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RVs provide the adventure of camping with the comforts of home. Towable RVs can be one of the least expensive ways to enjoy RV camping. While that’s true, you might be under the impression you need a larger budget for a motorhome or a heavy-duty truck to pull a towable RV. 

However, did you know there are RVs small enough you won’t need to buy a new truck to pull it, and small enough not to need to pay for RV storage?

We’ve got you covered with five RVs you can pull with your SUV. Keep your car, save on storage, and camp in the comfort of an RV. 

Key Things To Know About Towable RVs

When shopping for a towable RV, you will need to know a few terms. Knowing what these terms mean will help you figure out if your current vehicle can tow a specific RV you’re looking at. 

Your Tow Vehicle

In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you’ll want to look for your vehicle’s towing capacity. Most SUVs will be rated to tow somewhere between 1,500 pounds and 5,000 pounds. Each one is different, and of course, there are exceptions. Some SUVs can tow more than 5,000 pounds. 

Equally as important is your vehicle’s payload, curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating. Curb weight means how much your vehicle weighs without anyone in it. Payload is what it can carry. Your GVWR is the dry weight of your vehicle and the maximum payload. If you don’t know your vehicles payload, find the GVWR and subtract the curb weight from that number.

The RV You Tow

As you look at RVs, you will see terms like dry weight AKA unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) and CCC. An RV’s dry weight is its weight straight out of the factory with no potable water, waste, or anything else in it.

Cargo Carrying Capacity is CCC. This is the weight your RV will be capable of carrying on board. This is important because you won’t be pulling an empty travel trailer to go camping. You’ll load up your camper with gear, potable water, accesories, and other supplies. On the way back, you’ll also have liquids in your grey and black tanks (if your RV has these, which most do).

Adding an RV’s CCC and dry weight will give you its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the number that needs to be within your vehice’s tow rating. 

GCWR and Tongue Weight

There’s also gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This is the rating that includes your SUV and your trailer and any passengers and cargo. Just because you pull a camper within your towing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean you’re all set. You also need to stay below the vehicle’s GCWR. If you stay under the GCWR with all of the things discussed above, you’re headed in the right direction. 

Don’t forget to take into account the RV’s tongue weight. Every vehicle will have its hitch rated for a certain weight. Even if you’re within the towing rating and under a GCWR, if your over the rating for your vehicle’s hitch, you can experience problems. It’s also important to note that the tongue weight of the RV factors into the vehicle’s GVWR. If the tongue weight of the RV puts you over on GVWR it’s too much trailer for your vehicle. 

With all that said, lets dive into some good RVs for your SUV.

Forest River NoBo

Starting off our list is Forest River’s No Boundaries line of travel trailers. These fun little trailers pack quite the punch, yet are small and light enough to be pulled by many SUVs. 

The NoBo line of campers range in length from 13 to 25 feet. The 10 series is the smallest in the line. Both 10 series NoBo travel trailers have a UVW under 2,000 pounds. Their CCC ranges from just under 2,000 pounds to just over 2,000 pounds.

The NoBo line is not only small and light, but rugged and highly customizable. They’re designed to go off-road, featuring higher clearance and chunky tires. Awning systems and storage systems are available to fully outfit your NoBo whether you like to fish, kayak, ski, or bike on your adventures.

Check Out Camping World’s Inventory

TAXA Cricket & Mantis

Both the TAXA Cricket and Mantis are lightweight and garageable. Because they have a pop-up roof, they are small enough, when closed, to fit in most garages.

The Cricket is 15 feet in length and comes in at a dry weight of 1,732 pounds, and GVWR of 2,500 pounds. When closed, the total height is just six feet 11 inches. The Mantis is a bit larger at 19 feet in length and 3,020 pounds of dry weight. The Mantis has a GVWR of 4,000 pounds.

Both the TAXA Cricket and Mantis are designed to take you both on and off the road. They’re very innovative, as TAXA’s founder spent some time designing for NASA!

Check out Camping World’s Inventory

Airstream Basecamp

Airstream’s smallest offering is the Basecamp. Though smaller than other Airstreams it’s able to fit a kayak or any other gear you might want to take. The Basecamp comes in at 16 feet three inches in length and has a weight of 3,500 pounds.

It’s footprint can also be extended with side and rear tents. Another option is the Basecamp X option which makes it even better equipped to go off the asphalt with a three-inch lift kit and other off-road friendly features.

