03
Jun
2013

Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

categories: Campgrounds

We recently camped at Blackhawk Memorial Park in Southwest Wisconsin. This was our second time at Blackhawk. I first learned of the park from a great book, Best Tent Camping: Wisconsin. Blackhawk Memorial Park is perfect for last-minute camping trips. The campground is never full, even on Memorial Day weekend.

A great place to camp in Southwest Wisconsin! - Blackhawk Memorial Park - Local attractions, tips & more.

Our campsite

Getting to your site can take a little time. There is a one-lane gravel road to the sites that permits two-way traffic. We often had to back up to let an oncoming car pass.

The sites are beside Bloody Lake and the backwaters of the Pecatonica river, so bring your boat. We camped on the shore of Bloody Lake.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Bloody Lake, the site of the 1832 Battle of Bloody Lake

Also, don’t forget your bug spray. Even though there are tons of bats at this park, mosquitos can still be a problem.

  • Location: County Road Y near Argyle, WI
  • Reservations: None, pay at box when you arrive and select your site
  • Camping fees: $5/day during the week, $10/day on the weekends
  • Firewood: Available on-site from 5PM-7PM daily
  • Picnic tables: Most sites do not have picnic tables, so you may want to bring a fold-up table.

The area around Blackhawk Memorial is abundant with wildlife.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Blue Heron in a pond just south of the park on Co. Rd. Y

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Sandhill Crane

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Turkey Vulture

Blackhawk Memorial park is ideally situated for exploring other attractions in the area.

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
Fishing is a popular activity at Cadiz Springs. We hiked the one mile self-guided Zander Lake Nature Trail, and then we explored the unnamed trails.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Yellowstone Lake State Park
I highly recommend the wildlife loop trail near the park office. Just don’t forget your binoculars.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Bald Eagle

We were lucky enough to spot two bald eagles.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Bald Eagle guarding a nest

We saw a large variety of other birds as well.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Male Red-winged Blackbird

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Female Red-winged Blackbird

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Spotted Sandpiper

New Glarus Woods
We visited New Glarus Woods and did the 4.2 mile Havenridge nature trail. It took us through beautiful forests and prairies. I’d definitely recommend a hike at New Glarus Woods followed up by a beer at New Glarus Brewery.

Camping at Blackhawk County Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Celebrating our first anniversary with a hike in New Glarus Woods.

We ran into several people who were collecting Morel mushrooms. One couple told us they collected over 600 morels this year!

I’m happy to help you plan your camping trip! Please leave your questions in the comments, and I will do my best to respond.

01
Jun
2013

Make-ahead Vegetarian Meatloaf Sandwiches

categories: Camping Recipes
Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

If you’re like us, you probably don’t arrive at your campsite until late Friday evening. This vegetarian meatloaf is the perfect meal to make ahead of time at home.

Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

Once you set up camp, you can serve these amazing vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches. Yum!

Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

This recipe has some unusual ingredients including onion soup mix, corn flakes and cottage cheese. Despite the strange ingredients, it really does taste like meatloaf. It’s definitely a favorite comfort food at our house.

Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

It only takes five minutes to measure and mix the ingredients, so you’ll have plenty of time to pack for your camping trip.

Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

Once you arrive at your campsite, just heat and serve your meatloaf sandwiches.

Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

Vegetarian Meatloaf Sandwiches
Serves 6-8
Meatloaf adapted from Food.com

Ingredients:

Vegetarian meatloaf

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ounce envelope dry onion soup mix (check the ingredients to make sure it’s vegetarian)
  • 16 ounce container small curd cottage cheese (you can use low-fat 2% or 4%)
  • 2 cups corn flakes
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts*
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion*

* I use a food processor for the onions and the walnuts to save time. There’s plenty of time for dishes once the loaf is in the oven.

Sandwich fixings

  • Loaf of bread
  • Ketchup
  • Jar pickle slices

Directions:

At home

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Grease a loaf pan.
  3. In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs.
  4. Using a spatula, mix in remaining ingredients.
  5. Spoon into prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 70 minutes until top is golden brown.
  7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then turn onto a serving platter.
  8. Slice into 6-8 slices and cool in refrigerator. Keep cool until ready to serve.

At the campsite

  1. Warm the bread and meatloaf slices in a skillet.
  2. Top the warm bread with a slice of meatloaf, pickles and ketchup.

Delicious make-ahead vegetarian meatloaf sandwiches for camping

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