Here in Oklahoma, it’s almost camping season! Unless you’re a die-hard outdoors enthusiast who camps all year ’round. For me, it’s almost camping season! Maybe this year’s trips will be even easier, thanks to these crazy clever camping hacks.
You know those foam tiles that click together like a jigsaw puzzle? I have a stack of them in my garage and never really knew what they were for. Well, use them as extra padding when you go camping! It’s especially helpful if you accidentally pitched your tent on top of a rock.
If you’ve got a spare head lamp (they sell them at Harbor Freight for just a couple of bucks), strap it onto a jug of water backwards. Ta-da! Instant lantern.
You can bake bread in a tin can! I had no idea. This is a sturdy and portable way to transport bread. I found recipes for banana bread and sandwich bread. Obviously, you would need to bake it before you go camping. And the slices would be really small. But I’m sure they’re yummy.
Glue a piece of sandpaper to your matches container so you always have a starter handy. Be sure to buy “strike anywhere” matches.
You can cook crescent rolls on the camp fire. If you’re feeling wild, spread the rolls with peanut butter or Nutella before cooking. Here’s how to do it.
You can also buy the cinnamon rolls in a can, and cook them inside a hollowed-out orange to get a homemade version of the orange cinnamon rolls. Mmmm.
Fill a couple of gallon jugs with water and freeze (be sure to leave some space for expansion) before tucking them into your ice chest. They will keep your food cold, and give you plenty of drinking water for later.
For dessert, try roasting a Starburst! Sounds odd, but it’s supposed to be yummy! Roast until bubbly.
Repurpose a coffee can to hold and protect TP.
Repurpose Tic Tac containers for spices. When we camp, we take one spice: Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. But others might prefer more options. Better start popping some Tic Tacs!
Make pancake mix in advance to keep breakfast simple. Find out how here!
Use an empty laundry detergent dispenser as a hand-washing station. Just fill it with water!
Make an easy-to-carry fire starter with a cardboard-only egg carton and match light charcoal. Just set the whole carton on fire and you’re good to go!
Make yummy campfire cones!
For more ideas, check out Buzzfeed!
-MCM Staffer Ashley,
who is ready to camp (and eat)
