Going camping doesn’t mean you have to compromise on delicious, satisfying meals. With a little planning and creativity, you’ll make your outdoor adventure at Camp Deer Trails even more memorable. Here are some of our favorite camping recipes and meal ideas:
Breakfast
Campfire Pancakes: Start your day with fluffy pancakes cooked over the campfire! Mix your dry ingredients at home and store them in a resealable bag. At camp, just add water and eggs, and you’re ready to cook. Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup (and whipped cream if you’re truly on vacation!).
Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs and mix them with cooked sausage, cheese and salsa. Wrap the mixture in tortillas and wrap the tortillas in foil. Heat them over the fire for a warm, hearty breakfast.
Lunch
Campfire Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Butter two slices of bread, place cheese between slices, wrap in foil, and grill over the fire until bread is crispy and cheese is melted.
Trail Mix Wraps: Spread peanut butter or almond butter on a tortilla and sprinkle with granola, dried fruits and nuts. Roll it up for a quick, nutritious lunch that’s easy to eat on a hike or at the beach.
Campfire Pizza: Roll out dough (pre-made or homemade), spread with sauce, sprinkle with cheese and toppings. Wrap in foil or use a pie iron, and cook over the fire until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.
Dinner
Foil Packet Dinners: Customize these versatile dinners with your favorite ingredients. Combine sliced potatoes, carrots, onions, and your choice of protein (chicken, fish, or tofu) in a foil packet. Season with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, then cook over the fire until everything is tender and flavorful.
Campfire Chili: Prepare a hearty chili in a Dutch oven over the campfire. Brown ground beef or turkey, then add diced tomatoes, beans, onions, and spices. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and savory. Serve with cornbread cooked in a cast-iron skillet.
Foil Packet Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Slice potatoes thinly, toss with minced garlic, butter, parmesan (or other cheeses of your choice) and parsley. Wrap in foil packets and cook over the fire until potatoes are tender.
Snacks and Sweet Treats
Popcorn: Popcorn over the campfire is a fun and tasty snack. Use a popcorn popper designed for campfires, or make your own with a foil packet and a bit of oil. Season with salt, nutritional yeast, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Fruit Kebabs: Skewer chunks of your favorite fruits, like pineapple, strawberries and grapes. For an extra treat, drizzle with honey or yogurt. It’s like summer on a stick!
Super S’mores: Get creative with this campfire classic! Try different combinations like using peanut butter cups instead of chocolate, or adding banana slices for a twist. You can even try using cookies instead of graham crackers for a different texture.
Campfire Banana Boats: Slice a banana lengthwise but leave the peel on. Stuff the banana with chocolate chips, marshmallows and crushed graham crackers. Wrap in foil and heat over the fire until everything is melted and gooey.
With these recipes and meal ideas, your camping trip is sure to be filled with delicious moments. Enjoy the great outdoors and happy cooking!
Creating a thorough camping packing list ensures you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure at Camp Deer Trails. Here’s a detailed camping packing list categorized by essentials, gear, clothing and personal items:
Essentials:
Tent with stakes and guylines
Sleeping bags appropriate for the season
Sleeping pads or air mattresses
Camping pillow
Lantern or flashlight with extra batteries
Headlamps or portable camp lights
Multi-tool or camping knife
Firewood, fire starter and/or camp stove with fuel
Gear:
Camping stove and fuel
Cookware (pots, pans, utensils)
Portable coffee maker or kettle (if desired)
Biodegradable soap and sponge for washing dishes
Collapsible water container or water jugs
Water purification tablets or filtration system
Camping chairs or stools
Folding table (if car camping)
Rope or paracord for various uses
Duct tape and repair kit for gear
GPS or compass and map
Binoculars (optional)
Clothing:
Moisture-wicking shirts and pants (long and short-sleeved)
Fleece jacket or sweater
Insulated jacket or down vest (for cold weather)
Rain jacket or poncho
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
Sandals or camp shoes
Socks (wool or synthetic)
Underwear and base layers
Swimsuit (for swimming in our beautiful Long Lake!)
