Camping is an excellent way to unwind and reconnect with friends and family in the great outdoors. For many families, the summer and early fall months mark the perfect time to get outside and sleep under the stars.
While camping can be a beloved pastime, it does have its share of obstacles–especially if you aren’t an avid outdoorsman and are simply taking a few days to enjoy the fresh air. Thankfully, a few tips and tricks can help. Before heading out to your favorite camping spot this year, look at these camping tricks you must try.
Make it Comfortable:
- Foam Floor Tiles: Use foam floor tiles inside your tent to add comfortable and clean padding beneath your feet. This is especially helpful if you are sleeping on the ground or your tent is on a rocky landscape.
- Natural Bug Repellant: Keep pesky bugs at bay by burning herbs like rosemary or sage near your campfire. You and your campfire guests will enjoy a delicious herby scent, while mosquitoes and other pests will think twice before making you their midnight snack.
Keep Things Clean:
- Outdoor Carpet: Use an outdoor carpet outside your tent for a true “glamping” experience. This provides an easy place to take off your shoes before entering the tent, and allows you to create an inviting seating area. If your camping spot is particularly dusty without grass, an outdoor carpet is a must.
- Broom and Dustpan: Dust and dirt may be a part of camping, but for long camping stays or ones without regular shower access, keeping the dirt at bay can be helpful. A broom and dustpan can keep the inside of your tent clean and ensure it’s dirt-free before packing it away for the next trip.
Make Packing a Breeze:
- Single-Use “Soap Thins”: To save on space and keep your hands clean, slice small pieces from a bar of soap with a vegetable peeler and let them dry. These thin soap slices are perfect for single washes, minimizing the bulk of carrying a whole bar of soap.
- Plastic Drawer Carts: If space-saving isn’t a concern, keep all cooking and cleaning tools in a drawer cart. Storage is a breeze when you’re done, and when all your essentials will be ready for the next trip whenever you have a spare weekend.
