Camping doesn’t have to be expensive—especially when you know where to shop! Dollar Tree has a TON of affordable gear and clever finds that can make your next camping trip easier, safer, and more fun. From unexpected uses for pool noodles to budget-friendly lighting hacks, here’s a huge list of Dollar Tree items that are perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
🔦 Lighting & Safety
You may *think* your cellphone light will be good enough, but you’d be surprised to find out how annoying it can be to burn through your battery life! A few simple battery operated tap lights can make finding things in the night WAY easier! And of course the pack of glowsticks for only $1.25 is always a steal!
- Glow sticks – Mark tent lines, kids, or your dog’s collar for nighttime safety.
- LED push lights or lanterns – Perfect for inside tents or on the picnic table.
- Flashlights & headlamps – Great backups to your main light source.
- Reflective tape – Mark tent stakes or steps to avoid trip hazards.
🛏️ Tent & Sleeping Area
Keeping your tent clean and dry is essential – after all, we love nature….. OUTSIDE the tent! Things like clips to hang dry things, extra bags for dirty clothes, toiletry bags for organization inside the tent all make your camp trip feel slightly more hygenic (and comfy!)
- Pool noodles – Cushion hard edges or make sleeping pads more comfortable.
- Shower curtain liners – Use under tents or sleeping pads as a moisture barrier.
- Plastic tablecloths – Line the inside of your tent or cover tables.
- Clothespins / clips – Hang towels, blankets, or makeshift curtains.
🍽️ Cooking & Food Storage
Don’t think that just because you’re cooking everything over the fire that planning out the food situation is easy! Keeping bugs out of your food, your cold items cold, and dealing with dishes without running water are all something to consider.
- Foil pans – Cook over the fire or use as serving trays.
- Cake carriers / pie containers – Keep bugs away from food and organize snacks.
- Chip clips – Seal open bags and keep critters out.
- Condiment squeeze bottles – Pre-fill with pancake mix, dressing, or oil.
- Spice jars / pill organizers – Create a mini spice kit for campsite cooking.
🧼 Cleaning & Hygiene
Unless your campsite has showers on site, you’ll need to make some plan about how to keep clean! This includes both yourself, your dishes and clothes. The Dollar Tree has tons of decent bins and cleaners that can get the job done at camp.
- Dish pans / plastic bins – For washing dishes or hauling water.
- Microfiber towels / washcloths – Quick-drying and compact.
- Travel toiletries – Grab toothpaste, soap, and shampoo in smaller sizes.
- Wet wipes – For quick cleanups, sticky hands, or dirt-covered feet.
🧰 Camp Chores & Quick Fixes
I say it’s ALWAYS a good idea to bring duct tape and zip ties wherever you go in your travels – but there’s also some other good deals on helpful things to bring while camping. I’m sort of an organization nut, so bins are a cheap and easy grab while at The Dollar Tree!
- Zip ties – Fix gear or secure tarps in a pinch.
- Bungee cords – Strap things to your pack or hang up drying lines.
- Duct tape – Fix tears, patch holes, or even make emergency shoes 😄
- Plastic storage bins – Keep your gear sorted and clean.
🧒 Kids & Entertainment
I usually stop by here before the first camp trip of the season (see this kids camping activity basket I made 4 years ago from stuff at the Dollar Tree here!) so I’ve gotten pretty familiar with the awesome stuff you can buy here for kids. There’s glowsticks of course, which were especially helpful to give to the kids for safety reasons when they were younger, but there’s also TONS of activities too!
- Coloring books & crayons – Great for downtime or rainy days.
- Bubbles / chalk / jump ropes – Classic campground fun.
- Mini puzzles or card games – Easy to pack and great for all ages.
- Glow wands or fairy lights – Bring the fun (and comfort) after dark.
🐜 Bug & Sun Protection
Depending on the time of year you are planning to camp will determine how much bug and sun protection you need. I loved getting my kids sunglasses from The Dollar Tree because they got wrecked easy…. and I was only out $1.25! Now a days I am mostly getting the citronelle candles and hand sani for when we trave.
- Bug spray / fly swatters – Essential for keeping pests at bay.
- Citronella candles – Budget version of bug control around camp.
- Sun hats / sunglasses – Snag them seasonally for little campers.
- Mini sunscreen / aloe gel – Travel size for your backpack or beach bag.
Printable Dollar Tree Camping Shopping List
If you’re like me and you space out as soon as you walk into the store, don’t worry – I made this free printable “shopping list” so that you don’t forget what to look for! Just click the image and print. =)
