Solo travel after a divorce allows you to break away from the familiar and explore new environments that may inspire different thoughts and ideas. It provides an excellent chance for self-reflection as well as personal growth while being immersed in diverse cultures.
Solo travel gives you a chance to pursue activities that interest only you without any compromise with others’ preferences or choices. Whether it is trying local cuisine or engaging in adventure sports, every decision will be solely yours. This independence boosts confidence levels by taking charge of life decisions.
Traveling solo post-divorce can help individuals rediscover themselves in many ways; whether through gaining newfound independence or exploring new interests with nobody else’s influence involved – this journey can lead towards healing and finding oneself once again.
Gain independence and self-confidence.
Going through a divorce can be emotionally draining and leave one feeling lost, but solo travel provides an opportunity to gain independence and self-confidence. It allows individuals to navigate unfamiliar territory on their own, make decisions without any external influence, and handle challenging situations with resilience.
By stepping out of one’s comfort zone and exploring new places alone, it is possible to build inner strength and confidence in oneself. With each hurdle faced during solo travel after an easy divorce online comes the realization that one is capable of handling whatever life throws at them.
Traveling solo post-divorce helps break down any fear or uncertainty about being alone. This newfound independence gives individuals the chance to learn more about themselves than ever before while discovering their strengths as well as weaknesses. In essence, solo travel becomes therapeutic – allowing people to reconnect with themselves in ways they may have never thought possible before the divorce.
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Reason
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Time to focus on personal healing and growth
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Opportunity for self-reflection and introspection
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Freedom to make your own decisions and plans
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Chance to step out of your comfort zone and try new things
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Meet new people and form meaningful connections
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Empowerment and building confidence
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Creating new memories and experiences to cherish
Meet new people and make friends from different cultures.
Meeting new people during solo travel post-divorce can help individuals rebuild their confidence in socializing while expanding their support system. Making friends from different backgrounds allows for exposure to diverse perspectives on life – enabling personal growth through gaining empathy and understanding of others’ experiences.
Making friends abroad often leads to lifelong connections that span borders and time zones. These relationships become an integral part of the memories created during solo travel after a divorce – providing support along the way when needed most.
Traveling alone after a divorce provides ample opportunities for self-discovery as well as exploration of different cultures while being free from external influences. It offers a chance to learn more about oneself while meeting new people who bring unique perspectives on life – thus leading towards healing through personal growth by boosting independence, self-confidence and expanding one’s horizons beyond borders.
Learn to rely on yourself and trust your instincts.
Going through a divorce can make one feel vulnerable and unsure of themselves. Solo travel after a divorce provides an opportunity to learn to rely on oneself and trust their instincts. Without the presence of others, individuals must learn how to navigate new environments by themselves – leading towards increased self-reliance.
Solo travel post-divorce allows individuals to listen more closely to their intuition while learning how to take calculated risks in unfamiliar situations. Learning how to trust one’s instincts can lead towards better decision-making skills both during solo travel and in everyday life.
By traveling alone after a divorce, one learns that they are capable of handling any situation that arises without relying on anyone else for support or guidance. They become more confident in making decisions based on their own judgment, enabling them with newfound independence and empowering them with personal growth beyond imagination. Solo travel becomes a journey of self-discovery – helping individuals rediscover who they are while gaining confidence through trusting their instincts.
Create unforgettable memories and experiences.
Traveling solo after a divorce can be the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, hiking mountains, or lounging on exotic beaches – every experience becomes more meaningful as one learns more about themselves through independent travel.
Solo travel provides an excellent chance for individuals to step out of their comfort zones and try new things without worrying about anyone else’s preferences. It allows them to fully immerse themselves in the moment while discovering hidden gems they may have missed otherwise.
Creating unforgettable memories during solo travel post-divorce helps individuals break free from any past negative associations related to traveling with their ex-spouses. Instead, it enables them to make new positive associations with independence, self-discovery, and personal growth – paving the way towards a brighter future beyond their previous relationship.
Practice self-care and prioritize your mental health.
Traveling solo after a divorce offers countless opportunities for growth as well as personal discovery. From rediscovering oneself to gaining independence, making friends from different cultures & practicing self-care; every experience gained adds up towards healing after this challenging phase of life. So why not embark on a journey of exploration today? Who knows what exciting adventures await!
