PIERRE, S.D. – Are you a master at cooking all sorts of foods in a Dutch oven, or do you have an outdoor cooking recipe that draws people from across the campground? If so, the South Dakota Departments of Game, Fish and Parks and Health are asking you to share your recipes and tips with others.

"Outdoor cooking has grown from a necessity into a recreational activity," said Linda Sandness, coordinator of visitor services with the SD state parks. "It has evolved far beyond roasting hot dogs on sticks to entire meals that the whole family can create together. We see more and more people in the parks making delicious and healthy meals over the campfire. We’re asking these outdoor chefs to share some of their recipes and expertise in order to help others enjoy preparing delicious food."

According to Sandness, outdoor cooking recipes don’t always need to include heat.

"There are a number of fun ways to get even young kids involved with no-heat recipes that they can make themselves," she says.

To submit your favorite camping recipes for consideration, please send them to S.D. State Parks, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre, S.D. 57501 or e-mail ParkInfo@state.sd.us. Each submission should include your name, address and contact information. Any information on healthy substitutions or alternate versions of the recipe is also welcome.

For more information on outdoor cooking, including tips and recipes, visit the SD state parks online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks. Also available for free download from the website is the S.D. Department of Health’s Roughin’ It Lite cookbook, which features several healthy outdoor cooking recipes.

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