Camping Tips for a Trouble-Free Trip
Have you ever been on one of THOSE camping trips? Where just everything that feels like it can go wrong goes wrong? Sideways, backwards, upside down.
Camping can be such an enjoyable experience, with some simple tips and tricks and planning ahead of time. While we can’t anticipate every possible problem, we can sure do our best to take some of the frustration out of the experience.
Also, hopefully you have camping available to you right now! Some of our state sites are still not open, but privately owned campsites are.
12 camping hacks and ideas:
Line your backpack or bag with a garbage bag — Before you head out for your trip, be sure and line your pack with a garbage bag. This will keep your clothes and other gear dry, in case of rain, frost, or morning dew.
Always have a pair of dry socks — Wet socks are THE WORST. Keep a dry pair of socks stored in your sleeping bag at all times and if for some reason, you didn’t pack enough or something unexpected happens, you will always have a dry pair.
Pack lots of snacks — It’s so super important to keep non-perishable foods on hand when camping. It’s not unheard of for critters to get into food, or for foods to get wet in the cooler. Making sure you have plenty of ready-made snacks available (just in case) will help avoid the hangry meltdowns. Also makes it easier to grab a few things to keep in your pack for a day hike.
Use candle wax on zippers — Take an unlit candle and rub it onto the zippers of your packs and sleeping bags to help prevent any stuck zipper situations.
Pack trick candles — It’s hard to light a fire if its rainy or damp. Waterproof matches are often hard to come by, but trick birthday candles make great fire starters!
Store matches in a small mason jar — This is a great way to keep your matches dry! Plus, you can glue sandpaper to the top of the jar to strike your matches on.
Store your toilet paper in a coffee can — Wet TP doesn’t do much good and this is NOT something you want to find yourself without if you’re at a more rustic campsite. Repurpose a coffee can as a toilet paper holder and you’ll never have to go without!
Consider instant coffee packs — If you’re a coffee lover, not having it in the morning isn’t even an option. While there are tons of great options out there (percolator, french press, full coffee pots over a burner), individual instant coffee packs make it so easy to brew a quick cup.
Homemade hand washing station — If you use laundry detergent bottles that come with a dispenser (like a tap), use an empty one as a hand washing station. These are perfect for setting at the end of a camp table, with a small basin nearby with soap and towels. You could even fill the dispenser with soapy water. If you’ve tried this, let us know!
Always have aluminum foil — Foil is great for so many things while camping: campfire dinners, s’mores and so much more. Plus, it keeps you from having to scrub pans while camping!
Freeze gallons of water — Use frozen gallon jugs of water for keeping in your cooler. This is cheaper than ice, prevents your food from getting wet and soggy AND can be used as drinking water as they thaw.
Use empty Tic Tac containers for spices — If you haven’t prepped all your food ahead of time or just need some additional seasoning, Tic Tac containers are perfect for spices needed for a recipe or salt and pepper! They don’t take up much room and are easy to label.
If you love camping and are a seasoned vet, you probably already know about several of these hacks. If you have any tips you’d like to share that have saved your sanity, please share with us in the comments!
Follow Frugal Living NW on Pinterest!
Fantastic range of boards from best recipes and tips for frugal living to gardening and budgeting help.
This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.
Leave a Reply