Camping is amazing—but let’s be honest, sometimes it comes with a few… inconveniences. Wet socks, burnt marshmallows, forgotten bug spray—we’ve all been there. The good news? A few clever hacks can turn your trip from chaotic to chill. Here are 10 camping tips you’ll wish you knew sooner.
1. Turn a Headlamp Into a Lantern
Strap your headlamp to a gallon water jug or a clear bottle, light facing in. Boom—instant lantern with soft, diffused light for your tent or picnic table.
2. Use Sage in the Campfire to Repel Bugs
Toss a handful of dried sage into the flames and mosquitoes will keep their distance. It smells great, too.
3. Freeze Your Water Bottles
They double as ice packs in your cooler and provide cold drinking water as they melt. Efficiency win.
4. DIY Fire Starters
Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly or dryer lint in a cardboard egg carton light up quickly and burn long enough to get your fire going—even in damp conditions.
5. Prep Meals at Home
Chop veggies, crack eggs into a bottle, or pre-marinate meat before you leave. Less mess, less stress.
6. Bring a Shoe Organizer
Hang a cheap fabric shoe organizer from a tree or the side of your tent to store utensils, snacks, sunscreen, flashlights, and more.
7. Glow Sticks for Tent Zippers
Tie glow sticks to zippers so you can easily find your way in and out of the tent after dark—no fumbling needed.
8. Line Your Backpack with a Trash Bag
Instant waterproofing. If it rains or you cross a stream, your clothes and sleeping bag stay dry.
9. Keep a Mini Spice Kit
Camping meals don’t have to be bland. Fill a pill organizer or Tic Tac containers with your favorite spices to add flavor on the go.
10. Bring Duct Tape (Always)
Fix tents, patch gear, make splints, repair shoes, or even remove splinters. It’s the ultimate survival tool.