Springtime in Texas brings warm evenings, clear skies, spectacular sunsets and the perfect weather for cooking outdoors. While Galloping Snail RV Park doesn’t allow open fires, you can still enjoy delicious grilled and firepit-style meals using your own portable firepit or BBQ setup.
There’s just something about cooking over an open flame (safely!) that makes food taste better. Whether you’re skewering shrimp or whipping up a batch of lavender lemonade, we’ve got you covered with light, seasonal flavors and easy to make recipes. Plus, if you’d rather stay indoors, our clubhouse kitchen is always ready to help you handle the job at hand.
Firepit & BBQ Safety Tips
We’re all about good times — just please keep it safe ya’ll! Before you fire up the grill, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Absolutely no open fires – use only self-contained BBQ pits or firepits brought from home.
- Keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby while cooking.
- Make sure coals are completely extinguished before leaving your firepit unattended.
- Do NOT dump hot coals or ashes on the ground or in the dumpster (seriously, don’t do it!).
- If you cause damage due to improper fire safety, you will be held liable.
Spring-Inspired Firepit Recipes
Once you’ve got the safety basics down, it’s time for the fun part—cooking! From savory skewers to crisp grilled veggies, these easy recipes will bring out the best in your springtime feast. So grab your tongs, toss some logs in the firepit, break out your grill top, and get ready to enjoy these delicious, no-fuss meals.
Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp fresh minced cilantro (or parsley)
- 2 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Skewers
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into 1.5” strips for skewering.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices together.
- Place chicken in a glass bowl and pour the herb mixture over top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Skewer the chicken pieces and grill over your firepit or BBQ for about 6–8 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.
- Serve with a side of Foil Packet Grilled Veggies.
TIP: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the chicken is marinating to avoid burning.
Foil Packet Grilled Veggies
Ingredients:
- 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1” pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1” pieces)
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts (sliced in half)
- 3 corn on the cob (cut into 4 sections)
- 1 lb creamer potatoes (sliced in half)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and stir to coat.
- Tear off 4 sheets of aluminum foil (heavy-duty works best).
- Divide the vegetables between the 4 sheets and seal tightly to form a packet.
- Cook over the flame for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Oven Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the foil packets on a sheet pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. For crispier veggies, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers
Skewer Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs x-large (26/30) or large (20/25) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 andouille sausage links, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Finely chopped parsley for garnish
Honey Glaze Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1.5 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Add the shrimp to a food-safe bowl. Season generously with the Cajun seasoning and mix.
- Place a sausage slice into the curve of the shrimp and thread onto the skewer.
- Add a skillet over direct heat. Add bourbon and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Lower heat and add the honey and butter. Mix thoroughly.
- Add skewers to the grill and cook for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Glaze the skewers during the last minute for extra caramelization.
- Remove from the flame, let rest for 1–2 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips for Perfect Skewers: Make sure the shrimp and sausage form a “C” shape for even cooking. And don’t skimp on the glaze — it’s the best part!
Spring-Inspired Drinks
Lavender Honey Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 cup honey (try local honey!)
- 2 tsp dried culinary lavender flowers
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 large lemons)
- 2 cups cold filtered water (or more to taste)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Heat 2 cups of water and honey over medium heat until simmering (5–10 minutes).
- Add lavender and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and discard the lavender.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.
- In a pitcher, combine the lavender honey liquid, lemon juice, and 2 cups of cold water.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedges and lavender sprigs.
Notes: The color of the lemonade depends on the honey used. For a milder taste, add more water.
Cucumber Mint Infused Water
Ingredients:
- 1 small cucumber (or half of a large), sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, washed and bruised
- ½ lime (optional), sliced
- 10–12 cups cool filtered water
Instructions:
- Place cucumber, mint, and lime in a large pitcher.
- Pour in water.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours for a stronger flavor).
- Strain and serve chilled.
Notes: Remove lime slices after 6–8 hours to prevent bitterness.
Cooking in the Clubhouse Kitchen
Not into firepit cooking? No problem!
Our full-sized clubhouse kitchen is the perfect spot to whip up these meals with ease. Prep your foil packets or skewers in the kitchen, then toss them in the oven (at 375°F) to cook. Broil for 3–5 minutes after cooking to get that firepit crispiness without the open flame.
Bonus? Our renovated vintage trailer kitchen includes a stove, oven, and plenty of counter space!
Rest Your Shells with Us
After a day of grilling and enjoying the spring flavors, there’s no better place to relax than Galloping Snail RV Park:
- Full hookups for your RV
- Clean, private shower rooms for a refreshing end to the day
- Two fenced dog parks – perfect for your furry companions
- A welcoming community, where you can kick back and enjoy the Texas spring
Spring spots fill up fast – come rest your shells with us for a day, a week, or a month and make the most of the Texas spring season!