Celebrating Thanksgiving on the Road: A Guide to Campsgiving

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, Thanksgiving is the perfect time for an RV road trip. With the kids on break and those saved-up PTO days at the ready, why not channel your gratitude into a refreshing adventure? Keep reading for some essential Thanksgiving RV travel tips and mouth watering recipes tailored for the road. Buckle up for the ultimate Campsgiving journey!

Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

While hitting the road for Thanksgiving can be a fantastic experience, it can quickly turn into a headache without proper planning. Follow this list of Thanksgiving camping tips to ensure a smooth and seamless adventure.

Book early

Thanksgiving is a very popular time for travel, and if you book your stay several months in advance, you can rest easy leading up to the trip knowing your spot is secured. You’ll also want to get your RV serviced well in advance. Mechanics can be booked many months out in advance, and nothing will ruin a trip faster than unexpected issues with your vehicle.

Pack smart

In the weeks leading up to the trip, craft a detailed packing list of everything you’ll need for camping, cooking, and everything in between. Knowing exactly what you need speeds up the packing process and eases some of the stress around the holiday. It would be a Thanksgiving tragedy if you got to the campsite and realized you forgot the turkey!

Plan your route

While it can be fun and spontaneous to hit the road with no destination or stops in mind, if you’re traveling with the family — especially during Thanksgiving— this is not one of those times to leave it up to luck. At Spot2Nite, we have several tools to help you with the planning process. Check out our guide on planning the perfect road trip, or explore several popular routes across major highways. And if you’re looking to dodge the crowds, consider some of America’s lesser known state parks for potential destinations.

Plan for all kinds of weather

The weather in late November can be hard to predict, and while we can always hope for sunny days and blue skies, it’s best to plan for anything. Pack some warm clothes and rain gear, and maybe even a canopy or two. And if the weather does turn on you, and you need to serve your Campsgiving feast inside the RV, you don’t want the party to feel cramped. Check out our guide on how to maximize space in your RV.

Tips for Making an Awesome Thanksgiving Meal at the Campsite

The thought of cooking Thanksgiving dinner at a campsite can seem daunting, but here’s a list of tips to help simplify the process:

Prep ingredients beforehand

Chop some veggies, prepare spice packets, or put together tin foil packets full of vegetables or protein to streamline the cooking process.

Create a menu

Put together a list of camping recipes that you’re planning to cook. Knowing exactly what you need beforehand will make the whole process much simpler.

Create a cooking timeline

Decide when you’re going to start each dish and create a timeline based on cook times. Start the dishes with longer cook times first.

Consider potluck style

If you’re traveling with a group or multiple families, suggesting a potluck-style feast can take some serious weight off your shoulders.

Bring plenty of fuel

Running out of propane before you finish cooking could spoil the whole dinner. Make sure to bring some extra fuel just to be safe.

Clean up responsibly

When you decide to spend time in nature, respecting your surroundings should be priority number one. Bring biodegradable soap, a scrub brush, and a basin for washing dishes. Be sure to also dispose of waste and food scraps responsibly, especially if you're in bear country.

Delicious Campsgiving Recipes

Dutch Oven Campfire Thanksgiving Turkey with Citrus Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (about 10-12 lbs for typical Dutch ovens, adjust size according to your Dutch oven capacity)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 1 orange, quartered

• 2 onions, quartered

• 2-3 celery stalks, cut into chunks

• 2-3 carrots, cut into chunks

• Aluminum foil

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Mix softened butter with lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, half of the chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. This will be your citrus herb butter.

2. Prepare the Turkey: Clean the turkey and remove any giblets. Loosen the skin over the breast and thighs without completely detaching it.

3. Butter Application: Rub the citrus herb butter under the skin of the turkey, ensuring that it covers as much of the meat as possible. This will keep the meat moist and flavorful. Rub the turkey's exterior with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.

4. Stuffing the Turkey: Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered lemon, orange, onions, and the remaining fresh herbs.

5. Prepare Dutch Oven: If you have a trivet or a few small balls of aluminum foil, place them at the bottom of the Dutch oven. This will keep the turkey from sitting directly on the bottom and getting too dark. Put the chunked celery and carrots at the bottom. These will provide additional flavor and keep the turkey elevated.

6. Cooking the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up in the Dutch oven. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid. If your Dutch oven lid doesn't have a tight seal, you can place a piece of aluminum foil under the lid to prevent any ash from getting in if you're cooking over a campfire.