Gain a fresh perspective on life and open yourself up to new possibilities.
Solo travel after a divorce offers numerous benefits – from discovering oneself again through gaining independence and self-confidence, meeting new people with unique perspectives on life while expanding support networks, opening oneself up for fresh possibilities leading towards personal growth – it’s no wonder why so many people find solace in traveling alone!
Anyone who has ever been camping in bear country knows that precautions are necessary to prevent animal encounters. Whenever you check in at a campground, you usually receive instructions about how to secure food to ensure bears are not attracted.
Food storage lockers are usually the best way to store food at a campground while hikers and backpackers can utilize bear canisters. Although there are many methods to keep food out of the reach of bears, you may not know which foods attract bears the most.
Some foods will have a much stronger effect on bears than others. While most human food can attract a bear, certain foods are more enticing and will be effective to lure bears to your campsite.
So what foods attract bears?
Here’s a list of foods that bears seem to be most attracted to.
Bacon
Sweets
Fruits
Grease
Licorice
Vanilla
Fish
Raw Meats
Peanut Butter Fermented Food
Onions and Garlic
Cheese
Coffe
Pet Food
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Most Attractive Foods to Bears
Like humans, bears rely on their sense of smell to know that food is in the area. They may not be able to see you cooking or unpacking foods, but they can smell odors from far away and be tempted to come to your campsite for a closer look.
Although some favorite human foods may not have a strong smell, the ones that will attract bears are usually those with a strong fragrance. The overpowering scent of food will reach a bear’s nose and they may be compelled to seek it out.
Some of the most delicious smelling foods to a bear include:
Bacon
Most people find the smell of bacon frying to be intoxicating and bears are no different. It may be tempting to fry some bacon up on your campfire in the morning, but the smell can permeate a large space and linger for a long time.
Sweets
The myth about bears loving sweet things exists for a reason. All kinds of fragrant sweets like pastries and donuts are a surefire way to attract a bear. Maple syrup is also a strong flavor that will get a bear’s attention. Anything with sugar, especially brown sugar, should be restricted to prevent bears.
Fruits
In the wild, many bears love to forage for berries and other sweet, high-calorie foods. Similarly, having sweet fruits at your campsite will increase the chances of a bear stopping by to visit. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries, apples, oranges, mango, grapes, peaches, and more will definitely attract bears.
Grease
The grease that drips from the grill when you barbecue and cook meat is strong-smelling and attractive to bears. Many hunters will use grease to spread near traps to lure bears into the area so they can be captured or killed.
Licorice
For some reason, the smell of licorice seems to be particularly appealing for bears. Candies or licorice sticks that evoke the scent could attract bears, but other similar smells work too. Anise oil is a strong scent used by hunters to bait bears.
Vanilla
The scent of vanilla extract is another smell that is also used to attract bears. Although it’s unlikely you will be baking or using pure vanilla while camping, it’s good to be aware of scents that might be a draw to bears. This includes using it in things like perfume, lotion, soaps, or shampoo.
Fish
Anyone who works in an office knows that fish is one of the dishes best left at home. That’s because when cooked or reheated, it has a very strong smell. Likewise, cooking fresh fish on your campfire could attract a bear. They could also smell the scent when cleaning or gutting the fish. Tinned cans of tuna are also very fragrant and would probably attract bears.
Raw Meat
If you bring steaks, burgers, or chicken to barbecue while camping, keep it stored securely so the scent won’t waft away from your campsite. Bears will be drawn to the smell of meat which may remind them of animal carcasses that, in their mind, are acceptable forms of food.
Peanut Butter
With its distinctive smell, peanut butter is one of those foods which appeals to a wide variety of animals. Bears are no exception because they tend to like nuts which are a popular camping or hiking food when added to trail mix.
Fermented Foods
While it’s unclear whether bears would actually eat fermented foods, the strong smell they give off would probably be enough to make them curious enough to learn more. Foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, in particular, have such an overpowering scent and should be left at home when going camping.
Onions and Garlic
Cooking onions and garlic is a surefire way to get a potent food smell in the air. When cooking up these foods at home, the kitchen starts to smell incredibly delicious and tempting. Imagine how a bear would feel to have such scents drifting in the air away from your camp stove.
