Camping in Virginia

Have You Tried Our Bison Meat?

June 29, 2018 by Dave Witzel

Bison meat can seem unfamiliar to many of our new campers. Most haven’t experienced it and are curious to give it a try. Often, it only takes one time eating this delicious meat to make new people fans of the taste and texture.

Bison meat is higher in moisture than other common meats and fish. It’s higher in iron while being lower in fat and calories. The meat has a somewhat stronger, sweeter flavor than these other options.

Here, in our store, we offer a wide variety of Bison meat options. Some items you can expect to see are burgers, ribs, roasts, sausage, steaks, stew meat, and hot dogs. You can also pick up some recipe books, coffee mugs, and other items to take home for yourself or as gifts for your unfortunate friends who had to stay home this trip.

Pet Allergies in a New Environment

June 22, 2018 by Dave Witzel

It’s fun to bring your pets along when you’re camping and they think it’s fantastic, too. They love the outdoors just as much as you do. It’s good for your mood, your health, and your sense of companionship. There are a couple of things to watch out for in making sure your pet has the best experience possible when visiting a new campground.

While pets can experience insect and food allergies, the most likely allergy you can experience when camping is environmental allergies. Your pet may be exposed to things at the campground that they don’t get exposed to in every day life at home such as grasses and pollens.

You may notice your pet sneezing more than normal or that might be licking their feet quite a bit. These are signs that something is affecting them. Fortunately, there are a few remedies you can try to get them back on track and feeling more comfortable again.

Benadryl is commonly used for pets and you should check with your Veterinarian to determine the proper dosage. This will help to alleviate the itching and sneezing, though it may make them sleepy – just as it does in humans. Wash and dry their paws thoroughly when you come in from the outdoors. Carefully check in between their foot pads to be sure nothing is lodged in them. This will assist your pet in removing the allergen and keeping the irritant outside instead of inside your camping vehicle.

If these simple strategies don’t help you may need something stronger, such as a prescription for you pet. Your Vet can advise you what is most likely to help, you may even want to visit your Vet before you leave for your camping trip. That way, you can have things on hand in case you need them.

We hope you and your pet have a wonderful stay with us and we look forward to meeting you soon.

Cabin Camping at Shenandoah Hills Campground

June 13, 2018 by Dave Witzel

As families get busier and life becomes more hurried we are finding the popularity of cabin camping just continues to rise. There are many advantages to a cabin rental, here at Shenandoah Hills Campground, and we think you’d love it! We have two types of cabins to choose from, each of them sleeping 4 people.

Rustic Cabins

These cabins measure 13 x 11 feet and are all in one room. They hold a double bed and a set of twin bunks. You’ll be out of the heat with a ceiling fan and an air conditioner to cool you off. They each have a water spigot on site, a picnic table, and fire ring with built-in cooking grill. They all have porches which are wonderful for relaxed times with family and friends. You bring all your own linens, food, utensils, and dishware. They are smoke-free for your added comfort.

Deluxe Cabin

This cabin is much like our Rustic Cabins but is larger at 12 x 20 feet. It includes a small bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower. You’ll also have the added convenience of a refrigerator and a microwave. There is a small closet for storage and you can opt to purchase this rental with a linen package of towels and sheets.

Cabin rentals work particularly well for new campers who’d like to experience our campground before committing to bringing all their equipment. Or, you might want to visit with friends or family who are camping with us but you don’t have your own camping equipment. A cabin rental takes much of the setting up out of the equation and you’ll be enjoying the campground within a short time of arriving. You don’t have to pitch tents or level RVs, you only need to unpack your necessities and you’re ready to play.

We’d love to see you enjoying one of our cabins this year whether it’s your first time or your tenth. Be sure to say hello because we’d love to meet you and learn more about you while you’re staying with us. You can find out more about our cabin rentals on this page. >> Shenandoah Hills Campground Cabin Rentals. We hope to see you soon.

Make an RV Departure Checklist

April 21, 2018 by Dave Witzel

We’ve all heard the jokes about making sure your awning is in, your steps are up, and your spouse is on-board before driving away from the campground. There is truth in jest, however, and these things do happen. That’s why it is smart to make a departure checklist and run through it just like an airplane pilot does. We list a few items to get you thinking about what should be on your list.

