If you prefer to DIY your camping gear as much as possible, you’re in luck – this is an ENORMOUS list of all the best camping DIY projects I could find!
I know that I love to do it myself before buying it (well… unless it’s a remodel, which we did terrible with and I would pay for that!) when it comes to various camping gadgets. Spring is ALMOST here, but I’m just getting stir crazy and want to start making stuff!
After looking at wayyyyy too many tutorials, I wanted to put them all in one place so that I could keep track of everything, and I hope it is helpful to you too!
29 Best Camping DIY Projects To Try!
Try some of these time and money saving DIYs before your next camp trip! Whether you like to add a personal touch to your camp gear or just want to save some money, these DIY Projects are fun and easy to do!
DIY Camping Doormat
Make your own DIY camping doormat with this cut file and tutorial! Or even better, learn how to personalize it with your own name to make your campsite personal!
DIY Insulated Ice Chest Cooler Cover Tutorial
If you don't want to have to keep buying ice during your camp trip (or just want to keep your cool items even cooler!) make your own DIY Ice Chest Cover! It's easy to make but will make a giant difference in how cold your food stays!
DIY PVC Ice Packs for Your Camp Cooler
Save on the mess and melt from ice and make these PVC ice packs! They transport alot easier and are just nicer looking in your cooler!
5 Gallon Bucket Portable Shower
Camping for a long time off grid, or perhaps just camping with kids who seem to ALWAYS need to rinse off? Make your own portable bucket shower! Fill it up, leave it in the sun during the day then rinse off with warm water at the end of the night!
Easy DIY Toddler Camping Bed
The fancy gear is nice, but you could honestly save yourself alot of money if you DIY what you can.... like this camping toddler bed! Easy to wash sheets, and it's super portable!
How To Reupholster Camper Cushions The Easy Way
I don't know about you, but I HATE our camper cushions - the style is super dated and the kids have already made a couple stains on them! This is a quick way to DIY your own covers for a fresh look in your camper!
DIY Camping Bucket Light
This has to be one of the most popular DIYs I see in the various camping FB groups I'm in! This is for good reason though - they are super fun to make and personalize, and look fun when you have a couple around your campsite!
DIY Camping Laundry Washing Machine Tutorial
I LOVE this DIY Camp Laundry Machine because my kids go through clothes really, really fast! There are some specific shirts we like for day use since they are nice and light (gotta keep cool in the sun!) but it seems every night they add another layer of s'more drippings! This is an easy way to keep them clean!
How to Make a Quick and Easy DIY Toilet for Camping
Even though we camp in a camper, there are many times we boondock and don't want to fill up our tanks, and since I'm not a fan of squatting for all bathroom activities... this is a great solution! It's an especially good idea if you have little kiddos who are newly potty trained or just are scared of getting poked when the squat!
DIY Full Toilet Camping Chair
For those who require a little more stability than a bucket, this alternate camping toilet with a chair might be a good idea!
DIY Camping Tablecloth Holders
These are an ADORABLE way to hold your tablecloth down while camping! I know I am going to have my kids decorate each one and make them a keepsake!
Outdoor Drink Holder Tutorial
Who needs a camp chair drink holder when you can now bring your drink anywhere? I know my one drink holder spot in my camp chair is usually filled up with other stuff (kid snacks, sunglasses, phone for music etc) so having a separate drink holder could be really helpful!
DIY Cheap, Long Burning Firestarter Using Pinecones!
Make your own pinecone firestarers with just an egg carton, some wax and a pinecones (and they burn for five minutes!)
Adult vodka lemonade juice pouch camp drink!
Speaking of drunk related things... while this wouldn't fit in the drink holder, it is sure as heck easy enough to sip on when you're relaxing later on! Not only that, but they sound absolutely delicious!
Homemade "Shake and Pour" Pancake Mix!
Ready to go homemade pancake mix is AMAZING while camping, especially on those slow to start mornings! I like this one because it seems especially yummy (but you could just buy the box stuff if you aren't a cook!)