Takeout Foods
Many delicious takeout foods are so mouth-wateringly delicious because of the hearty aromas they emit. Certain foods like Indian curries, Mexican dishes, and Chinese entrees are the worst offenders. They taste amazing but the smells are enough to make a bear want to dine on them too.
Popcorn
The smell of fresh popcorn is a comforting aroma to many and it also has a very strong scent that tends to linger for a long time. Not to mention if the popcorn gets burnt, then the smell is especially pungent and can be difficult to disperse.
Cheese
Many kinds of cheese have a very strong smell that is attractive to animals. Although some are not as strong as the infamous Limburger cheese, even the mildest ones can be detected by a bear’s sensitive nose. Cheesy foods such as grilled cheese or pizza may also work to attract a bear to your camping area.
Coffee
Fresh coffee is a smell that many people love, even those who aren’t coffee drinkers. It has a very strong, robust aroma and could definitely attract bears. Although it may not be realistic to be expected to give up coffee when camping, you can take steps to keep the odor to a minimum.
Pet Food
While most pet food is completely unappealing to humans, the same can’t be said for other animals, including bears. Dry kibble may not have as strong a smell as some canned foods, but it’s fragrant enough to be detected by bears from far away. Pet food should always be stored safe from a bear if you are camping with furry friends.
Non-Food Scents That Attract Bears
Reducing food smells and properly storing food is the primary way to prevent bears from coming to your camp and getting habituated to humans. However, there are other scents that could attract bears that have nothing to do with food.
Bears can get curious about new and unique smells that they want to learn more about. Although a smell might not point to a food source, they won’t know that until they investigate it for themselves.
Most of the scents humans bring with them camping come in the form of toiletries but can also extend to other personal care items and may include:
Cosmetics
Perfume or cologne
Shaving cream
Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hand sanitizer
Wipes
Deodorant
Lotion
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Chapstick
Toothpaste
Suntan lotion
Dry shampoo
Hair spray or gel
Essential oils
Face or body wash
Makeup remover
Medications
Vitamins
First aid items
Cleaning supplies
If you bring any of these items along with you, make sure to seal them in a bag when they aren’t in use. Never store them in the tent even when it isn’t in use. Only take out the items you need when going to the bathroom to use them and put them away immediately after use.
Hunters often will try to control their scent by washing all their clothes in an unscented detergent and bathing with unscented soaps and shampoos. Although this might be an extreme measure, it is worth considering if you want to take additional steps to deter bears.
Laundry detergent and dryer sheets can have strong fragrances that might attract a bear to your clothing. You should always sleep in a clean pair of clothes that are different than the ones you cooked in so there are no smells lingering to attract a bear at night.
Other Tips to Deter Bears
Proper Trash Disposal
Never burn trash because campfires rarely are hot enough to properly burn up food. Instead, put your trash into an airtight bag and dispose of it right away.
Keep Your Campsite Clean
While trash disposal is important, so is keeping a clean campsite. This means cleaning your grill or barbecue after use and cleaning any crumbs or food debris. Wash cookware, eating utensils, bowls, and cups right away and store them securely. Wash up immediately after eating so smells do not linger nearby.
Dispose of Leftovers
Don’t bury leftovers. Instead, throw them away or store them in an airtight container before placing them in a food storage locker or locked vehicle. Don’t leave food sitting out even if you plan to eat it later.
Cook Far From Your Tent
Set up a kitchen and cooking area at least 100 yards from your tent. Never eat inside your tent or in your sleeping bag. Try to make the cooking area downwind from your tent and always dump dirty dishwater downwind and far from your eating area.
Store All Foods Securely
Foods that are sealed in plastic can still attract a bear. Just because something is freeze-dried or in an unopened can doesn’t mean it isn’t a potential bear hazard. Even if the smell is not strong, bears can begin to recognize certain containers as food and try to bite into them.
Choose a Boring Site
Pick a campsite that is boring to a bear and does not have any sources of food nearby such as berry bushes. Make sure bears do not frequent the area either. Look for bear tracks, scat, or claw marks on trees that mean bears could live nearby.
