Or so she says...

Family Fun, Favorites, Food, and Faith

  • Home
  • Categories
    • Gift Ideas
    • Family
    • Recipes
    • Education
    • Faith & Inspiration
    • Holidays
    • Vacation
    • Crafts
    • Health
    • Home & Garden
  • About
    • OSSS Team
    • Media & Partners

June 8, 2020 by Mariah

26 Cheap Camping Tips and Tricks (Hacks You’ll Actually Love!!)

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see the disclosure policy.
18113 shares
  • Facebook46
  • Twitter
  • Email
camping tips
camping hacks

Who loves some good and cheap camping camping tips and tricks?? It’s a great time to get out and enjoy some camping this summer! With all the craziness happening in the world, vacations canceled, and people losing focus (among other things), sometimes just stepping away from it all is the best medicine.

I thought it would fun to put together a round up of some of the best camping tricks for families, that will make life a little easier when camping, and your time in the great outdoors even more enjoyable. Let’s get to it!

26 Cheap Camping Tips and Tricks 

Easy DIY Alcohol Stove ~ Or so she says…

I love that you can make an empty pop can into something so useful. This would be a fun project to put together with the kids, or a youth group. Great for camping or for emergency kits!

alcohol stove

Shower Caddy Lanyard

If you’re lucky… well, I would call it lucky, you might have access to a shower or some place to rinse off while camping. And if so, you’re likely to be carrying a big load of stuff with you to wash (your extra clothes, your towel, shampoo, soap, flashlight, phone, etc.) This Shower Caddy makes your trek to wash off so much easier, and your packing so much lighter. Everything you need for your body rinse is on one convenient lanyard, that you can wear around your neck. Save those arms for other things!

shower caddy

Dutch Oven Pizza ~ Or so she says…

Pizza isn’t just for delivery. How about making the yummiest pizza ever, in the grey outdoors?! It’s totally possible and you’ll be so glad you did. That is, if you even get any before it’s gobbled up!

Chicago-Style-Deep-Dish-Main

The Coolest Multi-Use Tool for Camping

Tools are heavy and heaviness and camping don’t go together, right? People LOVE this multitool for camping. One tool, with a TON of possible uses. Descale your fish, hammer a nail, fix a broken whatever, chop up wood… you get the point. Super affordable camping tool too!

multi tool for camping

Match Holder with Sandpaper Camping Hacks ~ From Like to Love

This is such a slick way to store matches. It keeps them dry and the scratchy surface on top makes for a perfect spot to light them. Be sure to check out the blog, From Like to Love, for all the details!

camping fire

TP Container ~ Field & Stream

Keep your toilet paper dry, clean and away from rodents with this clever idea for a toilet paper container. This is such a cool camping hack from Field and Stream! Definitely a great camping trick!

Camping Hacks

Collapsible Clean-Up: Trash Cans and Wash Bins

Having fun in the outdoors, also means cleaning up afterwards. And staying clean throughout definitely makes the trip more enjoyable. There’s a reason that people love these pop up trash cans (no more hanging bags on tents) and collapsible wash bins! And a little camping tip… If you pick up a few wash bins, you can have one for dirty dishes, one for soapy water, and one for clean water to rinse. Best of all, both of these products are compact, light, and affordable. Yay!!

camping tools

Camping Scavenger Hunt ~ The Creative Homemaker

This cute, little scavenger hunt is a fun way to keep kids happy while camping. Let’s be honest here… camping isn’t always a party. Boredom CAN happen. So, it’s always a good idea to have a few little tricks up your sleeve. And, if you’re camping on a budget, it’s even better when you have some fun ideas that are cheap. We love this camping activity for kids from The Creative Homemaker!

camping scavenger hunt

Camping Pancakes ~ A Mum ‘n the Oven

I always love the idea of having as much food prepared ahead of time as possible. This camping hack from ‘A Mum n the Oven’ for camping pancakes is so great! Be sure to read the comments on the post for some ideas for keeping it fresh, before use.

camping pancakes

Ciao! Baby Camping High Chair

Okay, take a close look at that picture, before you just scroll on past… it’s a high chair!! A camping high chair!! Have you ever tried eating around the campfire with a baby?! I have… and that’s why I’m recommending this awesome camping product for babies. Not only will you be able to eat your own food with BOTH hands (and not have little hands grabbing it), but you will be able to easily feed your little one, without holding them in your lap. So much better. Also, a great way to keep them away from the campfire, while everyone is preoccupied with food.

camping chair

Waterproof Shoes for the Outdoors

One of the worst things ever is being in the outdoors with wet shoes, not to mention if it’s cold outside. This waterproofer by Kiwi is a favorite for keeping shoes dry in the outdoors. Be sure to read the reviews, directions, and suggestions before spraying them on your favorite shoes. Keep those toes warm!!