DIY Mosquito Repellent Bracelet
If you love essential oils, then you'll love this all-natural (and pretty!) way to combat mosquitos while camping!
How to Pack a First Aid Kit for Camping
While not technically a "DIY" it is still much cheaper to buy only what you need and not one of the boxed sets they sell! Especially if you are traveling to tourist destinations such as National PArks... those things cost double there!
Plastic Bottle Mosquito Trap
If the bracelt or citronella candles just aren't doing it for you, try this DIY mosquito trap you hang around camp! I will try ANYTHING when it comes to getting rid of those suckers!
Rolled Camp Kitchen Tutorial
I love how portable this set up is! We try not to cook in our camper (smells, mess etc) so this is a great way to keep all of our kitchen things organized and bring it out to the grill!
Insulated Water Bottle Carrier
Give each kid (or heck, yourself!) their own insulated water bottle carrier for when you hike around camp! Personalized gear is always the best, and this could make a fun gift for the camping kid in your life!
Trailer Trash Bags Free Download & Printable
Grocery Bags are a hot commodity around the campsite! Whether you use them for trash, recycle or as dog poop bags, it's handy to have a central place to store them that will prevent them from all flying away! It doesn't hurt that the storage container will make ya chuckle!
Homemade No Rinse Body Wipes for Camping
Forget the store bought wipes and make your own no rinse wipes that leave you feeling fresh!
DIY Travel Spice Kit is Great for Camping! - DIY Candy
This is the perfect way to cut down on the number of spice bottles you travel with! This is also great
for campfire meals and RV kitchen cooking (it includes the printable labels so you can keep track of your spices!)
Picnic blanket game board
I don't know about you, but I LOVE playing board games while camping! This DIY picnic blanket game board is perfect for use on the campgrounds picnic table or on the ground!
DIY Pocket Camping Pillow for Kids!
I could totally see one of these on each of my kids beds in the camper! It's a pretty and organized way to keep track of each kids small items like their books, pencils, tablets and such!
Super-easy Paracord Camp Chair
I have ALWAYS loved these (have you ever sat in one? It forms to your body perfectly!) however they are usually pretty expensive. Here's a way to make one for your kids (or yourself!) for way, way cheaper to "hang" around camp. LOL!
Colorful Duct Tape Sit Upon Camp Craft
This is a great DIY to take with you on hikes, or while you are walking around your campsite! It’s easy to carry around, and all it takes to make is some duct tape!
Magnetic Window Screens for Car Camping
While this is written for car camping, you could modify the shape and use it for other windows too! This DIY window screen is a great way to keep your car/rig cool and get a little more privacy!
How to DIY BlackOut Window Covers for Your RV or Camper (NO SEWING Involved!)
Whether you like a mid day nap or have kids who need to nap (and need it dark!) this is a fun way to create some custom black out window covers for your camper!
Easy 5-Minute Wash Cloth Soap Holder
Bars of soap are WAY easier to bring than whole containers, and this soap holder makes the bar go even further (and it's nice to exfoliate a little!)
Did you find a camping DIY you want to do?
I know first on my list is the one where you make a hammock with a towel and some rope (mainly because I want to make one for myself!)
If you know any good camping DIYs (or ones you’ve made yourself!) leave them in the comments!
Other camping articles you’ll love!
- A custom Dodge Promaster builder who will have you making #vanlifegoals!
- 9 Handy tips and appsto find FREE overnight parking for your RV
- DIY RV Blackout window covers to help you get a nap (and control temps!)
- The 25 most annoying RV features people wish they would have thought twice about!
- A pretty camping journal to document each camp trip (with space for pictures and lots of notes!)
- 4H Archery Worksheets for Kids – Parts of a Compound Bow + More! - June 30, 2024
- 4H Archery Project Idea + Fun Archery Practice Ideas! - June 30, 2024
- DIY Nerf Orc Targets – Perfect for a Nerf Themed Party! - June 15, 2024
I love the travel spice kit idea…thanks!
I’m happy you found the DIY helpful Tammie! Those full sizes bottles are just too much with such little space in campers! – Stacy
cool