Pop-up campers are a great way to camp if you are looking for a near-authentic camping experience. You can still use the campsite for pretty much everything you would if you were just tent camping, but you still have modern conveniences if you want to use them.
So, let’s say you are sold—the next step is the price: how much does a pop-up camper cost?
A new model pop-up camper will cost around $9,000 on the low end and can cost upwards of $20,000 for a large model with amenities like a shower and toilet. A used model pop-up trailer will cost around $3,000 for an older basic model and can go upwards of $15,000 for a high-end model with all amenities, like a shower and bathroom.
Of course, you may be able to find some below or above these prices, but these are just average prices, and anything below or above may be rare.
These prices are pretty general. If you search hard enough, you will probably be able to find cheaper models or more expensive models, but you have to look at why the campers cost that much.
The price depends on a lot of different things: the brand name, the specific model and floorplan, the year it was made, whether the camper is new or used, and what different amenities the camper offers.
Besides brand, camper prices seem to be divided most based on whether they are used or new. So, in this article, there will be sections detailing a couple different tried and true brands along with their prices for new or used campers.
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What do Pop-Up Campers Even Offer for the price?
Understandably, you want to know what you are getting into and why the camper costs what it does. So, here is what you can expect from a pop-up camper, which will help you understand the broad price range.
A pop-up camper can hold one to six people, which makes it perfect for all sorts of families. Depending on how you arrange the interior, there can actually be a lot of space.
A pop-up camper honestly looks like a large box attached to a person’s SUV or truck. But when you stop to camp, true to its name, it pops open to reveal a canvas tent-like covering, or a hard wall, with a taller ceiling in the center, and sometimes pull outs on the sides.
On the inside, there can be queen-sized beds, full size, or twin size, and sometimes, if you are lucky, a king-sized bed. It just depends on the camper regarding those specifics. In the center, you will usually find a kitchenette and dining space.
In the most basic pop-up camper, the kitchenette will be equipped with a mini-fridge, stovetop, and sink, as well as some cabinetry. The sides will be lined with benches that also double as more storage, and sometimes there will be a table that can be pulled down from the wall when you need it. Other times, the table will just be installed, which usually means the bed is set up over it when you need it.
In some of the more expensive models, a bathroom is included. Again, this is pretty rare. You will have a couple of bathroom options: either a wet bathroom, where the toilet and shower are in the same space; a dry bathroom, where the toilet and shower are separate; or just a toilet, which can be covered by a bench for more storage.
In some other more expensive models, the kitchen will be more fully equipped, perhaps even including an oven or microwave.
A/C and heat are usually not included in pop-up campers, but you can find creative solutions for this. You can bring a generator, or you can use lanterns and flashlights. There are solutions for if you don’t have a bathroom as well, as you can just use a campground’s bathroom.
So, if you are going with the most basic model of pop-up camper, you are looking at the $9,000 price range for new, or $3,000 for used. If you get all the bells and whistles—fuller kitchen, bathroom, maybe even A/C—you are looking at about $10,000 at the cheaper end for new.
Some models even get to about $28,000, and I will list them and give information on why it is that much. Must be a pretty great camper, right? Keep reading to find out!
How Many Types of Pop-Up Campers Are There?
Even though the most iconic type of pop-up camper is the soft-sided camper, there are actually four different campers to be aware of. Since minimalism is the trend in camping these days, a lot of small campers have been introduced to the market in recent years!
Tent trailers—these are the standard canvas campers where the sides pop out and turn into beds.
High-wall campers—similar to standard tent trailers, these have hard tops and higher walls. Since they have hard sides, that means they are made of sturdier material, so they are harder to tow.
A-Frames—the trailer lays flat, but when you lift up the sides, they come together in an “A” shape, giving you more head room in the middle than the sides.
Teardrop campers—while this type does not always “pop” up, it is the smallest form of trailer, easily towed, and only fits about two adults.
There are pros and cons for each option. You might prefer a hard wall to canvas tent cover; you might like the space a tent trailer provides compared to an A-Frame, and so on.
The best way to understand which type of pop-up trailer is best for you is to rent each option and give them a try! You will be able to tell which model works for you, your family, and how you specifically camp.
