Blog posts of '2023' 'December'

Picnicking has been a national pastime for decades. From small, afternoon outings to party-size extravaganzas – people love to get outside and enjoy a meal. According to a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse survey, picnics top the list of Americans’ favorite outdoor recreation activities. It’s easy to understand since picnics bring people together to eat, socialize, and enjoy nature’s beauty. Food, conversation, and the great outdoors – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Parks are a perfect place to host a picnic as many offer convenient amenities like picnic benches, grills, trash receptacles, and bathroom facilities. For those who like to camp at a park, picnicking can become a special part of the outing where good times and great memories are made. All it takes is a little bit of planning and a few extra touches to make your camping picnic one that family and friends won’t forget. Here are seven tips to glamp your camp picnic:

1. Find a prime location

Don’t choose a spot too remote to set up your camp and eating space. Instead, look for a sunny, somewhat open area that has picnic tables and perhaps a grill nearby. Make sure the ground is level so that any folding chairs and side tables you use won’t tip over. Note where the nearest bathroom facilities are so that guests have easy access. 

2. Prepare as much food as possible ahead of time

Pack your cooler with pre-cut food, prewashed fruits and veggies as well as premade salads, dips, and more so that you can simply open your food containers and set them out for everyone to enjoy. The more work you can do at home, the more you can enjoy the picnic.

3. Set up a hand-washing station

A hand-washing station is a great feature to have not only for your picnic, but also for your entire camp outing. You don’t need anything fancy; just find a large plastic container with a push button spout like an iced tea container or an empty laundry detergent container. Fill it with water and set it on a table along with a liquid soap dispenser. Keep paper towel nearby for drying hands.  

4. Dress up the table

Add a bit of flair by decorating your picnic table with a colorful tablecloth and décor. Vinyl tablecloths with flannel backs are more durable than the thinner plastic tablecloths and easily wipe clean for extended use. The tabletop size for most commercial picnic tables is 6-feet long (72 inches) by 28 to 30 inches wide, so be sure to bring one large enough to provide full coverage. Use fasteners to hold down the tablecloth or buy fitted tablecloths with elastic edges. Some fitted tablecloths even come with fitted bench seat covers to really make cleanup a breeze!

5. Have extra tables, chairs, and blankets on hand

Sometimes campground sites don’t offer enough picnic tables for everyone, so be sure to pack extra chairs and tables. Folding picnic tables give you additional dining and food preparation space, while folding chairs and side tables are ideal for hanging out by the campfire after a big meal. Speaking of campfires, as the temperatures drop in the evening and you get the fire going, also have blankets readily available for extra warmth. 

6. Create an inviting space with tiki torches

Tiki torches bring night picnicking to life and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition to illuminating your campsite space, tiki torches with citronella can ward off mosquitoes and other flying pests. Consider creating a trail of tiki torches to help guide fellow campers to their tent. 

7. Keep everyone entertained

As you’re prepping for your picnic feast, make sure adults and children alike are staying engaged and enjoying themselves. Enlist a couple of helpers to prepare the meal, put someone in charge of playing music, and ask others to head up the games. Set up cornhole boards, Jenga, and badminton or have guests participate in games that don’t require equipment, such as charades or 20 Questions. These entertaining games can continue after the picnic as well, so be sure you have an arsenal of activities ready to go.

We hope these seven tips help make your next camping picnic an event to remember. For a more detailed list of items to bring to make sure your picnic and camping trip go off without a hitch, review REI’s handy camp kitchen checklist and essential supplies for camping. 

If you’re new to camping, we suggest you start by visiting local campgrounds to get your feet wet. Then, once you’ve become more prepared for and comfortable with camping outdoors, expand your destinations to larger state and national parks where incredible scenery abounds. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is the world’s largest system of public campgrounds with family-friendly campsites and amenities. KOA’s website is a great resource for learning how to make the most out of your camping and picnicking experience. Check out their list of the best national parks for summer picnics!