Camping with your girlfriends is an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, laughter, and relaxation. But let’s be honest—without the right camping tips and tricks, a fun weekend under the stars can quickly turn stressful.
Whether you’re into tent camping, tree camping, or SUV camping, these camping hacks DIY style will keep your trip organized, cozy, and Instagram-worthy.
From tent camping hacks to camping dinner ideas, we’ve got the camping inspiration you need to turn your girls’ getaway into the ultimate outdoor retreat.
Packing & Organization Hacks
1. The Ultimate “No-Mess” Packing Hack
Effortlessly organize your gear using packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags. This prevents overpacking and keeps clothes fresh—especially useful for Zelt camping in damp conditions.
💡 Pro Tip: Store camping must-haves like flashlights, bug spray, and toiletries in a hanging organizer inside your tent for easy access.
2. DIY Glamper’s Packing List
A well-prepared list makes packing easier. Your checklist should include:
- Camping trip essentials (tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear)
- Clothing (layers for warmth, rain gear)
- Camping hacks food (prepped meals, snacks, drinks)
- Camping aesthetic touches (string lights, cozy blankets)
RELATED: 25 Easy Camping Beauty Hacks to Stay Fresh in the Outdoors!
3. Compact Beauty & Skincare Hacks
Instead of carrying bulky skincare bottles, use:
- Contact lens cases to store small amounts of moisturizer or foundation
- Pre-soaked cotton pads with toner or makeup remover
- DIY dry shampoo (cornstarch + essential oil) to keep your hair fresh
4. Color-Coded Packing Cubes for Easy Access
Assign a color to each category:
🟡 Yellow for toiletries
🔵 Blue for clothes
🟢 Green for food
🔴 Red for first aid
This makes packing and unpacking a breeze!
Food & Drink Hacks
5. One-Pan Gourmet Campfire Meals
Simplify meal prep with one-pan camping dinners. Wrap ingredients in foil packs and cook over the campfire for easy, delicious meals.
🌟 Best Camping Dinner Ideas:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Foil Packets
- Campfire Nachos
- Sausage & Veggie Skillet
6. Pre-Mixed Cocktail Jars for Happy Hour Under the Stars
Pour your favorite cocktails into mason jars, seal them, and store them in the cooler. Perfect for an effortless happy hour at your campsite!
7. DIY S’mores Cones: The Ultimate Campfire Dessert
Instead of traditional s’mores, try this twist:
🍫 Fill waffle cones with marshmallows, chocolate, and nuts
🔥 Wrap in foil and heat over the fire
😋 Enjoy a gooey, delicious treat!
8. Keep Food Cold Without the Messy Melt
Freeze water bottles instead of using loose ice cubes. They keep food cold and double as drinking water when they melt!
Comfort & Sleep Hacks
9. Sleeping Like a Queen: DIY Cozy Camping Beds
Elevate your tent camping hacks with these essentials:
✔ Foam mats for added comfort
✔ Fleece blankets for warmth
✔ Inflatable pillows to save space
10. Bug-Proof Your Sleeping Area with a Simple Dryer Sheet Trick
Place dryer sheets inside your sleeping bag and around your tent—mosquitoes hate the smell!
11. Portable Mini Spa: DIY Relaxing Camping Foot Soak
After a long day of hiking, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt and essential oils—a perfect way to unwind!
Campfire & Lighting Hacks
12. No-Fail Fire Starter Hacks Using Household Items
Forget store-bought fire starters! Use:
🔥 Cotton pads soaked in wax
🔥 Dryer lint stuffed in a toilet paper roll
🔥 Doritos—they burn surprisingly well!
13. Twinkle Light Magic: How to Make Your Campsite Instagrammable
String fairy lights around your tent and trees for the ultimate camping aesthetic. Perfect for dreamy, Pinterest-worthy photos!
14. DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Tent Markers
Paint tent stakes with glow-in-the-dark paint to prevent tripping hazards at night.
Safety & Convenience Hacks
15. The Ultimate DIY Dry Shampoo for Camping
Stay fresh without a shower by making your own DIY dry shampoo:
✔ ½ cup cornstarch
✔ 5 drops lavender essential oil
✔ Store in a shaker bottle for easy application
16. Eco-Friendly Baby Wipe Hack for Quick Cleanups
Make reusable wipes with cloth squares soaked in a mixture of:
✔ Aloe vera gel
✔ Witch hazel
✔ Essential oils
Perfect for cleaning hands, faces, and spills!
17. Portable Power Solutions for Phone & Camera Charging
Use a solar-powered charger to keep your devices powered up without relying on outlets.
18. DIY “Just in Case” Mini First-Aid Kit
Pack a small tin with:
🩹 Band-aids
🦟 Bug bite relief
💊 Pain relievers
🧴 Antiseptic wipes
Entertainment & Fun Hacks
19. Creative Girls’ Night Games for a Campfire Bonding Experience
Make memories with fun campfire games like:
🔥 “Would You Rather” (camping edition)
🔥 Storytelling (one person starts, the next adds to it)
🔥 “Name That Tune” with campfire songs
20. Camp-Friendly DIY Face Masks for a Relaxing Night Under the Stars
Pamper yourselves with an easy DIY face mask:
✔ 2 tbsp yogurt
✔ 1 tbsp honey
✔ 1 tbsp oatmeal
Apply, relax, and enjoy a spa night under the stars!
Final Thoughts
With these tent camping hacks, camping tips and tricks, and camping must-haves, your girls’ trip will be stress-free, fun, and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a Zelt camping weekend or a scenic SUV camping adventure, these hacks will keep you organized, comfortable, and well-fed.
Have your own favorite camping hacks DIY style? Share them in the comments below! 🚀✨