Check out Camping World’s Inventory

Forest River r-pod

The Forest River r-pod has been a favorite among RVers looking for a small rig. The r-pod line of campers range in length from 18 feet four inches to 22 feet two inches. The UVW ranges from 2,342 pounds up to 3,578 pounds. CCC ranges from 900 pounds to 1,390 pounds.

An r-pod is ready to take you anywhere, and at it’s compact size is a breeze to fit into national park campsites.

Check out Camping World’s Inventory

Jayco Hummingbird

The Hummingbird is a lightweight offering from popular RV manufacturer, Jayco. You get the traditional RV comforts and features in a fun-size format.

Hummingbird travel trailers range in length from 13 to 20 feet. The weight of Hummingbirds ranges from 2,000 pounds to 3,950 pounds.

The hummingbird’s small size makes it great for touring and trips to the lake. And, like many of these travel trailers, you can fit into almost any size campsite.

Check out Camping World’s Inventory

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Have you ever thought about pulling an RV with your SUV? Leave a comment below.

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You’ve heard Kelsey Henry talk about growing up roadschooled in an RV. Now, we’re bringing Kelsey back on the podcast, plus another special guest… her mom! Sam chats with Kelsey and Christy Henry about mother-daughter bonds and road trips as they travel in Kelsey’s Honda CR-V for a month! They’ve been from Texas to Florida to Washington, D.C. to Niagra Falls to Toronto to Mackinac Island!

A few things we cover in this episode:

• 1:30 – Hitting the road back in 2005
• 4:30 – Mother-Daughter road trips today
• 8:00 – Highlights of the epic month-long road trip
• 15:30 – Meeting people and making memories on the road
• 21:00 – Advice for mother-daughter travel
• 24:00 – Being considerate to each other on the road

Mother-Daughter Bonds

Kelsey and Christy have always been close, but living in an RV for 6 years gave them a special bond that has lasted through the years. They both love to travel and have been on many adventures, from traveling through Europe to van life-ing around the country (wayyy before it was cool!).

Today, they still go on many adventures, including this month-long road trip. Back in the day, Kelsey would tag along when her dad went to conferences. Now, Christy tags along to conferences with Kelsey!

Advice for a Mother-Daughter Road Trip

• Communicate quickly to solve problems and diffuse tension.
• Be considerate of each other’s needs.
• Give space or quiet time when needed.
• Keep plenty of snacks on hand in case anyone gets cranky.
• Discuss what “must-see” places and “must-do” activities you both have on your trip. Make time to do a mixture of both to make everyone happy.
• Be present in the moment. This time together is very special.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to Kelsey talk about growing up in an RV in this previous episode
• Check out pictures of Kelsey’s car camping conversion!
• Read Kelsey’s book Growing Up Roadschooled

** Subscribe to Stories from the Road on iTunes, Spotify, or Google Play **

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Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.

Today we will explore the most popular trains in Texas:

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Running on a track that used to be known as “The Cotton Belt Route,” the Grapevine Vintage Railroad now makes its trek from downtown Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stock Yards.

Their passengers have the opportunity to explore the restaurants and shops and watch cowboys herd Texas longhorn cattle into stockyard pens before returning to Grapevine on the train. It is a unique look back at Texas history, transportation and ranching.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The railroad runs both steam locomotives and diesel engines on its standard gauge tracks. The rolling stock is comprised of restored 1920s enclosed coach cars and open cars.

Seating Options

All seating is assigned on the train, with two classes of ticketing:

• First Class – Passengers with first class tickets ride in climate-controlled enclosed coach cars with large cushioned seating.
• Touring Class – Passengers with touring class tickets ride in open coach cars with wooden backed bench seating.

There are restrooms and snacks available for purchase on the train.

Riding Options

Travelers on the train have the option of round trip or one-way tickets on their Cotton Belt Route trains. They also offer two different side trips:

• Grapevine One Hour Excursion – This train is a shortened version along the Cotton Belt Route, perfect for families with small children. Passengers leave the Grapevine depot and travel for 30 minutes, then return. Departures are on Saturdays throughout the season.
• Trinity River Excursion – This short trip departs from the Fort Worth Stockyards for a trip along the Trinity River. Because the line is shared with freight trains, this trip operates on a day-to-day basis, with tickets sold to walk-up customers. Announcements about train availability will be made on the train’s Facebook page.

