Whether you’re going on your very first camping trip or you’re a camping pro, setting up the inside of your tent should always be a top priority.
Doing it well will help keep you comfortable, organized, and more importantly, safe.
Read on to find out some of the best inside tent ideas for setting things up on your next camping trip. Even if it’s your 71st trip, we think you’ll find something helpful!
Bring the Right Stuff
Setting up the inside of your tent isn’t rocket science, but it does require you to have the right equipment and materials.
1. Sleeping Gear
The right sleeping gear will play a massive part in whether you get a good night’s rest or toss and turn for hours.
Here are a few items you should consider packing for a restful night’s sleep.
- Sleeping bags will keep you warm and cozy inside your tent.
- Sleeping pads are a nice addition to your tent for an extra bit of comfort. Even the fluffiest, down-filled sleeping bag can end up uncomfortable straight on the floor of the tent.
- Pillows don’t have to be brought from your bed at home, so you don’t need to worry about getting them dirty or washing them after your trip. Camping pillows are compact and easy to travel with.
If you’re brand-new to camping and nervous about being comfortable at bedtime, you may want to pack an eye mask and earplugs to block out any light or new nature sounds that may keep you awake at night. Also, take a look at camping cots to see if you’d like to add one of those to your tent, too.
2. Lighting
Campsites are dark! It’s important to have the right lighting when setting up your tent so you feel comfortable inside.
- Lanterns are nice because they come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. They can act like an overhead light would in your house, lighting up the whole inside of your tent in the dark.
- Headlamps are great for focused lighting. They’ll light up less area, but it’s always right where you’re looking. Plus, they keep your hands free!
- Solar-powered string lights add a little pizazz to a tent. They’re a great option for a gentle nightlight when setting up the inside of your tent for kids.
- Flashlights are always great to have on hand, too, especially for emergencies. Easy on, easy off, and simple for the whole family to use.
3. Storage
A good tent organization system will make the whole trip more enjoyable for you. Your average camping tent is only 60-100 square feet of living space, so staying organized will alleviate some stress of feeling cramped and hopefully lessen the chances of losing something.
- Plastic bins are heavy-duty and weatherproof. Use them to pack up your camping gear for the trip there, and once they’re empty after setup, you can use them to keep clothes, shoes, extra blankets, snacks, and more organized.
- Hanging organizers are awesome for small things you regularly need quick access to like snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
- A camping organizer will give you an elevated surface inside your tent and can be used to store clothes, food, or anything else that will fit inside.
Decide on the Interior Layout
The worst thing you could do when setting up the inside of your tent is to start setting up with no game plan. Having an idea of how you’ll lay everything out will make the whole process much easier and more streamlined.
4. Keep It Simple
Simplicity is paramount when setting up the inside of a tent. Your focus should be on basic functionality instead of feeling like you’re in a 5-star resort.
Saves Time
The simpler your tent setup is, the easier and quicker it will be to put together. You won’t be spending hours trying to figure everything out after you get to your campsite. You can whip it up in no time and get to exploring and having fun. It’ll also be easier to tear down and pack up for the trip home.
A simple setup will also save time during your trip because it’ll be easier to find the things you need such as clothing, toiletries, equipment, etc.
Lightweight
A simple setup will also be lighter, which is very important if you’re planning to hike into your campsite with a backpack. Half a pound here and a few ounces there really add up when you’re carrying something on your back up the side of a mountain!
5. Keep It Organized
Whether you’re a naturally organized person or not, having a tent organization plan for your next camping trip should be a priority.
Knowing where everything is will help you be more comfortable in your tent. It’s also generally safer because they won’t be tripping hazards!
6. Keep It Clean
An organized tent plan will help prevent pest infestation as well as prevent moisture issues.
Camping is typically dirty, but keeping gear and food organized can keep you from dealing with the frustrations of ants in your tent or a wet sleeping bag due to a misplaced swimming towel. Neither of those brings much fun to your vacation!
Consider Sleeping Arrangements
Out of all the ways your tent can be used on your next camping trip, sleeping is the one that will certainly be the most important.
A few simple ideas can make all the difference. A well-rested camper is a happy camper, after all!
7. Space It Out
Keeping plenty of space open for walking is a piece of cake if you put your sleeping gear in the right spot.
To leave a big open space for relaxing, playing games, changing, or simply moving through the tent, set up your sleeping space as close to the edge of the tent as possible.
Start with the edge furthest from the tent’s entrance. That will leave you plenty of space to organize your other items and a place to change and clean up before cozying up and getting to sleep.