As for prices, it really just depends on the same features I mentioned earlier. There isn’t really a way to tell if every teardrop camper will be cheaper than an A-frame, for instance. The prices for each type and model will fluctuate no matter what.
So, let’s get into the numbers. Below I will list the prices of different types of pop-up campers in new and used sections so that you can know the difference. I will list the prices at “starting” so remember that each camper type may actually be higher (and sometimes lower, depending on newer listings) than what I put here.
Let’s start with new prices, and what features each model includes:
New Prices for pop-up campers
Jayco Jay Series Sport Camping Trailer—starts at $9,980 for a 2019 model. This is a tent trailer, and since it is a series, there are different floorplan to choose from while still maintaining the same title.
The 8SD model has a twin bed and a full bed, as well as a small kitchenette and dining space. The 10SD is bigger, and has the same specs, except for a queen bed and a twin bed.
The 12SC has a king bed and a queen bed. There is enough room for a sofa, as well as a kitchenette and a dinette. The 12UD has a queen bed, a twin bed, a kitchenette, and two dining spaces. Each model has a carryout stove.
LivinLite QuickSilver Tent Camper—starts at $10,000 for a $9,998 for a 2019 model. This is a tent trailer, and it also has a couple of different floorplans available. Most of the floorplans don’t include a kitchenette, hence the name.
The 6.0 model has a bed and a couch. The 8.0 has two flip-out beds, a kitchenette, and a dinette. The 8.1 is similar to the 8.0, but it has bigger beds. And the 10.0 has two queen size beds, a kitchenette, and a large dining space.
Sylvansport Go Camping Trailer—starts at $10,995 for a 2020 model. This tent camper has a unique star gazing windows and is a lot lighter than other models.
The camper is extendable, so you can use the frame for hauling kayaks or bikes or whatever other toys you want to bring. But then when you are ready to camp, you can attach the canvas to the frame. Simple as that.
Since it is so small and works mostly for hauling, there isn’t a lot of fancy amenities on the inside. You can expect a tent big enough for about four people, and the canvas extends out so you can have shade and cover at your campsite.
This trailer is basically one step up from camping, but still gives you the mobility and ease of a pop-up camper.
Opus Pop-Up Camper—starts at $28,000 for a 2020 model. This is also a series so that the price may vary depending on the floorplan. You can either get a 2-person model or a 4-person model.
The 2-person model includes a king-size bed, a shower extension, and a good amount of storage. It has an external slide-out kitchen, which includes a stove and sink, and drawers and shelves for storage.
The tent trailer inflates on its own—you just have to make sure the bed is secure. It should inflate under three minutes. It is built for off-roading, so you can feel safe taking this camper for all your wild trips.
The 4-person model has two double beds and a convertible sleeping method, which actually means it could potentially sleep six people. This model also has a slide-out kitchen with a stove, sink, fridge, and storage.
Both models have on-board water. And the 4-person model can inflate in under two minutes. With either option, you are sure to have a good and comfortable time in the backcountry.
Aliner Somerset Trailer—starts at $20,995 for a 2020 model. This tent camper sleeps anywhere from four to six people, and it has a nice, open floor plan.
As for the extras, you can expect an inside stove, speakers, water heater, refrigerator, among other great towing specs. There are two large beds, and plenty of storage. For a tent trailer, this one is a great option.
Aliner Original—starts at $20,500 for a 2020 model. An A-Frame camper, the Aliner can hold up to five adults. It is the smallest camper in its class, weighing in at only 2,000 pounds, easy for towing.
It has a slide-out kitchenette, a standard outside shower, baggage doors, electricity, and it should be small enough to fit in your garage. The kitchen has a sink, fridge, and stove—pretty standard. There is no bathroom besides the pull out outside shower, so keep that in mind moving forward.
Aliner Ascape—starts at $19,995 for a 2020 model. Technically a teardrop camper, this is one of Aliner’s smallest campers. Though it is small, Aliner dropped the floors in the interior to give you more headspace, so you can still expect to be quite comfortable.
The Ascape comes with a standard outdoor shower, standard sink, refrigerator, stove, and water heater. It has optional attachments, like solar panels and a flat-screen tv. The bed is about a queen-size, and based on its size, this camper should fit two people comfortably.
