Lake Palestine Resort

Premier Camping and Fishing Destination in East Texas

8900 Ruby Lane — PO Box 1074 — Frankston, Texas 75763 — 888.398.5253 or 903.876.2253 - Email Us

Camping Foil Packs are Easy and Delicious

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foil packs on the grillEveryone wants to eat well when they are RVing but no one wants to spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning up. Who can blame them? It’s supposed to be a vacation away from work and as many chores as possible. So cooking food in foil packets can be the perfect answer. You can clean, cut, and pack in the morning and then spend the rest of the day doing whatever you want to do.

The concept is simple. You use sheets of heavy duty tinfoil and your favorite meats, potatoes, rice, veggies, and fruit. Seal it all up into a little tinfoil pillow and drop them on the grill.

Here are a few things to try:

Garlic Shrimp:
Drop some shrimp onto the foil and dollop some softened butter mixed with parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. It’s simple and delicious.

Zucchini and Tomatoes:
These veggies will be steamed and tasty. Slice and dice a couple of zucchini and tomatoes to your liking. sprinkle them with olive oil, garlic, basil, salt & pepper. They only need to cook for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and you are good to go.
Mustard-Dill Salmon:
Layer some lovely Salmon fillets with dill sprigs and lemon slices. Sprinkle with brown sugar, ground coriander, and some salt. Add a little whole grain mustard on top then seal the foil and get ready for a delicious dinner.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes
You have to have dessert and these will fill the bill. Drop a spoon of brown sugar and some butter on the tinfoil. Add a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry. Top that with a shortcake and get them on the grill. The smell will bring the neighbors over to find out what’s cooking.

There really is so much more you can cook in foil packs. Is only limited to your imagination. Go ahead, spare yourself some time washing dishes. You’ll be glad you did.

Your Camping First Aid Kit

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first aid kitIt’s really important to carry a first aid kit with you and have it stocked for your family, including your pets. You never know when someone will get a bump, a bruise, or have an allergic reaction so being prepared will greatly reduce your stress and get that person back to feeling better faster.

For the humans in your family, you will need the following items:

For bumps, slivers, rashes:
Bandages, gauze pads, ace wraps, adhesive tape, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial cream, sunscreen, aloe, eye wash, Calamine lotion, pain reliever, cough & cold medicine, Benadryl, and something for tooth ache.

Tools you’ll need are:
Latex free gloves, tweezers, magnifying glass, ice packs, small scissors, eye dropper, small flashlight, and thermometer.

For your pet, you’ll need:
Phone number of your regular Vet, vaccination records, and all of the above plus their prescriptions and maybe needle-nose pliers. (if you’re going into porcupine country)

Once you have assembled your first aid kit you will need to be sure and check it regularly. Some of the items will have an expiration date so be sure to replace them as needed. Keeping a dedicated kit with you whenever you travel will provide peace of mind and just may provide exactly what you need when one of your loved ones is hurt or not feeling well.

Repairing Your Camping Gear

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camping gear repair kit 2Most campers are aware that they need to bring a tool kit for their RV in case a slide malfunctions, a tire goes flat, or some other fixable thing goes wrong. They pack hand tools, mechanical tapes and solvents, clips, staples, straps, and things of that nature so they can fix the minor things that have broken.

Some forget to bring a camping gear repair kit. This can be just as important when you consider how much wear and tear your camping gear will get during your packing, unpacking, and use during your camping stay. You may experience a torn camping chair, frayed sleeping bags, punctures in the floor of your dining tent or holes in screens. Having some basic repair items close at hand will have you back up and running in no time.

Be sure to pack several kinds of tape such as duct tape, electrical tape, and clear packing tape. These three variations will cover just about any situation you might run into. Vinyl sealant will be helpful as well as vinyl patches. Bring tarps to protect your gear while you’re working on the problem and try to have everything stored in one place such as a box or bag designated as your repair kit.

Toss in some strong nylon thread and heavy gauge needles, just in case. You might also consider a pair of utility shears as well as a package of grommets, safety pins, and a roll of fine gauge wire. The combination of all these things should address most situations you find you need to do some repair work on and save you from making a trip to the store. After all, you’re on vacation and probably don’t want to spend any more time shopping for supplies than you have to.

We hope all your camping experiences are good ones and if you do have a split, tear, or puncture in your camping gear, we hope it’s quickly mended and you’re back to enjoying your vacation. We look forward to seeing you around the park.

Dutch Oven Baked Beans

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One of the staples of camping meals is good old baked beans. They go hand in hand with campers’ other favorites which are burgers, fries, and S’Mores. Many campers choose to bring precooked varieties these days but there are still a few who like to make them the old way. Slow cooked in a Dutch Oven. If you’re considering giving it a try you will have more success with the following tips.

baked beansImage Source: 50Campfires

Make sure that you add some kind of sweetener when you are making baked beans. Some people try to find ways to get around this because they are on diets and/or they are not fans of sweet food items. The problem is that this prevents the beans from having the thick, rich texture people tend to associate with this dish. If you decide to use something a little healthier than white sugar or molasses, agave is a decent option. Using sugar alternatives will not cut it.

