Bourbon, Bonfires & Browned Butter Bourbon Cookies
Let me tell you something about fall camping in the Sierra: it’s not just a seasonal tradition—it’s a downright ritual for those in the know. The air’s a little crisper, the nights are longer, and the crowds? Well, they’ve mostly packed up and gone home. What’s left is a landscape begging for a tent, a roaring fire, and maybe a little bourbon to take the chill off. And if you’re smart, you’ll bring along a treat or two. Now, I don’t know about you, but there’s something about fall camping that just clicks a little better with a good bourbon in hand—especially after the tent’s up and the stars start punching holes in the night sky. Maybe it’s just me, but everything seems a bit smoother once you’ve earned that first sip. Silly? Maybe. But I’m not here to argue with results.
So, if you’ve got a campfire to light and a taste for adventure, stick around. I’m about to show you how to do fall camping the right way, with a side of bourbon-soaked cookies to boot.
Why Fall Camping in the Sierra is a Must
Why Fall Camping in the Sierra?
Here’s the deal: fall camping is when the Sierra really comes into its own. The colors start to turn, the air’s got that crisp edge, and if you time it right, you’ll snag a campsite without battling the summer crowds. Sure, it gets a little nippy at night, but that’s what campfires and bourbon are for, right?
Some top camping spots for fall include:
- 1. Hope Valley / Burnside Lake
Let’s be honest, Hope Valley in the fall is already a classic. The aspens turn to gold, and the views are something out of a postcard. But Burnside Lake? That’s where the real magic happens. You’ll have the place almost to yourself, surrounded by the towering peaks and a calmness that’s hard to find these days. There’s nothing like waking up to the mirror-like surface of the lake, watching the sunrise set the trees on fire with color. If you’ve been here before, you already know—it’s a hidden gem just waiting for the right crowd to leave.
2. Silver Lake / Granite Lake
Yeah, Silver Lake is great for a quick getaway, but let me tell you—if you’re willing to pack in a bit deeper, Granite Lake behind Silver is the real reward. It’s one of those places where you can finally breathe, where the world feels a little bigger and the noise a little smaller. The solitude is something to savor, and the surprising bursts of fall color around the lake are enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s the kind of spot where you don’t just camp—you settle in, watch the stars, and remember why you love this time of year.
3. Leavitt Lake, Sonora Pass
Okay, so maybe you’ve got a 4×4, maybe you don’t. Either way, Leavitt Lake is worth the effort. Hike in if you have to—the payoff is more than just the stunning views. It’s the way the sky seems bigger up here, with the raw, untamed beauty of the Sierra all around you. Fall at Leavitt Lake is an entirely different experience. Fewer people, more silence, and a connection to the land that feels ancient. There’s something about those crisp autumn nights up there that make you feel a little more alive.
4. Lakes Basin / Long Lake
You already know Lakes Basin for its rugged beauty, but have you really ventured past Long Lake in the fall? The vibe shifts once you pack up into the higher elevations—the colors get richer, the air colder, and the feeling of being deep in the wilderness hits a little harder. Just watch out for the hunters in the area, especially if you’re heading out mid-October. There’s something primal about being out there during hunting season, but it’s all part of that fall Sierra vibe we keep chasing.
5. Boondocking Between Convict Lake and Bishop
If the high desert calls to you like it does to me, there’s no better place to boondock than between Convict Lake and Bishop. You get the best of both worlds—those dramatic Eastern Sierra peaks on one side and the sprawling desert on the other. It’s a wide-open space where you can feel small in the best possible way. The fall colors may not be as dramatic here as further north, but the sense of isolation, the wildness, and the view of the stars? That’s what it’s all about.
Each of these spots brings something unique to fall camping, but they all have that same thing we love about the Sierra—the ability to make you feel like you’ve found your own corner of the world, even if you’ve been there a dozen times before.
And speaking of bourbon, there’s no better way to enhance your outdoor experience than with a pour from Two Bitch Bourbon—a brand that’s as rugged as the Sierra itself. Once you’ve set up camp, it’s time to enjoy those magical Sierra evenings, and we’ve got the perfect recipe to take your campfire experience to the next level.
Fall’s perfect because you’ve got that sweet spot where the trails are open, the rivers aren’t frozen yet, and there’s still enough daylight to squeeze in an adventure. You get to enjoy the wilderness in a way most people miss. Fewer people, more nature. It’s a trade I’ll take any day.
Bourbon & Bonfires: The Perfect Combo
Here’s a little tip from someone who’s spent more than a few nights under the stars: a good bonfire and bourbon go together like fall leaves and flannel shirts. And if you’re reaching for a bottle, you might as well make it Two Bitch Bourbon. It’s smooth enough to sip straight, but has enough bite to remind you it’s the real deal. Pour a glass, kick back, and let the firelight do its thing.
You want to really up your game? Try this: bring along some Browned Butter Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies. I know, cookies might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fall camping, but trust me on this one. These aren’t your average cookies. We’re talking browned butter—boozy browned butter, no less—mixed right into the dough, courtesy of Two Bitch’s Eureka Gold Bourbon. You toss in some chocolate chunks, bake them over the fire, and you’ve got yourself a campfire dessert that’s just as impressive as the night sky above.
Campfire Treat: Browned Butter Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies
You might think baking cookies in the great outdoors sounds like a hassle, but it’s easier than you think. Just pre-make the dough at home, toss it in a cooler, and when the time is right, bake ’em in a cast iron skillet over the fire. Here’s the magic recipe: This recipe, created by Two Bitch Spirits Co-Founder Lauren Luby, combines rich chocolate with the warm, caramelized flavors of browned butter and bourbon. These cookies are gooey, decadent, and perfect for pairing with a neat pour of Two Bitch Bourbon around the campfire.
Here’s how to make them for your next camping trip:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (or salted, omit ½ tsp added salt)
- 4 tablespoons Eureka Gold™ Bourbon
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips (for topping)
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on baked cookies
Directions:
- Brown the Butter: In a medium pan, melt butter over medium heat until it browns, forming a rich foam and nutty aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Once browned, remove from heat and stir in the Eureka Gold™ Bourbon. Let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, and sugars until smooth. Add the cooled browned butter mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks by hand.
- Scoop large portions of dough (about 4-6 ounces) and roll into balls. Top the dough balls with mini chocolate chips and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are golden and the center is soft.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on the warm cookies and let them cool. Enjoy warm, preferably with a glass of Eureka Gold™ Bourbon!
These cookies are the perfect combination of rich flavors and gooey texture, making them an irresistible fall camping dessert. The bourbon in the browned butter gives them a warm, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with a neat pour of Two Bitch Bourbon.
Fall Camping Essentials: Bourbon & Beyond
Before you head out on your next Sierra camping trip, don’t forget to pack your essentials. A cozy blanket, warm layers, and a bottle of Two Bitch Bourbon are the perfect companions for those cool nights by the fire.
And for all your bourbon needs this fall, Two Bitch Spirits is offering free shipping on orders over $149 through December 31st. Take advantage of this deal and stock up for your outdoor adventures. Shop now and enjoy free shipping.
Happy fall camping, and cheers to good bourbon, good times, and the beauty of the Sierra!
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