Strawberry Picking Tips for Campers

Have you ever been strawberry picking? This delightful summer activity is a favorite adventure for many families and is rewarded with sweet, scrumptious strawberries!

While you may already have a favorite spot where you go strawberry picking, there are also great spots to pick these delicious red jewels while you're camping too. Check out our useful tips for picking strawberries, as well as a few recommendations for U-pick farms near our resorts. Bon appétit!

Tips for Strawberry Picking

When is Strawberry Season?

First things first, know when strawberry season will arrive in your area. In most cooler states, strawberry season is in June. In some southern states, strawberry season might begin in late April or early May.

California and Florida are a different story. In these warm states, strawberry season begins as early as January, but really kicks into gear come February. The season also lasts for several months, versus the one-month season (on average) found in colder states.

How Do I Pick Strawberries?

Picking strawberries is easy, but a little forethought makes the task easier.

Before you leave the house (or campsite), put on sunscreen and wear old tennis shoes. You should also bring one water bottle per person. We recommend using reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastics.

Next, arrive early to the farm. The temperature will be cooler in the morning and the berries will be better. In the afternoon heat, strawberries can get soft and spotty, making them poor to pick.

When you arrive at the farm, you'll be assigned a spot to pick. In this spot, choose strawberries that are ripe, whether small or large. You can make use of all sizes and shapes in your favorite recipes.

To pick strawberries, look for red fruit, with no white or green. Spread the leaves to search for berries and lift the clusters of strawberries. Pinch the stems and pull ripe berries gently off the plant. Keeping the green, leafy cap of the berry intact is crucial to making your strawberries last longer.

Individual farms may vary in how they assign picking spots. Some may also provide a "bad berry" bucket which you can use to dispose of any overripe or damaged strawberries you find. Check with your farm for specific details.

U-Pick Farm Locator

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