Spending time outside is truly one of my favorite things to do. Fortunately, we have some pretty amazing weather in Arizona, which allows one to get outside and enjoy the surroundings all year long.

It’s no surprise that the cooler times of the year, encourage most of the locals to get out and make the most of the outdoors. One of the best things to do, is to get out your gear and camp in the desert.

What to do:

While I highly recommend camping with others that know a thing or two about camping, you are bound to have a weekend you’ll never forget.
Spend time hiking, cooking and enjoying the starry nights with great company. If you’re wondering about camping locations, check out the Arizona State Parks website that lists campgrounds around the state. This is a great resource that will have all of the info that will help you plan your outdoor adventure.

A Camping Recipe

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy camping with my immediate and extended family members! They are all so much fun and are the very best camping cooks. The food happens to be one of my favorite things about camping. I know, what a shocker!

When it comes to cooking, I tend to cook simple meals. I’m all about convenience. During our most recent trip camping, I tried out a simple dinner recipe that we often eat at home, flatbread pizzas.

Flatbread Pizza

Ingredients: Naan bread, mozzarella cheese, pesto or marinara sauce and any other topping of your choice

Directions:

Use a shovel to move coals from your fire to a flat, well lit area.
Place a skillet on the coals.
Make your pizza. Spread the pizza sauce on the Naan bread, top with cheese.
Place your pizza on the skillet and cook until cheese has melted. Takes approximately 10 minutes.
Cut the pizza into slices with a pizza cutter and enjoy your meal by the fire!

What to Take:

I recommend packing some essential items that can be found at your local outdoor store, Target or good ‘ole Amazon.

Sleeping essentials: tent, sleeping bag, pillow, cot
Get to know the area: maps, camera, hiking poles, binoculars
Games: badminton set, frisbee, art materials, deck of cards
First aid kit, sunscreen, bug repellent
More food and drinks than you’ll think that you’ll need (Don’t forget the s’mores!)
A great attitude if something goes wrong
Clothes to layer, the evenings and mornings can be cooler than you’d expect

Oh and don’t forget the most important tip, do your best to disconnect and enjoy a little time “off the grid.” You’ll appreciate your company and surroundings so much more!

Leave a note in the comments with your favorite camping location. Happy camping!