When laying out your sleeping bag or putting up your cot, it’s best to put the toe to head instead of lining them up next to each other. That way, the inevitable middle-of-the-night bathroom trips won’t start and end with you stepping over or on your tentmates.
8. Fluff It Up
Sleeping in a tent does not have to mean an uncomfortable night sleeping on rocks and sticks.
If backpacking, an inflatable sleeping pad is a must-pack. Not only will it make your night more physically comfortable, but it’s also an added layer of insulation against the cold ground.
If space and weight aren’t an issue, there’s no shame in bringing an air mattress! No matter how remote your campsite is, you can use a battery-powered pump or manual pump to inflate it.
There are also some thinner air mattresses, inbetween a typical size and a sleeping pad, that you could easily inflate without any sort of pump. All you’d need is the breath in your lungs!
Assign Everything a Place
As mentioned before, organizing while setting up the inside of your tent will make your stay much more comfortable and enjoyable!
9. Utilize Totes and Bins
Various-sized bins may just become your best friends on your next camping trip.
Use packing cubes to sort clothes by camper or even by individual day. If you use them to store clothes by day, you can use the now-empty cube to store dirty clothes and toss everything right into the washing machine when you get home.
Keep a large, shallow bin right inside the entrance of your tent to keep shoes wrangled and dirt contained.
If your campground has a bathhouse, make sure to bring a shower caddy to store and transport all your toiletry items back and forth from your tent.
10. Hang Stuff Up
The floor space inside a tent is very limited. Instead of getting frustrated or piling things on top of each other, start thinking vertically.
Many tents have loops inside that can be used to hang things with a storage strap or other hanging organizers.
If you’re concerned that you’ll realize you don’t have loops while setting up the inside of your tent, pick up a pack of these canopy hanging clips. They can be put on any of the tent poles and used to hang items.
It’s a good idea to grab a pack, anyway, because they can double the storage options available to you!
11. Keep Food Put Away
While the other tips we’ve mentioned for setting up the inside of your tent are useful, this one is critical for your safety. And the tip is to actually keep the food out of your tent for your safety!
Even outside of your tent, food needs to be kept closed up and secured to keep the scent from traveling through the forest.
Food left out may attract unwanted attention and visitors to your campsite. These visitors could be as harmless as a raccoon or a squirrel and just leave you with stolen food, or they could be as big and dangerous as a bear.
To keep bears away from your campsite, use bags and containers that will block the scent from getting out, and make sure to store them away from your tent.
Tidy Up!
Planning to set up the inside of your tent doesn’t end when it’s set up at your campground. The plan should continue through the camping stay and include how you’re going to keep it all clean.
12. Have a Cleaning Routine
Use the following plan as a jumping-off point to make your own cleaning routine that works for you and your fellow campers.
- Put a small mat outside the tent entrance to catch some dirt and moisture before it comes inside. Remind campers to take shoes off and put them in the bin right inside the tent.
- Sweep the tent daily with a handheld broom and dustpan.
- As weather allows, keep the tent windows and door open to let fresh air circulate and dry up any moisture that may have snuck in.
- Shake out your bedding nightly to knock off any dirt or twigs that are hiding.
- Give the tent a daily once-over to look for small tears or holes. Have a repair kit on hand to take care of any issues right away.
13. Manage Trash Responsibly
Setting up a system to manage trash responsibly inside a tent doesn’t only benefit you. It’s also good for the campsite and nature.
Make sure to pack plenty of trash bags for setting up the inside of your tent. Bring more than you think you’ll need to be safe.
Minimizing packaging will make a big difference in the amount of trash you create on your trip. Remove the packaging at home and you’ll create less trash at the campground.
Bring a collapsible trash can to put near the door while setting up the inside your tent to collect trash. Make sure to remove the bag and hang it up overnight to keep unwanted guests away.
And when you’re packing up to leave, make sure you’re leaving your campground better than you found it!
Wrapping up Inside Tent Ideas for Setting Things Up
Setting up the inside of your tent can be a breeze with these simple ideas! You just need the right materials and a solid plan and you’re guaranteed to have a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Still a little unsure about getting your tent set up? Check out our guide for beginners to learn more!
- About the Author
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Stephanie Lamberth is a writer who enjoys exploring new places and helping others feel prepared to make incredible memories.
While not a seasoned wilderness expert, Stephanie has enjoyed and learned a ton on the camping trips she’s taken and has a unique perspective as the child of full-time RVers. With firsthand exposure to the RV lifestyle, Stephanie has insight into the comforts and challenges it can bring.
Stephanie can help bridge the gap between rookie samper and seasoned outdoorsman to help you make the most of your own camping adventures!
She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and three children.
Stephanie can be reached at stephanielamberthwriting@gmail.com