Camping can get expensive, but if you know where to look, you can find some serious budget-friendly gems.
I’ve learned that a quick trip to Dollar Tree can stock my campsite with everything I need—some items are meant for camping, but others are just clever repurposing.
Here are my favorite Dollar Tree camping hacks that have made my trips easier (and cheaper!).
1. DIY Dishwashing Station
Keeping dishes clean while camping is always a hassle,
but I found a way to make it simple using just a few Dollar Tree items.
I grabbed a plastic dish bin, a sponge, a dish towel, and a water pitcher.
The dish bin holds dirty dishes, the pitcher helps with rinsing, and the towel doubles as both a drying mat and a cleanup tool. They even have hanging mesh bags that work great for air-drying dishes!
2. Solar Lights for Easy Nighttime Navigation
Instead of fumbling with lanterns or using up batteries in flashlights, I line my campsite with Dollar Tree solar lights.
These little lights are meant for gardens, but they work perfectly to illuminate the tent area and paths around the site. I even stick one inside an empty milk jug for a DIY lantern that gives off a soft glow at night.
3. Multipurpose Mesh Laundry Bag
One of my best discoveries? A mesh laundry bag! Instead of using a bulky drying rack, I hang a mesh bag from a tree branch to let dishes air-dry. It’s lightweight, takes up no space, and keeps everything clean without the need for extra gear.
4. Frisbee = Plate, Cutting Board, and Fan
Camping gear should always be multi-functional. A cheap plastic frisbee from Dollar Tree serves as a plate, a cutting board, and even a makeshift fan for the campfire. Plus, if you get bored, you can actually play with it!
5. Fire Starter Hack: Doritos & Cotton Rounds
Yes, you read that right. Doritos aren’t just a snack—they’re one of the best fire starters I’ve ever used. If you want a less greasy option, grab some cotton rounds and dip them in wax before your trip. Both options catch fire quickly and burn long enough to get your campfire going.
6. Shower Caddy for Kitchen Supplies
Keeping things organized at a campsite can be tricky, but a hanging shower caddy does the job perfectly. I store utensils, cooking oil, and even spices in it, then hang it near the cooking area. It keeps everything within reach and prevents items from getting lost in the tent.
7. Handheld Broom and Dustpan for a Clean Tent
If you’re car camping, a handheld broom and dustpan are lifesavers. Sand, dirt, and leaves find their way into the tent no matter how careful you are, so having a small broom makes it easy to keep things clean.
8. Egg Storage Hack
Instead of trying to keep whole eggs from cracking, I pre-crack them into a cleaned-out condiment squeeze bottle. It makes breakfast super easy—just squeeze out what you need for scrambled eggs or omelets. Just be sure to use them within a couple of days to keep things fresh!
9. Yoga Mat as a Tent Entry Mat
A cheap yoga mat makes a great entry mat for the tent. It keeps dirt from getting inside, and since it’s long, there’s enough space to leave shoes outside without them sitting directly on the ground.
10. Glow Sticks for Fun and Safety
Dollar Tree glow sticks are great for more than just kids’ fun. I use them to mark the tent zipper so I can find it in the dark. They also work as emergency backup lighting if my flashlight batteries run out.
Final Thoughts
Camping doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and with a little creativity, Dollar Tree can be your best friend.
Whether it’s making your own dishwashing station, using solar lights, or starting a fire with Doritos, these hacks have saved me time, money, and effort.
If you have any go-to Dollar Tree camping tricks, drop them in the comments—I’d love to try them out on my next trip!