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…
We have tons of ideas but for cooking, the eggs or egg whites if you prefer in the cartons you can buy are VERY useful. You could make your own in a tupperware type or pourable container with a good lid as well. (easier than worrying about breaking eggs in a cooler). The worst prob we ever had was we were being “smart putting all of our garbage into the trunk to stash it off the ground and away from our tent while we ate and all…and left the trunk open while we were eating and doing the fire.Well, on our way out the next day we heard a scratching sound. Turned out we got a mouse into the car and it ate it’s way through the entire insulation lining of our car. Apparently he rode into the car via our garbage bag that was on the ground by the picnic table while we were cooking dinner or got into the trunk while it was open. OOPS. Lesson learned. Keep garbage in a closable container and keep car closed, including trunk even if you just open it to unload/load. You never know who you’ll bring home with you. Also keep your extra firewood in the car or similar if you’re bringing in wood for fires so it doesn’t get soggy from nighttime natural moisture. (we live in pacific northwest). Keep a tarp handy for rainstorms, and some non perishable backup foods and snacks in case of fire not starting or rain or you just being extra hungry. French press makes making coffee simple, just boil water, dump the java and water in press and voila. An insulated one makes it stay warm faster and an insulated mug=same for the kiddies, insulated mug plus cocoa packet=simple warm up. big thermos filled with water and ice with spigot (filled ahead) is handy for a vast number of things. we put ours on picnic table and use it for drinks, some washing, some cooking, and it goes in car with us when we’re road tripping to save on stops for priced up cold drinks. 🙂 I agree with everyone to do all “sous cheffing” in advance. Chop veggies to toss in the scrambled eggs and to put in foil packets with some chicken, fish or your fave pieces of meat (or if veggie then tofu or beans?) and add in some precooked rice or pasta or cook a foil packet of tatos or similar. Best easy cheese is the wax wrapped individual cheeses (lunch or snacks of cheese/apples/bread) etc. Premade tuna salad comes in little cans with crackers or foil pouches now also. just bring some pita pockets or bread or a veg u like it with. Bagels/cream cheese is easy too for summer but make sure to put the cheese in a baggy as the water from the melting ice will ruin the dairy. baggies are your friend so bring extras and I’m not sure if the recyclable kind would work but I’d be curious to hear from someone if any recyclable ones are waterproof on the outside of them. 🙂
When we are camping with a group – we split the meals. One family cooks breakfast for everyone, one cooks dinner one night for everyone, etc. It’s nice because you only cook and clean up once or twice. When you are on your off meal, you can take a walk, play with your kids etc. and just show up when dinner is ready! It’s very relaxing (when it’s not your turn to cook!)
We also keep lunch meat, cheese, packets of mayo & mustard, lettuce & tomato in a plastic bin (shoebox size) in our cooler. Then when it is time to make lunch everything is all in one place – just add bread or rolls. Nothing gets wet with cooler water.
My toddler daughters also have “camping only toys” stored in a plastic bin, that can only be played with while camping (we camp often) but even so, they probably haven’t played with the toys in a few weeks or a month so they are fun again.
I see this is an old post but decided to comment because camping never gets old! We first camped when my boys were 3 and 4. In their teens, they decided they were done camping. Now, at 24, my middle son is hiking the pacific crest trail, from mexico to canada. He said he now has new appreciation for the great out doors! I still miss watching them go lizard hunting!
When I have food stuck on my plates or pots I use a hand full pine needles to scub it. Works great on cast iron without using soap.
Put a bar of soap in the foot of a knee high nylon and tie it around the outdoor faucet at your campground. Makes for easy hand washing and keeps the soap off the ground!
I know this is an old post but I found out as a new camper this last year for the small kids tent camping….you don’t have to buy a large air mattress…the cheaper ones low quality cost around 30 dollars. I bought a couple dollar rafts I think from a dollar type store then I duct taped a couple together you can make them wide and even stack them…work great for the kiddos probably if You put enough together any person would sleep well on one.
We have a tent-trailer that we bought a few years ago and just love it. We sometimes camp with power and sometimes non-power, depending who we are camping with.
We bought 2 of those 3-drawer plastic organizers and took the top off of one of them to make a 6-drawer high “tower”. Each drawer is labeled. Top drawer is always “First Aid” stuff and other essentials, then a few drawers of cooking supplies, oven mitts, dishes, etc., another drawer has games (cards, dice w/ yatzee score sheets printed off the internet, frizbee, and various other games that stay in the trailer year-round). The bottom drawer holds all the mugs wrapped in tea-towels to keep them from chipping and I always know where the towels are. We keep these drawers in groups of two and they fit perfectly inside the tent-trailer when it’s in storage (the beds slide perfectly over top). While camping we put this “tower” by the door and its a perfect catch-all spot to hold important things (bug spray, sun-screen….. etc) on top and in easy reach.
I grabbed a few “not-so-perfect” towels from the house (re-place the house ones and designate the ‘not-so-perfect’ for camping) and zig-zagged those ones for the trailer in a bright colour. Now when I do laundry after a camping trip we all know which ones go straight to the trailer. I did this for tea-towels and bath towels. I keep about 3 of each in the trailer.
When we have power we use our coffee maker to make hot water for tea, hot chocolate, or dishes. Saves time and saves on propane!
My in-laws have a property on one of the many lakes around our area so we will camp on their property or there is some state land that does not cost anything to camp we go there too.
Walmart had $1.50 outdoor solar recharged lights like you would stick in a flower bed. We charged during the day, but found that laying them on the table near our propane lantern while we played games or ate dinner charged them fantastically. We took them into the the tent at night. We didn’t use our flashlights which saved their batteries and could have on all night if we wanted to have a night light for the kids. A small styrofoam ice chest inside of your large ice chest keeps foods frozen or nearly frozen. Perfect for raw meat and keeps a barrier between the meat and the rest of your foods. Have to make sure it’s thawed in time for cooking. A port-a-potty is a must for us. It’s a pleasure not having to put the shoes on, take the roll of TP and go on 2 AM potty run amongst the animals and bugs. We keep a cloth shopping bag with shower items so the clothes and towel can go in the top for each trip to the shower. Precook hamburger for spaghetti, burritos or Hamburger Helper. Tablecloth clamps to keep them in place. Baby wipes, baby wipes, baby wipes. They keep you feeling clean and moisturizes dry camping feet and elbows and cut right through the s’mores sticky goo.
We bake potatos in coals or on the occasions we bring the grill grill them. Add your toppings and you have a meal in about an hour. We also have UNO decks, checkers that sort of thing for rainy days. We pack our clothes in gallon sized storage bags. One complete outfit for that day in one bag. (It also helps if you are tent camping and have a sudden storm, keeps the clothes dry!) Just keep the bag for next time once you take the clothes out. One year my husband and kids decided they were beach bums and didn’t take a warm shower for two days (they did rinse the salt off with the showers at the beach)…makes for good memories.