Specialty Trains

Reservations are suggested for all specialty trains, as they tend to sell out.

• Swashbuckler Express – Traveling twice a day on Fridays in July and August, the Swashbuckler Express is a pirate-themed activity train for young mateys. Dress up as Captain Kid and take home a trinket after this one hour ride.
• Jazz Wine Train – Enjoy tastings from eight local vineyards, along with live jazz performances on each coach. Dinner and dessert are included with this excursion.
• Kiss Me I’m Irish Express – Bottoms up on this St. Patrick’s Day train, where passengers toast with craft brews, Irish hors d’oeuvres and dessert.
• North Pole Express – Ride to the North Pole in decorated train cars while enjoying Santa’s special Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk and cookies. Walk through Santa’s workshop, where the elves and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will entertain you, then get a pic with old St. Nick before boarding the train back to Grapevine.

Length of Season

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad runs from March through December, with specialty trains scheduled on specific dates of travel. Take a look at the train schedule for your planning needs.

Texas State Railroad

Originally built by prison inmates in 1883, the Texas State Railroad hauled freight between Palestine and Rusk through the Piney Woods of East Texas until 1921.

The tracks were then leased to private companies, but by 2007 the Texas State Railroad Authority began operating the line as a scenic railroad. Today passengers enjoy luxurious travel in restored lounge, club and coach cars on a four-hour tour through forested land.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The railroad has a number of both diesel engines and steam locomotives running on standard gauge tracks. The rolling stock includes dome cars, renovated passenger cars and open gondola cars.

Seating Options

There are no assigned seats on the Texas State Railroad. However, general seating is designate within six classes of service:

• Presidential Service – Sit in comfortable lounge seats with attentive service from a porter, who will provide a complementary boarding toast with appetizers as you travel.
• Sky High Observation Dome Service – Get a bird’s eye view from the glass observation dome, sitting in leather seats with tables. Service from a valet will include a champagne toast and appetizers along the route.
• First Class Lower Dome Service – An intimate area with tables and seating perfect for families is available for up to 20 passengers. Snacks and beverages are served during the ride.
• First Class Service – An enclosed car with couches and tables provides a comfortable place to enjoy snacks and beverages as the scenery passes by outside.
• Deluxe Coach Service – Enjoy upholstered benches and tables in an enclosed passenger car with beverage service available.
• Coach Service – Ride in an open air gondola car with vintage wooden bench seats for an up close and personal view of the Piney Woods.

Restrooms and a concessions car are accessible to all classes during the train ride.

Riding Options

The railroad offers two upgraded riding options with very limited seating:

• Caboose Ride – Limited to 8 passengers, a ride in the caboose includes plush over-sized seating with your own personal valet serving beverages and appetizers.
• Engine Ride – Limited to one passenger per train, a ride with the engineer and conductor in either a diesel or steam engine will be a treat that will not soon be forgotten!

Specialty Trains

• Pints in the Pines – Enjoy an evening train ride, tasting Texas brews as you roll through the Piney Woods, then partake in a BBQ dinner spread when the train reaches the Rusk Depot.
• Wines in the Pines – An evening filled with wine, chocolate and a romantic train excursion is a package that most can’t resist. Top it off with a BBQ dinner as the train pulls into the Rusk Depot, and you’ve got yourself a great date night activity!
• Pumpkin Patch Express – Put the kids in their Halloween costumes and hop on the Texas State Railroad to the Pumpkin Patch. That’s where you’ll find hayrides, trick-or-treating and games. Take home your own pumpkin to carve, as well.
• Polar Express – Participate in a holiday classic as the whole family becomes part of the Polar Express. Ride to the North Pole as chefs serve cocoa and cookies and read from the much-loved children’s book. Then tell Santa exactly what you wish for Christmas. Everyone who “believes” will receive their first gift of the season, a silver bell.

Length of Season

The Texas State Railroad’s season extends from March through December, with specific dates for specialty trains scattered throughout. Check the train schedule to find the excursion that’s right for you.

Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Railway

The Historic Jefferson Railway, more commonly known as the Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Railway, is an unusual railroad in that it wasn’t built as a train line to haul freight and passengers. Unlike most excursion trains, it has no history as a public transportation line.

Instead, the tracks were purchased and moved from an amusement park in Florida, with the intent of creating an attraction along Big Cypress Bayou. By 2002 today’s existing train ride was showcasing the dense Piney Woods and shoreline of the bayou to visitors far and wide.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Jefferson Railway utilizes both steam and gas-powered locomotives on its narrow gauge tracks. The cars are open air covered gondola cars.

