When we visit the campsite we love to discover camping tips and tricks and improvise with things around us to solve unexpected problems. This is why it’s really helpful to know about the great things you can do with ordinary bits and pieces probably already handy in your camper van, caravan or tent. So here’s a couple of things we’ve tried in the past to help us out with problems we’ve experienced, which may one day come in handy for you
Keeping a cool bag cold…
Forgotten the ice blocks? Simply fill a clean plastic bottle up to an inch from the top with drinking water and freeze overnight. Add it to your cool bag in the morning for the ideal ice pack, which later turns to chilled drinking water for when you’re out and about.
Being pestered by ants…
If you discover camping on your pitch is a bit too close to the local ants nest, make sure you surround your site with a thick trail of flour mixed with cayenne pepper. This helps to repel the ants.
Being pestered by wasps…
Take an empty plastic tub and fill with a strong sugar-water mixture. Place it near to the problem area but far enough away to draw the wasps away from where you’re sitting.
Being pestered by mosquitos or have been stung by a wasp…
The chemical properties in onions and garlic are very good at repelling mosquitos or soothing bites. They work on unwanted campsite visitors and vampires too… just in case you come across any of those on your travels!
Can’t get that smell of garlic, onion, fish, etc off your hands or clothes…
Bicarbonate of soda is perfect for removing unwanted smells. Wet your hands, rub 2 teaspoons of bicarbonate on them and rinse.
Stored camping gear keeps smelling musty…
Believe it or not cat litter is great for stopping musty smells caused by damp. Simply add some to a muslin or cotton bag and place it in the camping gear before you store it away.
The caravan / camper van is quite damp…
Charcoal briquettes are a natural dehumidifier so they work really well at taking moisture out of the air. Simply fill a container with briquettes and replace them when they’re wet.
The caravan / camper van sink is blocked and smells…
Get a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets and crush the up and sprinkle into the plug hole. Pour a cup of vinegar on to and after it’s stopped fizzing rinse through with water.
Keep loosing your socks in the laundry…
Store all your dirty clothes in pillow cases and when they’re half full tie the top and wash them in the case. This keeps everything together and avoids losing anything.
Can’t get the campfire lit…
Try using some dried orange peel as the oils make them incredibly flammable. Failing that you can sprinkle a tiny bit of vodka on it… but only a tiny bit! Failing that… just drink the vodka and forget about dinner!
Have you discovered camping tips for solving problems at the campsite? let us know…
