Cheerful Valley Campground

Come Camping in New York’s Finger Lakes Region

1412 Route 14, Phelps, NY 14532, 315.781.1222    Email Us

Cake in a Mug – Perfect for Camping

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Mug cake for campersThis cake in a mug trend is a fun one for camping. You can make a single-serving cake in a coffee cup and even choose which flavor you want. The kids will enjoy the whole idea of having their own little cake to eat as they sit around the campfire at night. It takes minutes to put together and will be a big hit.

Photo Source: BuzzFeed

Cookies & Cream Mug Cake
This one will be a favorite of many. All you need is some flour, sugar, baking powder, crushed sandwich cookies, milk, oil, and vanilla.

Birthday Cake Mug Cake
This is as pretty as it is delicious. Bring some sprinkles along with you and let the kids decorate their own. It takes all the ingredients as listed above except the sandwich cookies.

Strawberries ‘n’Cream Mug Cake
Even better than strawberry shortcake, this little delight will curb that craving for something sweet and your love of those delicious strawberries. You can top it with whipped topping and you’re on your way to a little bit of dessert heaven.

Chocolate Hazelnut Mug Cake
For the hazelnut lover in the family. You’ll be adding the ingredients as listed above, along with some of your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread. The fragrance alone will be enough to call the kids back from the pool.

You can make all of this even easier by pre-packing individual storage bags of the dry ingredients. Then, when camping, just open one into your mug and add the wet ingredients. Now you stir, microwave, and enjoy.

You can find these recipes at 3-Minute Mug Cakes 4 Ways. So, go ahead and enjoy a single serving piece of cake. It will add that final touch to your next camping meal.

How to be a Good Camping Neighbor

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good camping neighborThere’s nothing like spending time with family and friends, camping and enjoying each others’ company. You get the chance to catch up with each other, spend quality time together, and reconnect for awhile.Your experience will be a good one and so will your camping neighbors’ when each of us follows a few simple rules of camping etiquette.

Arrive early. Try to arrive before dark, if you can. Setting up in daylight will be much easier for you and you won’t risk waking those campers around you who have already gone to bed.

Keep it clean. Run a sweep of your campsite at least once a day to pick up any paper or food wrappers that may have fallen on the ground. Put all food away each evening before going to bed for the night.

Be friendly. You’ll be surprised how willing campers are to talk to you if you strike up a conversation with them. You all have one big thing in common, you love camping and sharing stories is half of the fun.

Leash your pet. It’s better for everyone when you keep you pet on a leash at all times. Campgrounds are known for having a lot of running kids, bicycles, and new smells that can tempt your pet to run. They will be safer in your care, safely leashed. Be sure, also, to clean up after your pet. Bring bags with you as you walk the campground so you can remove their waste as it happens.

Watch for boundaries. Your neighbor’s campsite is their home for the duration of their stay so be careful of walking across their lawn. Make an effort to keep to the roads and everyone will be fine.

These are just a few things to enhance your camping experience and that of your camping neighbors. We look forward to meeting you so be sure to say hello if you see us in the campground.

How To Protect Your Pets’ Paws When You’re Traveling In Your RV

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protect pets' pawsIf you have a pet, it’s very likely that he or she is a part of your family and often goes with you in your RV. However, your pet isn’t at home and can be at a higher risk for injury if you’re not being mindful of their paws.

To protect your pet’s paws ensure that you have some special paw pads available for those times that your pet may have to go outside but you’re not in an area that has softer grass or pavement.

Keep in mind, too, that pavement can get hot and burn your pet’s paws. Help your pet before you ever leave home by working with them to get used to paw protectors before the trip. This way, when you put them on during the trip your pet won’t mind wearing them.

Keep your pet on a leash at all times to ensure that they don’t run off into an area that could be potentially dangerous for their paws. Even the most well-behaved pet will sometimes run off in an unfamiliar area. Be sure to stay with your pet at all times when they are outside of your RV.

Always do a sweep of the campsite area before letting your pet out of the RV. Shards of glass and other sharp objects can seriously injure your pet’s paws. We work hard to make sure your site is clean as a whistle when you arrive but doing an extra look-around can’t hurt.

Keep a ground cover available for your RV so that when your pet emerges he or she will have something familiar to walk on.

Remove pet paw covers when your pet is inside of the RV and make sure that you teach your pet that these are for their safety and comfort. It will help you to protect them if they get into the habit of wearing these on their feet.

Tips for Your Camping First Aid Kit

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First Aid kit for campingAccidents will happen when you are camping and hopefully they are all small and easily remedied. It is wise to keep a first aid kit on hand to fix a cut or pluck a sliver quickly, getting everyone back outside playing again soon.

Some of the basics to carry in your kit:

For bumps, bruises, rashes, bug bites, cuts, burns, slivers, and scratches you should pack plenty of salves and bandages. Bring antibiotic cream, calamine lotion, something for sunburn such as an aloe based lotion, bandages, gauze squares, ace bandages, eye wash cups, saline solution, tweezers, small scissors, and a magnifying glass.

