Camping trips are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. While camping can be an incredible adventure, it can also be a messy affair, with dirty clothes and gear piling up quickly. For many campers, the thought of doing laundry while on a camping trip can be an unwanted task. But fear not, with a little preparation, doing laundry while camping can be a simple and stress-free experience.

Here are some of my tried and true tips for doing laundry on a camping trip:

Pack for Doing Laundry

The first step to handling laundry on a camping trip is to pack appropriately. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure to pack a laundry bag or hamper for dirty clothes, a few laundry pods or small bottle of detergent, a scrub brush for tough stains, and enough change to do a few loads in the campground laundry room. Having these items on hand will make it easier to keep track of dirty clothes and ensure you have the necessary supplies to get them clean.

Use Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

To minimize your impact on the environment, choose an eco-friendly laundry detergent that is biodegradable and non-toxic. Look for brands that are specifically designed for use in nature, as these are usually formulated to be gentle on the environment. When out in nature we prefer Camp Suds. At a laundromat, we use Dropps, which is what we use at home and love. If you use our Dropps affiliate link you can save 30%!

Don’t Forget a Stain Remover

Accidents happen, and it's always a good idea to be prepared for them. Pack a stain remover like OxiClean or Fels-Naptha to help remove tough stains from your clothes. Apply the stain remover as soon as possible after the stain occurs, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Find a Laundromat

If you're planning a long camping trip or have extra gear in need of a more thorough cleaning, it's best to research ahead of time to find a nearby laundromat or check with the campground for laundry facilities. This will give you the chance to plan your laundry schedule and ensure you have the necessary coins or detergent.

Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine

It’s common for campground laundry machines to be much smaller than we’re used to at home, and because we rather be doing things other than laundry on vacation, it’s easy to overload the machine to speed up the process. Especially because the cost can add up significantly. But overloading the machine can cause your clothes to come out dirty or tangled, and can also damage the machine. Take the extra time to split your laundry into smaller loads.

Use a Washing Wand

If you don't have access to a washing machine, a washing wand can be a handy tool to have. A washing wand is a portable device that helps to agitate and clean your clothes. Simply fill a bucket or basin with water and detergent, and use the washing wand to scrub your clothes clean.

Handwash Clothes

If you're in a remote area without access to a laundromat or camping in a more primitive setting, you can handwash clothes in a basin or bucket with laundry detergent. Simply fill the basin with water and add a small amount of detergent. Scrub the clothes gently with a scrub brush or your hands, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

I use a Scrubba in our RV - this little invention has saved me so much time and money. While the kids are settling into bedtime I will wash a few shirts or their jeans and then hang them up to dry in our shower. I love the Scrubba!

Use a Portable Clothesline

A portable clothesline is a great tool to have for drying your clothes. These are lightweight and easy to pack, and can be hung between trees or other objects to provide a place to dry your clothes. Look for a clothesline that is made of durable, weather-resistant materials and that can be adjusted to fit different lengths and widths.

Choose Quick-Drying Clothes

When packing for your camping trip, choose clothes that are quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant. This will make them easier to clean and dry, and will also save space in your RV closet or duffle bag.

Dry Clothes

Once your clothes are clean, it's important to dry them properly. Hanging clothes outside to dry is the easiest and most efficient way to dry clothes while camping. Avoid using a campfire or stove for drying, as it can be a fire hazard. Make sure to check the weather forecast before washing clothes, as it's best to avoid doing laundry on a rainy day.

Wash Clothes as Needed

It's best not to wait until the end of the trip to do laundry, as you may end up with an overwhelming pile of dirty clothes. Instead, wash clothes as needed to avoid overloading the washing machine or running out of clean clothes. This will also make it easier to keep track of what's clean and what's dirty.

Don't Forget About Shoes

Your shoes can get dirty and smelly on a camping trip, so don't forget to clean them as well. Use a scrub brush and water to remove dirt and mud, and let them dry completely before wearing them again. You can also use a shoe deodorizer to help eliminate odors.

Pack for the Trip Home

Finally, make sure to pack an extra bag for dirty laundry to keep it separate from clean clothes for the trip home. This will help keep your clean clothes fresh and avoid any musty odors.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your clothes clean and fresh during your camping trip and avoid any laundry disasters. Doing laundry while camping doesn't have to be a daunting task, and with a little preparation, you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable camping experience. So pack that laundry bag, scrub brush, and detergent and hit the road!

Need more camping tips and tricks?