Camp Cooking Fails and How to Do It Right
Learn to cook like a pro and avoid common mistakes when you’re cooking at a campsite.
Author
Mikaela Ruland
Mikaela is a sales and content specialist for National Park Trips. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her writing has appeared online for brands like Copper Mountain Ski Area and Keep Nature Wild and in print for the National Park Journals.
Mikaela loves a road trip. Her personal best might be leaving Denver in the morning and making it to the Grand Canyon to watch the sunset that same evening.
Mikaela’s passion is to inspire others to get out and experience life. She spends most of her free-time outside hiking, skiing, climbing, taking photos, camping, snowshoeing, doing yoga – you name it! When she’s not outside, you can find her exploring hipster coffee shops or on the hunt for Denver’s best mac n’ cheese. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @themillennialoutside.
My Stories
Stay at Trailer Village RV Park
Trailer Village RV Park is the only in-park RV park with full hookups and it's incredibly close to the Grand Canyon's South Rim.
Soar Over the Grand Canyon with a Maverick Helicopter Tour
Get a front-row seat on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
Choose Your Durango Adventure
Your adventure can be as crazy or mild as you want it to be. Choose water, land, train or foodie escapades.
4 RV Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
At more than a century old, Grand Canyon National Park is an American icon. The dizzying depths, dancing light and the mighty Colorado River running through it make it a must-see destination, but more than beauty lends it to be the perfect RV road trip.
Living History Surrounding Mesa Verde National Park
See incredible archaeological sites beyond Mesa Verde, sip local wines and learn about Native American culture in southwestern Colorado
Track Down Solitude in Bryce Canyon Country
Discover the solitude you’ve been searching for just east of Bryce Canyon National Park in towns like Boulder and Escalante, Utah.
Private Tours with DETOURS American West
Take a private tour to Apache Trail, Sedona, Zion, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, local breweries, Verde Valley wineries and more.
Ultimate Guide to Havasu Falls Hike near Grand Canyon National Park
Everything you need to know about hiking to Havasu Falls including getting a permit and where to stay on the Havasupai Reservation.
Think Pink for a Grand Canyon Jeep Tour
See Grand Canyon National Park through a local’s eyes with Pink Adventure Tours
Yavapai Lodge Wants to Keep the Grand Canyon Grand
Sleep sustainably at Yavapai Lodge.
Camp at a Vineyard, Brewery or Working Farm with Harvest Hosts
Upgrade your next national park road trip by booking a stay with Harvest Hosts at unique local producers nationwide.
10 Things to Do in Mesa Verde National Park
Check out Mikaela Ruland's author page.
48 Hours in Mesa Verde National Park
Check out Mikaela Ruland's author page.
Community First in Durango, Colorado
Check out Mikaela Ruland's author page.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams
Stay in Williams, Ariz., at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, then ride the train to the park.
One-Star Reviews of National Parks
Meet the illustrator behind the viral @subparparks Instagram account, Amber Share.
Out of This World Adventures near Farmington
At more than a mile high in elevation, you’ll find amazing high-desert adventures around every corner in Farmington, N.M.
Gilbert’s Farm to Table to Trail Oasis Near Phoenix
In the heart of Arizona's Sonoran desert you’ll find a vibrant farm-to-table dining scene, gorgeous green spaces and more in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert.
Desert Haven at Salt River
Find dozens of ways to learn, play and eat in this sovereign community near Scottsdale.
Recharge in the Pines at Pinetop-Lakeside
Connect with nature on the trails through Ponderosa pines and paddling the lakes south of Petrified Forest National Park.
Remote Beauty in Utah’s Capitol Reef Country
Take in Utah’s stunning color palette in and around Capitol Reef National Park.
Follow Your Trail in Park City, Utah
From mountain biking to al fresco dining to arts and culture, Park City, Utah, has a trail for everyone.
Ruby’s Inn & Adventures at Bryce Canyon National Park
The closest lodging to Bryce Canyon and near Zion and the Grand Canyon, stay at the hotels, RV park, tipis and campground. Plus ride horseback, on an ATV or bike.
Narrated Driving Tour Apps by GyPSy Guide
Listen to an entertaining guide that automatically tells you stories about where you are while you drive.
Stay at the Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim
Book reservations at the North Rim’s only lodging in a cabin or motel room on the edge of the Grand Canyon.
Sponsored Content
Home Comforts at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab
Kitchenettes, an indoor pool and convenient downtown location make Homewood Suites your perfect Moab adventure basecamp.
Rent a Roof Top Tent or Camper from Simply Go
Take the stress out of camping by renting fully-equipped campers and roof top tents for your Arizona vacation.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Grand Canyon National Park
Take an electric road trip to the heart of the Southwest.
Toxic Lands
Uranium mining in the West, from Bears Ears to the Grand Canyon, threatens Indigenous and public lands.
Go Retro in Moab at the Expedition Lodge
This lodge pairs modern convenience with retro charm for the perfect adventure basecamp.
A Parks Project for Goodness Sake
Giving back to parks with thoughtful products.
History, Scenery and a Foodie’s Paradise at the Rochester Hotel and Leland House
The best reason to stop in Durango, Colo. on your way to Mesa Verde National Park
Where to Eat at Grand Canyon’s North Rim
Find out where to have a sit-down meal, where to grab a drink and where you can get a coffee bright and early at Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.