7. Campfire Roasting: Place the Dutch oven over a bed of coals, and then place more coals on top of the lid. You'll want a moderate amount of heat. Every 30 minutes or so, rotate the Dutch oven and the lid to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your turkey and the heat of your coals, the cooking time can range from 2.5 to 4 hours. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

8. Finishing Up: Once the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature and is golden brown, carefully remove it from the Dutch oven. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Carve the turkey and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious, juicy campfire-roasted Thanksgiving turkey!

Cranberry Sauce with a Campfire Twist

No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without cranberry sauce. Try out this camping-inspired recipe to round out your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• A pinch of ground cloves

• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped (optional)

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Before heading to your campsite, you can prep some of the ingredients. Dice the apple and store it in a container. Also, toast the walnuts at home, which will enhance their flavor.

2. Combining Ingredients: In a durable camping pot, combine the cranberries, diced apple, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, and salt.

3. Cooking: Place the pot on your camp stove or on a campfire grate. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

4. Adding Walnuts: Once the cranberry sauce has thickened and the apples are soft, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Stir in the toasted walnuts. (This step is optional, but the walnuts add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor to the sauce.)

5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool a bit. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Once it's at your desired temperature, serve it as a delightful side for your meal.

Campfire Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Topping

You might be tempted to opt for instant mashed potatoes, but you won’t regret spending the extra time on this sweet and savory sweet potato and marshmallow recipe to add a little campfire flavor to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 stick of butter, cut into small pieces

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• Aluminum foil

• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Clean the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If you want to expedite the campfire cooking process, you can par-cook them at home by boiling or microwaving them until they're halfway done.

2. Assemble the Packets: Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil for each sweet potato. Distribute the sweet potato slices evenly among the foil pieces.

3. Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt (and cayenne if you're using it). Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato slices. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes. Dot with butter pieces.

4. Wrap and Cook: Fold the aluminum foil over the sweet potatoes to create a sealed packet. Make sure it's sealed well to keep in the moisture and flavor.

5. Campfire Cooking: Place the foil packets directly onto the campfire coals. Cook for about 15-20 minutes (this could vary depending on the heat of your coals and if you par-cooked your sweet potatoes), turning them halfway through. You'll know they're done when the sweet potatoes are tender.

6. Marshmallow Topping: Carefully open the foil packets (watch for steam!). Top the sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows. Close the foil back up and return to the coals for another 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and slightly toasted.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Open the packets, let them cool for a moment, and enjoy your campfire roasted sweet potatoes with a sweet and crispy marshmallow topping!

Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread Stuffing with Aromatic Herbs

Experience the union of sweet cornbread with savory herbs and vegetables, prepared over a campfire for that perfect Campsgiving side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 package cornbread mix (prepared according to package instructions and cooled)

• 1/2 cup diced yellow onions

• 1/2 cup diced celery

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional for added moisture)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Before heading out for camping, prepare the cornbread mix as per the package instructions and allow it to cool. Pre-dice onions, celery, and parsley, and store them in separate containers or zip-top bags.

2. Sauté the Base: Place your cast iron skillet over the campfire or camping stove. Once heated, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and celery, sautéing until translucent and softened (about 5-7 minutes). Incorporate the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Crumble and Combine: Break the prepared cornbread into the skillet, ensuring it's crumbled well. Mix gently, allowing the cornbread to integrate with the vegetable mixture.

4. Season and Moisturize: Sprinkle in the poultry seasoning, finely chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. If the mixture appears dry or you prefer a moister consistency, pour in the optional chicken or vegetable broth.

5. Heat and Serve: Cover the skillet and let it cook on the campfire grate for about 5-8 minutes, ensuring everything melds together and is warmed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve directly from the skillet, complementing your other Campsgiving dishes.

Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie

You can’t go wrong with this fast and simple pie recipe. Just pop it in the Dutch oven, wait a few minutes, and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pie crusts (or make them in advance)

• Canned pumpkin pie filling

• Canned apple pie filling

Instructions:

1. Line a Dutch oven with aluminum foil.

2. Place the pie crust in the Dutch oven and add the filling.

3. Cover with the Dutch oven lid and bake on coals until the pies are set and the crust is golden brown.

Campsgiving S'mores

Everyone knows that s’mores are a favorite camping food, but why limit yourself to chocolate and marshmallows? get creative with the ingredients and swap the graham crackers with your favorite cookies. Or experiment with different kinds of chocolate bars and fillings. And if you want to add a Thanksgiving twist to this classic camping dessert, add some of the leftover pumpkin pie filling to add some extra creamy goodness!

Plan Your Campsgiving With Spot2Nite

When you’re ready to put pen to paper and start planning your Thanksgiving camping trip, let us make the process easy! Take advantage of our user-friendly interactive booking platform and find your ideal destination for your Campsgiving getaway today!