It’s no secret that I love to go camping! Over the years I’ve seen many different camping backs, but none that I would really use. These 12 camping hacks actually work and make camping more fun. Have you tried any of these or have any to add?
Disclosure: This post not only shares camping tips, but also has Affiliate Links that I earn commissions from. This is how I make a living and keep this little blog running. Thank you for supporting me! I appreciate it. Much love, Kristi.
1. Toilet Paper Container
Photo Credit: FieldandStream.com
This one is simple to create and works fabulously! Reuse an empty coffee container by cutting a slit large enough for the toilet paper to come through. Then poke a in the lid and on the bottom of the can. Run a sturdy stripe or rope through it as this makes your handle.
Another trick for keeping the toilet paper try is to remove the inner cardboard and squish it down. Then place in a large gallon ziplock. Easy to take to pop into your backpack to take on a nice long hike.
2. Emergency Toilet
Photo Credit: Mom with a Prep
A few years ago I was backcountry car camping. One of my friends had made this camping toilet and it felt like a completely genius idea when we were in the middle of nowhere without running water or restrooms. It is easy to make to by using a 5-gallon bucket lined with a heavy duty garbage bag. Add in kitty litter and top with a cheap toilet seat. Of course, don’t forget the toilet paper, wipes, and hand sanitizer.
3. Hand and Dish Washing Station
Photo Credit: Do It and How
One of the best camping hacks I ever learned was the hand washing station. When I was camping in upstate New York, one of the other campers had this and I thought it was brilliant! Turn your 5-gallon spigot jug into a dish washing station with a bungee code, liquid soap, and paper towels. I’m a big Viva paper towel fan btw!
4. Camp Hack with Tic Tacs for Spice Storage
Photo Credit: Picky Stitch
If you are a big Tic-Tac fan, here is a great way to recycle those little plastic containers. Add your favorite spices like salt, pepper, garlic, onion, basil, cayenne, and nutmeg. Don’t forget to label them! What an easy way to bring your spice cabinet with you out camping!
5. Spice Cabinet from Straws
Photo Credit: FieldandStream.com
If you don’t have Tic Tac containers, you can grab straws to create a camping spice cabinet. Heat one end of the straw with a light and crimp it closed with your fingers. Then fill the straw up with your favorite spices or seasonings. Heat the open end and close it up tight. Simply snip off one end when you are ready to use the spices. Seal it back up the same way with your lighter. Pretty easy, right?
6. Prevent Rust on Camp Cookware
Photo Credit: REI
Finally those little silica gel packs have another use! When you aren’t camping or when you just do a good camp clean on your cookware, toss in a couple of the silica gel packs to prevent rust. There is nothing worse then going to cook when you are tired from a day of hiking or kayaking to find rust on your campfire pot.
7. Camping Medicine Cabinet
Photo Credit: Buzzfeed
I have one of these pill storage containers for my regular meds and then one like this mini medicine cabinet. You don’t want to be out in the middle of the woods and realize that you need Immodium-AD in the worst way! I also run into other campers who ask if I have Tylenol or Advil, and with this on-the-go medicine cabinet I usually have anything they might need.
8. A Little Bit of Camping Heaven with Floor Tiles
Photo Credit: A Little Campy
9. Staying Warm at Night – 2 Ways
The first way to stay warm at night is to fill up your REI Nalgene water bottle with hot water. Then place it in the bottom of your sleeping bag. Your cold feet will love snuggling up the warmth of the water bottle!
The second way is with Hand and Toe Warmers. I personally like use the toe warmers as they have adhesive and I can stick it to the places that get cold quickly for me. That’s my butt and my tummy. 🙂 I use 2-3 a night and rarely am cold throughout the night. My favorite camping hack right here!
10. Fire Starter Hacks
Photo Credit: REI
There are many different fire starter hacks that you can try before you lose your mind trying to start the fire. A little hand sanitizer helps to get the fire going. Who knew it was flammable?
Photo Credit: REI
When it is windy out, break out the trick birthday candles. Those suckers are weatherproof and work wonders when the weather isn’t cooperating on your camping trip.
If after you have tried everything else and that dang fire still won’t stay lit, grab a fire log. Yep, the same one you put in your fireplace. I still make a teepee-type fire with kindling and small trigs then firewood. If the fire isn’t playing nicely, I grab the fire log I packed just in case. 😉 Works like a charm and I can go back to enjoying my glass of wine and the sounds of nature. No more campfire stress!
11. Sage Bundles as Mosquito Repellant
Mosquitos are the state bird of Alaska – no joke, they are HUGE here! I toss in one Sage bundle into the campfire to keep the mosquitos away. Sage is my camping BFF and one of the best camping hacks in this entire post!
12. Campfire Candles
Photo Credit: Instructables
When you want a little mood lighting or want easy camp candles, look no further than these orange candles. Simply cut the orange in half and eat the insides. Drop a tea light candle in the center and enjoy the sweet-scent of orange throughout your campsite. Add a drop or two of citronella oil to the melted wax for a DIY mosquito repellant candle.
Camping Hacks Shopping List
- Folgers Coffee Container
- Ziplock Gallon Bags
- 5-Gallon Bucket
- Heavy Duty Garbage Bag
- Kitty Litter
- Toilet Seat
- Toilet Paper
- Toilet Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- 5-Gal Spigot Jug
- Bungee Cords
- VIVA Paper Towels
- Tic Tacs
- REI Nalgene Water Bottle
- Trick Birthday Candles
- Fire Log
- Sage Bundles
- Tea Light Candles
- Citronella Essential Oil
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The TP container? Beyond clever. Tweeted for you.
Ryan
I’ve used the hand washing station and it is really nice. It makes it a lot easier for our kids to clean their hand on their own. Another tip I find really use full is for when you are expecting rain. If you are expecting rain, dig a shallow trench around your tent with a drain point in the downhill direction. This will ensure that any rain will flow around your tent instead of under it.
Oohhh I love that tip! It rains in Alaska all the dang time. I will try this on my next camping trip this month. Thank you!
I once forgot to use hand and dish washing station. So I had very annoying troubles.