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…
Keep it simple. Camping is the time to turn the tvs off, put the gadgets down and be outside. Get dirty and sunned and completely worn out! We’ve gone from a large trailer to a small fifth wheel to a tent and are buying a small trailer soon. In the trailers I’ve never done anything differenly than I do at home. Same as you’d pack for a beach condo – bring your food, linens and clothes. Simple meals you already grill at home, simple clothes than can get dirtied. The tent is a bit more work with all the coolers and bins but we still only bring the bare minimum (and we don’t go off grid). If we forgot something oh well we’ll eat something else or read that book next time. Simplification is the appeal of camping. I’m a planner by trade and personality so having to make lists and multiple shopping trips and days packing would ruin camping for me. In the beginning I thought I needed the Dutch oven recipes and preplanned games and did nothing but pack more stuff up to take home we didn’t even use!
My best tip is to get zip lock snack bags and go ahead and put one cracked egg, (out of the shell) and seal the bag so you don’t have to worry about smashing the eggs. Or for meals you will use more crack as many as you need in a bag ahead of time. No more broken eggs!
Egg Beaters. Screw top lid reseals. No spill, minimal garbage.
Dessert Wraps
Bring a wrap per person
Place 1 on frypan with a little bit of oil
Cook till light brown on bottom then flip
Immediately add choc chips, mini marshmallows, banana slices, choc sauces, other fruit slices etc
Then wrap up and eat
I always bring some rope and clothes pins to hang wet towels, clothes etc.
If you are back packing, bring large garbage bags, you can dig a hole in the ground and fill with water to wash your dishes.
We tent camp every year. Sometimes the tent can get a little stinky. We keep dryer sheets in each corner of the tent. It smells great! We also bought a small 3 person tent to keep as a “storage tent” where we put our extra food, pond toys, cooking items, etc.,. We also have tubs we use every year that we keep old pots, pans, a dish tup, cooking utensils, etc,. All you have to do is grab the totes and go. One other tip if you tent camp. Buy a door mat and keep it outside the tent to wipe your feet off before entering.
Oragel ointment. Use the regular, it just works better. Any bruises, rashes, bee stings, small burns can be resolved with this. What it does is to block signals to the brain that there is a problem there where the brains diverts blood flow away from the area and thus bruises appears, etc.. Not being aware of a problem allows for free blood flow in the affected areas and the problems disappears in a short while and usually the pain within seconds
I also use frozen bottles of water in my “food” cooler. I freeze bottled water before the trip, place it in the cooler, then it serves well to take along to the beach or hiking the trails. As the day goes by the ice melts so you have fresh “ice cold” water to drink. I have a camper and I never drink the water at the campgrounds (just one of my quirks), but I take a 5 gallon jug of drinking water that you can buy at most grocery stores. At the end of the day I wash the used bottles, refill them with the bottled water, and refreeze them. I keep frozen water in the freezer in my camper so I can swipe them out. The only ice I buy is for my “drink” cooler.
I know it’s not a traditional cook, but, we always have a low country boil when we camp. Pre-cut the sausage, get the short ears of corn, small red potatoes and a couple packs of frozen, shelled and deveined shrimp (so no mess with the shells). Don’t forgot the Old Bay seasoning. Any leftover sausage & potatoes can be thrown in the frying pan in the morning with a little butter and garlic powder and onions for loaded hashbrowns that the guys will love! You can even add eggs and cheese. Yummy! Also, use an empty clean large laundry detergent container full of water as a wash up station. You can add a paper towel holder to the top or side to keep everything together. You can also get a large box of shop towels at the DIY stores. It’s like a large kleenex box with heavy duty papertowels!You will find yourself using them for a lot of stuff. Twist them tight and use as a fire starter! Hope this helps!
Along with what everyone else has said I would say buy good sleeping bags. We don’t have top of the line bags but they are also not Walmart $40 bags. I take good care of our sleeping bags. I have used the same one for 15 plus years and it probably has another 15 in it. My husband has family that opts for very cheap bags and they probably replace them every year plus they are always cold at night and have to bring extra blankets.
For ice I like using gallon size milk or juice bottles better than smaller ones. The ice lasts much longer and keeps the whole cooler cold. Just make sure you put them in the freezer in advance they take a couple days to freeze solid.
when cooking over a campfire,pour liquid dish detergent on just outside of pot. this makes cleaning pot so much easier leaving pot clean not black from smoke.
Yep! An old boy scout trick every uses when cooking over an open fire. Black carbon soot washes right off.