- At The Campfire -
Love of the Minnesota Lake Resort Life and the Nature Surrounding It
Welcome to the official blog about our Minnesota lake resort, our Carribean Cabin, and all things outdoors! Created by Heather Sams to share stories and tips about her and Brian's experience running Campfire Bay Resort for the last 23 years, it has transformed to share articles about crafts, activities in Central Minnesota, and our love of nature and desire to protect it by a myriad writers in the Sams' family.
With twice-a-month posts, you're sure to find gems on nature, outdoorsy activities, wellness, as well as travel, and our community of friends and family not only in our own little microcosm here on Fish Trap Lake in northern Minnesota, but beyond.
Life at a Minnesota lake resort is different than other types of hospitality businesses, and the stay you'll have is unique. But we will do our best to tell you about it right here. WIth so many stories over so many years, we love to share them with our guests around our central fire pit, right by our lake. For those of you who can't make it to the firepit, though, we invite you to this blog. So grab a blanket, cozy up, and join us on At The Campfire.
Up here, we don’t just survive the cold — we lean into it. A little steam, a splash of lake water, and a lot of deep breaths later, you’ll remember why saunas are the best kind of therapy nature has to offer. Scientifically Proven Benefits The benefits of sauna use are pretty remarkable when you…
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As the days grow shorter and the crisp Minnesota air carries the scent of pine and earth, the forests around our state begin a stunning transformation. Green leaves give way to fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges, turning every trail into a living painting. It might feel like magic—but it’s actually science doing its…
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After years in the land of 10,000 lakes, summers in its waters, and fires on the shores, a question often springs to one’s mind. It’s a question that most people who live in Minnesota ask themselves at some point or another: should I buy a cabin? Cabin Ownership vs. Renting Maybe you’ve spent years going…
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There’s a chill to the air. Leaves are turning as orange as your campfire. The sky darkens to a dusty purple, and then deepens to show off the Milky Way. What better time to cup your hands around a mug of cocoa, tug a blanket around yourself, and get lost in the shadows creeping from…
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As nostalgic and fun as having everyone to your house for a large feast can be, it can get taxing, too! There’s the cooking, the entertaining, not to mention the simple fact of having to make sure your house is ready to host everyone. Enter: a holiday getaway. In 2019, my family left the Twin…
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We all want our precious vacation time to be everything we hoped for—whether that’s fun-filled days with family or a peaceful retreat. With so many accommodation options out there—resorts, vacation rentals, hotels—how do you choose the best fit for your needs? 🏨 Resorts vs. Vacation Rentals: The Key Differences I’ve stayed at resorts, vacation rentals,…
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Summer is drawing to a close. You’ve been grilling month after month, and as mouth-watering as all those burgers and brats have been, you’re looking for something new. How fortuitous then, that you’ve found this post! After a summer of grilling and smoking meats (or even just attending barbecues), you can start to lose inspiration…
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Ah, summer break. A time for leisure, recreation, and takin it easy – especially if you’re spending part of it with your friends and family! But a ten year old can only sit while the adults play cribbage for so long… Here in Minnesota, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find someone with no childhood…
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You’ve planned a trip to central Minnesota and are staying on Fish Trap Lake – but what will you do? Relax on the shore, listen to the loons, read…but your legs are antsy, and your soul longs for adventure. Welcome to Fish Trap Lake! Surrounding the dead center of Minnesota is over 1,160 acres of…
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The foremost pollinator in everyone’s minds is the bee. Usually, the honeybee. But honeybees are invasive, and are in fact native to Europe. While they are helpful, making space for them results in us losing our native pollinators. So let’s meet them and see what we can do to help them. Imagine: you’re walking through…
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