Clean Camping Hacks: Leave No Trace and Enjoy Nature Responsibly

9/2/20253 min read

a man setting up a tent in a field
a man setting up a tent in a field

Introduction to Clean Camping

As I prep for fall camping season I thought I would veer off my usual cleaning topics and share some tips I've found useful for camping in a clean eco friendly way. Camping is one of the best ways to connect with nature, but it also comes with a responsibility to keep our wild spaces clean. One of the most important ethics in camping is to 'leave no trace.' In this blog post, we'll explore some simple yet effective clean camping hacks that can help you enjoy your outdoor adventures while minimizing your impact on the environment.

Pack Smart with Eco-Friendly Choices

Before you even set foot on the trail, the way you pack can make a huge difference. Start by selecting eco-friendly camping gear. Opt for reusable containers instead of single-use plastics for food storage. Try to bring items that can serve multiple purposes; for instance, a cooking pot can double as a dish. By being mindful of what you pack, you'll not only have a cleaner campsite but also reduce the waste that ends up in nature.

Leave No Trace: Cleaning Up After Meals

One crucial aspect of clean camping is how you handle your food waste. Always clean up following meals. Use biodegradable soap and water to wash your dishes, and be sure to dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet away from water sources. If you have extra greasy dishes (because who doesn't love bacon cooked on a campfire!) bring some baking soda to easily and naturally absorb the greese and use less soap. Make it a habit to leave your site cleaner than you found it. Bring trash bags to collect any trash you find, even if it’s not yours. This small act can go a long way in keeping our natural spaces pristine.

Respect Wildlife and Their Habitats

Camping in nature means sharing the environment with its inhabitants. To respect wildlife, keep food stored securely in bear-proof containers or hung from a tree, away from your sleeping area. This simple hack prevents animals from rummaging through your belongings and minimizes human-wildlife interactions. Remember, observing wildlife from a distance is more rewarding and keeps them safe.

Leave Natural Areas As You Found Them

When setting up camp, choose durable surfaces like gravel or grass, rather than trampling fragile ecosystems. When making a fire, use established fire rings when possible and ensure it's completely extinguished before leaving. Always adhere to local regulations regarding fires. By following these guidelines, you ensure that nature remains beautiful for future campers.

Conclusion: Embrace Nature Responsibly

Incorporating these clean camping hacks into your routine can enhance your outdoor experience while protecting the environment. It’s not just about enjoying nature; it’s about ensuring that future generations can enjoy it too. So the next time you head out on an adventure, remember to pack smart, clean up after meals, respect wildlife, and leave natural areas as you found them. Happy camping!

Product guide

You didn’t come this far to stop

Whether you camp for a day or a week, I can guarantee one thing...you will need to go sometime. Depending on where you camp there may not be facilities for you to use. Even if there are, who likes a scary middle of the night walk in the dark woods to the outhouse. With these wag bags you can solve either problem and easily pack out your trash without the mess or smell of other methods.

Cut down on waste and be more eco friendly by skipping the paper plates and plastic sporks. Opt for reusable sustainable equipment instead.

Don't forget cleanup is important to a clean and healthy campsite! This collapsable sink makes cleanup easy and don't forget biodegradable soap!