Do you enjoy camping and nature, but it makes you back off because you think it’s uncomfortable? These clever camping hacks will make your life easier!
If you’re a nature enthusiast (like me) but you also prefer to stay comfortable while traveling, you’re probably avoiding camping at all costs. But staying at a hotel will cost you more than it should, and with all that money spent on renting rooms, you could save it and visit more things.
When you travel abroad, it is not a good idea to go camping, but if you’re willing to discover the beauties of the local outdoors, go hiking, take pictures, or simply enjoy the sun, staying at a campsite is a much better idea. So, in today’s article, I want to give you a friendlier perspective about camping and also give you some clever camping hacks that will help you have smooth traveling.
These tips will be useful for everyone, whether you’re an experienced camper or a complete newbie who just realized you forgot toilet paper or one of the stakes. Trust me, the easiest part is finding a beautiful spot to set up camp; the stressful part lies in the preparation and packing that need to be done beforehand. Are you ready to get started?
Pick your campsite wisely
I will begin my list with all the clever camping hacks with the most important one. Choose your campsite wisely, thoroughly research before packing your bags, and buy tickets to all the sites. Always check the campsite’s features because you must be comfortable while staying there.
Do you have easy access to drinking water, showers, and barbecues? Do they have power? Is the campsite suitable for families or dogs? Is there a shop nearby that you could walk to to restock food and other stuff?
Make reservations in advance if you want to camp on a weekend during a national holiday or if you’re picking a popular campsite.
Calculate your budget according to how many days you want to stay
Although the lure of a two-week outdoor adventure may seem alluring, it’s best to take it slow if you’ve never gone camping before. I suggest you plan a long weekend the first time and check in with yourself. Don’t be afraid to experience it!
Alternatively, if one of your guests is not a big camper, you could mix a few days of camping with a few nights at a bed and breakfast so they can experience the comforts of home and solid walls.
Arrive at the campsite during the day
It’s all set; you picked the dates for your long-awaited trip, but now make sure you arrive at the campsite during the day, at lunch if possible. This is one of the clever camping hacks because, one, you will have plenty of time to set everything up before nightfall, and secondly, if something happens, you can also ask someone who has the tent near yours to give you a helping hand!
Stock up on camping gear early in the season
Another one of the clever camping hacks I can give you is to check for all the camping gear you may need early in the season. I know I said the camping trips are cheaper than staying in a hotel room, but some of the gear that you will use there can be pretty costly. Especially if you don’t take advantage of the discounts!
Try to purchase camping supplies during off-season times, when outdoor stores frequently offer amazing discounts. You can anticipate paying full price once the weather warms up.
Buy a tent that’s suitable for 4-5 people
I wished that someone had told me that before because I and my husband bought one for two people, and it was kind of… TOO SMALL! So add this to the list of clever camping hacks: Buy a bigger tent (usually for 4-5 people) and pay attention: see the tent pitched before buying it!
For this crucial piece of equipment, it is strongly advised that you visit a physical store so you can see how the tents appear. It’s the only way to truly get a feel for the area and determine whether it will meet your camping needs.
Extra tip: You can kindly ask the retailer staff to let you climb inside to see if it meets your needs.
…And try to assemble it once before going camping
So you never had a tent before, but do you have the slightest idea of how to assemble it? Don’t wait until you get to the campsite to do it. Before going camping, always practice pitching the tent yourself to make sure all the parts are there and to prevent a frustrating assembly in front of other campers. Ensure all parts are in the bag before future trips.
Pack all the camping kit essentials
One of the best clever camping hacks is to make sure you have a list and check it twice before starting to pack. Camping chairs (with drink holders), a cooking stove, lightweight pans, a chopping board, a folding table, a cool box, a hammer, and reusable plates (or silverware) are just a few necessities.
A pack of cards, board games, and portable speakers are also essential for rainy days and fireside evenings, as are a sharp knife, tin opener, and bottle opener. It won’t hurt if you also add a Swiss army knife, extra light batteries, a power bank, a first aid kit, and a head torch or lantern are some of the camping supplies that are mandatory items for any camper. If you’re going camping in the summer, insect repellent is a good idea, and cable ties and duct tape are always useful.
…And a lot of blankets too!
I don’t intend to sound like your grandmother, but in all fairness, packing extra blankets and pillows when you’re going camping is never a bad idea. Especially if you want to have a good night sleep!
Since you never know what loud snorers might be around and you’ll wake up feeling more exhausted than normal, you may want to also pack some earplugs. And for those who don’t want to wake up at 5 AM sharp, I recommend bringing some eye masks too!
Prepare yourself and the tent for (unexpected) rain
A while ago, I and a couple of friends went camping, and the forecast was in our favor; therefore, nobody thought that rain would come. Guess what? This happened, and we weren’t prepared for it. We didn’t even have waterproof boots. I had a pair of light Converse because we didn’t even plan for hiking. It was just a three-day weekend of fun.
But don’t be like us! Even if the forecast seems to be on your side, always take waterproof items with you. A pair of pants and a lightweight raincoat won’t take up much space.
Plan your meals in advance and cook in daylight
Among all these clever camping hacks, I for sure won’t forget to mention cooking and meal planning, which are very important, especially if you want to stay more than a weekend. Put together the precise ingredients you’ll need and plan the meals you’ll prepare. Keep it easy: tinfoil-cooked fish or vegetables and one-pot wonders are the best options. Don’t cut corners on the couscous and add plenty of dried herbs to enhance the flavor. All you need to make this filling dish is boiling water. If there are communal barbecues at the location, use them.
Make sure you begin all meal preparation and cooking during the day. Being able to see what you’re doing and ensure that everything is cooked through makes things much easier. An upset stomach is the last thing you want when camping. That head torch will be useful for lighting your path if cooking in the dark is an inevitable situation. Does it all seem like too much faff? At least one evening, treat yourself to a meal at the neighborhood restaurant.
It’s your first time camping? Go with some friends or family
This is a friendly tip: if you’ve never gone camping before, it’s a good idea to go with friends who do. You don’t have to purchase all the equipment because they can teach you the ropes. Going with a group is also a lot of fun; picture lengthy conversations by a roaring campfire. Choose a campsite that is close to home so you can pull over in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Have you ever gone camping before? Or are you a newbie? Either way, with these clever camping hacks, you’re going to be just fine, and your getaway will be a blast!
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