For pain, tummy troubles, sniffles,and allergies you should carry Pepto Bismol, Benadryl, Tums, a pain reliever of your choice, throat lozenges, cough syrup, and cold medicine.

Check your own prescriptions to be sure you have enough to get you through while camping. It is easier to fill one these days as you travel but still could be inconvenient. Be sure your pets’ medications are full as well. It doesn’t hurt to carry their vaccination records with you, too, in case you have to visit a vet while you are away from home.

Some other things to consider are sunscreen with a high SPF – and be sure to apply it often, and bug spray or repellent bracelets to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Check yourself and the kids over each night to see that there aren’t any scrapes or bites that need attention. They will heal much more quickly if you catch them early and remedies applied at night will have time to work before they wake up and go off playing again.

This should help make your stay a pleasant one. Some bumps and bruises may appear but they can be kissed and fixed quickly when you have the supplies on hand.

Tips for Fall Camping

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Fall Camping at its FinestIt’s a wonderful time of the year and we hope you’ll make the most of it. Fall can become your favorite time to camp once you’ve tried it. It does require a different approach so there are some things to keep in mind.

It gets dark a lot earlier than it did in the summer. Days can shorten by several hours alltogether so, when Fall camping, it is advisable to arrive earlier than usual. No one like setting up in the dark so arriving by at least mid-afternoon should have you unpacked and enjoying a toasty campfire by early evening.

Pack clothes that can be layered. Afternoon temperatures will be warm and inviting but evenings will really cool down. Be sure to bring along your favorite hoodies and cozy pjs. You will put them to good use.

Think about your favorite soups and stews when packing food for your trip. Fall is a time for watching the steam roll up out of your cup or bowl while sitting all snuggled in around the campfire. Your tummy will appreciate the warm feeling of a nice, hot bowl of chowder.

We love Fall, here at the campground, and we think you will, too. Give us a call to make a reservation and then prepare to fall in love with this particular camping season. We look forward to seeing you.

Pets Love Fall Camping

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Pets love Fall CampingPets usually like camping, no matter the time of year, but Fall camping is especially nice for them. The park is less populated and everything seems to go a little slower. The cool air feels great and there is more room to go for walks and explore. There is less noise distraction during the Fall and it’s a better time to meet the other pet friendly neighbors.

It’s always a good idea to carry your pet’s shot records with you and the contact information of your pets regular Veterinarian. Bringing your pet’s favorite bed and toys to play with will make the trip all the better for him or her.

Pets naturally love being outdoors but they don’t necessarily appreciate a lot of noise. Fall camping is a much quieter time all around the campground and the surrounding areas. Your pet will be less distracted by loud laughter, kids running, and bicycles rolling by your rig. And, of course, when your pet is happy – you are happy so the whole trip gets better for everyone.

We know you love your pet and we want your camping experience to be a good one. You should try Fall camping, if you haven’t already. Give us a call to make a reservation. We look forward to meeting you and your furbaby, too.

Crockpot Recipes for Camping

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crockpots-for-campingThe crockpot is one of the most useful small appliances you can bring along when you are camping. We’ve always enjoyed being able to put dinner on in the morning, go to work, and come home to a fully cooked meal. This advantage is also the reason to bring one with you when you are camping. There are multiple meals that are perfect around the campfire and you won’t have to spend time preparing. It’s a great answer for those who want to spend more time with family and less time with meal prep.

The traditional meals such as Chili, Stew, Goulash, Soup, and even Pot Roast work very well as meals when you are camping. But there are lots of unexpected meals you can try for a little variety.

Crockpot Lasagna Soup
You’ll be adding ground beef, uncooked shell pasta, some tomatoes and seasonings. Mix it all together and go play some mini-golf. Dinner will be ready when you are.

Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
These are as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat. Use the traditional stuffed pepper ingredients but then you’ll be dropping them in the crockpot to finish. It’s easy, fast, and a big hit with the family.

Crockpot Sesame Chicken
You won’t miss take-out when you can make this for the crew. It really is simple and will feed quite a few people. Be careful, the neighbors may start dropping in to find out what smells so good.

These are just a few possibilities you can create with your trusty crockpot when camping. You can find more recipes to try at 30 Easy Crockpot Meals. We look forward to seeing you around the campground and finding out what you like to cook when you are here.

Camping With The Family

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family-campingCamping is possibly one of the most effective means for families to take pleasure in each other’s company, away from the schedules of every day life. It does require some planning and preparation, but every minute you invest with your family members will be worth the effort. If you keep it simple and bring along the basics, you’ll have a wonderful time outdoors and you will not miss out on any of the activity at home. You and your family can enjoy a memorable experience of camping together while everyone is still living at home and hasn’t gone off to college or started families of their own.

Some tips to help you make it the best camping trip ever:

Depending on whether you are planning on camping in a tent, an RV, or a cabin, your camping list will be unique. Take each person’s preferences into consideration when you make your decision. Modern dome-style tents can easily accommodate 3 to 4 people, with bigger ones being able to fit as many as 8. Due to the fact that you only have to connect a couple of pieces, dome camping tents can be set up very quickly and then you’re off to play in the campground. If you do utilize a tent make sure you spray it with some rain-resistant spray to stop leaking in the event it rains. A tarp underneath the tent provides additional security from moisture and sticks or stones.

