Load up on Camping Tips and Tricks for your next amazing Camping Vacation!
Then… finish planning your next amazing campout with these 61 super tasty Camping Menu Ideas!
Camping Tips and Tricks for Beginners
These little-known camping tips and tricks for beginners to pros are about to take your next adventure to the next level!!
Do you love to camp? It’s such a fun way to make epic memories that last a lifetime!
I love the fresh air, fun food, and adventure of it all! Camping is also a great way to save money on a vacation! You’ll still get all the benefits of a fun trip, while doing it all on a budget!
I rarely camped before I met my hubby, but our first vacation after our honeymoon was… camping. Then we had a sweet baby boy, and then we had another sweet baby boy!
So… yes, I live in a man’s world, and my men love to camp! So… it’s a-camping-we-shall-go!
Plus… it’s just not every day that you can have a scooter race through the woods… in your pajamas!
Now read on for some of my very favorite Camping Tips and Tricks to make your next outdoor adventure unforgettable… plus loads of bonus tips from your frugal friends!
Love camping at National Parks? I’ll even share with you some clever tips for scoring free and discounted National Park admission!
Are you ready to make some Happy Campers on your next trip?
You’re going to LOVE these easy camping hacks…
Start Your Camping Trip with Cheap Gas
One of the best parts about camping is you can take an awesome vacation on a budget!
Keep your trip even more frugal when you score the best deals on gas along the way!
How To Save On Gas (Genius Hacks)
Plan a Tasty Camping Menu
Make your camping trip one to remember with some seriously delicious food! Have you been making the same things over and over again on your camping trips?
That’s about to change with this HUGE list of fun camping menu tips and ideas! Check this out…
61 Epic Camping Menu Ideas You’ve Never Thought Of!
Debra said: “We go camping and cook over the campfire. Cheap easy meals.”
Plan your RV Menu
Taking your RV along on your next camping trip? Find some fun new favorite menu ideas and RV organization hacks here…
125 RV Recipes
Krista said: “We take our camper on some vacations and make fun and different foods. We also look for coupons at the local grocery store and around town where we’re staying for any food places or nearby activities.”
Take Along your Cast Iron! Cooking with Cast Iron at the campground is the ultimate outdoor experience! I have a mix and match of Lodge and other campfire safe cast iron cookware I LOVE!
Angie said: “We have several cast iron pieces. Every single thing we make: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is over the fire in cast iron and we love it!”
My Tip: Take a Portable Grill to grill up some epic dinners… even on your tail gate!
Here we are grilling just off the road on the east side of Zion National Park!
My Tip: Take a Quality Camping Cooler that will make your ice last and help your food last longer!
Keep Your Camp Kitchen Clean with this Paper Towel Hack
Keep your campsite tidy with some paper towels handy!
Check out these easy trick for a Paper Towel Holder you can hang from a tree at your campsite…
Easy DIY Paper Towel Holder Hanger For Your Camping Kitchen
Repurpose Your Orange Peel Into a Candle
Fresh fruit is always nice to have when camping, but don’t toss that orange peel! Did you know you can make a candle out of it?
Check out this fun camping hack…
Orange Peel Candle DIY Hack
Make A Headlamp Lantern
Janelle said: “Use a checklist when packing up, refine it throughout a season of camping and the next year you’ve basically got a perfect camping pack list. Use charcoal for when your wood is too wet to really get burning. We’ve had some rainy trips. Prep every thing you can before you leave. Head Lamps are super useful for nighttime bathroom trips.”
DIY Milk Jug Lantern (using a headlamp)
Take Along an Altoid Tin Candle
Talk about a fun little portable candle! Just the right size to tote along on your next camping trip! Learn how to make one here…
DIY Altoid Tin Candle
Bring Your Own Toilet
Bringing your own camp toilet will allow you to camp anywhere you want, including at primitive campsites and on BLM land. Plus, you won’t have to bother with public bathrooms or outhouses!
I love the flexibility of having these along whenever I am out in the woods…
Camp Toilet
Start Your Fire in a Snap
Ready to start your campfire?
Susie said: “We use the toilet paper tube and stuff with dryer lint for fire starters”
Stacey said: “Dryer lint makes great fire starter so start saving it.”
Nicole said: “Doritos and chips make great fire starters too!”
Are you ready to check out my favorite fire starter hack? This easy fire starter camping hack works like a charm, and is one of my favorite simple camping tips.
Store Your Garbage Away From Your Tent
Nobody likes a visit from a raccoon rummaging through your trash in the night. Keep your garbage stored up high and as far from your tent as possible.
Debra said: “Hang your trashbag from a tree limb to keep ants out.”
