Heres Some Camping Tips & Tricks at Your Fingertips
Our Knoxville Campground Blog is the information you need to make your next camping trip in Tennessee even more enjoyable. From RV and camping tips and tricks, to amazing campfire recipes, to advice on planning your next trip in Knoxville, TN... the information below is here to help you. And please, feel free to comment and share your experiences, knowledge and favorite recipes. At Knoxville Campground, we are a family and all here to help each other enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest!
🎉 Campground Birthday Party Ideas
Here are some fun and creative campground birthday ideas—perfect for celebrating outdoors with friends, family, or even campground neighbors!
🍰 1. Campfire Birthday Bash
- Decor: String lights, camping-themed banners, and tablecloths with rustic patterns.
- Activities: Campfire s’mores, storytelling, sing-alongs, or a mini talent show.
- Food: Hot dogs, foil pack meals, and a birthday cake baked in a Dutch oven!
🧭 2. Nature Scavenger Hunt Party
- Set up a scavenger hunt with nature clues (like “find a pinecone” or “spot a red bird”).
- Prizes: Stickers, flashlights, or trail mix packs.
🏕️ 3. DIY Tent Decorating Contest
- Give guests string lights, paper lanterns, and fun items to decorate their tents or RV setups.
- Have everyone vote on the most creative setup.
🔦 4. Glow-in-the-Dark Night Party
- Glow sticks, lanterns, LED balloons, and fairy lights everywhere!
- Play flashlight tag, glow ring toss, or light-up capture the flag.
🧁 5. Birthday Picnic by the Lake or Fire Pit
- Lay out picnic blankets and comfy chairs.
- Serve finger foods, lemonade in mason jars, and cupcakes for easy cleanup.
🎈 6. Campground Olympics
- Potato sack races, tug of war, water balloon toss, and pinecone relays.
- Give out medals or camping-themed ribbons.
🛶 7. Adventure Theme (Survivor / Explorer)
- Divide guests into “tribes” with bandanas and challenge them to complete silly survival tasks or obstacle courses.
🐾 8. Animal Tracking Party (for kids)
- Teach how to spot animal tracks or bird calls.
- Use rubber stamps to make their own animal track art.
🧺 Helpful Tips
- Decor: Keep it simple and wind-proof (clip tablecloths, use rocks as weights).
- Cake: Consider cupcakes, cookie cakes, or s’mores towers for low-mess fun.
- Invitations: Camp-themed designs with firewood, lanterns, or tents!
- Favors: Mini flashlights, bug-catching kits, s’mores kits, or trail mix jars.
Try one of these awesome birthday party ideas the next time you stay at Knoxville Campground! Celebrate with us!
🥔 Twice Loaded Baked Potatoes
Here’s a Twice Loaded Baked Potatoes recipe that’s ultra cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for camping or a hearty side at home! 🥔🧀🥓
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 min
Ingredients:
- 6 large russet potatoes
- 4 tbsp olive oil or butter (for crisp skins)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: garlic powder, chives, jalapeños for heat
Instructions:
- Bake the Potatoes (First Time):
Preheat oven to 400°F (or wrap in foil and place in campfire coals).
Scrub potatoes clean, pierce with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until tender. Let cool slightly. - Scoop & Mix:
Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell.
In a bowl, mash the scooped potato with sour cream, butter, milk, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese until creamy.
Mix in bacon and green onions. - Stuff & Top (Second Load):
Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells.
Top with remaining cheese and extra bacon if desired. - Bake Again:
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and tops are golden.
🔥 Tips:
- Camping Tip: Wrap filled potatoes in foil and heat over the fire or on a grill.
- Try adding chopped broccoli, pulled pork, or chili for a twist!
Try this recipe the next time you stay at Knoxville Campground!
🔥 How to Camp Safely During Fire Bans
Camping during a fire ban requires extra care to prevent wildfires and comply with regulations. Here’s how to camp safely during a fire ban:
✅ Know the Rules
- Check local regulations before your trip—fire bans vary by area and can change quickly.
- Understand what’s banned: This often includes campfires, charcoal grills, tiki torches, fireworks, and even some portable stoves.
🍳 Cook Without Flame
- Use gas stoves or propane grills only if permitted (some areas allow them with on/off switches).
- Prepare no-cook meals (like wraps, salads, and canned goods).
- Solar ovens or electric cookers (at powered sites) are safe alternatives.
🪵 Skip the Campfire
- Bring battery-powered lanterns or string lights for ambiance.
- Use a campfire-scented candle or essential oil diffuser (if allowed) to mimic the feel.
- Swap s’mores for cold dessert alternatives like no-bake bars or marshmallow dip.
🚫 Avoid Sparks
- Don’t smoke near dry vegetation.
- Avoid driving or parking over tall grass—hot engines can spark fires.
- Leave fireworks and sparklers at home.
