Riverbloom Cottage: Girls’ Night Under the Stars on Fish River

Sometimes the best nights are the simplest ones—just good friends, a cozy campfire, and the gentle lull of flowing water to lull you to sleep. Living right on Fish River means I have the perfect backyard getaway, so it was only natural to invite my favorite ladies for an unforgettable girls’ night and camping adventure under the stars.

1. Setting the Scene: Fish River at Dusk

One of the perks of hosting near the river is that the landscape does all the decorating for you.

• Soft Evening Glow: As the sun began to set, the water shimmered in hues of gold and pink, reflecting the sky’s color show.

• Nature’s Soundtrack: Crickets, frogs, and the gentle rush of the river formed the background music, reminding us that we’d left the hustle of the workweek far behind.

Before the night got underway, I set up a few simple touches: string lights hung from nearby trees, cozy lanterns along the path to the campsite, and extra blankets draped over lawn chairs.

2. The Perfect Camp Setup

Instead of trekking off to a campsite miles away, we pitched our tents right behind my house—close enough for convenience, yet far enough to feel a world away.

• Tents & Sleeping Bags: Each of us had our own little nest, complete with pillows and plush sleeping bags. I had the neighbor bring the tractor over to level off the beach and get rid of some of the vegetation then made sure to choose a flat, dry patch beside the river’s edge.

• Campfire Circle: A dedicated fire pit area served as our gathering place. We surrounded it with foldable chairs, extra logs, and a cooler full of refreshments.

• Twinkling Lights: Fairy lights draped around nearby branches added a magical glow to our campsite—perfect for late-night chats.

3. Indulgent Campfire Eats

No girls’ night is complete without decadent treats, and we fully embraced the campfire cooking experience.

Gourmet S’mores

• Chocolate Varieties: We experimented with dark chocolate, peanut butter cups, and even salted caramel squares.

• Cookies Instead of Crackers: Some used snickerdoodles or chocolate chip cookies instead of the usual grahams—deliciously extra!

Cast Iron Delights

• Campfire Nachos: Layers of chips, cheese, black beans, and salsa, heated in a cast iron skillet right over the embers.

• Foil Packet Veggies: Sliced zucchini, onions, bell peppers, and a bit of olive oil and spices, wrapped in foil and placed on the coals until tender.

The simple act of cooking and eating together was a highlight of the evening, and the smoky flavors made everything taste twice as satisfying.

4. Conversation & Laughter by the Fire

Sometimes all we need is a chance to slow down and connect. Around the fire, conversation flowed freely:

• Storytelling: We shared childhood memories, a few spooky ghost tales (because who doesn’t love a campfire story?), and plenty of laughs about life’s daily mishaps.

• Gratitude Moments: We each took turns mentioning one thing we were grateful for. The atmosphere was so peaceful that even the shyest among us felt comfortable opening up.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the warm glow of a campfire has a magical ability to bring people closer together.

5. Midnight Dips & Stargazing

With the river right at our feet, it was impossible to resist a quick, late-night dip in the tranquil water. The moonlight sparkled on the surface, and the gentle current felt refreshing on a warm summer night.

After drying off, we sprawled out on blankets near the shore to gaze up at the night sky. The combination of limited light pollution and the reflective nature of the water made the stars appear extra bright. It was one of those rare moments where we all fell silent, collectively in awe of nature’s grandeur.

6. Waking Up to a New Day

The morning sun brought a gentle glow over the river, and birds greeted us with cheerful calls. Still cozy in our sleeping bags, we sipped on campfire coffee—the kind that’s strong and smoky, tasting like adventure itself.

Breaking down the camp was surprisingly quick. We rinsed off by the dock, shook out the tents, and left the area exactly as we found it—no trace except for the fading footprints in the grass.

7. Reflecting on the Experience

Hosting a girls’ night on Fish River didn’t require fancy décor or elaborate planning. Instead, it reminded us that some of the best moments happen when we let nature take the lead and focus on the simple pleasures:

• Connection: Spending quality time with friends without distractions.

• Relaxation: Falling asleep to the sounds of the river and waking up to birdsong.

• Adventure: Spontaneous dips in the moonlit water and laughter echoing around a glowing campfire.

Whether you have a backyard by the river, a quiet clearing in the woods, or just a small patch of green in a bustling suburb, there’s magic in sleeping under the stars and gathering around a fire. And when you get to share it with some of your favorite people, it becomes an experience you’ll cherish for years.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about hosting an outdoor sleepover with your closest friends—go for it! The combination of fresh air, good company, and the comforting crackle of a campfire is a guaranteed recipe for a memorable evening. And as I learned on the banks of Fish River, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors. Sometimes, your own backyard is all you need for a night filled with stories, laughter, and the calming presence of nature.

Until next time, happy camping—and don’t forget the extra marshmallows!