40 Camping Hacks and Expert Tips

We surveyed the Pitchup staff for their very best camping hacks. Here are the expert tips they had to share.

General camping hacks and expert tips

Before you go:

• “If you’re wild camping, invest in some dry shampoo to keep your hair feeling clean.”

• “Earplugs are absolutely essential for a good night’s sleep.”

• “Bring a deck of cards. You can make so many new friends playing cards.”

• “Pack a head torch and battery for the ‘oh no, it's midnight and I need to use the loo’ situations.”

• “Always pack a bin bag! It might sound silly, but this way you can make sure you leave no rubbish behind.”

• “Dry bags – either purpose-made or a bin bag – will keep clothes, food and electrical items away from moisture.”

• “Check how much gas you have for your camping stove before you set off.”

• “Bring far more socks than you think you need – they always get wet.”

• “Pack insect repellent, especially if you tend to get bitten to shreds.”

Take a look at our tent camping checklist for more prepping and packing tips.

Tent Camping Checklist

While you’re there:

• “No matter how great your pitch looks, there will always be some gravel or tree roots below the surface. Don't bother with the tent pegs you get with your tent. It's better to rely on rock pegs – nothing can stop them!”

• “Use some foam tiles instead of a tent carpet. They’re cheaper, easier to clean, softer and better for extra insulation.”

• “If using rock pegs, there’s often an additional hole so you can double peg down – use this!”

• “When camping in colder weather, put your clothes for the next day inside the sleeping bag with you so they’ll be warm when you put them on.”

• “Stuff your wet boots with newspaper to help dry them out.”

• “If you want to light a campfire during your trip, check that the campsite you’re staying at allows these.”

• “Doritos are surprisingly flammable. If you’ve forgotten kindling, use them to start the campfire!”

• “Don't leave your toiletries in the shower block!”

• “Attach your head torch to a water bottle at night and voilà – a makeshift lamp for the tent.”

Tent camping hacks

• “Pack your car so that the items you need first – like the tent – are at the front of the boot.”

• “I always put our cooking/kitchen kit for camping weekends into a big plastic storage box with a lid – it keeps the tent tidy and doubles as a worktop and coffee table.”

• “Pack an old towel to use as a doormat in your tent. It will help soak up any rain that comes in from the door and it’s better to get that wet and dirty than the rest of your tent floor.”

• “Invest in a decent-quality air mattress or sleeping mat. The cheap ones invariably get punctures and deflate within a couple of uses. Poor sleep will ruin any trip.”

• “Pack waterproof tape for small patch repairs and a piece of cord to create a makeshift washing line.”

• “Bring a small kitchen sponge to wipe down a wet tent before packing down. And read our guide to drying out your tent properly so you can avoid mould and mildew.”

Expert tips for motorhomes, caravans and campervans

General hacks

• “If you’re planning on living out of your van for weeks or months on end, get a vehicle you can stand up in. It really makes a difference.”

• “Keep a roadside kit in your vehicle with essentials like jump leads, maps, high-vis vests and so on.”

• “If you need an electric hardstanding caravan pitch in a popular area, try to book in advance on Pitchup. These types of pitches are a little harder to come by than simple grass ones.”

Van storage tips

• “Put those silica packs you get when you buy shoes in with your van cooking equipment to ward off rust.”

• “Line your motorhome or caravan drawers with non-slip matting to stop your bits and bobs from rattling around as you drive.”

• “Keep your spices in old Tic Tac boxes to save space in the van kitchen.”

• “Storage pockets are a cheap way to make the most of your space, especially in a small campervan.”

• “Tie items down with bungee cords so they don’t fly all over the place while you drive.”

More handy hacks

• “Fridge won’t cool down fast enough? Freeze a couple of big bottles of water in your house freezer and put them into the fridge when you turn it on. It’ll get cold enough in half the time.”

• “Campervanners can create a DIY shower by leaving a couple of large bottles of water in the sun all day long.”

• “Stop condensation on your windows by opening them just a touch overnight to let air circulate.”

• “Levelling blocks are a must so you can park up on slopes and still be able to sleep.”

Glamping hacks and expert tips

• “Book your glamping break out of season and you can get some bargain offers.”

• “Make sure to read the Pitchup listing carefully to see exactly what your glamping site provides. Some include everything – from bedding to food – while others are much simpler, meaning you’ll need to do more packing.”

• “Check how far the toilet is from your accommodation – not all glamping sites have ensuites, and some offer shared bathrooms.”

• “Ask about the cooking situation so you know what sort of ingredients and condiments to bring. There’s no use planning elaborate five-course meals if you’ve booked a shepherd’s hut with a simple kitchenette!”

• “Your site might be off-grid or have limited electricity access, so charge up some power banks ahead of time to make sure your phone will have enough battery for emergencies.”

• “Wrap up warm if you’re staying in a place with no heating. Glamping is still a form of camping, after all!”

For more camping tips and expert hacks, take a look at our beginners’ guide to pitching up.

Beginners’ Guide to Camping