Always use dried beans. There are some people who love the idea of cutting to the chase and trying to make this dish with canned beans, but it does not come out the same. Since you are not able to keep them cooking for as long, the flavor does not develop as much. If you try extending the cooking time to coax more flavor out of them, there is huge chance they will come out mushy.

Those who are adding raw meat should add it at the beginning of the cooking process. Things like fresh sausage, bacon, salt pork should be added at the same time the beans are placed in a pot. In the event you are using kielbasa, hot dogs or some other meat that is already fully cooked, you can add it toward the end so it can heat through, but adding it too early can make it devoid of flavor.

Campfire food is not all about hot dogs on a stick and making s’mores. If you are looking for a great way to tease everyone’s taste buds on your next outing, make some baked beans using all the advice you were offered here.

Grilling with Charcoal or Propane

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grilling choicesEvery barbecue aficionado has their preference as to what is better for the flavor of the food they are cooking, charcoal or propane. Others see it as a matter of convenience and choose one over the other for that reason. Either way, most people prefer one to the other. When you’re really talking seriously about flavor then charcoal usually takes the lead.

That does not mean you cannot cook delicious barbecue with propane grills. But, what makes such a significant difference between the two? It has to do with the flavoring and the smokiness that charcoal gives to any grilled food. That is the essence of barbecue anyway.

The latest propane grills have lava rocks or other types of materials underneath the grill which, when juices fall onto, will vaporize. They will also smoke up and add similar flavor to the meat or other food being grilled as charcoal.

Depending on the type of propane grill being used, it may be hard for anyone but an expert to tell the difference if food has been cooked with that propane grill or charcoal. One thing to keep in mind is that if grilling is done with charcoal and that charcoal has been lit with lighter fluid, there can be an unpleasant flavor. That flavor can be slightly reminiscent of a petrochemical.

That is not exactly a delicious flavor to embrace yet it is possible when it comes to grilling with charcoal. If a charcoal chimney-type smoker is used, however, with wood chips the flavor is entirely natural. There is no chemical flavor. There is only a woodsy, natural taste.

The truth is that there are subtle taste differences between propane and charcoal. The flavoring of the finished meal comes mostly from the seasonings. Whatever rubs or sauces are used before the food is placed on a grill has the most to do with enhancing flavor.

There are slight differences between charcoal and propane. Most have to do with seasoning and also personal preferences. How about you? Do you have a favorite method?

Best Way to Grill a Steak

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steak grilling tipsIf you’re like most people with a grill, sooner or later you’ll try your hand at grilling a steak. Steak can be notoriously difficult to grill, and usually turns out either overdone or underdone. To grill a great steak, you’ll need these pointers.

Use Rib-eyes or Strips

If you’re starting out with cheap steaks or tough cuts of meat, no amount of grilling is going to save them. Stick with tender cuts such as rib-eyes or strip steaks, preferably with some marbling. Marbling shows fat, which can be a source of flavor.

Don’t Pierce the Steak

Like many people, you probably try to turn your steaks with a fork of some kind,which punctures the steak every time you turn it.. In fact, you might have learned somewhere that puncturing the steak can help it cook on the inside. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you pierce the steak and its juices begin to flow into the bed of the grill, that’s all your juiciness running out. It’s possible that you’re going to end up with an overcooked piece of meat. Instead, use grill tongs. Remember to avoid pressing the meat too hard, as that too forces all the juice from the meat.

Don’t Grill Cold Steak

A lot of people leave the steak in the refrigerator before grilling it. This can be a mistake, as it could result in uneven cooking and other problems. Instead, lay out the steak on the table or counter for 20-30 minutes. This will result in a much better tasting steak, as it will sear properly on the outside and cook well on the inside.

With these tips, grilling a fantastic steak is both possible and probable. Discuss your steaks with friends and check out what the experts think so you can learn even more. Work on your steak grilling skills often so that you can impress others at your next camping party.

 

The Best Clothing for Sun Protection

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sun protection clothing at campThe first line of defense against harmful UV rays from the sun is your clothing. That’s because they block and absorb the radiation thus protecting your skin altogether. Therefore, when you’re going on a camping trip, you need to pack the right sun protection clothing for the ultimate prevention.

Choosing The Right Sun Protection Clothing For Your Camping Trip

• UPF Factor
An abbreviation for ultraviolet protection factor, it implies the indication of the UV rays that can penetrate your fabric. For instance, a shirt with a UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the radiation will be absorbed into the skin.

• Fabric Factors
Clothing that covers every inch of your body is not useful if the sun still manages to get through. The best sun protection clothes are designed with numerous minuscule fibers that are woven or knitted together. If looked at through a microscope, the spaces between the fibers allow the UV rays to pass through and reach your skin.

