Planning a weekend getaway in the great outdoors? Car camping combines the freedom of the wilderness with the convenience of having your vehicle nearby. To make your trip even more enjoyable, here are some tried-and-true camping hacks that’ll have you camping like a pro in no time.

1. Pack Smart with Storage Bins
   • Use clear plastic storage bins to organize your gear. Label them by category—cooking supplies, clothing, toiletries—to make finding what you need a snap. Plus, they stack neatly in your trunk and keep everything dry and dust-free.
2. Create a Mobile Kitchen
   • Bring along a shoe organizer and hang it from your car or a nearby tree. Use the pockets to store utensils, spices, snacks, and small cooking tools. It’s like having your very own pantry in the wild!
3. DIY Fire Starters
   • Save dryer lint and pack it in empty toilet paper rolls or egg cartons. They make excellent fire starters that ignite quickly and burn long enough to get your campfire roaring—no more fumbling with damp kindling. You can also buy waterproof fire starters for cheap and save yourself some time, here’s a link to the firestarters I use
4. Frozen Water Jugs as Ice Packs
   • Freeze gallon jugs of water and use them in your cooler instead of ice. They’ll keep your food cold without the messy meltwater, and as they thaw, you’ll have extra drinking water on hand.
5. Pre-Made Meal Packs
   • Prepare meals ahead of time by chopping veggies, marinating meats, or even cooking and freezing entire meals. Store them in zip-top bags or reusable containers. This not only saves space but also minimizes prep time and cleanup at the campsite. Check out our 6 favorite camping cooking hacks here.
6. Spice Up Your Campfire Cooking
   • Use pill organizers or small tackle boxes to store spices and herbs. Seasoning your food doesn’t have to be bland just because you’re roughing it!
7. Keep Bugs at Bay
   • Sage and rosemary aren’t just for cooking; tossing a bit into your campfire can help repel mosquitoes. You can also pick up a cheap 1o pack of citronella bracelets to help keep the bugs off you when you’re not around the camp fire.
8. Shower Solutions
   • Fill a black-painted water jug and leave it in the sun all day for a warm shower in the evening. Portable solar showers are also inexpensive and can also be a huge help with the dishes, you can find the one we use here. 
9. Compact Entertainment
   • Pack lightweight games like cards, travel-sized board games, or a frisbee for downtime. It’s a great way to unwind and have fun with your camping companions.
10. First Aid and Safety
    • Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your car. Include essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any personal medications. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
11. Leave No Trace
    • Bring along trash bags to pack out all your garbage. Consider using biodegradable soaps and toiletries to minimize your environmental impact. The goal is to leave the campsite as pristine as you found it.