*This is a sponsored post on behalf of Camp Chef. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Summer days are perfect for embracing the outdoors, and this season, I’ve been thrilled to share some truly delightful camping recipes. From the delightfully simple, three-ingredient Woof ‘Ems dessert, ideal for a sweet campfire treat, to the incredibly easy-to-prepare Hot Ham & Pineapple Campfire Sandwiches, and the savory, satisfying Southwestern Chicken Packets – these meals are designed to elevate your outdoor dining. While I initially prepared most of these on my home grill due to a packed summer schedule without specific camping plans, these recipes are incredibly versatile and shine brightest under the open sky.
However, an exciting turn of events near the end of June completely reshaped my summer. I received an invitation from Camp Chef, a brand synonymous with exceptional outdoor cooking equipment, to join their exclusive blogger retreat in mid-August. If you’ve ever ventured into the world of camping, you’ve undoubtedly encountered their innovative products. My immediate and enthusiastic “Yes!” set the stage for what would become an absolutely transformative experience. Now, having returned from this incredible adventure, I am bursting with excitement to share my newfound insights and the truly life-changing revelation of how effortless and enjoyable outdoor cooking can be. For anyone who appreciates high-quality kitchen tools, prepare to be amazed by the incredible array of outdoor culinary gear you might be missing out on!
Discovering Luxury Under the Stars: Conestoga Ranch, Garden City (Bear Lake), Utah
One of the most thrilling aspects of this trip was the opportunity to bring my husband along. This marked our first getaway without our children in seven years, making it an especially anticipated and cherished experience for us both. We were absolutely ecstatic! Our destination was Conestoga Ranch, a spectacular “glamping” resort nestled near the stunning Bear Lake in Utah. For those unfamiliar with the term, glamping offers a luxurious spin on traditional camping – combining the immersive experience of nature with the comforts of a hotel. I must confess, when I camp, a flushing toilet is my absolute minimum requirement for comfort. Showers are a definite bonus, and without them, my maximum endurance for rustic camping typically caps at around three days. Conestoga Ranch, however, completely redefined my expectations for outdoor accommodation.
Conestoga Ranch truly embodies the spirit of glamorous camping. Our canvas tent was incredibly spacious, capable of accommodating up to eight people, featuring a king-size bed, two sets of bunk beds, and two additional twin beds. Even the traditional-style wagons available for accommodation offer comfort for up to six guests. For those staying in wagons, immaculate bathrooms and refreshing showers are conveniently located in the central barn, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. The attention to detail at Conestoga Ranch ensures that guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Bear Lake without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Our luxurious tent was equipped with a private sink, shower, and toilet, along with electricity and Wi-Fi, allowing us to comfortably enjoy the natural surroundings without feeling disconnected. Each tent and wagon boasts a unique name plaque, adding a personal touch and making it easy to identify your temporary home. Beyond the incredible accommodations, Conestoga Ranch offers a wealth of activities. Guests can enjoy a playground, volleyball net, soccer field, “animals” for lassoing, bean bag toss, ping-pong, air hockey, and bicycle rentals, ensuring entertainment for all ages. For those who prefer not to cook, an on-site restaurant provides delicious meal options. Plus, every campsite comes with complimentary firewood and s’mores kits, perfect for classic campfire evenings under the stars.
Perched majestically on a hill, Conestoga Ranch truly feels like a slice of heaven. The panoramic views are breathtaking, offering a stunning vista of the beautiful blue Bear Lake by day, and an unforgettable spectacle of twinkling stars against the night sky. It’s the perfect backdrop for relaxation, adventure, and creating lasting memories.
Connecting with Culinary Creatives: Meet Erica, Mel, Natasha, and Me!
The Camp Chef retreat brought together a small but vibrant group of four food bloggers, creating an intimate and collaborative atmosphere. I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with Erica from FavFamilyRecipes.com, Mel from MelsKitchenCafe.com, Natasha from NatashasKitchen.com, and of course, myself. There’s a unique bond that forms when bloggers gather; we share a deep understanding of our craft and the often-unseen work behind the scenes. It’s like an instant sisterhood, even when meeting for the first time. These talented women were absolutely fabulous. Erica, Mel, and Natasha all made the significant journey, driving four to five hours from Idaho to attend. As I’m located just an hour away from Conestoga Ranch in Utah, I am already looking forward to my next visit to this remarkable glamping destination, hopefully very soon!
The Ultimate Outdoor Culinary Experience: The Host, Camp Chef
My experience with the entire Camp Chef team was nothing short of extraordinary. Their hospitality was incredible; they made us feel like valued members of their family and truly spoiled us throughout the retreat. Not only did we enjoy the luxurious accommodations of glamping, but we also embarked on culinary explorations, cooked delicious meals together, and indulged in an abundance of fantastic food. It felt like a gourmet cruise, but with the added exhilaration of being surrounded by nature. Before this trip, I often perceived cooking outdoors while camping as a complex task, reserved only for very specific recipes. This retreat completely shattered that misconception. I discovered that with the right equipment, you can literally cook anything outdoors with surprising ease and incredible results!
Many people, myself included prior to this experience, tend to associate Camp Chef primarily with camping stoves. While they certainly excel in that area, their product line extends far beyond just stoves, offering an expansive range of innovative outdoor cooking solutions. Let me introduce you to some of the game-changing equipment that transformed my perception of outdoor culinary possibilities.