🌲 Practice Fire-Smart Behavior
- Keep your site clean and free of flammable materials.
- Have water, sand, or a fire extinguisher on hand—just in case.
- Report any unattended fires or smoke to local authorities immediately.
⛺ Smart Alternatives for Fire Ban Camping
- Bring board games, star-gazing apps, or a portable speaker for entertainment.
- Use portable power banks or solar chargers instead of fuel-based gear.
- Enjoy early morning hikes or lakeside picnics to make the most of daylight.
This is important to remember while camping during a fire ban at Knoxville Campground!
🧄🧀 Foil Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Here’s a delicious and easy Foil Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe perfect for camping or backyard grilling:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (red or gold), halved or quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and cut the potatoes into halves or quarters for even cooking.
- Wash and cut the potatoes into halves or quarters for even cooking.
- Mix the Flavor:
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil (or butter), garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil (or butter), garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap It Up:
- Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty foil (or double layer regular foil). Pour the potato mixture into the center.
- Fold the foil into a packet, sealing the edges tightly.
- Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty foil (or double layer regular foil). Pour the potato mixture into the center.
- Cook:
- Campfire or Grill: Cook over medium heat for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Oven (optional): Bake at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Campfire or Grill: Cook over medium heat for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Serve:
- Carefully open the foil (watch for steam!) and sprinkle with fresh herbs or more Parmesan if desired.
- Carefully open the foil (watch for steam!) and sprinkle with fresh herbs or more Parmesan if desired.
Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or on its own! Want a cheesy twist? Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar before sealing the foil. Try this foil method recipe during your next stay at Knoxville Campground!
🔥 Best Types of Firewood for Camping
When camping, the best types of firewood are those that burn hot, long, and clean—meaning they produce minimal smoke and few sparks. Here are top choices, broken down by hardwoods and softwoods, along with tips for what to avoid:
Hardwoods (Best for Cooking and Long Burns)
These are dense and burn hotter and longer—ideal for warmth and cooking.
- Oak – Burns very hot and slowly; great coals for cooking.
- Hickory – High heat, long-lasting, with a pleasant aroma; excellent for grilling/smoking.
- Maple – Steady burn, less smoke; good all-around wood.
- Ash – Burns well even when not fully seasoned; easy to split and manage.
- Birch – Burns quickly but hot; great starter or mixing wood.
Softwoods (Best for Starting Fires)
Burns quickly and lights easily—great for kindling or quick fires.
- Pine – Good for starting fires, but burns fast and can be smoky/resinous.
- Cedar – Smells great, easy to light, and produces a crackling flame (but can spark).
- Fir – Burns clean and smells pleasant, but not as hot or long-lasting as hardwoods.
❌ Firewood to Avoid
- Green or unseasoned wood – Too much moisture = lots of smoke, hard to light.
- Treated or painted lumber – Releases toxic chemicals.
- Softwoods like spruce or poplar – Burn fast, with poor heat output and lots of smoke.
- Wood with mold, fungus, or insects – Can be unsafe and spread pests.
🌲 Pro Tips
- Use local firewood: Prevent the spread of invasive pests (many campgrounds prohibit bringing wood from outside the area).
- Mix hardwood and softwood: Start with softwood to light easily, then add hardwood for sustained heat.
- Bring kindling and firestarters: Dry twigs, dryer lint, or store-bought firestarters make ignition much easier.
Knoxville campground sells the perfect type of firewood at the campground so you never have to worry about finding the right type of firewood!
🥑Avocado Toast
Here’s a simple and delicious avocado toast recipe! Perfect for an easy quick breakfast while camping!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 slices of bread (sourdough, whole grain, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings:
- Red pepper flakes
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Poached or fried egg
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Feta cheese
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or basil)
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Toast the Bread
Toast your bread slices until golden and crispy. - Mash the Avocado
Cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork to your preferred consistency (smooth or chunky). - Season It
Add a pinch of salt, a grind of black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice (optional, but helps keep it fresh and bright). - Assemble
Spread the mashed avocado evenly on the toast. - Add Toppings (optional)
Customize with your favorites! A poached egg and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes are popular options.
Try this breakfast recipe during your next stay at Knoxville Campground!
Best Things To Do While Staying At Knoxville Campground
Staying at Knoxville Campground offers a wealth of activities both on-site and in the surrounding area. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of top activities to enjoy during your stay:
🌳 Outdoor Adventures
- Norris Dam State Park: Located just north of Knoxville, this park offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. It’s also adjacent to Norris Lake, renowned for its clear waters and recreational opportunities like boating and swimming.
- Seven Islands State Birding Park: Approximately 18 miles east of Knoxville, this park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 180 species. It also features 8 miles of hiking trails and access to the French Broad River for kayaking and fishing.
