Celebrating Mother’s Day at the Campground
Over the past decade, I’ve spent many Mother’s Days at campgrounds with my fellow Girl Campers. It all started one year when the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Girl Campers found that Mother’s Day weekend was the only free time we all had to gather, so we scrapped tradition and opted for a girls’ weekend. We had such a great time that we just kept doing it!
We keep our annual Mother’s Day campout simple and relaxing. With busy lives, we treasure this weekend as a time to slow down and enjoy good company. Since Friday is a travel day, we start off with an easy gathering at one site to share a spread of appetizers. It’s always fun to try new bites and swap recipes.
New Experiences to Try for Mother’s Day Camping
Mother’s Day is all about letting Mom do what she wants, and at the campground, that means embracing fun and relaxation. While we’ve done classic activities like hiking to scenic overlooks and exploring antique malls, we’ve recently started adding new experiences to the mix:
- Outdoor Spa Day: Set up a “campground spa” with essential oils, DIY face masks, and camping chairs for foot soaks. A simple soak in a basin with Epsom salts and lavender oil feels luxurious after a day outdoors.
- Guided Foraging Walk: Learn about local plants and wild herbs with a guided foraging walk. It’s a fun way to connect with nature and maybe even gather ingredients for a fresh campfire meal.
- Paint & Sip by the Fire: Bring along small canvases and acrylic paints, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy a relaxing painting session around the campfire.
- Sunrise or Sunset Paddle: If there’s a lake or river nearby, an early morning or evening paddle can be a peaceful way to start or end the day.
- Campground Cooking Challenge: Set a theme like “One-Pot Wonders” or “Gourmet S’mores” and see what delicious creations everyone comes up with.
Saturday Night BYOP & Campfire Cocktails
For dinner, we stick to our classic BYOP (Bring Your Own Protein) tradition. Someone fires up a grill, and everyone cooks their own main dish while sharing sides and salads. I’ll always choose a ribeye steak, but lately, we’ve seen a rise in creative options like grilled portobello mushrooms or cedar-plank salmon.
As always, we end the night around the fire, burning through every last log and sharing stories until the wee hours. It’s these moments—unplugged, under the stars, surrounded by laughter—that make the weekend so special.
Sunday Morning: A Breakfast Feast
We wrap up the weekend with a big communal breakfast. We’ve experimented with everything from campfire cinnamon rolls on sticks to Dutch oven breakfast bakes, and each year, we try something new. One recent hit was campfire shakshuka, an easy yet impressive dish with eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Long, lazy breakfasts with strong coffee, mimosas, and a table full of good friends? That’s the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day. And if the kids stop by the campground with flowers? Even better!
Recipe Recommendation: Campfire Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers. Lightly brush with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill over the campfire for a few minutes until the cheese starts to soften. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
TIPS:
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- Swap basil for arugula or spinach for a different flavor twist.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices for a more filling appetizer.
This Mother’s Day tradition has become one of our most cherished weekends. Whether it’s trying a new activity or simply basking in the joy of doing nothing, the campground is the perfect place to celebrate. After all, what every mother (and person) truly wants is time well spent with good friends and the great outdoors.