We like to hang our garbage bags from high tree branches, like this…
DIY Ways To Get Rid of Ants in Your RV and Camper
Carol said: “My husband put baby powder out to get rid of the ants. Haven’t seen any for a long time.”
Samantha said: “I have heard Borax works well. Since I started cleaning with Baking Soda & Borax we have not had ants in the kitchen. ”
Mikell said: “Peppermint plants and/or peppermint oil around the entry points! They can’t stand peppermint.”
Lorri said: “Add peppermint oil to a spray bottle with water and spray all over the floors and counters. It really helps! You can also add lemongrass or citronella along with the peppermint.”
Jennifer said: “I heard you should sprinkle cinnamon at the window sills/doorway. (We tried the cinnamon & it worked for us in WA). I also was told to sprinkle some Cornmeal.”
Dana said: “Just today on the radio I heard to spray vinegar around doors and windows. Very safe.”
Kathryn said: “I use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle!!”
Mindi said: “Dried bay leaves worked wonders in our kitchen. Just sit them out on your cabinets and it works great. Change them every few weeks!”
Chaya said: “In my country, we use turmeric to keep ants away… it really works!”
Teri said: “Put cut apples outside. The ants leave your house and surround the apples and for some reason, stay away :)”
Don’t Forget the Tarp and Rope
Is rain in the forecast?
Or maybe a little too much hot sun?
A DIY Camping Tarp Shade Structure is the perfect solution! String your Rope or Paracord through your Tarp’s Grommets, and attach to nearby trees to rig up some nice cool shade!
What You’ll Need:
Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp and a Nylon Paracord or a Rope
And make sure you’ve got a way to charge your phone!
Rocksolar Weekender or Nomad
Load up on Cheap Food and Camp Gear at Walmart or Sam’s Club
Having the right camp gear makes all of the difference, but scoring a sweet deal makes it even better!
Use these money saving tips to grab your gear or groceries you’ll need for the trip!
Walmart Grocery Deals (20 Secret Tips)
20 Sam’s Club Grocery Deals
Don’t Forget the Spices
Crank up the flavor on your camping menu when you tote along your favorite spices!
Make your own with some inspiration from these 20 DIY Seasoning Recipes that will save you so much money.
Sarah said: “My sister-in-law uses those daily vitamin sorters and puts spices in them for cooking.”
Don’t Forget the Bug Repellent
When you’re camping there’s one thing for certain… those bugs will want to bug you! It’s just what they do! (buggers) So be prepared and pack some bug repellent.
Make sure to put it to good use in the evening when they all seem to come out.
Be extra thrifty when you make your own DIY bug repellent. Check out these Mosquito and Bug Repellent tips from your frugal friends, with ways to keep those pesky mosquitoes and buggers away on your next campout.
Carol said: “I put a baggie 1/2 full of water and put 5 shiney pennies in it and tack it beside my screen door. Flies think it is a predators nest and stay away. I used to have bad problems with flies… now I don’t.”
Elaine said: “I have had good results using citronella oil… you dab it on forehead, ankles, elbows, shoulders….it is natural and works great. If you would rather spray it, use a glass spray bottle filled with distilled water and a few drops of the citronella oil. Be sure to use a glass spray bottle and only mix what you are going to use that day.”
Jamie said: “Try using citrus essential oil or lavender essential oil, mixed with water in a spray bottle.”
Shaunna said: “Using ‘Skin So Soft’ by Avon will help keep the mosquitoes away!”
Erica said: “I currently live in Thailand, where mosquitoes are everywhere year-round. So far the best mosquito repellent I’ve found is eucalyptus oil. A mosquito found its way into our room one night and was buzzing around waiting for us to fall asleep, so I filled a little spray bottle with water and a little bit of eucalyptus oil, and shook it and sprayed all around our bed (the sides of the bed, the headboard, and the top sheet–not on pillows or anywhere we might touch and get in our eyes). No bites! We even woke up feeling refreshed and re-energized from the aromatherapy effects.” 
Patti said: “Here’s a recipe for DIY Insect Repellant:
– 3.5 ounces witch hazel
– 1/2 tsp lemongrass oil
– 1/2 tsp eucalyptus oil
– and 1/2 tsp citronella oil
Combine all ingredients in a 4-oz. spray bottle, and shake before each use!”
Melissa said: “I use Coconut Oil as a spider repellent.”
Karen said: “When we went camping, we used Bounce dryer sheets to wipe on our arms and legs for the evening. It worked great and kept the mosquitoes away!”
Kathleen said: “I keep a box of dryer sheets in the car for my grandchildren. If I feel their skin is too sensitive, I just rub the dryer sheet on their clothes and socks.”
