26 Essential Camping Trip Dollar Store Supplies

Post updated on June 27, 2025

Camping Trip Dollar Store Supplies for Your Next Trip

Before you head off on your next camping trip, don’t miss this handy list of Camping Trip Dollar Store Supplies! You might be surprised just how many practical, affordable, and super useful camping items you can score at the dollar store. It’s one of my go-to stops before every family adventure.

Today I’m back with yet another installment of “wonderful things you can find at the dollar store before your next trip.” We have logged many family trips at this point and I can say that the vast majority of those trips find me prepping by strolling the dollar store aisles. The dollar store has so many practical and useful items for traveling… Whether you’re headed to the woods, the beach, or anywhere in between, I always stop in for supplies before we hit the road.

Bonus Tip: Not into tent camping but don’t own an RV? You can rent an RV just like you would a hotel room! Check out Outdoorsy – it’s basically Airbnb for RVs!

FREEBIE: Grab our Camping Trip Packing List Printable Checklist before you start to pack!

More Dollar Store Vacation Must-Buy Lists

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Psst… did you know we have a whole site just for camping? Check out Glamper Life for even more camping fun and tips!

Dollar Store Camping Supplies Shopping List

Aluminum Foil – We love foil packet recipes when we go camping!  A particular favorite includes Banana S’mores!

Clothespins/Clothesline – Perfect for hanging up went towels and bathing suits.

Bottled Water – I’m a bit leery of drinking campground water, no matter where we’re staying. We always bring bottled water for drinking and cooking. Don’t forget to recycle your plastic bottles!

Dish Brush/Sponges – Pick some up for your trip, then rinse and dry and save for your next camping adventure.

Dish Pan – Not just for washing dishes!  Place a dish pan next to your tent or camper door.  Fill it about 1/3 of the way with water.  Rinse dirt and sand off of feet before heading inside!
Hand Sanitizer, Tissues, Wipes – No running water?  Make sure you have some sanitizer and wipes on hand.

Door Mat – Place a door mat just outside and just inside your tent or camper to catch extra dirt and sand on feet.

Paper Products – Round up some napkins and paper plates for meal times. Even better if your campground recycles paper waste.

Hair Ties – Always a good idea to have plenty of hair ties if you’re camping with anyone who has long hair.

Garden Decor for Campsite Decorating – It can be a lot of fun to decorate your campsite!  Pick up garden decorations like flags, flag holders and other items and dress up your campsite a bit.

Tablecloth – When you arrive at your campsite, you might find a less than clean picnic table.  Bring a cheap tablecloth to cover your table. We have a reusable tablecloth that gets wiped down after each meal, then folded up and stored in our camper for the next trip.

Glow Sticks – Not just for fun after dark, glow sticks increase your kids’ visibility as well.  Keep track of them even after the sun goes down with glow sticks.

Sterno – Keep a pan of food hotter longer by using a can of Sterno (liquid fuel) under a chafing dish!

Dry Erase Board and Markers – Dry erase boards are very helpful for noting your campground location and campsite number, as well as contact numbers for the main office and local hospital.

Tools – Whether you’re pitching a tent or tinkering with something on the RV, having a set of basic tools in your camping gear is a smart idea.

Moisture Eliminator Pack – These are an RV must-have.  They grab the humidity out of the air!

Travel Toiletry Bottles – Small and easy-to-manage bottles with your shampoo and other soaps are convenient for campground bath house trips.

Toilet Paper –  Self explanatory.  Make sure if you are in an RV you get RV toilet paper.  Yes, it’s different than standard bath tissue and no, you probably won’t find it at the dollar store.

Toothbrushes – Pick up new toothbrushes before you head out of town and toss them when you get home.

Basic Toiletries – Great idea to stock up on miscellaneous health and beauty products.

Cooking/Grilling Utensils – We have a set of cheap utensils in the camper.  If they get ruined or dropped in a campfire, no big deal.

Matches – If you think you’ll be charcoal grilling or campfiring, matches and/or lighters are a must-pack.

Plates and Cups – Minimize your trash output by bringing reusable plates and cups with you.  Wash your dishes after using and keep them in your camping supplies for your next trip.

Utensils – Pick up a set of utensils to use on your camping trips.  Store them with your other camping supplies so they will always be ready and waiting!

Dish Towels – Great reusable option for quick campground cleanups!

Mesh Laundry Bags or Hampers – These work great for a variety of things.  Use them to collect dirty laundry.  They are also great for holding sandy toys or clean containers for recycling.

Trash Bags – Always clean up your campsite and take your litter with you!  Almost all campgrounds have a dumpster or trash can area where you can leave your bagged trash as you head out.

List version – just copy and paste into a blank document, them print!

Kitchen & Cooking

• Aluminum Foil
• Sterno
• Cooking/Grilling Utensils
• Plates, Cups & Utensils
• Paper Products
• Dish Brush/Sponges
• Dish Towels

Campsite Comfort & Organization

• Clothespins & Clothesline
• Dish Pan
• Door Mat
• Tablecloth
• Trash Bags

Safety & Cleanliness

• Hand Sanitizer, Tissues, Wipes
• Hand Soap
• Travel Toiletry Bottles
• Basic Toiletries
• Toothbrushes
• Toilet Paper
• Mesh Laundry Bags/Hampers
• Moisture Eliminator Packs

Fun & Practical Extras

• Basic Tools
• Glow Sticks
• Garden Decor for Campsite Decorating
• Hair Ties
• Matches/Lighters
• Dry Erase Board & Markers

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