Forest River Rockwood—starts at $11,995 for a 2020 model. A hard side series, this model has options with standard walls or high walls if you want the extra head room.
Each model will have the basics—bed, dinette, kitchenette—but the larger floorplans come with a toilet, and two twin size beds that can also turn into a king-size bed. In the biggest version, there is a wet bathroom—toilet and shower.
So, the price will definitely vary for this one. The price I gave is for the most basic model, and you can expect it to climb as you get a more advanced floorplan. This is one of the highest-rated campers though, so it is worth it.
21’ Little Guy Max—starts at $29,990 for a 2020 model. A teardrop camper, this is one of the best out there. It has room for a queen-size bed and a wet bathroom in such a tiny space!
And you still have plenty of storage and closet space, as well as a kitchenette. It has space for an entertainment center as well. If you are looking for a small, lightweight camper with all the extras included, look no further.
Used prices pop-up camper prices
Chalet A-Frame LTW—starts at $6,000 for a used model. This camper is hard to come by on third-party selling sites because in its best and most updated form, it is a really great camper.
The LTW has a queen size bed space over the dinette when the dinette is not in use and a small kitchenette. It is small and light and only takes about thirty seconds to set up. Even though it looks small, there is still about 80 inches of head space.
Chalet A Frame XL—starts at $10,995 for a used model. This camper is similar to its lightweight partner in that it is also hard to come by! It’s because the XL has a king-size bed over the dinette, as well as a bunk bed on the other side of the camper.
There is room for an optional toilet and shower, a full kitchenette, and plenty of storage. All Chalets (and other hard wall campers) are built to be safe and sturdy. If you are buying used, the Chalet may be the way to go.
Jayco Jay Sport Camping Trailer—you can get a used 2017 model for about $6,000. For all the amenities listed above in the “New Prices” section, that price isn’t bad at all.
LivinLite Quicksilver Tent Camper—starts at $3,250 for a used 2010 model.
Sylvansport Go Camping Trailer—starts at $5,500 for a used 2013 model.
Opus Pop-Up Camper—starts at $16,900 for a used 2017 model.
Aliner Somerset Trailer—starts at $18,995 for a used 2019 model. It’s not much cheaper than the 2020 model, but since it will look basically the same, might as well save a couple of hundred dollars!
Aliner Original—starts at $3,900 for a used 2009 model.
Aliner Ascape—starts at $13,995 for a used 2018 model.
Forest River Rockwood—starts at $3,999 for a used 2000 model.
21’ Little Guy Max—starts at $13,495 for a used 2016 model.
So, What Should You Do?
There are obviously a lot of other campers and styles on the market, but this list should give you a general idea of what prices you will be looking at for pop-up campers. The campers listed are highly rated and stay in the middle price range.
While researching, you may find prices better or worse than those I listed. That is because the market changes daily, and there are a lot of sites to go through in order to find the best price out there.
A lot of finding the perfect camper means following your gut. I’ve given you the base information here. It will be up to you to find the perfect camper for your lifestyle and for your car! Remember that you will have to tow these campers, so pay close attention to the specs.
Since there are so many campers to choose from, remember you can always rent each option to see what works best for your lifestyle. It is always better to test out campers rather than buy right away. You never know until you try.
It’s completely normal for your tent to be really grimy, dirty, and wet after a camping trip. To extend the life of your tent, you’ll need to clean it. If your tent is moldy, then you’ll need to follow special instructions to make it safe to sleep in again.
So how do you clean a moldy tent?
Brush with soft bristles to remove the loose mold
Use a special mold cleaning chemical like Concrobium or a vinegar and water mix to effectively kill the mold spores that may remain.
The next step is to wash the molded area with warm water by scrubbing gently.
The final step to getting rid of mold on a tent is to hang it out to dry.
Follow these directions and you should be able to put your mold problems behind you.
If the mold is new and minimal, you may be able to wash your tent as you normally would using just hot, soapy water. Other at-home recommendations include salt and lemon juice, a mix of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Never use chlorine bleach though because it is highly corrosive.
Some people do not recommend using bleach because it can damage the fabric and can also fade the color of the tent. There is a wide variety of mold removing products on the market, including Concrobium, Tilex, Mold Control, and Mold Armor. You can find most of them at your local hardware store.