DIY Tablecloth Holders ~ Stockpiling Moms

This is such a fun little activity for kids, to either make while camping or to prepare for camping. They can be used over and over again! Nobody wants the tablecloth blowing away… these DIY holders from Stockpiling Moms blog will totally do the trick! To make traveling with these supplies a lot more compact, check out these collapsible water containers.

tablecloth holders

Hand Washing Station ~ Making Memories

Washing hands while you’re camping feels sooooo good. If you can’t get completely clean, if you can just get your hands clean, that’s something. And then, if you have kids in tow, you KNOW their hands are pretty filthy. So, rather than having to trek everyone to the potty, or drip a small bottle of water on their hands, check out this awesome hand washing contraption from Making Memories! … complete with paper towels, soap, and water. It makes washing your hands while camping so easy!

hand washing station

Campfire Apple Crisp Dessert ~ Gimme Some Grilling

This might be the most delicious camping idea ever. As if tin foil dinners with hamburger and potatoes weren’t amazing enough… I never really think of making dessert in tin foil, over the camp fire! And, how perfect is this recipe for Campfire Apple Crisp from Gimme Some Grilling? If you can’t brings some ice cream along (hopefully, you can), be sure to pack some whipped cream!

tin foil dessert

10 Piece Collapsible Mess Kit

Packing light and compact is typically pretty important when camping. Any list of cheap camping tips and tricks would feel incomplete without this favorite product. It’s affordable and such a great way to get everything you need for basic cooking/eating into one little carrying bag.

mess kit

Omelettes in a Bag ~ Beyer Beware

Are you the designated chef at the camp? If there’s one thing any chef can relate to, it’s the feeling of longing to eat with everyone, not AFTER everyone. Some meals make that a little more doable, like this awesome camping tip for making omelettes! The blog, Beyer Beware, gives the scoop on how to easily make custom omelets for a crowd. Great for camping or to make, for fun, at home!

camping omelette

Single Use Ointment Packs ~ Brian’s Backpacking Blog

Okay, now this is a legit dollar store camping hack. Brian’s Backpacking Blog has lots of great camping and hiking info, and this is just one of his many smart camping ideas. Buying travel size medications/ointments can get pretty pricey. Plus, packing light and compact is also important. Everything little thing helps! Be sure to check out Brian’s post and see how easy it is to put together these single use ointment packs.

ointment travel size

New S’mores Ideas ~ Or so she says…

S’mores has got to be the most well-known and loved camping dessert around. It’s cheap, easy, and always a crowd pleaser. I’m loving these new ideas for s’mores that would be fun to bust out when everyone is gathered around the campfire. They will love trying out some new flavor combinations and shaking up this old favorite.

Headlamp Lantern ~ Creative Green Living

Light up the great outdoors or your tent with this simple and cheap camping hack from Creative Green Living. Most likely, you have everything you need for this DIY camping supply in your house right now!

camping hack

SkyView App for Learning Constellations

Just one of the perks of being in the great outdoors, away from “it all,” is the crystal clear air… hello, star gazing!! You may be putting your phone away for your little escape, but this might be one reason to pull it back out. Once you have the app downloaded, you simply point your phone at the stars in the sky, and it will tell you what constellations you’re looking at. Isn’t that amazing?! Awesome camping activity for kids and adults… educational, as well!

constellation app

Scrambled Eggs in a Bottle ~ Kids Activities Blog

Okay, this camping trick is so great. Just like the ready-to-use pancake mix, shared above, this bottle of ready-to-use eggs is genius! Not only does it save you from having to bring a carton of eggs, and hope they don’t break. But, it saves you from needing an extra bowl, whisk, and salt/pepper shakers. This is ready to make! Thanks to Kids Activities Blog for this awesome idea, and all of the other cool camping tricks on their post.

 camping eggs

Fun and Free Camping Games ~ Hip Homeschool Moms

Since we’re on a lightweight and compact kick… we might as well continue the trend, when it comes to camping games. How much more light and compact can you get than family camping games on printed pieces of paper?! That’s what I thought. Hip Homeschool Moms have several super cute camping games that are ready to print and play!

