Camping with Kids Hacks: Your Guide to a Fun and Stress-Free Adventure
Camping with kids can be a thrilling and memorable experience, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges.
To ensure your next family camping trip goes off without a hitch, here are some genius camping hacks tailored for families.
These tips will help you keep things frugal, simple, and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Store Eggs in a Water Bottle
Transporting eggs while camping can be tricky. Instead of lugging around a fragile egg carton, crack your eggs into a sturdy water bottle before you leave.
This saves space in your cooler and prevents any messy breakages. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the eggs from the bottle into your pan. It’s an easy way to ensure a healthy breakfast is always on hand.
2. Clean Baby Play Station
Keeping a baby clean at a campsite can be challenging. Create a clean play area by using a fitted sheet as a barrier against dirt and bugs. Spread the sheet out and place heavy objects at the corners to keep it in place.
This hack provides a clean space for your baby to play while you set up camp.
3. DIY Hand Washing Station
A simple hand washing station can make a world of difference. Reuse a large laundry detergent bottle with a spout. Clean it thoroughly and fill it with water.
Place a bucket underneath to catch the runoff, and you’ve got an easy, effective way to keep hands clean.
4. Soap in a Nylon
Camping soap can get dirty fast. To keep it clean, place a bar of soap inside a nylon stocking and tie it to your hand washing station. This keeps the soap off the ground and makes it easy to lather up.
5. Pool Raft Beds
Save money on air mattresses by using pool rafts instead. They’re inexpensive and compact, making them perfect for camping.
Wrap the raft in a fitted sheet for added comfort and warmth. Your kids will love their makeshift beds, and you’ll appreciate the savings.
6. DIY Bug-Off Bracelets
Protect your family from bugs with homemade bug repellent bracelets. Twist two pipe cleaners together and soak them in essential oils like lavender, geranium, and tea tree.
These oils are natural bug repellents and smell great. Wrap the bracelets around your kids’ wrists to keep the bugs at bay.
7. DIY Bug Repelling Tiki Torches
Instead of buying expensive citronella oil, refill your tiki torches with vegetable oil and essential oils. Add ten drops each of lavender, tea tree, and geranium oils to the vegetable oil.
This mixture is just as effective as store-bought alternatives and much cheaper.
8. DIY Portable Camp Lanterns
Create portable lanterns using empty peanut butter jars and battery-powered string lights. Clean the jars thoroughly, place the lights inside, and attach a handle made from string or wire.
These lanterns are fun to make and provide a safe, reusable light source for your campsite.
9. Tent Lantern
Illuminate your entire tent with a simple DIY solution. Strap a flat LED light to a filled water jug. The water diffuses the light, creating a soft, ambient glow that lights up the whole tent.
It’s an inexpensive and effective way to brighten your camping experience.
10. Hobo Dinners
Make easy, delicious meals with hobo dinners. Wrap a combination of your favorite ingredients in foil—such as ground turkey, shrimp, vegetables, and potatoes—and cook them directly in the campfire. These meals are not only tasty but also require minimal cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Camping with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With these clever hacks, you can enjoy a smooth, fun-filled adventure that your family will remember for years to come.
Don’t forget the essentials like plenty of water, bug repellent, and sunblock. If you have any other camping hacks or want more tips, leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