You may also need to check the material that your tent is made from. Some tents are canvas or cotton, while others are polyester, nylon, or petroleum-based. If your tent is made from canvas, then you’ll have to be extra careful to make sure the cleaning solution is safe to use on it.
Depending on the material, certain cleaning solvents should not be used. Check online or look in the user manual for the tent to be sure you don’t ruin the tent.
You could also purchase a cold Fogger which will mist a mold preventing solution throughout the interior of the tent. Once it coats all the surfaces, it will kill any mold present even if you can’t see it.
It’s always a good idea to do a spot test anyway of any product you plan to use. Choose an inconspicuous corner of the tent and apply a small amount of the solution to see if it has any negative effects.
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How to Know if Your Tent Has Mold
If you’ve camped several times but aren’t sure if your tent is affected with mold, have a look inside and do a thorough inspection. It’s always best to treat mold as early as possible, so try to examine your tent as often as possible when it’s in use.
While the tent may be dirty or dusty, have a closer look to determine if it’s really mold. A dirty tent will be clean after you brush or wash it off. Mold tends to stick around a lot longer
It usually looks like small blackish specks on the fabric of the tent. Mold can also look blue or green in color and often has a fuzzy appearance.
A moldy tent will often have a distinct smell as well. It may smell musty and be humid inside since it is moisture that often causes mold to start growing.
How to Clean the Tent
If there are still mold spores on the tent, make sure to brush them off so they can’t continue to grow. You should do this outdoors, so the mold spores don’t get into the air in your house or cause an indoor mold problem.
If only a small portion of the tent is moldy, you should be able to spot treat it without washing the entire tent. Then, dip the portion of the tent into hot water and scrub it with a wash rag or sponge in the affected area.
For tents that have been infested with mold, you may need to soak the entire tent for a longer period of time. In that case, you can fill your bathtub with hot water and whatever cleaning solution you are using.
If you are using a spray-on solution such as Concrobium, read the directions first. You may be required to spray the affected area first and let the solution dry first to kill the mold spores before you wash the tent.
Then let the tent soak for some time. However, don’t think that soaking longer is always better. Leaving it overnight or longer could actually cause more damage to the materials.
After the tent has soaked, you can scrub any areas that need extra attention. Make sure to use a brush with softer bristles or a sponge, so you don’t damage the fabric of the tent. A canvas tent can take a more aggressive brush, but you still want to be gentle when scrubbing.
Never use any harsh soaps that could also cause damage. Even if you are washing your tent before you store it, try not to use soaps with a fragrance or perfume. These can cling to the tent and attract insects or other creatures the next time you camp.
Although hand washing can be time-consuming, don’t be tempted to take short cuts. You should never wash or dry a tent using a washing machine or dryer. This can tear your tent and damage it beyond repair.
Once you finish washing the tent, rinse it thoroughly to make sure there is no soap residue left. Then hang it outside to dry in a shaded spot so the sun won’t damage or bleach the colors. If you don’t have access to a place outdoors, you can hang it inside for several days.
Then, before you store the tent, make sure it is completely dry. This is the most important thing when it comes to storing your tent and preventing further mold, mildew, or strange smells.
Lastly, make sure you store the newly cleaned tent in a cool, dry place. The fabric should be able to breathe and have ventilation. Don’t put it in a hot place like the trunk of your car or your attic. If you absolutely must put it in an area that could become wet, seal it in a plastic bag or container first.
Dealing with Mold or Mildew Stains
Because mold can be bad for your health, it’s important that it be killed right away. Once you kill the mold and wash your tent, there’s a chance the area might still be stained.
In that case, there’s not too much you can do. Your tent may never look pristine and new again. However, you may be able to fade the stain a little bit. You can wash it or use non-chlorine bleach if it doesn’t damage the fabric.
For tents with colored fabric, you may be able to use a gentler cleanser such as lemon juice and salt. Try to clean the tent as soon as you realize it’s moldy to prevent a stain from setting in. Scrub it as well as you can and let it soak. Then give it several more treatments to get the majority of the stain removed.