Seating Options

All seating is open with no assigned seats. Passengers travel in open air cars, which are covered for protection against the elements.

Riding Options

The 40-minute train ride leaves the depot in Jefferson and follows the shoreline of Big Cypress Bayou through the Piney Woods, with one stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit. Watch the feeding of the live alligators that live there, before returning to the depot. There are no one-way tickets.

Specialty Trains

• Terror on the Bayou Runaway Fright Train – What’s more spooky than riding a train through the bayou at night? Riding it there during the season of ghosts and goblins!
• Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s Train – Celebrate the holidays Texas style, with lighted evening trains in the Piney Woods.

Length of Season

The Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Railway runs trains on Saturdays during the months of June, July and August. Specialty trains are scheduled on specific dates throughout the year, so check the train calendar for more information.

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Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip. Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.

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Have you ever wondered what a subtropical wilderness looks like? It just so happens that Florida is home the largest one in the US.

Everglades National Park is home to one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world. You’ll find a mix of Native American heritage and American settler history in this area. And it’s home to a special selection of native animals like the West Indian manatee and the American Crocodile.

This vast and beautiful wetland makes for a great photo op. But you’ll never understand it’s beauty until you visit it yourself. And what better way to visit the Everglades than in an RV?

Keep reading for our complete guide to RVing Everglades National Park.

History of Everglades National Park

For hundreds of years, the Everglades was home to a number of Native American tribes. The Calusa and the Seminole were two of the most dominant tribes.

Soon after the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, the Calusa were quickly displaced from the region. Many were killed by European diseases. Some retreated further into the Everglades. And others fled to Cuba.

In 1821, the US took control over Florida from the Spanish and began their war to drive the Seminoles out. But the Seminole people knew the region and the weather, so they had an advantage over the American soldiers. They were able to evade attacks by retreating into the deepest, mosquito-ridden parts of the Everglades.

Eventually, the Seminoles were forced to sign a treaty where they gave up over 2 million acres of land. After the government gained full control over South Florida, they started an initiative to drain the swampy area. This created more land for agriculture and settlement.

As early as the turn of the 20th century, Floridians began appealing for the conservation of the Everglades. By the time they established the park in 1947, drainage had taken a big toll on the Everglades ecosystem.

Everglades National Park protects the remaining 20 percent of the original Everglades. By area, it’s the third-largest national park in the US, behind Death Valley and Yellowstone.

Why Visit the Everglades in Your RV?

The park covers 2,400 square miles. That’s a lot of ground to cover. Making the trip in your RV allows you to see more and do more while you’re visiting the park.

This is one of the few parks that you can visit in the winter and still wear a t-shirt. There are so many outdoor activities to do. You’ll want to spend at least a few days at the park enjoying this beautiful landscape.

Places To Go

There are four major areas in the park, each located near a park entrance. Visit these areas to find the bulk of the park hiking trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers.

Shark Valley

Shark Valley is near the Miami park entrance and it part of the heartland of the Everglades. Its namesake comes from the Shark River, where the waters of Shark Valley drain. There’s a 15-mile road loop where you can walk or ride a bike to a popular wildlife area. And they offer guided tram tours and an observation tower.

Gulf Coast

The Ten Thousand Islands is a group of islands that are home to a large mangrove forest. You can access the islands at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, but only by boat. They offer chartered boats or you can bring your own and explore the mangrove estuary.

Royal Palm

Royal Palm is near the town of Homestead and it houses the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. The main attraction here is the abundance of hiking trails. The Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail both start here and are two of the most popular.

Walking these trails, you’ll encounter the wildlife of Taylor Slough and the beautiful views of the hardwood hammocks. Hammocks are raised areas of land that form thousands of islands around the park. Large trees grow on the hammocks, and their canopies provide shade and protection for hundreds of animal species.

Flamingo

Flamingo is the park visitors center at the Homestead entrance. It’s a popular area because of its proximity to the mangrove waterways. You can canoe, kayak, or launch your boat from the marina to explore the mangroves. Flamingo also has a campground and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.

Things To Do

If you love the outdoors, the Everglades has something for you. It’s the perfect family destination because of the rich cultural history and the abundance of outdoor activities.