camping games

Easy Banana Boat Camping Dessert ~ Simply Stacie

Need a simple camping dessert, besides peach cobbler or s’mores?? I got ya. Well, Simply Stacie has got ya. You’ve got to check out this fun dessert camping hack on her blog, that is soooo delicious!!

banana boats

Homemade Crayon Fire Starters ~ Dukes and Duchesses

Not only are these fire starters from Dukes and Duchesses great to have on hand, while camping. But, the kids will have a blast helping you prepare them for the upcoming camping trip. Surely, they have a stash of broken crayons kicking around the house.

fire starter

Campfire Bread on a Stick ~ Vegan on Board

How awesome is this camping trick of cooking bread on a stick?? I love it! Vegan on Board shares their recipe for an easy bread dough, perfect for wrapping around a roasting stick and cooking over the campfire. Bring along some butter spread, garlic salt, jam, and honey butter, so everyone can flavor up their bread to suit their taste!

campfire bread

Outdoor Camping Kitchen

If you’re going to be setting up shop in the great outdoors for more than just a couple days, you may want to look into these folding, portable kitchen stations. Camping regulars LOVE them for preparing meals and organizing their cooking tools.

camping kitchen

Have a wonderful camping adventure!!

JOIN 180,000+ OTHERS & FOLLOW OSSS FOR LOTS OF FAMILY IDEAS!

  • NEWSLETTER (free most-requested family recipes download included!)
  • PINTEREST (lots of awesome family related ideas!)

Pin this image to save this camping hacks post for later:

camping tips

If you loved these cheap camping tips and tricks, check out: 

  • Camping with Kids
  • Outdoor Family Games Everyone Will Love
  • The Best Camping Tips for Families
18113 shares
  • Facebook46
  • Twitter
  • Email
❮❮ Previous Post
Next Post ❯ ❯

Comments

  1. Mert says

    August 1, 2015 at 11:00 am

    These are awesome tips and I will using a lot of them. Even for everyday use.
    Thank you?

  2. Kay says

    February 21, 2016 at 7:40 pm

    no need to buy a dispenser for the hand washing station: use an emptied laundry detergent container.
    A couple tablespoons of vinegar in the water is a nice addition.
    I looped a lanyard thru & aroun the handle. On one end I attached a piece of netting containing a bar of soap. We use the soap without having to remove from the netting. On the other end I used a caribiner to attach a cloth hand towel with a grommet (like a golf towel).*
    We have one of these at the deer lease and one that goes camping, tailgating, day trips, etc.
    *we use very few paper towels, either when camping or at home.

    • Mariel says

      February 22, 2016 at 11:04 am

      Great tip!

      • kathy hodges says

        April 30, 2017 at 5:57 pm

        I think a cloth towel clamped on would be better and no wasting paper towels.

  3. Margie S. says

    April 4, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    Instead of bagged ice we freeze a dozen water bottles (with a small amount of water removed so they don’t explode in the freezer) that can be used over and over. The ice lasts so much longer, is contained as it melts, and you have an extra water supply if needed! You will never have to drain your ice chest again….sweet!

    • Mariel says

      April 5, 2016 at 8:46 am

      Great tip! Thanks, Margie!

  4. Kimberly @ Stuffed Suitcase says

    April 23, 2016 at 3:38 pm

    Amazing set of ideas for camping! Thanks for including my camping meal plan printable!

  5. heather says

    June 4, 2017 at 7:57 am

    AS I get ready to send my son to BSA Summit Betchel I am excited to use the lanyard soaps, and Have an idea to drill a hole for toothbrush also. I am loving these posts~! Thank you for sharing !

Categories

Topics

The Rare Newsletter

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does... it's good!! Favorite things, great ideas, and all things "FAMILY."

My Beliefs

Free Book of Mormon Offer

10 Reasons I Love Being a Latter-day Saint

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Affiliate Disclosure

‘Or so she says…’ is a participant in a variety of affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Read more in the Disclosure, including info on Adthrive, the publishing network for this blog.

10 Most Popular Posts

  • 16 Teenage Birthday Party Ideas
  • 26 Camping Hacks You Need to Know
  • Best Products for Thinning Hair
  • Swiss cheese Chicken Easy Dinner
  • Would You Rather ~ Scripture Edition Game
  • Cute Bun Hairstyles for Girls
  • Over 100 Family Movie Ideas
  • The Ultimate Collection of Scriptures on Faith
  • Foods to Freeze Dry ~ Ultimate List
  • 30 Books to Read Out Loud to Older Kids

 

  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy

© 2018 Or So She Says... By: Pretty Darn Cute Design