Hat/gloves (depending on the weather)
Personal Items:
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)
Quick-dry towel or pack towel
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Insect repellent and anti-itch cream
Personal medications and first aid kit
Sunglasses and hat for sun protection
Personal identification and camping permits (if required)
At Camp Deer Trails, we know your pets are part of your family and that they can make your outdoor adventure more enjoyable and stress-free. Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure a smooth camping experience for you and your furry friends:
Plan Ahead: Research pet-friendly campgrounds (like Camp Deer Trails!) and make sure to check their specific rules regarding pets. Some sites have leash requirements or designated pet areas.
Health Check: Visit the vet before your trip to ensure your pet is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. Ask about any additional precautions for the area you’ll be camping in, such as tick prevention.
Pack Essentials: Bring enough food, water, and any medications your pet might need. Don’t forget a portable water bowl, waste bags, a leash and a comfortable bed or blanket from home.
First Aid Kit: Prepare a pet-specific first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any other items recommended by your vet.
Identification: Make sure your pet has proper identification, such as a collar with a tag that has your contact information. Microchipping is also a good option for added security.
Practice Camp Etiquette: Keep your pet on a leash and under control at all times. Be mindful of other campers and wildlife, and always clean up after your pet.
Safety First: There are many trails to enjoy at Camp Deer Trails but please be aware of the local wildlife and keep your pet safe from potential encounters. Also, ensure they don’t eat anything harmful, such as certain plants or insects.
Comfort and Shelter: Provide adequate shelter and bedding to keep your pet comfortable. If the weather is hot, give them plenty of shade and cool water. In cooler weather, ensure they are warm enough.
Engage and Exercise: Keep your pet entertained with toys and activities. Regular exercise will help them burn off energy and stay calm. We have acres and acres to explore!
Monitor and Adapt: Pay attention to your pet’s behavior and health throughout the trip. Be ready to adapt your plans if your pet shows signs of stress or discomfort.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for both you and your beloved pet. Happy camping — we can’t wait to host you and your four-legged friends at Camp Deer Trails!
Camp Deer Trails — located in Harrison, less than 2.5 hours from metro Detroit and two from Grand Rapids — isn’t your typical campground or wedding venue. This former Girl Scout Camp has a tremendous history and offers something for everyone — a lake, cabins, rustic or modern camping, many gathering spaces and more.
While there are many fun facts about Camp Deer Trails, we compiled 10 of our favorites to help you learn more about us:
We have a private island! Moose Island is owned by Camp Deer Trails and is available for our guests to explore and enjoy. We have rowboats, canoes and kayaks for rent to help you get there, or feel free to bring your own!
We serve our guests with … wait for it … 32 outhouses! They’re all original to the Girl Scout Camp and are distributed throughout the property (not all are operational). Even though most of our cabins have private bathrooms and the camp has a bathroom building, you’ll never be without a facility when you need one!
Our three, white-sand beaches span a half mile of lakefront. If sunbathing or building sandcastles are your jam, we’ve got you covered.
In the woods, you can find a walking bridge built by Girl Scouts. We love that this walking bridge still stands today — and we hope you find it!
We’re part of a program to help sustain healthy forests. This program provides grants for us to plant trees and seeds for the native bee population and to keep our forest healthy.
More than 40 couples have gotten married here. Camp Deer Trails has several unique spaces to get married, including the beach, an amphitheater and a rustic cabin. Our lodge holds up to 160 people for your reception and has an indoor/outdoor bar and a huge deck overlooking the lake. We’ve also hosted sports teams, reunions, community events, engagement and birthday parties, and more.
You can stay with us year-round. While many campgrounds close during the winter months, many of our cabins are available for rent in the colder months.
Bobcats, turkeys and bears, oh my! We have an abundance of wildlife at Camp Deer Trails. On any given day, you might see bald eagles, turkeys, muskrats, rabbits, squirrels, and, VERY rarely, you might spot a bobcat or bear. And we can’t forget about the deer!
