RV Tips and Tricks Every Camper Should Know

October 07, 2018

Those who seek the serenity that is accompanied by the great outdoors know that it isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. In fact, camping trips are more often matched with mosquitoes and venomous spiders. Don’t let this stop you from exploring the wilderness, just keep a few things in mind while you’re out there!

Pests and Creepy Crawlies

Since winged, stinging insects like bees don’t particularly enjoy the smell of human perfumes and scents, placing dryer sheets under the cloth of your picnic table will help to keep bees from coming around. You can also make a homemade version of “OFF” by mixing one part Pine Sol and one part water in a spray bottle. You can easily find these items at any Family Dollar store, use the spray to clean off areas where your family will be having their meals and spritz some of it over your trash can; this way you won’t have to worry about flies!

Frugal Fun and Do It Yourself Options

Since you obviously can’t bring all your cooking equipment with you on a camping trip, there are a few life hacks that you can try. Buy a cheap squirt bottle, or wash out an empty ketchup and use it as a pancake mix dispenser. It saves time, keeps your cooking area clean, and the DIY bottle is a great way to save the earth by recycling.

Speaking of ketchup, you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new set of groceries to go camping. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll stop at a couple of fast food places before you reach your destination. While you’re there, grab some extra packets of hot sauce, jelly, ketchup, napkins, and other complimentary items. While you obviously don’t want to overdo it, most middle-of-nowhere towns see tourists frequently. They won’t mind if you ask for a few sauce packets for the road.

Keeping Your Fire Lit

No matter how modern of a camper you may be, knowing how to light a fire and keep it going is something everyone should know how to do, even if you aren’t the outdoors type. Keep matches and birthday candles on hand, even if matches get wet, birthday candles will eventually dry. Since you’re already bringing dryer sheets along for the bees, you’ll be happy to know that these, along with your typical notebook paper are great for burning if you absolutely end up needing them. You never know when you’ll be stuck in a situation where a fire needs to be lit, but if you can’t make it happen, there are alternatives.

If you like Mountain Dew, leave some at the bottom and hold onto the bottle for a rainy or windy night. Once you’re ready to use it, add some baking soda and two to three caps of peroxide from your first aid kit. The reaction will create a temporary glow to help you get through the evening with a little bit of light.