Summer camping was always the trip I looked forward to as a child. Our family did not have a lot of money for expensive vacations so we went camping. Frugal camping trips hold the best memories that we all talk about at get togethers.
Creating the same frugal camping experience for my kids is important. I don’t remember anyone spending a lot of money for the trip, and I learned ways to make camping easy without additional expenses.
Handing down those learned skills of a vacation without the expense is something I want to give to my kids. Camping tips are helpful for beginners and experienced campers. everyone can learn something new.
Set up camp close to a water source
Camping close to a water source in the first hack for moms. This will be a lifesaver for many reasons. Bathing, cooking, cleaning, and hauling water. After our first camping trip I realized even in a primitive area water with kids is a necessity.
If a water source is not available, then bringing water in a portable bin is an option. Kids will get very dirty on camping trips. Part of our nightly bed routine is to take a shower before bed. This winds down the kids and gets them ready for bed.
Hauling water is not top on my list because it will spill out in open buckets, so we use five gallon buckets with lids. Carrying these buckets is labor intensive so, that is first why we camp close, and second use a wagon. Needless to say some spills have happened along the way only to return to refill the buckets. Finding the right way to have water without extra expense or time was the ultimate frugal summer camping challenge.
Create a dish washing station
Just like a kitchen in a house has a dishwashing area, so should a campsite. We went to store and purchased two plastic dishwashing bins for our camp kitchen. We set up our camp kitchen just like home using two long tables put together. Most of our supplies for the kitchen have been purchased at the dollar tree, garage sales, and thrift stores. Experiencing a frugal camping trip is always my goal.
I wash dishes left to right and then place in the dish drainer. So, that is how I set up my camp kitchen. Before cleaning our dishes after a meal, I have my husband heat up the water over fire. Then, as it cools down he pours it into my washing/rinsing bins.
Label Camping Bins and Personal Belongings
I like to ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>sort the totes at home back into their spots on the shelf. Instead of spending wasted time grabbing stuff for our trip, the camping section has everything we need. Packing has become a breeze.
Labels also go on the sleeping bags, suitcases and more. Utilizing the duct tape to label everything allows for quick unpacking at home.
Set up a Separate Changing Area Inexpensively
After a crazy camping trip where mud, dirt, bugs and other stuff was tracked into our tent we decided to add a changing area. This simple modification allows for each person to change in a separate part of the tent without disturbing others. It is a closed in section with bungy cords and a sheet.
For me, I feel more comfortable changing behind the curtain. Our frugal changing area was set up in the back of the tent that faces the woods. Next to our changing area I place a foldable clothing hamper for clothes. When the trip is over the dirty clothes are sorted into each person’s luggage and taken home.
At home, this system saves me time with laundry. I simply wash the dirty clothes in the labeled suitcase.
Create an Outdoor Kitchen Area
In addition to labeling bins, setting up an easy, inexpensive changing area, and creating a dishwashing section is the kitchen. Going back to the pioneer days, a cooking preparation area had to be created on the trail.
Likewise, on a camping trip, moms will need to have a kitchen area. My best mom hack for this too set it up like the kitchen in your home. Re-creating the home kitchen is already ingrained into daily cooking habits, so recalling where utensils and other items are located is easy.
First, hack for moms is to have a shelter. Canopies work great, especially ones that have a drop down back for additional protection from the weather. Second, Multiple folding tables to create counters. Three to four foldable tables work well to serve this purpose.
Third, a stove area, that is in walking distance to the open fire. I like to have both in a close vicinity to keep a check on what is cooking in or on the fire as well as the stove. Fourth, a dishwashing station is necessity to utilize like at home. Running water may not be available, but buckets work fine.
Just like a kitchen in a house has a dishwashing area, so should a campsite. We went to store and purchased two plastic dishwashing bins for our camp kitchen. We set up our camp kitchen just like home using two long tables put together.
I wash dishes left to right and then place in the dish drainer. So, that is how I set up my camp kitchen. Before cleaning our dishes after a meal, I have my husband heat up the water over fire. Then, as it cools down he pours it into my washing/rinsing bins.
Frugal summer camping hacks has evolved from mistakes I made on my own trips. Each year I try to write down one thing to do different. Purchasing tables, chairs, canopies, and other items appear expensive. Shopping for camping inventory at sales, garages sales, thrift stores, and other second hand stores is the best hack to save money for a frugal summer camping trip. Camping with kids, as a couple, or alone can pose challenges, but with the right set up it will be less work.
For more posts like this please subscribe to my newsletter.
Leave a Reply