For those who appreciate the traditional charm and flavor of coal-style cooking, Camp Chef offers an excellent selection of durable Dutch ovens, efficient briquette starters, and sturdy camp tables. Pictured below are the versatile 3/4-Quart Mini Dutch Ovens, perfect for individual portions, and the robust Camp Table with Legs. During the retreat, we used these mini Dutch ovens to create delightful apple and strawberry crisps, baked to perfection over hot coals, showcasing the incredible versatility of this classic outdoor cooking method.
Organization is key in any kitchen, especially outdoors. The Sherpa Table & Organizer is an absolute game-changer for meal prep and storage while camping. This ingenious unit features multiple compartments and a spacious tabletop, making it incredibly handy for keeping ingredients, utensils, and serving dishes neatly organized and easily accessible. It truly streamlines the outdoor cooking process, ensuring everything you need is within reach, transforming chaotic camp kitchens into efficient culinary workspaces.
For a compact yet incredibly sturdy prepping surface, the Mesa Aluminum Camp Table is an excellent choice. Its lightweight aluminum construction and foldable design make it highly portable, while its robust build provides a stable platform for all your outdoor meal preparation needs. Complementing this table, Camp Chef also offers essential accessories such as durable cutting boards, sharp knives, insulated hot mitts, and versatile pie irons, ensuring you have all the necessary tools for a successful outdoor cooking adventure. These thoughtful additions highlight Camp Chef’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor culinary experience.
I had the incredible privilege of being among the first to experience the pre-production sample of the Pro90x Deluxe Three-Burner Stove, set to launch in Spring 2017. This stove is, without a doubt, my dream outdoor cooking appliance. Its versatility is unmatched: you can easily place a flat top griddle over the burners to cook a feast of pancakes or use it as a traditional three-burner stove for multiple pots and pans. The integrated side tables provide convenient space for ingredients and tools, and its robust yet portable design makes it perfect for travel. A must-have accessory for any outdoor cook are the hand-held Pie Irons, available in single and dual square formats. We used these to make delicious grilled bread and perfectly cooked burgers over an open flame. I’m already planning to acquire some of these for my own outdoor kitchen!
Imagine waking up in the wilderness to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. With the Deluxe Outdoor Oven, this dream becomes a delicious reality. This incredible unit combines a powerful camp stove with a functional oven, allowing you to bake, roast, and cook a remarkable variety of dishes outdoors. I personally baked cinnamon rolls during the retreat, and the results were absolutely heavenly. This oven truly elevates the camping culinary experience, making it possible to enjoy gourmet meals even when far from a traditional kitchen. It’s an essential piece of outdoor cooking gear for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their camping menu.
The Flat Top Grill is a must-have for any patio or backyard, offering an expansive cooking surface that rivals any indoor stovetop. During the retreat, we used it to prepare a delicious breakfast spread of pancakes and French toast, followed by savory Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, and much more. It’s like cooking on one gigantic, versatile skillet, perfect for entertaining large groups without heating up your house. Here’s a brilliant tip I learned for French toast: mix cinnamon and nutmeg with just enough water to create a thick paste, then add this paste to your egg and milk mixture. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed, rather than floating on top – a true game-changer!
The SmokePro DLX Pellet Grill quickly climbed to the top of my husband’s wish list and was a definite favorite for Mel from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. This electric pellet grill delivers exceptional smoking results, consistently impressing even seasoned professionals like Chef Vince, our personal chef and cooking instructor. Chef Vince, known for his meticulous approach to smoked meats, initially “babied” his first cook on the SmokePro DLX but quickly realized the grill’s independent capabilities. Equipped with a digital thermometer gauge that you can insert into the meat and read from the outside, it allows for a true “set it and forget it” experience, or easy periodic temperature checks. We savored the most incredible tri-tip, perfectly smoked on this grill. For those desiring a perfect sear and distinct grill marks, an optional side sear box can be added, reaching temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve that desired charred flavor and beautiful finish.
Finally, we experienced the delight of the Italia Artisan Pizza Oven. Our adventure took us to the beach, where we received professional pizza-making lessons from Cassidy, the talented pizza chef at Conestoga Ranch’s restaurant. Her pizzas are truly phenomenal. While not on the standard menu, her “Green Eggs & Ham Pizza” is an absolute must-try if you ever get the chance – it’s simply amazing! This portable pizza oven, designed to replicate a traditional brick oven, creates the crispiest, most delicious pizza crust I have ever tasted outside of a professional pizzeria. It brings an authentic taste of Italy right to your backyard or campsite, making pizza night an unforgettable event.
My experience at the Camp Chef blogger retreat genuinely transformed my perspective on outdoor cooking. I cannot emphasize enough the superior quality and innovative design of Camp Chef products. They are engineered to deliver outstanding results, making everything from a simple campfire meal to a gourmet outdoor feast both accessible and enjoyable. If you’ve ever harbored the misconception that outdoor cooking gear is exclusively for experienced outdoorsmen or “the boys,” it’s time to shed that idea. Camp Chef products are meticulously designed for every home cook, empowering anyone to easily master outdoor culinary adventures and enjoy delicious meals under the open sky. Invest in Camp Chef, and elevate your outdoor cooking game to an entirely new level!
