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…
I have been going camping since I was little enough to bunk with my 2 sisters and 1 brother on ONE side of a pop up camper! LOL!
Just went camping last year with a group of families and one of the best dinners we had was taco salad! We bought a case of frito and dorito chips (individual bags) a 13×9 pan of already made taco meat (ground meat and taco seasoning) which we warmed up over a bonfire and all topping for a taco (cheese, sour cream, lettuce, taco sauce) Everyone grabs a bag of chips, crushes the chips up, and adds the meat and all topping that they desire. Simply grab a spoon and eat out of the bag! Simply…and delicious!!!!
Our family has gotten brave we are used to long car trips but we never camp we are good at doing cheap and careful spending and being thrifty…we are thinking about planning a trip from MO to WA state…rain is my biggest worry. I have gotten so many tips from here on camping. Thanks all. I have learned for alot of campgrounds online is a good way to see campsites before you go. I have been hunting for good ones. Happy camping all!
Take advantage of the National Park Service Fee Free Days, the days can be found on nps.gov This week is National Parks week so many outfitters affiliated with national parks are also offering deals which can be found on the website and over 300 parks NEVER charge fees and those can be found on the website as well.
Glad to see there are others like us who do both types of camping! We enjoy our camper camping, but with high gas prices we will use it closer to home. When prices got high 3 years ago, we decided to head north in a tent. By being well prepared and organized, we traveled from Georgia to Prince Edward Island and everywhere in between staying a total of 3 weeks. It was the best family vacation we have ever had! The key is being organized for camper OR tent camping.
Tacos in a bag are a favorite of our family. Cook the taco meat at home, store in a ziploc. Bring individual bags of Doritos or other nacho cheese chips, crush, open, add meat, cheese, lettuce, etc. Eat right out of the bag, easy clean up!
We also frequently take our turkey deep fat fryer with. We use it to fry fish (small pan). But we also fill it with water to cook sweet corn and spaghetti noodles, it keeps all that steam out of the camper. A new favorite is making individual omelettes. Take a ziploc freezer bag, add a couple of eggs and what ever else you like with them (peppers, ham, cheese, etc). Mush it all together (make sure bag is securely closed) and put into the boiling water for 6-8 min. Make sure and have a set of thongs to remove from the water. Eggs should slide right out of the baggie. Be sure and use a heavy duty freezer bag!
Bocce ball and ladder golf are favorite games.
Our RV is parked at a campground all summer season. At home, I will cook a big pot of rice (Not the quick rice). I fill sandwich sized zip top bags and place them in the freezer. When we want rice for dinner, a couple minutes in the microwave and its ready. I don’t want to spend 20 minutes cooking rice in the RV and using all that propane! I do this at home, too. Works well with ground beef. Cook it all at once and freeze in zip top bags. It’s ready for chili or spaghetti in no time! That way I don’t have hamburger grease to deal with in the RV.
Put dishwashing detergent all over the outside of pots and pans you will be using to cook over a fire. Prevents soot from sticking to the pots and easily washes off. Make a box oven. I’ve even baked cookies in mine. Use tiki torches for lighting. We usually put four or five around the perimeter of our camping site, if there isn’t electricity. Use citronella oil in them to help keep bugs away. Freeze 2 liter bottles with water and salt in them to use in the cooler. Salt helps keep the water frozen longer and your food won’t be soggy from melting ice. We bring the bottles of water and salt back home and stick them in the freezer to use again. Cotton balls and Vaseline make good fire starters. A book light will light up a tent and can be clipped to the roof. Not as bright as lights at home but enough to find your way around in the tent at night. If there isn’t water at your camp site, use a 5 or 10 gallon water cooler that has a spout and a large aluminum pan under it as your sink for hand washing, etc. We fill a water cooler with ice and top off with water. Everyone has their own water bottle and we buy water mix-ins such as kool aid and crystal light. Plenty of cold water and everyone can make their own drinks. Line the inside of your Dutch oven with foil to make clean up easier. Steam vegetables by wrapping them in a foil pouch with a few ice cubes. Place on the fire grate and cook. If there is electricy, I take a 30 cup coffee pot and keep it filled with water. Great for hot cocoa, instant food such as oatmeal and soups and you will always have hot dish water. Have lots more ideas but will stop now.LOL
AWESOME ideas! Thanks!
What a fun topic to get to comment on! My family, (4 young kids, me, husband and 2 dogs) camp at least once a month through the fall and spring. Summer is out of the question in Texas! We treasure each trip out. Some helpful tips that have made my life easier I’d love to share.
-I have a master packing list on the computer, before each trip I print, use it while packing, and take it along to jot down anything else that will be helpful for next time.
-We have a huge number of people and dogs for one minivan! Packing smartly is a must. I have each kid bring the prescribed amount of clothes/personal necessities, and they go in a collapsible fabric basket in the tent, and if their clothes are not on their person, they need to be in there or in the dirty clothes bag. Really cuts down on clutter in the tent. We also have tubs for kitchen stuff, dry goods, etc.
-Chop, cook, combine whatever you can at home and haul it out there in ziplocs. I love to cook, but when we’re camping, nothing is better than dumping a bunch of ziplocs in the dutch oven and making something delicious!
-I also do the separate coolers for food/drinks thing. Way more convenient.
-Instead of buying ketchup and mustard to keep in our “camping” bins, we save the leftover packets from the drive thru and keep them handy.
-always bring a roll of tp and a roll of paper towels. You never know how well equipped the facilities may be.
-plan your menu in advance but be prepared to adjust. If it pours down rain make sure your meal can be cooked on a coleman stove and not just the campfire.
Plan as much as you can beforehand, and be prepared for it to change! It seems like a lot of work, but it is most definitely worth it! Have fun 🙂
ABOUT HOT WATER
walmart had camping shower about $6
hang it in the sun PRESTO!!!!!!!!
You can also buy a new weed sprayer, put in sun. As for the shower, hang an umbrella upside down from a tree, and hook a shower curtain on all the ends of the umbrella, instant shower or changing room.
Lisa, that is brilliant. I made a shower room from a hula hoop and shower curtain liner, but your idea is even better. Thanks!
If you’re looking for gear, hit up flea markets. I’ve been camping by myself for a decade now, and while I have pretty much everything I need (most of it purchased at flea markets and yard sales), I’m beginning to look for things that are just nice to have. The prices can’t be beat.
I always make a list of everything I think I’m going to need and check things off.
Begin looking at your local state parks websites for deals. I know my state is advertising some half-price weekends and some book-one-night-get-the-next-for-half price. With many campgrounds getting ready to open, those deals will be starting soon.