We’re wifi-free. What!? There are places in the world without wifi? Yes, we’re proud to say we do not have wifi, allowing our guests to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. If you still need to connect, cellular service usually works. That said, we recommend connecting with friends and family around a campfire or curling up with a good book!
We’ve been around for almost 90 years. That’s when the Girl Scouts acquired the property and began their camp, attended by hundreds of girls over several decades. We know, however, that there’s even more to our story. How far back does it go? Well, arrowheads used by Native Americans have been found here, too…
A few years ago, Justin and Courtney Cole set out in search of lakefront property for their family to use for hunting and leisure activities. They came across a former Girl Scout camp for sale and, without even seeing it in person, made an offer.
Their offer wasn’t accepted, but they didn’t stop there.
The Coles learned the property, Camp Deer Trails, might be sold to a business that would develop it into something new. They knew the camp had tremendous history they wanted to help preserve. They wrote a letter to the seller, promising that if they bought the property, they would keep it 100% intact, preserving the camp.
“Finally seeing the property, we couldn’t believe anyone would want to tear it apart and develop it,” Courtney said. “We saw what it could be and had visions of not only preserving it, but making it into something even better than it was before.”
The seller — and hundreds of former Girl Scouts who have memories from the camp — wanted it preserved. The Coles became the new owners of Camp Deer Trails in late 2020 and soon were renting the cabins to visitors.
A family affair
The Coles, who live just south of the camp in Clare, run the business with the help of their family. Courtney manages day-to-day logistics, upkeep and event planning, while Justin, a financial planner by day, manages the finances.
Justin’s father, Mark, has devoted his retirement to the camp. The former restaurant owner is the camp chef, making all of the food for wedding receptions, corporate gatherings and other group events. He also watches over the camp and uses his handyman skills to help with maintenance. Courtney’s mother, Cheryl, helps with lodge and cabin cleaning and wherever else she is needed.
The couple also has four boys ranging in age from 11 to 1— Jayden, Cannon, Jordan and Cruz — who also help out by mowing lawns, taking out the trash and driving tractors (well, at least the older ones do!).
Since acquiring the camp, the Coles have begun hosting weddings and other gatherings, made many improvements and added two new cabins — Lakefront Lodge and Sunset Shores.
“We love owning the campground and hosting people from all over the state and beyond,” Courtney said. “We have something for everyone and love to welcome new people into the Camp Deer Trails family.”
Spring is here, so it’s time to shake off the winter dust and get your camping gear in top shape before your next visit to Camp Deer Trails.
According to the National Park Service, proper maintenance of your camping gear ensures a safer, more enjoyable camping experience. So, before you head out for your first trip of the season, take a little time for spring cleaning, camp style —a deep refresh for all your outdoor essentials. Here’s how to get prepped for your next adventure at your favorite Michigan getaway:
Freshen up your tent
Set up your tent outside to air it out. Wipe down the fabric with mild soap and water.
Reapply waterproofing spray to keep you dry in unexpected rain.
Check for holes or broken poles — better to fix them now than in the middle of the woods!
Refresh your sleeping gear
Air out your sleeping bags and pads — hang them outside for a few hours.
Wash your sleeping bag per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check for leaks in your air mattress or sleeping pad and patch them up.
Camp kitchen cleanup
Scrub down your cookware, utensils and camp stove.
Check your fuel levels and restock fire-starting essentials.
Organize your dry food storage — toss anything expired and replenish staples.
Gear check and repairs
Inspect your backpack for wear and tear — check straps, zippers and buckles.
Test all battery-powered devices like lanterns and headlamps (and replace batteries if needed).
Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and up to date.
Outdoor Apparel Refresh
Waterproof hiking boots and inspect for wear.
Wash and re-waterproof rain gear.
Take inventory of cold-weather layers, just in case those spring or early summer nights get chilly.
Now that your gear is clean, refreshed and ready to go, all that’s left to do is book your next adventure at Camp Deer Trails!
