Written by Bernadette
Bernadette an asthmatic gluten intolerant Springer Spaniel loving runner, kayaker, and general outdoor lover.
After spending nearly six weeks straight camping last year and countless weekend forays I’ve learned a thing or two along the way on how to have the best gluten free camping experience. Learn from my mistakes!
1. Preparation
Between the scheduling, the planning, and the packing, preparation of your food before you go seems like the last think that you should do. In actuality, it should be the first. Determine how many meals you will be gone and what you actually want to eat. This will not only save you when it comes time to shop, but it will also prevent you from getting to your campsite only to realize that you are stuck with whatever the local grocery store may or may not have. (Please not another salad!)
2. Bag it and Tag it
One of the biggest lessons I learned is to bag it and tag it. Putting meat into baggies already marinading in my favorite gluten free combo and then labeling what it is (e.g. steak w/honey and cayenne). Not only does this make fishing through the cooler easier, it also keeps it cleaner. This also can be done for your dry goods if you are concerned about portion control, or want to ensure that the kids only eat a certain amount of their snacks. Plus, if you put them separate from your meal foods they know (and you know) what they can and cannot have without the “Mom! I’m hungry” syndrome.
3. Cooler Packing is Critical
Trust me on this one. Not every spot in the cooler is the same. Meat should be towards the bottom so that it stays the coldest. If you want your gluten free bread frozen (if you are going to be out for an extended period) put it in a plastic storage container and also put it towards the bottom. The plastic container will keep it from getting wet and squashed, double bonus. Fruit and veggies you want towards the top. Unless of course you want frozen cucumbers.
4. Yes, you can.
Most traditional campsite foods are gluten friendly; potatoes, veggies, meant., but believe it or not; yes, even s’mores. Most grocery stores are carrying gluten free graham crackers. If you can’t find any in your local store there is an awesome company based out of Colorado Springs, Outside the Breadbox, that will ship and they are fantastic. Add marshmallows and chocolate and you are in business.
Gluten free camping does take a bit more planning, but with a bit of prep work you can be successful at it. Now go out and enjoy the great outdoors!
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