- Ijams Nature Center: A 315-acre nature preserve offering hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities. It’s a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts to explore diverse ecosystems.
🐾 Family-Friendly Attractions
- Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue: Located in Clinton, this zoo provides up-close experiences with a variety of animals, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Creekside Stables: Also in Clinton, enjoy horseback riding adventures suitable for all skill levels.
- Stardust Marina: Situated on Norris Lake, this marina offers boat rentals, dining options, and live music events, perfect for a day on the water.
🎣 Unique Experiences
- Tennessee River Monsters Fishing Guide: Embark on a guided fishing trip targeting trophy catfish and other species on the Tennessee River.
- House Mountain State Natural Area: For hiking enthusiasts, this area offers challenging trails leading to panoramic views, rewarding your efforts with stunning scenery.
🎭 Cultural and Culinary Delights
- Market Square: The heart of downtown Knoxville, this vibrant area is filled with shops, restaurants, and hosts regular events and live music.
- Local Dining: Explore Knoxville’s culinary scene with notable spots like A Dopo for wood-fired pizzas, Potchke for Jewish delicacies, and Sticky Rice Cafe for Laotian cuisine. Bon Appétit
🏕️ On-Site Campground Activities
Knoxville Campground itself offers various amenities to enhance your stay, including:
- RV and Tent Sites
- Cabin Rentals
- Playgrounds and Recreational Areas
- Organized Events and Activities
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Knoxville Campground serves as a perfect base to explore all that the region has to offer. Enjoy your stay!
🍋 Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes
Mini lemon Bundt cakes are the perfect sweet treat—bright, zesty, and super cute. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to get you started!
Ingredients:
For the cakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- ¼ cup milk
For the lemon glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: extra zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep your oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini Bundt pan well (butter and flour or baking spray).
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Combine: Mix in sour cream and milk until smooth. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Fill pans: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini Bundt pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze it up: Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cakes. Sprinkle with zest if you’re feeling fancy.
Try bringing mini bundt cakes on your next camping trip to Knoxville Campground!
General Plants You Should Avoid When Hiking
Here’s a general list of common plants to steer clear of in most parts of the U.S.:
🌿 Common Plants to Avoid
- Poison Ivy
- “Leaves of three, let it be.”
- Causes itchy, blistering rashes.
- “Leaves of three, let it be.”
- Poison Oak
- Similar to poison ivy; found mostly in western and southeastern U.S.
- Also has leaves in clusters of three.
- Similar to poison ivy; found mostly in western and southeastern U.S.
- Poison Sumac
- Grows in wet, swampy areas; has 7–13 leaflets per stem.
- Even more toxic than ivy or oak.
- Grows in wet, swampy areas; has 7–13 leaflets per stem.
- Stinging Nettle
- Covered in tiny, hair-like spines that sting on contact.
- Causes a burning, itching sensation.
- Covered in tiny, hair-like spines that sting on contact.
- Giant Hogweed
- Sap can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight.
- Has huge leaves and umbrella-shaped white flowers.
- Sap can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight.
- Wild Parsnip
- Like hogweed, its sap can cause burns.
- Yellow flowers, tall stalk.
- Like hogweed, its sap can cause burns.
- Deadly Nightshade (Belladonna)
- Pretty but poisonous berries.
- Causes hallucinations, seizures, or worse if ingested.
- Pretty but poisonous berries.
- Water Hemlock
- Highly toxic; even a small amount can be deadly.
- Looks similar to wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace.
- Highly toxic; even a small amount can be deadly.
If you’ve got pets or little ones with you, it’s even more important to be aware of these. Be careful when you’re out hiking around the campground! Watch out for these when you stay at Knoxville Campground!
Campfire Shepherd’s Pie
Campfire Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for cooking over a fire. Here’s a simple recipe you can make in a cast-iron skillet or foil packet while camping.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or beef gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (instant or prepared ahead of time)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fire – Get your campfire going and let it burn down to hot coals for even cooking.
- Cook the Meat – In a cast-iron skillet over the fire (or on a camp stove), cook the ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Veggies & Sauce – Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and the cream of mushroom soup (or beef gravy). Mix well and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Top with Mashed Potatoes – Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the meat mixture.
- Add Cheese (Optional) – Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for extra flavor.
- Cook Over the Fire – Cover with foil and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Foil Pack Variation:
- Instead of a skillet, you can layer the ingredients in heavy-duty foil packets. Wrap tightly and cook on campfire coals for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Try this delicious and easy recipe next time you stay at Knoxville Campground!
Family owned and operated, Kiefer Campgrounds strive to offer you the best rates for a comfortable location with outstanding service, and spotless facilities. When you stay in one of our parks, you are no longer just a happy camper, but a part of our family! We are most certain you will enjoy your stay with us. Pick your favorite location and book your spot now before it’s too late! You’ll be happy you did!
