stay wild, camp wise: 13 hacks for smarter camping

When you’re off the grid, every bit of preparation counts. These camping hacks will make your trip smoother, safer, and a lot more fun.

1. DIY Fire Starters

Stuff cotton balls with petroleum jelly and store them in a ziploc bag. They’re lightweight, waterproof, and light instantly—even in damp conditions.

2. Burn a Crayon in a Pinch

Crayons are mini emergency candles that burn for about 30 minutes each. Parents, let’s be real, there’s probably a crayon somewhere in your car, just waiting for its moment to shine!

3. Glow Stick Tent Markers

Clip a glow stick to each tent stake or guy line so no one trips in the dark. Bonus: it makes your campsite look like a magical little landing pad.

4. Pre-Cracked Eggs in a Bottle

No one wants broken eggs in their cooler. Crack eggs ahead of time into a clean plastic bottle and shake. Pour what you need at camp—scramble, fry, or French toast your heart out.

5. Freeze Water Bottles Instead of Ice Packs

Double-duty trick: use frozen water bottles in your cooler to keep food fresh. When they melt, drink them. No wasted space, no soggy mess.

6. Dryer Lint + Toilet Paper Tube = Fire Rocket

Tuck dryer lint into a toilet paper roll and light it like a fuse. Instant flame that burns long enough to get kindling going, even if it’s a little windy.

7. Paracord Everything

Paracord, duct tape, and carabiners are the ultimate camp fix-it trio. Wrap duct tape around your lighter to save space, use paracord for zipper pulls or clotheslines, and clip gear with carabiners. Something will break and this combo helps you fix it fast.

8. Tin Foil = Gourmet Camp Kitchen

Foil packet meals are delicious and easy! Just wrap meat, potatoes, and veggies in foil, toss it on the fire, and enjoy. Foil also doubles as a makeshift pan or wind blocker.

9. Solar Lights for the Win

Grab a few solar stake lights from the garden section. Line them along the path to your site, around your fire ring, or tent. No batteries, no worries.

10. Keep Bugs Away Naturally

Sage thrown into the fire helps repel mosquitoes. So do citronella candles in old mason jars or coffee cans. Want to go full rustic? Rub fresh pine or mint leaves on your skin.

11. Bring a Shoe Organizer

Hang a canvas shoe organizer from a tree or your shelter and use it to store kitchen utensils, spices, flashlights, sunscreen—anything you’d otherwise lose in the dirt.

12. Use Microfiber Towels

They dry fast, weigh almost nothing, and take up minimal space. Great for drying off, wiping down gear, or acting as an emergency dish towel.

13. Always Carry a Trash Bag

Use it as a rain poncho, a makeshift backpack, a gear cover, or, you know, as an actual trash bag. At primitive sites like Gray Hills, packing out everything matters.

At Gray Hills, you don’t need fancy gear. You just need a few good tricks and the right mindset. These hacks keep your pack light, your fire lit, and your experience wild in all the best ways.

What’s your favorite camp hack? We wanna hear it below!