Essential Camping Hacks To Save You Time And Money

Why: Save on batteries and electricity
Est. Cost: $25*

Tired of constantly having to buy and replace batteries for your camping lights? Make the switch to solar-powered lighting. These lights store energy from the sun throughout the day and then provide light at night. Not only will you save on electricity and battery costs, but you’ll also be able to go green and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Use a Solar-powered Light ©Vladys Creator/shutterstock.com

Solar-powered lights come in many sizes and styles, but if you’re having trouble finding them at a local shop, Amazon is sure to have something that fits your camping needs.

Why: Save money by making your own fire starters using dryer lint, sawdust, and old candles
Est. Cost: Free

Fire starters are an essential part of any camping trip. Instead of wasting part of your camping budget purchasing fire starters from the store, you can make your own with materials you may already have. You only need some dryer lint, sawdust, and a few old candles. 

Make Your Own Fire Starters @mountainmamatales/Pinterest

Mix the ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste. Then, form this paste into balls and allow them to dry. When the time comes to start a fire for the evening’s wiener roast or midnight s’morestraveganza, you now have your own homemade fire starters ready to go!

Why: A camping hammock can be a more affordable and comfortable alternative to a tent
Est. Cost: $35*

Camping hammocks offer a more comfortable and affordable alternative to tents. Unlike tents, they are lightweight and can be quickly set up, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with ease. They also have a variety of benefits, such as increased air flow, improved insulation, and protection from insects. 

Use a Camping Hammock Instead of a Tent ©haroon33/shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a more comfortable camping experience, with fewer zippers and no tent poles to worry about, try using a camping hammock like the ENO SingleNest available at Dick’s Sporting Goods for less than $50.

Why: Make a DIY camping stove using a tin can and rubbing alcohol in a pinch
Est. Cost: Free

If you find yourself in a dilly of a pickle, having somehow forgotten to bring the camping stove along, you can make one using nothing but a tin can and rubbing alcohol. Start by removing the bottom of the can and punching holes around the sides near the top. 

Make Your Own Diy Camping Stove @greenbellymeals/Pinterest

Next, fill the can with rubbing alcohol, light it, and place a pot or pan on top of the can. You won’t be able to whip up a Michelin-star meal, but at least this will allow you to cook.

Why: Use a large plastic bag and a shower head to create a makeshift camping shower
Est. Cost: $30*

If you want to keep yourself clean while camping, you can make your own makeshift camping shower. All you need is a large plastic bag, some rope, and a shower head. First, fill the plastic bag with water and hang it from a tree branch. 

Make Your Own Camping Shower ©BublikHaus/shuttedrstock.com

Then, tie the rope to the top of the bag and attach a shower head to the other end. Make sure the shower head is connected to a water source or reservoir so you can fill the bag with enough water for your shower. Now you are ready to take a refreshing and comfortable outdoor shower. 

Why: Save money and reduce waste by bringing your own reusable utensils instead of using disposable ones
Est. Cost: $10*

Reduce waste and save money by bringing reusable utensils on your next camping trip. Plastic forks, knives, and spoons are convenient, but they produce a lot of unnecessary waste. Investing in a lightweight and durable silverware set is the best way to ensure you always have the means to eat your meals. 

Bring Reusable Utensils ©Igisheva Maria/shutterstock.com

Most reusable camping utensils kits come in waterproof cases and contain a spork and knife. When you’re done eating, wash them off and store them back in their container for your next meal. 

Why: Hang wet clothes or towels on a carabiner clipped to a tree branch or your tent
Est. Cost: $5*

Use a carabiner clipped to a tree branch or the corner of your tent for an easy, space-saving way to hang your wet towels and clothes. This will keep your clothes off the ground and allow them to air dry in the fresh air. 

Use a Carabiner as a Clothesline ©ksmax/shutterstock.com

Be sure to find a strong tree with a secure branch to clip the carabiner onto. By omitting this simple precaution, you run the risk of your clothes finding a new home on the dirty ground — or worse. An insecure line can result in a collapsed tent in the middle of the night. 