Awning retracted and locked
All tires have proper air pressure
Leveling blocks securely stowed
Access doors are locked
Trailer door locked
Truck hitch secured
All lights are working
Water, propane, and fuel levels checked
Appliances turned off
Windows and blinds are secured
Cabinets are closed
No loose items around
Maps and snacks in the cab
Insurance, registration, pet health papers available
Seat and rear view mirror position check

Walk around one more time. Do you have all your chairs and BBQ equipment? Good, then you should be all set. We hope you enjoyed your stay at Shenandoah Hills Campground and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Easy Fall Camping Recipes To Try Today

April 14, 2018 by Dave Witzel

Fall is the time for warm pots of chili and stews. Pair them with warm cornbread or fluffy biscuits. It’s a cozy time of year which makes us hungry for the comfort foods of our youth. We hope your Autumn is lovely and we’ll share some recipes you can make for the family. Then just enjoy each other, and the season, around the family dinner table.

Cinnamon Carrots with Maple Thyme Butter
This dish is made for Fall with bright carrots and rich maple syrup, you can’t go wrong. You’ll need about a pound of fresh carrots, olive oil, a stick of cinnamon, pure maple syrup, red wine vinegar, unsalted butter, thyme, salt & pepper. The carrots get roasted with olive oil, cinnamon and a little salt. Seperately, you combine the maple syrup, vinegar, salt, and thyme to add later and put back in the oven to roast a little more. They are warm, just slightly sweet and will become a family fave. You can find the recipe at Midwest Living

Stuffed Italian Meatballs
These will be a winner from the parents on down to the youngest child. You’ll be combining spiced Italian sausage, ground beef, mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, and marinara sauce to make these warm and meaty meatballs. They are a lot easier to make than you might think. You can find the recipe at Midwest Living Spicy Meatballs

True Butterscotch Pie
This golden, creamy butterscotch pie will go fast so you better make two. You’ll combine brown sugar, butter, flour, cornstarch, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla for a dessert they will raid the fridge for late at night. Toss it into a premade crust and count the minutes until it is done. You really should get the first piece for your effort. You can see the recipe at Midwest Living Butterscotch Pie

These delicious Fall recipes should be a good start to celebrating the season. Your family will love them and you’ll be quite happy with yourself for setting such a beautiful meal in front of them. Nice work!

Sleeping Bag Essentials

April 7, 2018 by Dave Witzel

Most every camper uses sleeping bags in one way or another whether they are in a tent, an RV, or a cabin. They are often used for more than sleeping and they take a lot of wear and tear so we offer some tips on choosing the best sleeping bags for your particular needs.

Weight – You can get sleeping bags that are heavy weight, light weight, or combine a light bag with a warm liner. Depending on when you usually go camping, the weight of the sleeping bag will be an important factor in your choice. If you’re camping in Spring or Fall, the nights will be chilly and you’ll need the extra warmth a heavy weight sleeping bag can provide. If it’s in July, you’ll probably just use it as a pad to lay on and cover with a cool sheet. Your best bet might be to carry a light weight sleeping bag along with a warm liner so you have more options as the weather changes.

Components – Sleeping bags can be made with goose down, or synthetic materials. These need to be laundered and stored differently. A down filled sleeping bag should not be packed tightly into a stuff sack while that is fine for synthetic bags. You should make sure both types are completely dry before packing them away when you get home.

Durability – You may find yourself using your sleeping bag for many things other than sleeping. You can spread it on the lawn for sitting, use it for cover as you sit around the campfire, and it can double as a pillow if you get unexpected company. Sleeping bags often get crammed into spaces, trunks, and corners so they should be tear and stain resistant and able to take the wear and tear.

We hope you have a wonderful time during your next camping trip and we hope you’ll stay with us. Bring those sleeping bags and enjoy your time under the stars. It’s just plain good for you.

Save Your Breath With a Camping Air Pump

March 31, 2018 by Dave Witzel

It can be surprising to find how many items need air when you are camping. From the smallest of the water wings to that huge blow up mattress we know you’d rather not use your breath to get them all inflated. An air pump can be pretty handy around the campsite. You will use it for the pool inflatables, bike tires, and things you haven’t even thought about when you were packing. Below, you’ll find some tips for getting the best air pump to match your needs.

They can range quite a bit according to price but the main features to look for center around the type of pump it is.

Electric Pump – These are great when you’re sure you’ll have a power source. You’ll probably need an extension cord for it as well so that you can take it to the source instead of bringing the source to the pump.

Hand Pump – These are typically less expensive and they require more work on your part. It can be quite a job to fill a mattress with air but if you’re up to it, the hand pump is great to have around.

Battery Pump – With this you get portability and speed combined. Keep a close eye on your batteries to make sure they are fully charged and you’re good to go. These pumps are also preferable if you’re working in the rain or near standing water.