Boating

The Everglades is a popular boating destination. In fact, most of the park is only accessible by boat. There’s a marina located in the Flamingo area. It’s open year-round with an onsite store and space for up to 50 boats. There are multiple boat docks throughout the park where you can drop your boat and park your vehicle. Plus, there are plenty of guided boat tours if you’d prefer that someone else do the driving.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Paddling in the Everglades is a wonderful way to explore the backcountry without disturbing the habitat. At Flamingo, you’ll find several canoe trails that lead you deep into the mangroves. There are trails for all, from skilled paddlers to beginners. Rent your canoe or kayak at Flamingo or Gulf Coast. Or bring your own rig and plan a multi-day backwoods paddling camp trip.

Camping

The warm climate makes the Everglades a great spot for camping year round. There are two drive-in campgrounds in the park. Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground both offer sites for tent and RV camping.

In addition to the campgrounds, the park has plenty of backcountry camping opportunities for tent campers. Most of these areas can only be reached by water. But they’re worth the effort. There are plenty of beach camping spots available if you’re willing to pack up your kayak and paddle there.

Fishing

In Florida, you get the best of both fishing worlds: freshwater and saltwater. Fish for snapper or redfish out on Florida Bay or in the Ten Thousand Islands area.

Freshwater fishing is more limited, so check with park rangers to find the best spots for bass and bluegill in the park. You’ll need separate fishing licenses for saltwater and freshwater fishing. And it’s important to remember manatee etiquette when fishing in the park. Idle your boat when you’re in manatee areas and never harass the animals.

Hiking and Slogging

There are miles and miles of trails to explore on foot when you visit the park. Each of the major park areas has many hiking trails. They range from beginner to difficult. Several of the trails in the Pine Island area have paved or boardwalk surfaces, making them great for short, fun hikes.

If you’ve never heard of slough slogging, now’s the time to learn! The park offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to slog through the River of Grass. This means you’ll have to get your feet wet, but it’s worth it because you’ll get to experience the beautiful cypress domes. Slogging requires reservations.

Always prepare when hiking in the Everglades. It gets very hot, very sunny, and very buggy during the summer. Bring long sleeves, sunscreen, bug repellant, and a hat along with you.

When to Visit the Everglades

The Everglades is beautiful year-round, but there are better times of year to visit. If you can, avoid the rainy season (June-November). The park experiences regular rainfall during this time and it can put a wrench in your plans for outdoor activities.

This is also the time of year for hurricanes. Although most hurricanes hit during August and September, they can hit any time during the summer or fall. Keep this in mind when you’re planning.

The best time of year to visit the park is during the winter. The temperatures are cooler, but not cold. You’ll avoid most of the mosquito rush if you opt to visit then.

Where RVers Can Stay

The two campsites inside the park, Long Pine Key and Flamingo, both accommodate RVs of various lengths. They book up fast, so make your reservation in advance.

No worries though if they are booked up, there are plenty of RV sites available in private campgrounds outside the park. Small towns dot the perimeter of the park and you’re sure to find some fabulous campsites within a few miles of the park entrances.

Getting To and Around the Everglades

The park doesn’t have many roads. If you have a boat or a kayak, you can reach a lot more places. All of the major areas are accessible in your RV through the road system.

From Homestead, FL, it’s just a few miles on Ingraham Highway to reach the Homestead Entrance. From there, you can visit the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and the Royal Palm Visitor Center.

From Miami, take Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) straight west to the Shark Valley Entrance Station and Visitor Center. The Tamiami Trail goes all the way through the park and up the western side of the state to Naples. Exit on County Road 29 to go down to Everglades City which is where you’ll find the Gulf Coast Marina area.

Take the main park road down from Homestead or the Wilderness Waterway from Gulf Coast to visit the Flamingo area in the southern tip of the park.

There’s something for everyone at Everglades National Park. Bring your RV down to the Sunshine State to explore this beautiful scenery and delicate ecosystem. Check out the park website to learn more.

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Is Everglades National Park on your list of places to visit? Tell us why or why not in a comment below!

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Nothing says Labor Day like taking one last camping trip before school starts and enjoying a terrific cookout. This year you can wow your family and friends with these easy, yet flavorful take on traditional favorites.

To make things easier at the campsite, there are notes in each recipe for things that can be prepared before leaving home to make meal prep simpler at the campground.

