Dads, Dirt Roads & Dutch Ovens

Dear Campground Friends,

June is here, and so is the perfect excuse to gather the crew, pack up the gear, and head out into the great outdoors to celebrate the everyday hero in flannel: Dad.

Here at Byrd’s Branch Campground, we believe that some of the best Father’s Day memories aren’t made at a fancy steakhouse—they’re made under the stars, around a crackling campfire, with a mug of hot coffee (or a cold drink) in hand.

There’s something about the smell of the woods, the sizzle of a fire, and the calm of a quiet evening that just feels like Dad. Whether he’s the king of the grill, the backyard adventurer, or the guy who always fixes everything with duct tape, June is the perfect time to celebrate him!

🎁 A Little Father’s Day History

Did you know Father’s Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1972—a full 58 years after Mother’s Day? It all started in Spokane, Washington, back in 1910 when a young woman named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father, a single dad who raised six children on his own. Today, Father’s Day is celebrated around the world as a day to recognize the quiet strength, unwavering support, and legendary dad jokes that only fathers can provide. What better way to celebrate than with a weekend unplugged, surrounded by family and the great outdoors?

🎣 Fun Father’s Day Camping Ideas:

• Campground Cook-off – Let Dad be grill master for the night or surprise him with a hearty Dutch oven breakfast.
• Dad’s Favorite Trail Hike – Take a family hike and gift him some well-earned solitude… or invite him on a bird-watching adventure if he’s the type who likes company.
• DIY Fishing Derby– Grab the rods and host a mini family tournament. Winner cooks dinner (or maybe just gets bragging rights).
• Campground Story Night– Let Dad tell stories, or have the kids “interview” him about his childhood adventures.
• Homemade Gifts From the Heart– Think painted rocks, nature journals, or s’mores kits with custom labels like “S’more Love for Dad!”

📍 Explore More: Local Adventures for Dad

Want to go beyond the campground? Search for some great nearby spots for a Father’s Day outing:

• National Forests – Trail hikes, ATV trails, and quiet picnic spots.
• Local Lakes – Ideal for boating, fishing, or a quick dip.
• Museums – For the dad who loves history.
• Local BBQ joints: Every Dad loves good BBQ. Plan a meal at the hottest BBQ spot. No matter how your choose to celebrate-whether it’s a weekend camping trip, a quiet hike through the woods, or simply a hot cup of coffee shared at sunrise-what matters most is letting Dad know he’s appreciated. Fatherhood comes in many forms, and every dad deserves to feel valued for the love, laughter, and strength he brings to our lives. however you honor him this June, we hope it’s filled with joy, connection, and maybe a s’more or two.

From all of us at Byrd’s Branch Campground, Happy Father’s Day.

Upcoming Activities/Events

• 6/5_ 6/8 NC Trail Days/Stone Painting
• 6/14 Father’s day celebration – Live music & Food truck
• 6/21 Summertime Sangria’s & Snow cones
• 6/28 Mimosa’s & Scavenger Hunting

Cooking at Camp:

BBQ Skillet Chicken

Sauce:

• 1 1/4 cups ketchup
• 1 tsp hot sauce, or more depending on personal heat preference
• 2 tablespoons dark molasses
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons whiskey, I used Macallan 12, whatever you have will do
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 large garlic clove, minced

Chicken:

• 6 chicken legs with thighs attached or small bone-in breast halves, 3 3/4 lbs. total
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Make sauce: Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer 45 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if sauce gets too thick to pour. Let cool, then transfer to a plastic container and chill up to 1 week.
2. Prepare chicken: In a large bowl, coat chicken in oil; pack in a resealable plastic bag and chill up to 2 days, or freeze.

In Camp:

1. Build a charcoal or wood fire in a grill and let burn to medium (350° to 450°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 5 to 7 seconds).
2. Place cast iron skillet over fire. Grill chicken in skillet until browned all over, about 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Turn again, generously brush tops with some of BBQ sauce, and cook a few minutes; repeat turning and brushing 2 more times, until chicken is well-browned and cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes total.
3. Remove from skillet and top with additional BBQ sauce. Serve immediately.