25 Camping Hacks That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro (Even if You Forgot the Tent Pegs)
Why Camping Hacks Matter (Especially When You’re That Person Who Forgot the Tent Pegs)
Let’s be honest. Camping sounds like a peaceful escape until you realize you forgot something vital—like tent pegs, bug spray, or your sanity. But don’t worry. Whether you’re in a truck bed, battling toddler tantrums, or trying to make coffee without electricity, we’ve got 25 camping hacks that’ll save your trip and your dignity.
🔥 Must-Know Camping Hacks for Survival (and Show-Off Points)
1. Use foam floor tiles for a cozy tent floor
Your back will thank you. It’s like camping on a yoga mat… but for grown-ups with responsibilities.
2. Store spices in Tic Tac containers
Because bland food in the wild is a crime.
3. Freeze water bottles instead of ice packs
They keep your cooler cold and give you icy drinking water later. Dual purpose = genius.
4. Battery-powered CPAP machine? Get a portable power station
Sleep apnea doesn’t take vacations. Neither should your airflow.
5. Pack pancake mix in a squeeze bottle
“Camping pancake hack” is trending for a reason—minimal mess, maximum flapjack.
6. Duct tape fixes everything. Wrap it around your water bottle
It’s the camper’s version of a Swiss Army knife.
7. Use a headlamp + water jug to make a lantern
Instant campsite ambiance without fire risk.
8. Camping in hot weather? Get a reflective emergency blanket for your tent
Blocks sun, traps cool air. It’s like tent airco, but you look clever instead of sweaty.
🛠 Food, Fire & Functionality Hacks
9. Campfire nachos in foil
No dishes. No regrets. All crunch.
10. Use an egg carton as fire starter
Preferably one not full of actual eggs.
11. Shower with a solar bag + privacy curtain
Also useful when you’re “camping without a shower.” AKA most places.
12. Mesh laundry bag = hanging dish drying rack
“Camping dishwashing hack” checked off. Boom.
13. Portable coffee maker or instant coffee + Jetboil
Because “how to make coffee without electricity” is the top 3 question after “did we bring snacks?”
14. Line your cooler with bubble wrap
Insulation = longer ice = colder beer. Priorities.
👶 Camping with Kids (or Fully Grown Adults Who Act Like Kids)
15. Glow sticks = nightlights + tent markers
Less tripping. More rave.
16. Use a shoe organizer for snacks and toys
Camping with toddlers? This keeps chaos *mostly* contained.
17. Bring a collapsible playpen for toddlers
Also doubles as a wine-drinking zone when they’re asleep.
18. Create a scavenger hunt list
Keep them busy finding pinecones instead of poking the campfire.
🚗 Vehicle-Based Hacks for Truck Bed & Subaru Camping
19. Truck bed camping? Use window reflectors for privacy + insulation
You’ll sleep like a pickup-driving king.
20. Inflatable mattress cut to fit your truck bed
Comfort is cool. Rocks in your back? Not cool.
21. Milk crate + plywood = instant bedside table
Stylish? No. Functional? Yes.
22. Use bungee cords for hanging storage in the car
Jeep, Subaru, or van—storage makes or breaks the setup.
🌧 Camping in the Rain? Here’s How Not to Suffer
23. Bring a tarp—actually, bring 3
One under, one over, one for emergency poncho drama.
24. Keep dry clothes in a Ziplock bag inside your sleeping bag
Nothing is worse than wet underwear in the woods. Nothing.
25. Pitch your tent on a slight slope (door facing downhill)
So the rain doesn’t pool in your sleeping quarters. Science!
📦 Bonus Tip: Create a Camping Hack Box
Use a clear plastic bin to store your go-to hacks—tape, tarp, lighters, glow sticks, squeeze bottles, etc. You’ll never start from zero again.
🧭 Want More Camping Magic?
Check out this REI family camping checklist for even more hacks and essentials.
Also see our post on Rainy Day Escapes in Belgium—for those days when the tent leaks and your patience does too.
🧥 How to Survive Rain
(a.k.a. Rain Can Be Sexy)
- Carry a mini umbrella.
- Avoid cobbled streets in slippery shoes.
- Use rain as an excuse to slow down.
- Never trust the forecast.
- Check this post on fun things to do in Belgium when it rains.
