15 Camping Hacks That Take Less Than 5 Minutes (But Save You Hours)

These are the under-5-minute moves that feel small—but totally change your trip.

They’re simple, they’re genius, and yes, they work even when you’re operating on two hours of sleep and one granola bar.

1. Pre-Make a “First Night” Bag

Toss PJs, toothbrush, meds, and your phone charger into one easy-to-grab bag. That way, when you roll in after dark, you don’t have to rummage through your car like a raccoon in yoga pants.

2. Use a Hanging Shoe Organizer for Camp Gear

Hang it from a tree or canopy pole and fill the pockets with sunscreen, bug spray, flashlights, snacks, lighters, etc. It’s like a nightstand… but for the woods. 👉 Shop Hanging Organizers

3. Crack Your Eggs Before You Leave

Crack eggs into a water bottle or mason jar and store in your cooler. No shells, no stress, and you won’t lose a whole dozen to a cooler flip. 👉 Shop Leakproof Lids

4. Mark Tent Bag + Poles With Bright Tape

Do this once and you’ll never waste 40 minutes playing “which bag are the poles in?” again. 👉 Shop Bright Tape

5. Keep a Sharpie in Your Camp Kitchen

Label food bags, write cooking times on foil, or mark mystery leftovers before they become science experiments. Bonus: write names on red solo cups to avoid “accidental” sips.

6. Line Your Pack or Bin with a Trash Bag

If the skies open up (or your salsa explodes), this hack saves your gear. Trash bag inside the bin = instant waterproofing. 👉 Shop Heavy Duty Trash Bags

7. Turn a Headlamp + Jug into a Lantern

Strap your headlamp around a clear water jug facing in, and boom: soft, glowing campsite light. It’s giving wilderness Pinterest. 👉 Shop Headlamps

8. Keep Your Toilet Paper in a Coffee Can

Protects it from rain, mud, and general chaos. Slice a hole in the side to dispense like a classy survivalist. 👉 Shop Coffee Can Containers

9. Freeze Your First Night’s Meal

Chili, soup, or stew frozen in a zip-top bag = bonus ice pack + a hot meal that night. Reheat on the stove and let everyone think you’re a domestic goddess.

10. Keep Dryer Lint in a Ziplock (Yes, Really)

The best fire starter ever—and free. Stuff a handful in a bag, add a cotton ball dipped in Vaseline, and flex when your fire starts in one try.

11. Tuck a Rain Poncho Under Your Pillow

Because rain waits until you’re mid-s’more to strike. Keep it close and stay smug when everyone else is soaked. 👉 Shop Ponchos

12. Label Cooler Compartments with Sticky Notes

Divide by day or meal type and slap on notes. No more cold-hand digging for mystery meat or accidentally sitting on the cheese.

13. Store Spices in Tic Tac Boxes

Bring your seasoning A-game without packing your entire pantry. Tiny, cute, and organized AF. 👉 Shop Mini Spice Containers

14. Keep Bug Spray in Every Pocket

One for your backpack. One in the tent. One in the car. One near the campfire. You don’t want to be mid-slap when you realize it’s “somewhere over there.” 👉 Shop Bug Spray