15 Camping Hacks

For a Cozy, Stress-Free Adventure
(Trail-Tested Tips)

You can make camping more comfortable by keeping bugs away with natural repellents, prepping food ahead of time, using frozen water bottles instead of ice, bringing comfort items from home, insulating your tent floor, packing tarps for emergencies, and organizing your gear with simple storage solutions.

Camping is one of my favorite ways to unwind and reconnect with nature. Over the years through Jeep adventures across Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and the Southwest I’ve gathered simple, reliable hacks that make camping easier, cozier, and way more enjoyable. These are the tips I use on my own trips, and they’ll help you stay organized, comfortable, and confident outdoors.

My Camping Guide 

Relaxing at a beautiful campsite in Escalante Canyon, Colorado,
complete with a cozy campfire and stunning red rock views.

1. Keep Bugs Away with Sage

Toss sage into your campfire to help repel mosquitoes naturally. It smells amazing and adds a cozy touch to your evening fire.

Extra Tip: Sage-scented candles also work well and create a warm, inviting glow around camp.

2. Warm Clothes in the Morning

Stuff your next-day clothes in your sleeping bag overnight.
They act as insulation and you'll wake up to warm, cozy clothes especially helpful on chilly desert or mountain mornings.

3. Use Frozen Water Bottles Instead of Ice

This one comes from experience (and soggy sandwiches):
Loose ice melts and turns coolers into swamps. Frozen water bottles keep everything cold with zero mess, and as they melt, you get fresh drinking water. Total win-win.

4. Pre-Crack Eggs Before You Leave

Crack eggs into a plastic bottle at home for easy, mess-free cooking.
No broken shells, no cooler mess, and it pours directly into your pan.

Cracked eggs stored in a plastic bottle
make outdoor cooking easy and mess-free.
 A simple hack for your next camping adventure!

5. Foam Play Tiles = A Softer Tent Floor

Place foam play tiles under your tent for extra insulation and cushioning.
These are especially great on rocky or uneven ground.

6. Bring Your Regular Pillow

I’ve tried sleeping on balled-up clothes—don’t do it.
A real pillow makes all the difference in sleep quality. It’s worth the space every time.

7. Use a Plastic Storage Bin as a Sink

Forget fancy camping sinks—a plastic bin does the job perfectly. Wash dishes in it, then use the same bin to store gear when it’s dry.

Optional Two-Bin System:
One for washing → one for rinsing, just like a tiny camp kitchen.

Keeping it clean while camping—utilizing a two-bin system
 for washing dishes at a well-stocked picnic table in the great outdoors.

8. Use Dryer Lint as a Lightweight Fire Starter

Dryer lint is incredibly flammable, lightweight, and free.
Pair it with cotton balls + petroleum jelly for a reliable fire starter in damp conditions.

9. Tarps Are Your Best Friend

A tarp can be:

• a rain shelter

• a ground protector

• a tent footprint

• a sun shade

• an emergency blanket

Always carry at least one—preferably two.

10. Solar Lights for Ambiance + Safety

Set solar pathway lights around camp to mark tent stakes, guy lines, and pathways. They’re reusable, eco-friendly, and create magical nighttime vibes.

Add a cozy glow to your campsite with
DIY mason jar candle lanterns—simple, stylish,
and perfect for outdoor evenings

11. Make Your Campsite Feel Like Home

Comfort items go a long way toward a relaxing trip.

Bring:

• Sheets and a comforter (instead of a sleeping bag on warm nights)

• Slippers

• Your favorite flannel

• A comfy camp chair

• A small outdoor rug

The goal: cozy + inviting, not rugged + uncomfortable.

12. Use Camp Chairs Instead of Logs

Logs are lumpy, dirty, and unreliable.
A good, supportive camp chair transforms nights around the fire—your back will thank you.

13. Prep Meals at Home

A camping rule I swear by: eat better outdoors than you do at home.
Chop ingredients, season meat, crack eggs, prep foil meals, and store everything in labeled containers. Less stress = more time enjoying the outdoors.

14. Pack Smart for Cold Weather

Cold Weather must-haves:

• Extra blankets or a sleeping bag liner

• Hand warmers for gloves + boots

• Insulated mug for warm morning drinks

• Beanie + warm socks (critical for sleep!)

Cold-weather comfort makes all the difference, especially in mountain climates.

15. Keep Your Campsite Organized With Bins

Use stackable bins to organize:

• Food

• Kitchen supplies

• Clothing

• Tools

• Fire gear

Label them at home so unpacking is effortless when you arrive.

Camping doesn’t have to be complicated or uncomfortable. With a little preparation and a few clever hacks, your outdoor adventures will feel cozy, organized, and fun.

What are your favorite camping hacks? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to try on my next Jeep adventure.

FAQs

What are the best camping hacks for beginners?

Start by organizing gear with bins, using frozen water bottles instead of ice, prepping food at home, insulating your tent floor, and keeping a tarp on hand.

How do you stay comfortable while camping?

Bring your regular pillow, use foam tiles under your tent, wear warm layers, and add cozy items like rugs or blankets.

How do you keep food cold without ice?

Freeze water bottles or reusable ice packs. They keep your cooler cold without leaks or soggy food.

What is the best way to wash dishes while camping?

Use a plastic bin or a two-bin wash-and-rinse system. It's simple, lightweight, and packable.

Camping doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or complicated. A little prep and a few clever hacks can make all the difference. Have any favorite camping hacks I didn’t include? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new tips!