Tips For Keeping Your Tent & Campsite Clean

My family loves camping and we love camping with family and friends, but there is a part of it that really stresses me out. When we camp with people who do not keep their campsite clean and organized, it adds anxiety for several reasons. You can't find anything, you look like a bunch of hobos, and its nature- keep it clean. So I'm sharing some tips today.

1. Keeping the inside of your tent dirt free is not the easiest of jobs, but over the years, we have found what works. Do not wear shoes inside the tent, keep a good mat outside the tent for wiping off feet, and keep a small broom and dustpan for sweeping. Nobody wants to sleep surrounded by dirt and nobody wants to hear dirt on the tent floor. 

2. Keep a trash bag handy for trash, and make sure everyone throws away when they are done and no one puts trash in the fire- that is a nasty clean up at the end of the trip. A pop-up laundry hamper makes a great trashcan and it can be used to store camping stuff when not being used. Plus, if you zip it closed at night, animals will stay out of it. 

3. Keep cooking/ eating supplies handy, but gathered together. Keep condiments/ spices in a container that can be put away when not in use and put on the table when it is time to eat. 

4. Inside your tent, make everyone an area they are responsible for and have a designated place for dirty clothes, toiletries, etc. 

5. Hang a line when you set up camp- there is somewhere ready for wet clothes and they do not end up thrown around. 

6. I love this handwashing station and using the water you catch for washing dishes is genius! 

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7. You need 3 coolers- one for drinks and ice, one for sandwiches, snacks, and other quick things to grab. The third is for cooking items- keep meats and vegetables you will be cooking in this one and the ice will last longer. Put items in a Ziploc bag so they do not get waterlogged. You can also use large Ziploc bags to put items for meals together.

8. Dealing with grey water is part of keeping camp clean- be sure to know the local laws about disposing of grey water. 

9. After you get home, set your tent up again to make sure it is completely dry- or it will mold and ruin. Same with awnings and cabanas. 

10. Color-code your kids. Anything to cups, plates, and more. Make them responsible for keeping up with it and washing it. Get a bin that color and they can keep their toys in it as well. 

Each family is different, but the main thing to remember is just like at home- a place for everything and everything in its place.