10 Camping Hacks
In honor of June being national camping month we thought it would be fun to compile a list of what we here at ServiceMaster consider the top ten camping hacks on the internet. After some extensive research combined with years of camping experience we have come up with a list that will hopefully improve all of your future camping trips!
1. DIY Fire starters
We could not decide between these two because both are pretty cool. Here are your options: One: Fill an empty cardboard egg carton with charcoal and then you can light the cardboard. Just add some wood to it and you will have a great campfire in no time. Two: Fill some empty toilet paper rolls with dryer lint. The dryer lint is highly flammable.
(Which is why we recommend cleaning out your dryer vents). All you need to do is light the end and add it to your firewood for a quick and easy fire.
2. Lighting
This idea is simple but incredibly effective. You can get the headlamp from Home Depot or Amazon from $8 to $50. The great thing about this is that it can light up a whole tent! So if you need to take a midnight bathroom run, you can just take the headlamp or carry the whole thing with you as a lantern.
3. Hand washing station
One of the biggest issues with camping is that your hands get very dirty and there are no
sinks in sight. Most of us have used a water bottle and just gone without the soap, or used hand sanitizer without actually washing off the dirt. Well say goodbye to dirty camping hands! You will need an old laundry detergent container, a plastic paper towel holder, some duct tape or a bungee cord, and hand soap. Just fill the old container with clean water and tape the paper towel dispenser to the top. There you have it!
4. Duct Tape
Before you leave for your trip put some duct tape around a lighter or your water bottle. That way you will always have some with you whether at the campsite or hiking without having to carry a huge roll. Duct tape has so many uses that it’s always a good idea to carry some with you just in case.
5. Kitchen storage/Drying rack
Pack an extra belt and some hooks for this one. You can fasten the belt around a tree and add some hooks. This can be
used for kitchen storage or to hang wet clothes, bathing suits, or towels to dry. It keeps everything clean and off the ground. You could also tie a rope between two trees to create a clothesline. Add some hooks to that for pots and pans as well.
6. Bug Repellent
The worst time of day for bugs is sunset which is usually the time of day that everyone is starting to settle down around the fire. While the smoke from the fire helps to keep bugs away already, there are some tricks to give it an extra boost. One of the best ways to ward off pests is to add some sage to the fire. Sage is a natural bug repellent and burning it with your fire will help to keep even more bugs away.
7. Spice up your meals
Are you planning to catch fish and cook it? Or just planning to have some burgers on the fire? Either way you will want to add some flavor to your food. So rather than bring along a bunch of spice bottles downsize by putting your spices in a pill box or in straws. You can melt the ends of the straw with a lighter to seal them.
8. Pencil Sharpener
Now, I know that sounds crazy! Why would you need a pencil sharpener when going camping? You can use the pencil sharpener to sharpen small branches or sticks. They can then be used to roast food over the fire. Also, you can use the shavings from the sticks as a fire starter. Add them to a bundle of wood or sticks and light them to get the fire going.
9. Organize
Bring along a plastic shoe organizer to help keep all of those camping essentials off the ground. This can be hung from a tree and will be a great place to hold all of the smaller things you will consistently use. For example, bug spray, matches, kitchen utensils, first aid supplies, small snacks, medicines, candles, knives, etc.
10. Dry Toilet Paper
The worst thing that can happen on a camping trip is for your only toilet paper to get wet in a rain storm. Here are two of the best ways to prevent that from happening while also keeping the toilet paper accessible at all times. Depending on your set up, there are two different options here. If you have an outdoor toilet, then you can use the first option and create a dispenser to
hang. If you do not have an outdoor toilet, then you can use the second option shown above just to ensure that your toilet paper stays totally dry. Always use bio or rapid degradable paper when camping!
Camping is a lot of fun and can be a great vacation! However, when you go on a camping trip, you leave your home behind, unsupervised. We suggest that you have a friend, family member, or neighbor keep an eye on your house whenever you are out of town, especially during these hot summer months when pop up thunderstorms are not uncommon. We can’t help you if you get caught in a rainstorm while camping, but we can help if one of those storms causes damage to your home. Whether you are on vacation or hanging out at home, keep ServiceMaster by Bailey in mind. We are available 24/7/365 to help with any disaster restoration needs!