Ashley said: “We use pure vanilla extract, and it works great!”
Kim said: “I take garlic pills and the bugs pretty much leave me alone all summer. And no, the humans don’t. You don’t smell like garlic from garlic pills.”
Priscilla said: “No lie, here in Miami it is a Cuban custom to fill a clear bag of water to hang by the area you will be. I have never had a problem with mosquitoes when I do this.” 😉
Take A Nap
Bring along a Camping Hammock for the ultimate campsite relaxation!
Kim writes: “We have 3 kids and have found staying in hotels a challenge because they are expensive & usually only allow 4 people to a room and we are a family of 5. We have discovered that KOA has cabins that can accommodate our family size at a fraction of the hotel costs. They are located throughout the U.S. & Canada and the cabins range from very simple to ones with kitchens and bedrooms. This has been a huge help to us and is budget friendly!”
Stay at a New Campground
Need some inspiration on where to stay? Check out these favorite campgrounds and best camping spots in the US…
In Arizona, check out Manzanita Campground near Sedona, AZ! (read more about it and see pictures of the campground in this Sedona Travel Tips post)
Best Places to Camp in the US
Jan writes: “Woods Canyon Lake in Northeast Arizona.”
Angela writes: “Winter Island in Salem, MA! Their are sites right on the ocean. Nice beach too!”
Karen writes: “Winton Woods Campground (Ohio), Mosquito Lake Campground (Ohio), Hocking Hill Campground (Ohio).”
Shelley wites: Twin Lakes, CA (outside of Bridgeport) and Campland On The Bay in San Diego”
Julie writes: “Calaveras Big Trees State Park near Arnold, California”
Angie writes: “Cape Fair Marina in Missouri. It is beautiful”
Heather writes: “I love Lake Cumberland in Kentucky!”
Deb writes: “Sherwood Forest Campground, Wisconsin Dells”
Jennifer writes: “Raystown Lake, PA”
Carrie writes: “Camp Gulf in Destin, Florida… camping right in the sand!!”
More Popular Campground Ideas
50 Best Campgrounds in the US
Camp at a National Park
Have you ever camped at a National Park before? Now this is a serious bucket list item!!
Before you go, make sure to read these top tips…
45 Grand Canyon Travel Tips
Zion National Park Travel Tips
Bryce Canyon Travel Guide (16 Amazing Things to Do)
32 Yosemite Travel Tips
Sequoia National Park Travel Tips
Lassen Volcanic National Park Travel Guide
Valley of Fire State Park Hikes and Tips (Nevada)
More Tips To Help Save Money On Your Next Campout
How to Travel for Free or Cheap (20 Budget Travel Hacks)
So do you have any favorite Camping Tips or Tricks?
Leave a comment and share…
Hint for smores: Buy the Keebler fudge stripe cookies. These work great for smores. You have the cookie and chocolate all in one. Just roast your marshmellow and you’re good to go.
Hint for hot water: Freeze water in coffee cans. This will help keep your cooler cold and then you can put one can on the fire while you’re eating then you have hot water to do your dishes afterwards.
Must have flip flops for shower shoes.
Dryer lint is great fire starter.
Hampers: we pack the collapsable hampers. They don’t take up any room on the way there. They are a great way to keep wet, dirty camping clothes separated from the clean clothes.
Coolers: We pack all of drinks in one cooler and our food in another. This helps to keep from opening up the food cooler each time you need a drink.
Also we have a camping notebook. We write down the campsite we visited, the date, and then each family member writes their favorite part of that trip. I also take notes about what we loved or didn’t love about the campsite for future camping site references.
am I the only one that keeps finding free campsites
they seem to be forestry they are always at the water
they have toilet picnic table and firepit
freeze your juice and milk instead of all that ice
it thaws you drink it
we love taking our small dogs as I’m in a wheelchair and small kids LOVE to walk them LOL
Yes, FREEZE your milk. 1/2 gallons work well. FREEZE lunchmeat, precooked sausage, meatballs. Eat as it thaws.
Bring a small broom for the tent.
Fruit for dessert travels well. Chill watermelon in the river before cutting.
Shhh, Put a bucket in the tent for overnight, in a box to keep it stable.
GLOW STICKS are fun. A book. Sunscreen.
Mirror, tape, tweezers, string, sponge
CAMP STOVE and two propane canisters.
Rum.
Chuckled at rum!
