15 Camping Hacks from Experienced Campers

15 Genius Camping Hacks to Try on Your Next Trip

Camping is a wonderful way to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. From setting up camp to cooking meals outdoors, there are plenty of tasks that can be made easier with a few handy camping hacks. We've compiled our top 15 camping tips and quick solutions to help you stay organized, save space, and be prepared for any situation. These tricks come from years of family camping experience!

Tent Camping Hacks

1. String lights for ambiance and navigation. Bring string lights to light up your campsite. This helps you find your site after dark on the way back from the restroom (though still bring a headlamp!) and provides nice ambient lighting to hang out into the night without disturbing your neighbors.

2. Always bring patch kits. Keep patch kits for your tent and sleeping pad. These are the two things you absolutely don't want to have leaks. If they don't come with the items, buy them at the same time so you don't forget.

3. Use a doormat outside your tent. Place a rubber floor mat immediately outside your tent door. These are cheap and provide a great place to store your shoes overnight (keeping shoes outside keeps your tent A LOT cleaner), plus a place to put on your shoes in the morning without stepping on dirt.

4. Hang a shoe organizer for storage. Use the pockets to store small items like your wallet, keys, headlamp, and other camping essentials. Never store food or scented toiletries in your tent! This keeps your campsite organized and makes it easier to find what you need.

Food & Kitchen Hacks

5. Protect your eggs with a plastic holder. Egg cartons get soggy in the cooler and are prone to cracking. Use a specially designed plastic egg holder to make sure your eggs stay whole and fresh for your camping trip.

6. Pre-mix spices in small containers. Save spice containers (or tic-tac containers) and pour in spice mixes for your trip so you don't have to bring several separate containers. You'll have a portable spice rack that takes up minimal space. You can also use these to store matches!

7. Use hanging kitchen organizers. These hanging organizers for kitchen utensils are a great way to easily access your cooking gear while making a meal at camp. They keep everything organized and roll up small for storage. For more kitchen tips, check out our complete camp kitchen setup guide.

8. Stock up on ziplock bags. Ziplock bags are incredibly versatile for camping. Use them to organize your food, store small items like matches or toiletries, or keep your electronics dry. They are lightweight, compact, and can be reused multiple times.

9. Invest in a quality cooler. A good cooler or even a camp fridge with thick insulation and a tight seal will keep your food and drinks cold for longer. Look for coolers that are easy to clean and have features like built-in cup holders or a drain plug.

10. Pack a portable camping stove. While campfires are great for creating a cozy atmosphere, having a portable stove gives you the flexibility to cook in any weather condition. Look for a stove that is compact, lightweight, and easy to use.

Essential Gear & Organization Hacks

11. Always carry a multi-tool. A multi-tool is a camper's best friend. With various blades, screwdrivers, and other useful tools, it can come in handy for a wide range of tasks and fixes, such as opening cans, repairing gear, or cutting firewood.

12. Baby wipes are a camping essential. Always bring a pack to wipe up spills in the car, the cooler, the tent, etc. They are also great for freshening up and cleaning yourself when access to water is limited.

13. Bring a pop-up trash can. Ditch the trash bag swinging off your picnic table that easily tears or attracts animals. A pop-up trash can opens up and packs away in seconds.

14. Use a headlamp instead of a flashlight. A headlamp allows you to have both hands free while still providing a strong source of light. It's perfect for cooking, setting up camp, or going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

15. Use a comprehensive camping checklist. Before every trip, review a checklist to make sure you don't forget any essentials. We've put together the ultimate camping packing checklist with everything you need. Print it out, laminate it, and use a dry erase marker to check off items as you pack.

These camping hacks have made our family trips so much smoother over the years. Check out our blog for more camping tips, guides, and checklists. Have any other tricks to share? We'd love to hear from you!