Tips to Stay Organized at Camp

1. Don't Overpack

Keep it simple. It's easy to get caught trying to plan for EVERY possible outcome, and activities you MIGHT do. When it comes to most outdoor adventures, planning for the most-likely scenarios is the right move for not letting clutter take over your vehicle and camp. This does not apply to first-aid supplies, which should be brought on every trip. Remember, it's all about the experience and the stories you'll come home with.

2. Keep the Smaller Things Separate

Don't mix small items with larger items, or the small items inevitably fall into the small spaces and get lost. We like having one large camp storage box for bulkier items like pots, pans, bowls, plates, fuel, and cleaning supplies. And then we'll use a separate bin for smaller items like headlamps & flashlights, first aid, bug nets, batteries, clothes pins, ziplock bags, paracord, toilet paper, etc. If you do need to mix, put the smaller items into zippered bags so they stay together and are easily accessible. If the storage boxes have exterior pockets, we'll put frequently used items in them like sunscreen, hand sanitizer, flashlight, pocket knife, dog treats, and charging cables.

3. Decide Who Does What

If you try to do everything yourself, you will likely get overwhelmed. Don't fall into the trap of doing it all, and learn to say "no" to others in your group when they ask or suggest it's your responsibility. Start with deciding who will cook, and then assign someone else to dishes. The more people in your group, the more opportunity to delegate so that everyone gets a chance to kick back and relax, which is one reason we get away from the city and go camping.

4. Have a System for Dishes & Trash

Wild animals love finding food and your trash bag is a buffet. Don't be the person who leaves their trash out and wakes up to litter spread all over the campground. And keep all your trash in one place, so it's easy to dispose of when you get the chance. Bring extra liner bags if you'e using the Radius trash bin. For dishes, bring at least one tub for washing and dump the water in a designated area or away from camp. Then hang the clean dishes to dry so they don't take up space on the camping table where you'll want to hang out, prep food, eat, and play games.

5. Don't Take Things Too Seriously

At some point someone will put something "where it doesn't belong", and that's an opportunity for you to calmly remind them and then let it go. No one is perfect, and don't let something small ruin your whole trip. Remember what's important and why you took the time to plan, travel, and spend time with the people you enjoy being around.