Why: A portable water filter straw is a budget-friendly way to purify water on the go
Est. Cost: $20*

Bringing a portable water filter straw is an easy, budget-friendly way to ensure your drinking water is safe and clean when camping. The straw filters out impurities and bacteria from water sources like rivers or lakes, giving you access to clean drinking water without purchasing plastic bottles or other filtering systems. 

Bring a Portable Water Filter Straw @gadgetgaryshop/Pinterest

LifeStraw is one of the groundbreaking portable water filter straw brands making waves among avid and novice campers. With a lightweight design and easy setup, it’s the perfect addition to any camping trip.

Why: Use rocks and wire mesh to make your own campfire grill for cooking over an open flame
Est. Cost: $5*

Cooking over an open flame is a great way to enjoy a camping trip, and making your campfire grill is easier than you may think. You’ll need some large flat rocks, a metal wire mesh sheet, and a stick or metal rod to create a campfire grill. 

Make Your Own Campfire Grill @nurserylive/Pinterest

Start by forming the metal sheet into a box shape and using the stick or metal rod to secure the corners. Place the rocks on the bottom of the fire pit and place the metal box on top. Bada-boom bada-bing, your campfire grill is now ready to house a late-night feast.

Why: Use an old shower curtain as a waterproof groundsheet under your tent
Est. Cost: Free

Don’t let a shower curtain become another landfill item – instead, use it to make your next camping trip more comfortable. An old shower curtain can be used as a waterproof groundsheet under your tent to keep you dry and protected from the elements. 

Repurpose a Shower Curtain @instructables/Pinterest

It’s lightweight and folds down for easy storage and transport. It also makes a great sunshade if you’re looking for extra coverage during hot summer days. With this simple camping hack, you can make your camping experience more enjoyable and help save the environment at the same time.

Why: Mix essential oils and water to make a natural insect repellent instead of buying chemical-based products
Est. Cost: $15*

Of all the wonderful things there are to enjoy about camping, one negative factor rears its ugly heads time and time again. INSECTS. Avoid harmful chemical-based insect repellents and opt for a natural solution instead. All you need is essential oils and water to make your insect repellent. Mix 10-20 drops of essential oil of your choice with 1 cup of water. 

Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent ©Maridav/Shutterstock.com

Essential oils like citronella, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are known to repel insects naturally. They can all be found at body shops like {BBBY:Bed Bath & Beyond}}. Spray the mixture onto your clothing and skin for extra protection against pesky bugs.

Why: Save money and reduce waste by bringing a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water
Est. Cost: $10*

Saving money and helping the environment can go hand in hand when it comes to camping. Instead of purchasing water bottles, pack a reusable water bottle and a manually operated water filtration pump. You’ll first notice the lighter load without having to lug 24 bottles of water around. 

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle ©Mike Workman/shutterstock.com

Access to fresh, cold water during your trip will help keep you hydrated and energized while exploring the great outdoors. And there isn’t anything fresher or colder than water right from the source.

Why: Make your own reflector oven out of foil
Est. Cost: $2*

If you want to enjoy fresh-baked bread or pizza while camping, consider making your own reflector oven. You just need some tin foil and a few other materials to create this useful camping hack. The oven is easy to construct and perfect for baking over an open fire. 

Use a Reflector Oven for Baking ©lifesadventures-amb.blogspot.com

In the oven, you can bake bread, pizza, cookies, and much more. It’s also lightweight and easy to store away when not in use. Whoever said you can’t enjoy delicious baked goods while camping clearly never tried making a homemade reflector oven.

Why: Keep your phone and other electronics charged with a portable solar charger
Est. Cost: $25*

One of the wonderful things about going camping is disconnecting from the grid, if even for a short time. However, all because one is happy to put their electronics down for a few hours, it’s nice to know they’ll be fully charged when needed. 

Bring a Portable Solar Charger ©diy13/shutterstock.com

Make sure your phone and other electronics stay charged while you’re out camping with a portable solar charger. This is especially important for nighttime or longer trips. They’re lightweight and easy to store and can be used to charge phones, GPS devices, cameras, and more.