UPDATE APRIL 2020: We know that many camping sites are closed right now due to COVID-19, but we wanted to give you a resource for organization at home AND planning for future camping trips.
Whether in the off season and looking for storage ideas to keep your camping gear in order, or at your campsite wanting to keep everything organized, it can be a real sanity saver to have a system. These storage options will be great for all of your camping gear at home, in the car and at your actual campsite.
If you’re looking for all the essentials you need to make your actual trip a success from start to finish, check out our post on Camping Gear Essentials for Families.
To go straight to the item, click on the item in the numbered list below (all go directly to the product on Amazon). For a short description and image, scroll further down the post.
Camping Organization and Storage Ideas
- Tent Duffel Bag
- Mountaineering Zippered Tent Bag
- Heavyweight Cotton Canvas Outback Duffle Bag
- Sportsman’s Trunk
- Wheeled Industrial Tote
- 18 Gallon Durable Construction Molded-in Handles Tote Box
- Collapsible Storage Bins with Lids
- Weathertight Storage Box
- 4-Shelf Shelving Unit
- Large Clear Tote Bag with Zipper Closure (great for smaller items)
- Extra Large Heavy Duty Reusable Moving Totes w/Zipper
- Clothing Organizer Bag
- Foldable Storage Bags
- Small Clip Box
- Shoe Organizer
- Hiking Backpack Cooler Bag
- Coleman Marine Ultra Cooler
- Egg Holder
- Waterproof Case
- UCO Stormproof Match Case Kit
This operates similar to a dry bag, with a roll top that buckles and compresses air AND is waterproof! Can fit up to a 7-man tent and reviewers say it’s so much easier to use than the bag your tent probably came in.
Mountaineering Zippered Tent Bag
This bag isn’t waterproof, but is another great option for storing your tent without all the hassle of trying to shove it into the original tent bag. Be sure to check the dimensions to make sure your tent will fit, otherwise there are tons of other great options out there. Fairly inexpensive for something that will save your sanity.
Heavyweight Cotton Canvas Outback Duffle Bag
This canvas bag is an excellent option for carrying pillows, sleeping bags, extra blankets, heavy jackets and more. Could also be used to carry ski or snowboard gear during the winter. Be sure to check dimensions before purchasing.
This highly-rated trunk would be an excellent option for carrying bulky items on a camping trip, but would also be a great solution for storing camping gear in the garage or shed during off-season. Other reviewers mentioned using it for dive gear, hunting gear, plane travel and much more.
The next four items are all great for storing camping gear in the shed or garage when you either aren’t using or are in the “off season”. All are different dimensions, so check what works best for your storage area. All are stackable and some are weather tight!
18 Gallon Durable Construction Molded-in Handles Tote Box
Collapsible Storage Bins with Lid
Perfect for storing your storage boxes. Ha! Keeping them off the ground, stacked together and using minimal space. Check your local Costco for these shelving units as well, they often have great prices on quality shelves!
The next four items are all great for packing clothes, towels and blankets. These are soft-sided or collapsible so they take up less room for storage.
Large Clear Tote Bag with Zipper Closure (great for smaller items)
Extra Large Heavy Duty Reusable Moving Totes w/Zipper
These are perfect for storing SO MANY THINGS. Cutlery, handwashing supplies, toiletries, matches and lighters, playing cards, carabiners and other clips. So many uses! These can also be found at any office supply, craft or home improvement store.
This might seem like an unusual suggestion, but these are excellent for keeping smaller items organized and in plain sight. Dishwashing supplies (sponges, soap, small towels), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, cooking utensils, lighters, anything you want to keep handy and off the table to save space.
This cooler gets excellent reviews and is perfect for a day hike if you are taking a picnic or extra snacks.
Any quality cooler will work here, but marine coolers tend to hold ice longer. If you’re camping in warm weather or in more direct sunlight, it’s important to have a quality cooler to keep your food at safe temperatures.
If you love to cook fried eggs when camping or pre-make hard boiled eggs, this egg holder is such a useful little gadget! Carries up to 12 eggs and so much better than keeping them in the cooler in the cardboard carton that can get super soggy and smashed.
This case gets great reviews! Water resistant, crush proof and dust proof. If you need your phone on you while camping, this is a great way to protect it! Perfect for boating or rafting, hiking and more.
This comes with windproof and waterproof matches and 3 strikers. Can hold up to 40 matches. Perfect to protect against damp weather.
Related: Tips for an EPIC family camping trip
Related:12 camping hacks for a trouble-free trip
We’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite camping storage item or hack to keep things protected?
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