November at Byrds Branch Campground and Country Store

Hello Campers,
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, our campground takes on a whole new kind of beauty. November is the quiet pause before winter — when the woods settle, the stars shine brighter, and cozy campfires feel just a little more magical.

First Frost & Seasonal Shifts

The first frosty mornings are upon us! You might notice a silvery sparkle on the grass and a chill in the air when you step outside your camper. Be sure to pack extra blankets and enjoy those early morning sunrises — they’re stunning this time of year.

If you’re camping overnight, remember to:

• Disconnect and drain water hoses overnight to prevent freezing.
• Check propane levels before cold fronts move in. (Some of us have learned the hard way)
• Layer up! The temperature can swing quickly between sunny afternoons and cool evenings.

Wildlife Watch: Late Fall Activity

Even as the season winds down, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot:

• Deer are active this time of year — often seen early in the morning or at dusk.
• Turkeys can be spotted foraging in open areas (especially near the woods!).
• Owls are more vocal during cool, quiet nights — keep an ear out for their hoots.
• Migrating Birds are making their way south — grab your binoculars for a sky show!

Please remember to admire from a distance and avoid feeding wildlife.

Starry Skies of November

Clear, crisp nights make for incredible stargazing. Bundle up, grab a blanket, and look up!

• The Leonid Meteor Shower peaks around November 17–18, offering one of the brightest shows of the year.
• You’ll also spot Orion rising in the east and the Pleiades cluster twinkling high above.

Hot cocoa + campfire + a sky full of stars = the perfect fall evening.

Upcoming Activities/Events

• 11/1 Trick or Treating & Movie Night
• 11/8 Annual Chili cook off
• 11/15 Mimosas & Scavenger hunting
• 11/22 Craft Day
• 11/29 Friendsgiving Breakfast

Cooking at Camp:

Dutch Oven Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1  pepper chopped
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1 1/2 cups dark beer or beef stock
• 1 quart canned tomatoes 
• 2 cans kidney beans or beans of your choice
• 1 6- ounce jar tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sautee ground beef until browned, crumbling well. Drain excess fat if needed (some should remain). Add garlic, onion, bell peppers and poblano peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer mixture to slow cooker if using. Stir in beer (or stock), drained beans, tomatoes, tomato paste and spices. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours. Check liquid periodically.
3. Serve in bowls with extra garnishes if you wish