule for food also needs to be applied while camping — keep your cold food cold, and your hot food hot. For anyone who runs out of ice for coolers, the campground keeps it stocked up at the store as well.Purvis said last but not least is everyone's favorite camping dessert, s'mores — the combination of graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows roasted over the fire."S'mores are always a treat," Purvis said.
Jeremy Rekich, assistant park manager at Moraine State Park, said his biggest advice to campers dealing with wildlife is to avoid feeding any animals."That's the number one tip that helps manage that interaction, and that includes even feeding ducks," Rekich said. "A lot of people want to bring a loaf of bread out, and we encourage no feeding."He said the wildlife at the park is there for one reason, viewing at a safe distance.Wehr said campers should stay stocked up on bug spray, and wear long sleeves when weather permits to keep the bugs away.To avoid encounters with hungry animals, Wehr said food should be locked in a container and kept off the ground.Purvis said the best way campers can avoid unwanted encounters with animals is to make sure no food is left out overnight."Also, don't walk up to wildlife," Purvis said. "That's important."
While taking hiking trips, campers should have a supply of water to stay hydrated on the trails, Rekich said."Campers also should take a good sturdy pair of hiking shoes, especially if they go to McConnells Mill," Rekich said. "Those trails are rugged, so you should wear hiking boots."Rekich also said hikers should let someone know where they are hiking and how long they plan to stay out."Most of the places here get cell phone coverage, but being prepared is very important," he said.Rekich also suggested hikers bring a small first aid kit if they plan to be out for more than a few hours.As campers go out for hikes, Purvis said they should try to wear long sleeves and pants, especially when walking through brush."They should also take some water, and cell phones are important if they don't know where they are hiking," she said.
Dry firewood is key to a good camp fire, Wehr said."I suggest making sure that the wood is dry, and that there are a variety of sizes in the bundle," he said. "Smaller wood is used for starters."In the fire, a camper should cross the wood and have a fire starter. Wehr's favorite method is to use a wax cup with the wood."When you put them central into your fire, the flame will ignite the wood above it and melt the wax, which ignites the lower wood, therefore creating a successful camp fire," Wehr said.With the infestations of the emerald ash borer in Western Pennsylvania, Hills Family Campground only allows firewood bought in Erie County to be used at the campground. Firewood also is for sale at the campground."Our wood here is dried and ready to go," Purvis said.Many campgrounds have the same rule of only selling their wood to campgoers on the grounds.Because of the infestation, wood also should not be taken across state lines.
Rekich said camp fires are only allowed in designated places throughout the state park, and wood on the ground is the only wood that can be used for a fire."Only build the fire as big as you need it," Rekich said. "Big bon fires can cause you problems, so just build the minimum of what you need."Rekich also said if a camper places something into a fire, they should leave it there.Wehr said campers should never use flammable agents to ignite a fire."Simply use dry wood or fire starter," he said.To keep a fire safe on a campground, Purvis said campers can buy a fire starter to help create a flame.She also urged campers never to pour gasoline on a fire and to make sure the wood is dry.
Rekich said reservations at state parks can be made by calling 1-888-PA-PARKS, or by visiting www.visitpaparks.com. Moraine State Park has two group tenting areas and 11 cabins.Reservations at Hills Family Campground are made by phone, Purvis said."We encourage reservations for everything except primitive tenting because people like to choose their own site," she said.Reservation requests also can be made through the campground's Web site.Wehr said campers can visit the Bear Run Web site at www.bearruncampground.com to reserve sites for any time. Campers can complete a request form online or call 724-368-3564.Bear Run has five tenting areas with nearby playgrounds for families and other sites near an overlook for couples looking to get away.Other sites with electric and water are available, especially for people with medical or health issues who still want the opportunity to camp.
