My best camping hacks for tents to boost comfort

Camping is one of my favourite ways to disconnect from everyday life and get closer to nature, but over the years, I’ve learned you don’t have to roughlight it to enjoy it. With a few simple camping hacks for tents, you can sleep better, stay dry and make your whole trip so much more comfortable. After years of setting up camp all over Australia, here are my best tried-and-tested tips for making tent camping as comfortable as it can be.

Just to be clear – these tips and gear are for regular tent camping where you can drive in with your gear nearby, not for overnight treks where keeping things ultra-light is the priority.

Bedding

A good night’s sleep makes all the difference. I gave up on inflatable mattresses years ago – they’re fine for overnight hikes when you need compact gear, but for regular camping, nothing beats our thick foam mattress. Ours fits snugly in the car and tent, and it’s honestly a game-changer for comfort. It takes up space, but we plan around it and save space with other gear instead. However, the dense structure of the foam is known to help retain body heat, so some say it’s not a good option for camping in a hot area. We still sleep until 9 am in summer in Queensland, so this set-up works pretty well for us. If you plan to camp when it’s cold, make sure you have good insulation from the floor (see more tips here).

I always bring pillows from home; they’re so much better than a tiny travel pillow. We use sheets that dry quickly so they stay fresh, even in humid weather. Since we camp as a couple, we have a microfiber fitted sheet (breathable and quick-dry), a bamboo cooling flat sheet (why not enjoy a cool, silky-soft feel when camping?) and a light quilt, which offers more freedom of movement than a sleeping bag, for added comfort. We also have two old, warm Lafuma mummy sleeping bags that zip together for colder nights.

When we camp in winter, I always put a hot water bottle in our bed a few minutes before going in; it makes such a difference on a cold night. I also put my clothes for the next day inside the bedding so they don’t feel icy cold when I put them on in the morning. It’s a simple camping hack, but it really makes it more comfortable!

And for those sticky Queensland nights, a small fan (or portable cooler!) is worth every bit of space it takes up (we use the Companion Maxi Evaporative Cooler Fan). Before choosing one, think about how much space you have in your tent and how you’ll recharge it while you’re off-grid.

Extra hack: Keeps sand and dirt out of your bedding by choosing a tent with a vestibule (sheltered space outside your sleeping area).

A comfortable tent

Your tent is your home – make it count. We use a small Quechua fresh and black tent (a bit like this one, but the old hiker version with a double entry). It’s easy to set up, keeps the budget low, and has a few features that really help:

• Easy setup – I absolutely love how quickly we can set it up, even in the dark.
• Dark interior and sun-reflective exterior – so we’re not woken up too early by heat or light.
• Good ventilation – no waking up to drips of condensation on your face.
• Durable and weatherproof – we’ve had it for almost 10 years and it handles wind and rain without drama.
• Compact and lightweight – handy to save space or put in a bag!

If you’re not hiking, you might find a slightly bigger tent with a small living space more comfortable, especially if you want to sit out bad weather inside.

Extra hack: Pitch your tent so the entrance faces away from the wind; it helps reduce drafts and rain blowing in.

Staying organised

One of my favourite camping hacks for tents is to keep everything organised so you’re not digging through bags in the dark. We use stackable five-way opening transparent boxes: they’re brilliant because you can grab what you need without unpacking everything. Colour-coding them makes life even easier.

We bring plenty of gear as we have the luxury of a big boot, but choose foldable and collapsible versions when we can. Water containers, tubs, food containers, strainers and buckets all pack away small when not in use.

Cooking comforts

We started camping with just a gas stove for boiling pasta. But eating good food is part of the camping experience, so we’ve levelled up with a folding fire pit barbecue for grilling, a battery-operated rotisserie we love, and even a portable wood-fired pizza oven for fun meals under the stars.

We also swapped our old ice esky for an electric fridge/freezer that runs on a battery when we’re parked. It keeps our food fresher for longer, which is a big deal on extended trips. But if we only camp for a weekend, it’s enough to have a cooler and frozen meat.

And when we’ve cooked something delicious, we like to enjoy it with a nice glass of wine. Sure, you could drink it from a plastic cup, but for some reason, wine always tastes better from a proper wine glass (unbreakable, of course, and easy to pack!). It instantly makes our camping dining table feel a bit fancier.

Personal hygiene

Keeping good personal hygiene is important if you want to feel comfortable! If we’re staying at a campground with shower facilities, it’s obviously a lot easier. I like having a water-repellent bag to carry all my shower items: it keeps everything together and can protect my stuff if the bathroom is a bit gross. Thongs that can get wet make life a lot easier too.

