If you’re new to camping, it can be a frightful experience to live in and amongst nature after spending your whole life in the comforts and luxury of civilization.  But fear not! Follow these camping tips to make your camping experience full of stories about nature hikes and comradery with friends and not about waking up to hundreds of bug bites or sleeping out in the cold.

1. Your Rake Has More Than Just One Use

You can use it to cook all your hot dogs at the same time. This works if you don’t have a grill.

2. No Need for Lunchboxes

Pack any type of food in foil. This keeps the food fresh for a long time if wrapped correctly.

Related: Useful Tips and Tricks to Make Your Camping Experience a Success

3. Conserve Matches

Using Vaseline, coat a ball of cotton and wrap it in aluminum foil. This can last for up to 10 minutes.

4. Try This for a Firestarter

Dip circular cotton pads in wax. It’s that simple.

5. Create Your Own Torch

Fill an empty Altoids tin with cardboard then add wax on top.

6. Create a Makeshift Grill

All you need is an old or unused egg carton and charcoal. Put the charcoal into the egg carton. You’re good to go.

Related: How to Pack Light for Hiking Trips

7. Don’t Lose Your Keys

Especially in boating activities, attach your key(s) to a cork.

8. Carry Your Pre-Made Pancakes

Prior to your camping day, make your pancake batter and store enough batter for each pancake in plastic bags, then freeze them.

9. Use Rosemary in Place of Marinade

Place the rosemary beneath the meat and directly above the charcoal.

10. Got valuables?

Make a fairly deep hole in your soap and fit them safely inside. If it works for the Boy Scouts, it can work for you.