15 Camping Hacks from Experienced Campers

What are some useful camping solutions?

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. In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 15 of our top camping tips, packing ideas, and quick solutions to help you stay organized, save space, and be prepared for any situation as you adventure outdoors with your family.

1. Bring string lights to light up your campsite. This will help 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. Egg cartons get soggy in the cooler and are prone to cracking. Use this specially designed plastic egg holder to make sure your eggs stay whole and fresh for your camping trip.

3. 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, so you can be a handyman on the go.

4. Baby wipes can do it all. 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. Baby wipes are a camping essential that shouldn't be overlooked.

5. 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 and try to measure out spices while at camp. This way, you'll have a portable spice rack that takes up minimal space. You can also use these to store matches!

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

7. Place a rubber floor mat immediately outside your tent door. These are cheap and provide a great place to store your shoes overnight (keeping your shoes outside keeps your tent A LOT cleaner), as well as a place to put on your shoes in the morning without accidentally stepping on dirt in your socks or bare feet.

8. Hang a shoe organizer in your tent or near your campsite to create extra storage space. Use the pockets to store small items like your wallet, keys, headlamp, and other camping essentials (remember to never store food or scented toiletries in your tent!). This will help keep your campsite organized and make it easier to find what you need.

9. They also make hanging organizers for kitchen utensils. These hanging zip bags are a great way to easily access your cooking gear while making a meal at camp, it keeps everything organized, and rolls up small for storage.

10. Bring a pop-up trash can so you're not dealing with a trash bag swinging off your picnic table that easily tears or that attracts birds, rodents, and other animals. These open up and pack away in seconds.

11. Ziplock bags are incredibly versatile when it comes to 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.

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

13. 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 tasks like cooking, setting up camp, or going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

14. 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.

15. Use a comprehensive camping checklist. Before every trip, review the checklist to make sure you know what to bring. This will ensure that you don't forget any essentials and help you stay organized. You can use this camping checklist digitally or print it out; you could even laminate the list and use a dry erase marker to check off items as you pack them.

Check out our blog for more ideas, guides, and checklists to make your camping trip easier and smoother. Have any other tricks to share? We'd love to hear from you!