One of the best parts of camping (among many) is gathering around the picnic table or camp stove to enjoy a meal together after a big day of being outdoors.
That’s exactly what inspired Savor the Texas Outdoors, a new summer experience from Beef Loving Texans, in partnership with KOA. Together, we’re celebrating everything campers love most about the outdoors: great food, time spent together, and making memories that last long after the trip is over.
According to this year’s KOA 2026 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, half of campers say they’re looking to relive the camping memories they grew up with, while 72% of Gen Z campers and 68% of Millennials are seeking the kinds of simple outdoor experiences they remember growing up with. The verdict? More people are embracing the simple experiences that make camping so memorable.
At the heart of this experience is Beef Loving Texans Pitmaster and Grill Master Jerry McPherson, who has spent years teaching folks that outdoor cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Throughout the summer, Jerry will be sharing approachable recipes, grilling techniques, and tips designed for everyone, from first-time campers to seasoned outdoor cooks.
To get you started, here are a few of the delicious recipes you’ll find in the free Savor the Texas Outdoors Camping Guide.
1. Campfire Steak and Potatoes Foil Pack
A camping classic, these individual foil packs combine tender flat iron steak, baby potatoes, onions, and carrots for an easy meal with almost no cleanup. Simply toss the ingredients together, wrap them in heavy-duty foil, and grill for about 20-25 minutes.
2. Hatch Green Chili Cheeseburger Sliders
These Texas-inspired sliders are packed with roasted Hatch green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and juicy beef patties. They’re the perfect shareable meal for feeding the whole family around the campground picnic table.
3. Beef Jerky Trail Mix
Need something to snack on between adventures? This sweet-and-salty trail mix combines beef jerky, almonds, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds for a protein-packed snack that’s ready in just five minutes.
4. Spicy Jalapeño Grilled Strip Steak
When you’re ready to level up dinner, this simple steak recipe uses just five ingredients, including jalapeño powder, garlic powder, and cumin, to create bold flavor that’s perfect for cooking over the grill.
5. Classic Beef Kabobs
Sirloin steak, mushrooms, peppers, and onions are threaded onto skewers and grilled until perfectly cooked, making these colorful kabobs a campground favorite that’s easy to customize for everyone around the table.
3 Grilling Tips from Grill Master Jerry McPherson
Along with recipes, the Savor the Texas Outdoors Camping Guide is filled with simple grilling tips to help campers cook with confidence.
1. Heat Your Grill to 400°F
For even cooking, preheat your grill to 400°F. An easy way to check? Use the “4×4 Method”, hold your hand about four inches above the heat. If you can comfortably keep it there for four seconds before pulling away, your grill is ready.
2. Start with a Clean Grill
Before cooking, let the grates heat up, then clean them with a grill brush, a ball of tightly wrapped aluminum foil, or even half an onion. Clean grates help prevent sticking and promote more even cooking.
3. Flip Your Steak Only Once
For the juiciest results, place steaks on the grill and wait until juices begin pooling on top and the meat releases easily from the grates before flipping. Turn steaks just once, and use tongs instead of a fork to help keep those flavorful juices inside.
Looking for even more ideas?
Download the free Savor the Texas Outdoors Camp Guide for even more recipes, grilling tips, and outdoor cooking inspiration for your next camping adventure.
Lindsey Hall is an award-winning mental health speaker and writer, focusing on what she refers to as “the nitty gritty topics not discussed.” She is the author behind “I Haven’t Shaved in Six Weeks,” a blog written to humanize the stigmas of eating disorders and treatment.
Through her published writing and work in public relations, she has had the privilege of speaking around the world on nuanced topics such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Exercise Addiction, Orthorexia and other eating disorder behaviors, and has been featured in publications including TODAY Show, CBS, Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, SheKnows, SHAPE Magazine, Refinery29, and more.
An outdoor enthusiast (and Colorado girl) at heart, Lindsey loves to hike wherever possible and is currently focused on taking her white Dodge Ram ProMaster van around the world with her lovely cat, Smudges. Together, they have traveled in over 40 states and even across borders into Canada to conquer the trails!
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