Whichever type you bring along, the air pump will become one of your top items to bring. They are one of those tools that are really needed when they are needed and can make your camping stay that much more enjoyable.

Try to Avoid Using a Metal Grill Brush

January 31, 2018 by Dave Witzel

Who knows what you might end up doing with your grill this warm summer? If you choose to bring your friends or family for camping and using the grill there are a few things you need to know. First, your grill might be a mess if you had used it previously and you need to clean it. That’s where a metal grill brush comes in handy but you need to be careful about it.

Health Issues

The metal bristles often snap off, especially if you’re using old and rusty brushes. That’s because there is an increased chance of the strands landing on the grate when cleaning. When you grill your food on it, these bristles always end up there. It’s always a health issue when these bristles end up in the intestines. There’s a likely chance that these bristles will perforate your intestinal wall and cause lots of issues.

On the other hand, the bristles could migrate to the liver causing an infection that needs proper treatment. It’s even worse when these bristles perforate the intestines multiple times and need surgical retrieval. Additionally, the wires can also get stuck in the throat causing an emergency removal process in the hospital. You’re also likely going to experience abdominal pain when the sharp object travels through your digestive system and some of these symptoms will present later.

Therefore, to be cautious, you need to throw away your old cleaning brushes. Don’t reuse the old brushes when cleaning out your grill since the bristles are likely to shed. Additionally, before placing your food on the grill, you should check thoroughly to make sure there are no bristles left that might harm you. Note that, these bristles are often too small to be detected with the naked eye so you need to be very careful about it to avoid these and many more health issues.

Tips To Avoid Blisters When You’re Hiking

January 9, 2018 by Dave Witzel

If you’re going camping and planning to take a hike while you’re there, you should be prepared for some blisters. Well, there are a few ways to avoid such damage to your feet and enjoy hiking on the natural trails in your campsite. Here’s what you need to know.

Make sure your hiking boots are fitting properly. Those that chafe or have pressure points will definitely cause blisters. The hiking boots should be watertight to prevent any moisture but also be breathable to allow the escape of any foot sweat. Find hiking boots with a scree collar that removes any debris such as dirt or pebbles that might cause blisters when you’re walking.
Always make sure your toenails are trimmed completely and remove any ingrown parts. Without doing this, you’re creating sharp edges that can irritate your skin, wear out the socks and cause blisters when you’re hiking.
Blisters often form on soft feet, especially those without calluses. Therefore, before going on your hiking trip, you should try walking barefoot around the house to form calluses on your feet. Of course, you should be careful about stepping on sharp objects that might cause wounds thus making your hiking adventure more difficult.
Your socks should always be clean, dry and soft. Don’t wear socks with seams that might rub on your feet. You should consider purchasing a polypropylene sock liner that’s easy to replace when the feet get damp. Therefore, during the hiking trip, your feet will always remain dry and free from any blisters. Additionally, you can avoid the growth of fungus that might damage your feet. Don’t wear cotton socks on your hiking trip because they will soak the moisture and retain it making your entire trip very uncomfortable.

With these useful tips, you can always avoid those pesky blisters and keep your feet looking and feeling good.

Basic Birding for Beginners

October 28, 2017 by Dave Witzel

Perhaps you have always loved birding but have not had the time to really learn how it’s done. Are you currently considering a camping trip where you could enjoy birding with the family? Well, if you’re a novice to birding, here are some ideas you can consider.

Always keep close track of the bird instead of flipping through your guide to identify it. You should stufy the bird to distinguish its markings, song, feeding habits, movements and size, then jot these details down within your diary.
Listen closely for bird songs and calls because they are the easiest way to identify birds. You could always listen while you’re looking directly on the bird to help make the proper identification.
Estimate the overall shape and size from the bird to assist you in identifying the right family it comes from. You can estimate how big the bird is with regard to other more familiar ones for easier identification.
Take a good look with the facial markings and characteristics including strips, patches of color, eye lines, eye arcs and a lot more. You need to make a note of any markings around the bill since different birds have varying bill characteristics.
Next, you should identify the details on the tail, wings and overall body. You can identify these characteristics with the bird in flight or stationary.
Glance at the length and hue of the bird’s legs and just how they impact the movement and flight. Depending upon the length and type of feet, the bird should be giving clues of its species by its jumping from every branch, swooping up or down and flying outside.
Identify the feeding habits like foraging all over the camping site, clinging to the bark of trees, and other signals.

Now you can record your observations about the bird such as the region, climate, and the place you identified it. This way, when you’re exploring the bird guide later, you can actually identify it.