Essential Camping Tips & Hacks for Smarter Outdoor Trips

Camping well means balancing comfort, safety and care for the environment. With a little planning and the right gear, you can keep food cold, sleep comfortably and leave every site cleaner than you found it. These field-tested camping tips make life outdoors simpler, safer and more rewarding—whether it’s a weekend on the river or a week in the backcountry.

Camping responsibly protects the places we love. Choose durable sites, avoid trampling vegetation, strain and scatter dishwater, and always pick up micro-trash. Leave your camp cleaner than you found it to keep waterways and landscapes healthy.

Keeping Food and Drinks Cold

Keeping the cooler cool is a challenge on summer trips. Freeze everything you can, including water in milk jugs—you’ll have ice early and cold drinking water later. Eggs can be frozen out of the shell if you plan to scramble them. Use block ice wrapped in neoprene, newspaper or plastic so it lasts longer. Dry ice works well for all-frozen setups; wrap it in newspaper and ventilate the cooler. For long outings, pack coolers in order of use, seal the lid seam with duct tape and avoid opening it early. Cover the cooler with a wet towel for evaporative cooling or use a reflective blanket to deflect heat.

Protecting the Environment

Avoid tying boats to live vegetation. Use rocks, stumps, sand stakes or buried paddles instead. Always secure your boat before walking away, but do it without harming plants or trees.

Gear That Improves Camp Life

A good headlamp beats a flashlight—point where you’re looking and keep both hands free. Sleep better by bringing a real pillow, a comfortable pad and a tent ground cloth to protect your shelter’s floor. Many natural water sources are unsafe to drink from, so use a purifier or filter if you can’t bring enough water for the trip.

Smart Organization

Riley Baxter of Andy and Bax, an NRS dealer in Portland, suggests taping an inventory sheet inside your dry or kitchen box lid. Mark supplies as they run low so you can restock when you get home. This simple trick prevents missing essentials on the next trip.

Fun at Camp

Bring simple games—a plastic horseshoe set or a volleyball net stretched between oars keeps the fun going. Try a summer costume night or a lighthearted talent contest. Add ambience with Tiki torches or invent games with found rocks. Creativity keeps camp life lively.

Final Reminders

Don’t forget the toilet paper, and make sure it’s stored in something waterproof. A few simple habits—care for the site, plan your gear, and add a dash of fun—make every camping trip smoother and more enjoyable.