Summer Grillin’ 2025: BBQ Feasts, River Swims & Starry Nights

Basecamp Brooklyn’s Summer Grillin’ is our annual open-fire cookout camping weekend in the Catskills — where smoky flavors, wide-open skies, and firelit nights bring our community together. August 15–17, 2025, was a celebration of summer in its purest form.

Check out our shower setup!

A Weekend in the Catskills

This Summer Grillin’ kicked off with a mad dash — our brand-new outdoor shower, with on-demand hot water, was finished in just three hours the very day campers arrived. Phew! And by Sunday, it was a crowd favorite.

We welcomed an amazing mix of adventurers — a group of riders from The Litas NYC and Long Island, along with overlanders, car campers, and even bus riders. It’s always special when so many different modes of transportation bring New Yorkers together in the Catskills.

Friday Night Welcome Feast

We started the weekend off right with a cozy, fireside welcome feast — the perfect pairing for that golden-hour arrival energy. Guests gathered under the canopy lights as Chef Allan rolled out a spread that captured the playful side of summer cooking.

Friday Menu Highlights:

• Savory S’mores — a twist on the campfire classic with mouthwatering combos like melted brie, prosciutto, and fig jam on a crunchy cracker

• Summer Bean Salad — bright, zesty, and packed with herbs from our garden

• Garden Herb Dip — creamy, garlicky, and topped with fresh chives, served with ridged chips for the ultimate crunch

• Birria on Baguette— heaping helpings sprinkled with fresh mango salsa and drizzled with that delicious jus

• Fire-Warmed Cookies — homemade, soft chocolate chip cookies, heated by the flames for that just-out-of-the-oven feel with an extra smoky touch

The vibe was pure summer — a table full of snacks, a field full of laughter, and music floating through the evening air.

Saturday: The Main Event

Saturday brought everything we love about the season: winding rides through the Catskills, refreshing swims in the Delaware River, and smoky scents drifting from the outdoor kitchen. Chef Allan manned the grill, serving up flavors that reminded everyone why this is one of our favorite weekends of the year.

Saturday Dinner Menu:

• 🍖 Ribs, Wings & Steak — grilled over open flame, smoky and juicy with Chef Allan’s signature spice rub

• 🥔 Classic Potato Salad — creamy, tangy, and the perfect companion to all that BBQ

• 🥕 Grilled Veggies — shishito peppers, carrots and brussel sprouts charred just right

• 🥗 Mixed Greens Salad — a garden-fresh mix with Chef Allan’s classic vinaigrette

• 🍹 Dragonfruit Lemonade — the drink of the weekend: bright, tropical, and perfectly pink

As the stars appeared, we toasted with champagne, roasted s’mores, and lingered by the fire — the kind of laughter and connection that only happens when summer is at its peak.

Sunday Sendoff

Sunday morning, we brewed up strong coffee and shared a light breakfast while packing up gear and saying our goodbyes. It was the perfect slow start to the day — a final moment to soak in the sunshine before heading home with smoky clothes, full bellies, and fresh friendships.

What Made It Special

• BBQ feasts by Chef Allan → bold, smoky flavors that brought everyone to the table.

• Adventure options for all → moto rides, scenic drives, hikes, or lazy river swims.

• Community connection → shared stories, laughter, and toasts under the stars.

• First-timers welcome → with rental gear and comfort touches, anyone could join in.

Already Dreaming of Next Year

Summer Grillin’ 2025 sold out fast — and it’s no surprise. If you’re craving smoky food, golden fields, and nights around the fire, don’t miss the chance to join us next summer.

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