If the clothes are tightly woven, there are smaller holes and fewer UV rays will pass through. Currently, the best fabric with ultimate UV protection includes twill used for making denims. On the other hand, you should opt for synthetic fibers such as nylon, acrylic, polyester or Lycra since they are more protective. Shiny or lustrous semi-synthetic fabrics such as bleached cotton or rayon reflect UV rays.

Matte fabrics such as linen absorb the UV rays. You should also think about the weight and density of the fabric while looking for sun protection clothing. For instance light silk or sheer gauze offers less protection in comparison to cotton or heavier denim fabrics. When choosing the best sun protection clothes for your camping trip, look for those with at least UPF 30 and choose clothes that cover a larger chunk of your skin.

Use these tips to find the best clothes for your camping trip.

Tips for Caring for Your Sleeping Bags

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sleeping bag care tipsA sleeping bag provides a warm cozy place to rest at the end of a busy day of camping. It is important to care for your sleeping bag in order to keep it functioning at optimal levels. Here are important tips in this regard.

Make Sure You Sleep In Clean Clothing

You should never crawl into the sleeping bag with the same clothes that you wore during the day. Dirt, sweat, and oil can destroy the insulating power of the bag over time. Change your clothes before bedtime. Wear a knit cap to keep the oils of your hair off the sleeping bag.

Protect The Bag From The Ground

If you decide to sleep outside, make sure to place a pad down first. Most sleeping bags have a waterproof fabric on the underside of them. But you need to protect the bag from rocks and sharp sticks on the ground.

Handle The Zippers With patience

Many users get frustrated when using a two-way zipper of the sleeping bag. It can snag most of the time. You should learn to handle the zipper properly before using the sleeping bag. This will help you use the bag without damaging the zipper or causing tears. Practicing to open and close the zipper is important before you decide to actually use the sleeping bag.

Airing Out

You should turn the sleeping bag inside out to dry out any moisture that may be there. Never leave the bag under direct sunlight since it could get damaged by the UV rays in the sunlight. If the bag gets wet, you will need to air the bag out for several hours before you decide to use it in the night. In fact, airing out the sleeping bag is extremely important in order to prolong its lifespan over time.

A sleeping bag will provide a cozy place to rest at the end of a busy day of camping. You need to take care of the bag to enhance its durability over time. The aforementioned article offers important tips to care for your sleeping bag.

Easy Camping Desserts for the Whole Family

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Camping DessertsThere’s no reason to give up delicious desserts when you’re camping. You can feed a crowd with little more than a few ingredients and a nice, hot fire. We found some you might like to try the next time you’re camping with us.

Image Source: Mother Nature Network

Blueberry Cobbler – You can use a disposable aluminum pan or make this in your Dutch Oven. Either way it is absolutely delicious. You’ll need some tasty blueberries, sugar, flour, and canned biscuits. That’s it! Once you add them all together you have a real crowd-pleaser.

Camp Tiramisu – Oh, this is so, so good. You can make some of it ahead and bring it to camp in plastic bags. You’ll need instant espresso powder, a smidge of Kahlua, instant white chocolate pudding mix, powdered milk, a dozen or so ladyfingers, and a dark chocolate bar.

Skillet Cookies – You can use your trusty cast iron pan for this and make one big cookie for the whole group. You’ll be mixing butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, quick oats, salt, soda, and chocolate chips.

These are some camping desserts to get you started. You can find many more at 11 “To Die For” Camping Recipes. We hope your camping is as sweet as your desserts.

 

Container Gardens for Campers

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container-gardens-from-the-rvMany people like to bring their love of plants and home-grown vegetables along with them when they are camping. It’s easy enough to do these days and provides an additional sentiment of “home” while they are away.

Deciding on the size and style of pot you want to use as a starting point. There are many available from plastic to ceramic and each has features to consider. Plastic pots tend to be lighter so they’re not as challenging to carry in and out of the RV but they may not last as long. Long-term exposure in sun can deteriorate the plastic. Clay pots work well though they are a little heavier than the plastic. They might break easier and you need to be sure the interior of the clay pot isn’t coated with a chemical of any kind.

If you want to have green plants in your container garden there are many varieties to choose from. You may want small pots with variegated plants in them or a large pot with a taller plant that has larger leaves. For vegetables, the preferred plants that people typically choose are small and not likely to grow long vines. You could plant potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, or small pepper plants. You might avoid vine growing plants such as cucumbers and squash.

Herbs are another favorite of RV years for container gardening. It’s wonderful to have a fresh supply of herbs for your campground cooking and salads right at your fingertips. Good choices are basil, chives, sage, parsley, or coriander.

We want your vacation time to be pleasant and relaxed and for some campers that means being able to work in their garden. If that applies to you then try container gardening as you travel in your RV.