If anyone is planning a great camping trip or camping road trip for upcoming weekend trips, check out these camping hacks – including camping meals and easy recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner! There is also a slew of ideas for awesome camping desserts that can’t be left out!
If you are looking for camping hacks and other great tips for camping, especially when it comes to what to bring and camping with kids, see the camping hacks listed below for some help and inspiration!
I included a short packing list at the top, but there is a longer list below you can print yourself. If you are tent camping at a camp site, and are truly roughing it and not RV camping (is that even camping???), then you’ll enjoy these camping hacks to help you get a good night’s sleep.
List of suggested important things to pack for a good camping experience: (affiliate links)
- tent
- sleeping bag
- pillow
- first aid kit
- picnic table cover
- shoe organizer for camping
- plastic container or bin (for food storage)
- bar of soap
- bug spray or essential oils like citronella & geranium
- trash bag (or bags)
- duct tape
- paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils (you can wash and reuse these and they are lighter than metal)
- pill bottle to store matches (and keep them dry) or get these
- shower caddy to carry to bathrooms
- plastic bag or bags (to put muddy clothes or shoes or garbage in)
- rope and clothes line to dry towels or other clothing that gets wet
- 5 gallon jug to fill with water for dishwashing or handwashing
- paper towels
- air mattress
- flip flops
- lantern and/or flashlight
- aluminum foil
- cooler
- hatchet to cut firewood
- hot water bottle (fill with boiling water at night to keep you warm on cold nights) or get one of these
- travel toothbrush
- portable charger for cell phones (if you are on an electric free site)
- sunscreen
- large water bottle for each person
- camp stoves
- camping cookware
- hammock
- camping knife with fire starter
- French press coffee maker
- rain suit
List of Camping Recipes and Camping Tips
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Camping Recipes:
How to cook and Egg Sandwich on the Grill
Sweet Onion Salmon Cooked in a Foil Pack
Prep Ahead Campfire Corn Recipe
No Mess Camping Omelettes in a Bag
Bring pancake mix for breakfasts since all you need is water and a camping stove!
Clever Ideas for Dessert Camping Recipes:
How To Make The Best Texas Peach Cobbler (optional vanilla ice cream needed for this one!)
Campfire Dessert Cones for Camping or at home on the BBQ!
S’Mores Muddy Buddies – Gluten Free, Vegan & Allergy Friendly
Peanut Butter Snack Bites – These are great to make ahead and bring on a hike or have for dessert.
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars – 5 Ingredients
Campfire Cones – 3 Different Ways
Easy Camping Hacks and Tips:
Printable Camping Checklist for Simple Camping
Camping Hack: Turn A Headlamp Into A Lantern
A great way to make homemade fire starters is to fill a toilet or paper towel roll with dryer lint! Use one match to light this and put it under small and dry kindling to get the fire started!
Want a wearable way to repel mosquitoes? Try the jacket and pants from Mozzie Style. Their jackets are made of a fine mesh fabric that makes it nearly impossible for insects to fly or crawl through the tiny holes. My husband pictured above is wearing a size extra small (much better for my daughter) but will do the job when we are around a campfire and don’t want to be covered in bug spray!
If you tend to get a lot of bug bites in the summer, you’ll want to keep a bottle of Sarna Original Lotion ($9.99) in your bathroom as well. This mixture of camphor and menthol rapidly soothes itching from insect bites, sunburn, and poison ivy. It’s moisturizing, paraben-free, and safe for daily use. Your itchy skin will thank you!
the Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion ($14.99) is a non-greasy, mineral matte sunscreen promoting youthful-looking skin. This face sunscreen can be worn before swimming, jogging, or moderate sport activities.
Other Cool Camping Ideas and Tips Round-Ups:
14 Genius Camping Food Hacks to Try
Must Try Camping Hacks and Tips for Camping with a Baby or young children
Cool Camping Gear: What You’ll Want for This Summer’s Adventures!
Subscribe To My Newsletter
Want more frugal tips or DIY project inspiration? Plus an amazing amount of Amazon promo code deals? Get my newsletter with exclusive content I don't share anywhere else!
