10 remarkable camping tips that everyone should know

There's nothing quite like sleeping in a tent (or under the stars) and enjoying dinner fresh off a campfire. The solitude of the woods, unparalleled views of the night sky and the comforting sounds of crickets are just a few reasons that camping is a popular activity.
As fun as camping is, lugging tons of gear and supplies into the woods can be overwhelming (especially if you're brave enough to take kids). The next time you're going camping, check out these tips to make the trip just a little easier.
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1. Keep tootsies warm
If your feet get cold at night, try filling up a sturdy water bottle with hot water before going to bed. Put the water bottle at the bottom of your bag to stay warm all night. (If you're worried about leakage, stuff some extra clothes in the bottom of the bag for more warmth.)
2. A pillow on the fly
If you really want to rough it (or you forgot your pillow at home), have no fear. Stuff clothing or an extra blanket inside the bag your sleeping bag came in and fill it with clothes. Voila – instant pillow. Check out the video from Rodale's Organic Life.
3. Lint firestarters
Stop tossing dryer lint! You can save it to make firestarters for your next camping trip. Each firestarter burns for 15 minutes. You'll need dryer lint, an empty egg carton, old candles, dental floss and scissors. Check out the full tutorial on Instructables.
4. Toothpaste plate
No need to pack an entire tube of toothpaste the next time you head off into the woods for a quiet getaway. Squirt dots of toothpaste (not gel) onto aluminum foil. Let them set for a few days to harden and scoop them into a bag. This idea is helpful if you're trying to trim weight on a backpacking trip.
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5. Pack your birthday candles
You know those trick candles that are only funny when it's not you blowing them out? Pack a few for a simple waterproof firestarter. Just light the candle and add it to the kindling (You'll waste fewer matches this way too.)
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6. Fix stuck tent zipper with wax
Don't get stuck out of (or inside) your tent if the zipper gets stuck! Keep a candle in your camping gear and you'll be fine. Rub the candle on the zipper track to make it easier for the stuck zipper to move. Bonus: This works on sweatshirts, backpacks, sleeping bags and jeans too.
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7. Pack spices in straws
Camping doesn't mean your food can only taste like the campfire. You can pack spices without bringing the whole bottle. Heat one end of a plastic straw with a lighter. When it's warm, push the ends together to seal shut. Fill the straw with a spice and seal the other end. Use a marker to label it. Check out the full tutorial here. ​
8. Turn a water jug into a lantern
Fill a water jug with water and attach the head lantern so that's facing the plastic jug. The light will reflect off the water, creating an illuminating DIY nightlight.
9. Foam floor tiles make sleeping on the ground comfy
Whether you're bringing kids to the woods or you just appreciate sleeping on a surface that's not going to leave you bruised and broken, foam floor tiles are an effective solution. You can find them in toy departments or online. You can take as many and you need, and they break down quickly when it's time to pack up.
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10. Make a toilet paper dispenser from a coffee can
Heading into the woods to answer mother nature's call isn't particularly pleasant for most people. Make it a little less awkward by making a toilet paper dispense out of a used coffee container. All you need is an empty plastic can with a lid and an Exacto knife. Check out the full tutorial from TDawg.
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Do you think you'll try any of these ideas the next time you hit the trail? Share them with friends on Facebook and help make their camping trips a little easiser.