Chicken Kabobs

Chicken is one of the easiest things to grill at the campground and these kabobs cook quickly and evenly. Just a little marinade you can prepare in advance is all that is needed to make them a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt & pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces
• 1 zucchini cut into 1” pieces
• 4 chicken breasts, cubed

 Directions

Before you leave home:

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, and dried herbs, and season generously with salt and pepper. Reserve ¼ cup in a small container.
2. Add chicken to the bowl and toss to combine. Store in a plastic container or large zip lock bags.
3. Pack the chicken and small container of the extra marinade in your RV refrigerator.

At the campground:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Baste with reserved marinade as needed.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with this terrific pesto pasta salad.

Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad includes fresh mozzarella cheese, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed with fresh basil pesto to create the perfect side dish. You can even make it the main dish by adding shrimp or cubed salami.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• 1 cup prepared basil pesto
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and cut in half

Directions

This entire recipe can be prepared before you leave home.

• Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions.
• Drain the pasta and cool in with water.
• Place the pasta in a large bowl along with the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and olives.
• Pour the pesto over the top and toss to coat evenly.

Southwest Burger

Hamburgers are an iconic staple of the holiday cookout. Spice up your traditional burger with cumin and jalapenos to create a sensational Southwest spin. Top with slices of fresh avocado and serve with the Sweet & Spicy Pasta Salad below.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 to teaspoon chopped jalapeno pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
• 1 lemon (or lime)
• Tomato, sliced
• 4 hamburger buns

Directions

Before you leave home:

1. Combine ground chuck, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add chopped onion, jalapenos, and cumin.
3. Shape the mixture into four patties, each 3/4-inch thick in the center and at the edges. Store in a plastic container or zip lock baggies.
4. Slice tomatoes and store in an airtight container or zip lock baggies.

Note: If the kids won’t like the extra spice, make a few using step 1 only.

At the campground:

5. Place the patties on the grill. Grill for 7 to 10 minutes per side, turning once.
6. Slice the avocado and drizzle with a bit of lime (or lemon) juice.
7. Remove the burgers from the grill.
8. Serve with tomato and slices of ripe avocado.

Sweet & Spicy Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is packed with flavor! It is the perfect complement to Southwest burgers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ditalini pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sliced drained banana peppers
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
• Sweet & Spicy Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Sweet & Spicy Sauce

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

This entire dish can be prepared at home.

1. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions.
2. Drain, cool with water, and transfer to a large bowl.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
4. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss.
5. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Garlic Herb Grilled Potatoes

These potatoes are even better than French fries. No oil is required, and the foil packet makes clean up a breeze. Cooking them on the grill or the oven will give them just the right amount of crispness.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs large Yukon Gold or other yellow-fleshed potatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped mixed herbs (parsley, chives, rosemary, and oregano)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon wedge

Directions

Before you leave home:

1. Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices and cook in a large pot of well-salted boiling water 10 minutes (potatoes will not be cooked through).
2. Meanwhile, stir together herbs, garlic, oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Combine potatoes and herbs in a large bowl.
4. Arrange the potatoes on a large piece of foil and fold the edges to make a packet.

At the campground:

1. Place the packets on the grill and cover. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
2. Take off the grill and serve.
3. No room on the grill? No worries. The potato packets can also be prepared in the oven at 425F for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is perfect for a family cookout. It is easy, fast, and flavorful. Serve this with the rainbow coleslaw.

Ingredients

• 4 skin-on* salmon fillets about 1-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• 1 lime cut into wedges

Note: It is important to buy the fillets with the skin on to act as a buffer between the grill and tender fish while cooking.

Directions

1. Coat the flesh side of the salmon fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the skin side down for about 6-8 minutes or until the fish lightens in color. You should be able to lift the fillets off the grill without them sticking.
3. Flip the salmon and cook for just another 2-4 minutes.
4. Remove the salmon skin from the salmon fillets.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Rainbow Coleslaw

Made without mayonnaise, this coleslaw is perfect for hot summer days. While you can prepare it ahead of time, I suggest you don’t mix the sauce and cabbage until just before serving.

Ingredients

• 1/4 medium green cabbage shredded
• 1/4 medium red cabbage shredded
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 6 scallions chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey

Directions

Before you leave home:

1. Chop cabbage, cilantro, and scallions.
2. Shred carrots.
3. Combine juices, vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Store in an airtight container.

At the campground:

4. Toss all ingredients and serve.

Hopefully, these recipes will help you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

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What are you doing for Labor Day? Leave a comment below.

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