RVs and cabins provide more comfort and protection from the weather. They are roomier but come with their own set of work to maintain. You can sleep in a soft bed, it’s easier to cook inside, and there is room to store supplies. You’ll probably have a fridge and a heater as well. Some people prefer them while others would rather camp in a tent. Camping is a very individual issue depending on people’s preferences and experiences.

Pack lighter than you may think necessary. A four-day trip, for instance, requires just a few sets of garments. You’ll most likely need just a jacket, a sweatshirt, 3 or 4 shirts, a set of trousers as well as shorts, socks, underclothing, and also an extra pair of shoes or sandals. Bring along a pair of trekking boots if you intend on hiking any trails. You’ll be packing for every member of the family so keeping a list of what has been packed and what is still needed will help keep you organized.

Prepare your food. Obviously you can bring coolers along but we recommend bringing foods like nuts, bread, and cookies, anything that does not need refrigeration. Kids will want to eat all the treats at once so stretching them out over your trip will keep them from getting a tummy ache. Keep your food choices simple. Hamburgers and hotdogs are camping favorites. Much of what you plan to bring can be prepared ahead of time and placed in food-safe containers. It will save you time for more play and less work while you are here.

It’s a great time to bring out the board games, a deck of cards, or lawn games you know the kids might like. Pack any favorite toys, especially the ones your kids like to sleep with. It will help comfort them at night if they feel a little anxious when the lights go out. Add extra batteries to your list and more flashlights than you think you’ll need. They tend to get lost or used for fun after dark. It’s good to have a schedule but be prepared for that schedule to go out the window from time to time. Kids may sleep later than you expect or want to swim longer than you’d planned. You can zig when they zag and enjoy the lack of a planned schedule for the day.

Either way, the best part is being together. Your kids will be talking about the trip many years from now when they consider camping with their own little ones. Let yourself enjoy the chaos and take lots of photos. There is plenty of time to get back to a normal routine once you are home. We hope your trip is memorable and that you come back to camp with us many times over the coming years. We look forward to seeing you and watching you have an absolutely wonderful time camping with your family.

Tips for Backing Up Your RV

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backing up your RVBacking up your RV is one of the tricky parts of camping. Each campground you visit has a different configuration to navigate. There are some steps to take in backing up that will make it easier for you and increase your chances of success the first time.

Survey the Site – Look the site over to give yourself bearings on where you’d like to park your rig. Make sure nothing is scattered on the grown that could be run over.

Move Slowly – Taking your time is very important. If you find yourself rushing you’ll probably also find yourself making multiple attempts at getting backed in.

Have a Guide – Have someone standing outside within view of your mirror. They can give you hand signals to lead you in. Some people like to use radios for communicating with each other, too.

Keep to the Driver’s Side – That is your best vantage point for using your mirror and getting yourself into your site without problems.

Practice – The more you can practice before actually setting out on your first road trip, the better. Find a parking lot and practice backing in between the lines. The more you do this the more comfortable you will feel in your rig. Each RV has its own nuances and the more familiar you become with your rig the better you will do.

We hope your RVing days are long and happy and we hope that every effort at backing your rig in is a successful one.

Camping Gear to Always Have With You

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Camping Gear ChecklistDifferent types of camping usually requires different lists of gear needed for making a successful trip but there are a few things that all campers will probably find they need.

Flashlight – It will get dark at night and you won’t have street lights to rely on like you do in town. Flashlights come in handy for walking to the bathroom at night, reading to kids after lights-out, and finding your way around the campsite at night. Bring more than one because they tend to get lost easily.

Batteries – Just like Christmas, camping requires batteries. It might be your lantern, radio, or the kids’ video games. Either way you will find you can go through quite a few batteries when you’re camping. Bring a variety of sizes, too.

Matches – Water resistent matches always come in handy for lighting your campfire or your grill. There are lighters that can do the trick, too, so just make sure you have a reliable source of a fire starter.

Pocket Knife – You’ll be surprised how often you use a pocket knife at camp. It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy, just a compact knife that folds up and fits in your pocket will do. You’ll be cutting string, carving marshmallow sticks, and any number of operations requiring a cutting surface.

Hatchet – This is good to have for pounding stakes and trimming wood. A folding hatchet works well in this situation and can be kept in the car until needed.

Bungee Cords – You’ll use them for strapping things down, strapping things up, and strapping things open or closed. There are just about a hundred uses for a bungee cord so bring a few along with you.

Tarp – You’ll need to tarp something at some point. You’ll either be putting a tarp over something or under something and there is no replacement when what you need is a tarp.

Extra Sleeping Bags – You might have company, it might be extra cold, you might use them for sitting on or for wrapping yourself in for that early morning cup of campfire coffee. Extra sleeping bags will come in handy.

These brief list of things you’ll probably need when you are camping is intended to help you avoid any difficulties during your camping stay with us. We look forward to meeting you in 2017.

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