Camp Cooking Basics For A Music Weekend

A few early decisions keep the cost of camp cooking under control. A little planning leaves more time for the music. The rest of this article covers camp cooking in plain, practical terms.

Where the money goes

The key point is that set your stove on flat, level ground away from tents, tarps and dry grass, and keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher close by. Never leave a lit stove alone, and let it cool fully before you move it. Store fuel upright in a shaded spot, away from sleeping areas and the hot sun.

If you remember one thing, let it be that the weather decides more than the line-up.

Booking early

It helps to remember that cleanup is where good camp cooks stand out. Scrape plates into the trash, wash with a modest amount of biodegradable soap in a basin, and strain the water before disposing of it in the place the festival designates. Never pour greasy water onto the ground near other camps. A clean kitchen corner also keeps insects and animals away.

If you remember one thing, let it be that the weather decides more than the line-up.

Gear you can borrow

It helps to remember that camp cooking at a festival works best when it is simple. A single burner stove, one pot, one pan, a sharp knife with a sheath, a cutting board and a few utensils can handle nearly every meal on a weekend trip. Check the event rules first, because some sites ban open flames, certain fuel types or stoves in tents, and you do not want to find that out at the gate.

None of this needs to be perfect; every event is a little different.

Food and travel

It helps to remember that prep at home to save time on site. Chop onions and peppers, measure out spices into small bags, mix pancake batter in a bottle and pre-cook rice or pasta so it only needs warming. Each of these steps removes a messy task from your campsite and cuts the amount of water and cleanup you need when everyone is hungry.

The goal is a plan you can repeat easily, not a perfect one-off.

Small costs that add up

Put simply, good one-pot meals include chili, noodle dishes, foil packet dinners and scrambled eggs with vegetables. They use few dishes, they are forgiving if you lose track of time, and they can be shared among a group. A cast iron pan is heavy but it holds heat well and works for breakfast, grilled sandwiches and quick stir fries alike.

Good company and a relaxed pace do most of the work for you.

Practical tips

A few simple things tend to help:

• Carry a small power bank for your phone.
• Bring earplugs made for concerts.
• Label your tent and gear with your name.
• Take a reusable bottle if the event allows it.

The bottom line

Take it one event at a time. The best festival is the one you enjoy from start to finish. Start with the basics and build from there.