Camping food faves include Dad’s breakfast burritos, banana boats cooked in foil, & chili verde, cooked & frozen at home to help keep ice chest cold. We also freeze water in clean milk jugs to avoid buying ice for the first couple of days, which also gives us water to drink. For the long drive to the campground I make a list of about 25 things we could possibly see. We use it to play “I Spy”. As the list dwindles, I add new possibilities. The person to find the most items wins. Activities we like include making plaster molds of handprints on the beach or animal tracks in the woods & building models of shelters out of small rocks, sticks and leaves. No glue. The winning shelter is the one that stands the longest.
Thanks to thefrugalgirls for this post! I have to say my husband and I have had fun with your discussion here as well! I am a firm believer in camping being “tent camping” and using an rv as “rving”. There is so much fun to be had no matter what you’re doing, getting yourselves and your kids outside and away from technology can be so refreshing and help center yourself and bring your family closer together. Thank-you for such a fun topic! My husband carried this to work at his police department and had a huge debate among the officers. The modern way seems to be the rv way and yet I have to say that a few folks in this discussion brought back such good memories, I’m just as eager to tent camp this year! In case everyone doesn’t know, the NPS does have some free entrance days this year. Last year, with a new baby, we found day trips to work well for us, state parks, national parks, national forests, we love them all.
I have a file on my computer for camping lists. One for tent camping and the other for our camper. I keep a pad of paper with me and jot down any new ideas given to us by fellow campers or those “A-ha” moments while sitting by the fire. I have actually added quite a few things to my list reading all these posts (thanks!)
Thanks, ladies, for the tips. We leave on Sunday for a few days of rest and relaxation at a Florida State Park. Close enough that we can enjoy Busch Gardens during the day (we all have passports that include free parking/discounts on food/trinkets…We have had campers in the past but have gone back to Tent camping. We are excited to be able to spend these days with our 5 year old grandson. We cook, in the woods, just as we cook at home…No different for us…May you all take the time to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine in the days ahead 🙂 By the way – we are obsessed with Geocaching – any fellow cachers here?
What is Geocaching?
Go to geocaching.com. It’s a BLAST! Like a scavenger hunt for the whole family!
camping and ‘caching’ go hand in hand!! We love both!
Love Geocaching!
We letterbox instead….similar to geocaching, but no GPS needed.
We letter box too. We use http://www.atlasquest.com
Love, love camping, and it’s one of the most economical ways to get away! We camp in tents, and some of our “essentials” for camping are a tarp (we use it under our tent – helps keep moisture from seeping in and extends the life of the tent), an air mattress, camp chairs and a Coleman stove for cooking. The suggestions above about flashlights and flip-flops for the showers are also very good! We always rent a campsite that has water, but we don’t usually need electricity. I also like to pick a site that’s not too far from the bathrooms for those late-night potty runs in PJ’s!
Some of the “fun” stuff I like to take along is fixins for s’mores (gotta have ’em! :)), those little individual packets of individual flavored coffees (the “just add water” kind) and playing cards. Also, when you’re packing clothes, be sure to pack layers. I’ve had it go from cold to hot (and vice-versa) literally overnight and didn’t have the right clothes!
My fiance and I always rent a campground place with two or three other couples. We literally pay a couple dollars a person by splitting the cost. Each couple brings food for one meal. We really enjoy this because we get to spend time with our friends but we also get alone time. During the day each couple usually does their own thing. We save a lot of money. We usually spend about $30 for food and such. $30 for a weekend in the outdoors is good bargain for me!
Take a roll of duct tape. It fixes almost anything! Rafts, rubber boats, sleeping bags, clothes, shoes, tents, other camping equiptment, and on and on. My husband thought I was nuts but it sure came in handy!
Also, we had horrid rain one year and got a leak in our roof of our camper. My husband went up with a big (lawn/leaf size) garbage bag and put it over the leak. Saved our vacation until we got home. We always pack a couple big bags now. Will add duct tape too now.
Trash bags also come in handy for rain ponchos in a pinch.
We camp in a vintage Scotty camper with other vintage camper enthusiasts from all over the east coast several times a year for the past five years.
Packing everything in storage totes. Buy pots/pans/utensils/plates/cups/linens/play clothes etc at yard sales. That way if you break/lose it, it doesn’t matter.
Definately have flashlight for each person.{great for a game of flashlight tag at night too} Free samples are great to take camping. I have a whole dresser full that I collect throughout the year.
The activity the kids really like our “digital camera scavenger hunt”. They each have a cheap digital camera and are told to take a picture of one thing that starts with the letter A, one of a B item etc. When we get home, we compare their photos to see who was the most creative in finding each letter of the alphabet.We get some great vacation pics this way and its a good way to remember our camping time.
Also, since we camp with usually groups of around 10-15 campers, we potluck most meals and always have a wine and cheese party around the campfire for the adults. each person brings a bottle of wine local to their area.
Love the digital camera scavenger hunt.