You’ll want a microfibre towel as well; it dries quickly and avoids that damp smell. Make sure you have a way to hang it properly; we use a small camping line that’s come in handy so many times.

If we don’t camp with shower facilities, it’s a different story. Depending on how long we’re away, our washing setup changes. For short camping weekends, refreshing wipes can do the trick. But usually, especially in summer, you want a proper shower. We use a solar-heated water bag, a foldable bucket and a rechargeable pump with a shower head. Hanging up towels and getting dressed using a poncho towel works for privacy, but a pop-up shower tent where you can stand is a big step up for comfort.

Keeping the gear powered

We never camp without a power bank for phones and small electronics; it gives us electricity in our tent overnight. Since we got our fridge/freezer, we also invested in a battery and solar panels. They keep everything running when we’re off-grid for more than just a weekend.

Camp furniture

A comfy seat and a good table make all the difference. We upgraded to camping chairs with a high back with head support, and my neck has never been happier. We picked a hiking model (like this one), so they’re light and compact.

Our folding table has adjustable heights: it’s perfect for cooking prep (benchtop height), eating or just relaxing with a cuppa (coffee table height).

Extra hack: Bring a picnic rug or outdoor mat; it’s nice for barefoot feet, handy for sorting gear, and easy to shake out if it gets messy.

Lighting for extra comfort

Good lighting is one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’re camping. A headlamp is a must, but make sure it’s a lightweight one so it’s comfortable to wear for longer.

We also set up extra lights around camp so we can see where we’re going without always relying on the headlamp (which can feel a bit harsh at times). I love putting up fairy lights: they look pretty, add a cosy vibe, and make the tent feel romantic too. I use lights that are easy to hang and recharge via solar or our power bank, so we’re not constantly buying batteries and don’t worry about using them a lot. Make sure you choose a model suitable for outdoor conditions and waterproof.

Choosing the right campsite

A good campsite can make or break your trip. We always try to find spots with plenty of space between sites; it’s worth paying a bit more for peace and quiet. National parks are good for this, or Hipcamp.

When picking the exact spot, make sure the ground is flat and clear of rocks or sticks. Nothing worse than tripping on a rock around camp or feeling a lump under your back at 2 am!

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Clothes that work

The right clothes make a big difference. I swear by moisture-wicking shirts for hot days and layering pieces for chilly nights. In spring and autumn, I pack thermal tops, warm socks and a beanie or hoodie. Loose track pants that slip over leggings are a must for me. And you’ll always find waterproof jackets in our bags, as the weather can change fast out here.

I sometimes overpack, but I’d rather know I’ve got everything I might need to stay comfortable. I use packing cubes for different activities: one for active days, another for relaxing at camp, warmer layers for the evening and a separate one for my sleep clothes. It means I’m not digging through the whole bag every time I need something, and it’s quick to pack up again when we’re moving on.

I also never travel with fewer than two (sometimes three!) pairs of shoes. It’s funny because I don’t own that many shoes in everyday life! But for camping, it’s worth it. I like having my comfortable and light running shoes and waterproof hiking boots if the ground is damp or muddy. And thongs, even in cold weather, are so handy for quick bathroom trips, shower blocks or getting out of the tent at night without the hassle of lacing up shoes in the dark.

Be prepared for rain

Rain happens, but being prepared keeps it comfortable. We started with just a tarp and bungee cords, but now use Cool Cabanas for shade and showers (when we’re camping with the car nearby, because it’s heavy!).

For windy storms, we trust our waterproof tent and keep the option to eat or sleep in the car if needed. Little breakfast tray tables were a good buy, they make rainy meals inside much more bearable.

Extra hack: Pack microfibre towels; they dry fast and are handy for mopping up wet gear or wiping down the tent entrance.

Avoiding bugs

Staying bug-free is non-negotiable for me. We always pack insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at dusk. Yellow or orange-tinted lights attract fewer bugs. We also like using citronella oil torches on the table while dining, as it is known to repel mosquitoes and it also gives an elegant and comfortable ambiance (much better than headlamps!).

And inside the tent, make sure mosquito nets are zipped properly; nothing ruins sleep faster than mosquito bites.

What are your camping hacks for tents? I’d love to hear your tips too: what clever camping hacks for tents help you sleep better, stay dry or just make your camping trips more comfortable? Share them in the comments below!