How to Prevent Mold
The best way to prevent mold is to keep your tent as dry as possible while camping and always make sure it is dry before you are storing it. In addition, never store it in a hot or damp place.
Of course, it’s not always possible to keep a tent dry while camping. There may be rain or snow and other wet debris such as leaves, mud, dirty, or insects that fall onto the tent.
However, try to dry out your tent during the day if you know it got wet. Then do a thorough inspection and clean any areas that were affected by the water.
Also, make sure to keep the tent well ventilated. Make sure the flaps or screens are open, so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside.
After camping, follow the instructions above for cleaning the tent. Make sure it’s dry and then store it. Periodically you may want to coat the tent with water repellent in case the mold or cleanser used damaged it.
Getting Rid of the Moldy Smell
Once the tent itself is clean, it may still smell bad inside. Resist the urge to spray a sweet-smelling room freshener inside because this will simply mask the smell, and the fragrance can attract bugs and wildlife.
Instead, use an odor eliminator such as Revivex or Mirazyme which consists of various microbes which “eat” the bacteria causing the moldy smell. Follow the instructions on whichever solution you use to avoid damaging the tent’s waterproof coating.
You’ll have to soak the tent in the mixture for a few minutes but make sure not to use water that is too hot because it can kill the microbes. Give the tent time to dry though because the smell won’t immediately disappear.
While you should definitely take mold seriously, it’s quite easy to prevent it and treat it should it befall your tent. Being proactive while camping and always cleaning and drying your tent thoroughly will go a long way to extending its life. Keep an eye on your tent, treat
A common question that we get asked about tents is why is there water in my tent and what do I do about it. Most people think that tents come waterproofed but the fact of the matter is that most are water-resistant at best. We wrote a general article that covers all the reasons why a tent might be wet here.
However, in this article, we are going to cover tent bottoms only.
So are tent bottoms waterproof?
Tent bottoms are not usually waterproof. While most tent manufacturers do add a layer of waterproofing on the bottom, it is usually lackluster and will not hold up for long. Since the bottom of the tent is exposed to the most wear and ground moisture, it is very likely to be the culprit when it comes to moisture in a tent.
We will walk you through protecting your tent floor and preventing future leaks by waterproofing.
Clickable Table Of Contents
Protecting your tent bottom.
Many people do not realize how important this step is. The tent floor is the base of your shelter and usually has to hold up to debris under the tent, people walking on top of it, and having equipment sitting on it. One way to help protect your tent floor and keep it waterproof is by using a protective layer slightly larger than your tent footprint beneath the floor.
Some tents come with a tarp-like protective sheet that you can use under your tent to help protect it from debris and add a little extra thermal barrier between you and the ground.
If your tent does not have this sheet, you can simply use a heavy-duty tarp. This will have the same protective features and will also help protect against moisture from the ground wicking through the bottom of your tent.
We have a great article on using tarps under and over your tent here.
Another option is a waterproof fabric such as canvas. If you use a fabric it is imperative that it be tear-resistant and that is why we recommend canvas. The downside is that tarps are usually more affordable than heavy-duty waterproof canvas.
A trick that i have only seen a handful of times (and I personally have now tried) is using interlocking foam pads as a footprint. You know the ones that look like puzzle pieces on the edges. You will need the heavy duty ones but it actually works great. Not only does this add a nice layer between your tent floor and the ground but you will get a nice padded floor as well.
The downside is if your campsite is not close to your vehicle, you would have to carry these pads to your site and they can be heavy to carry for long distances.
For more great reading we have an article about why you need a footprint under your tent here.
Remove all the debris that you can before you put down your footprint or tent.
I have been guilty of this, not only can debris be uncomfortable as you will feel it under your tent floor, but rocks, sticks any other objects with sharp edges can tear your tent floor. A tear is usually pretty easy to identify but debris can also lead to very small and hard-to-find holes. Unfortunately, water will find a way in even through very small holes.
Not only can debris cause damage but organic debris, such as grass, and leaves retain water under your tent and the longer water is there, the more chances it will find a way in a hole.
Waterproofing a tent bottom
As we discussed above, adding a footprint that is waterproof will help stop moisture from wicking from the ground through your tent floor but if you are camping during a rainstorm, this may not be enough. Since heavy rain can lead to water getting between the protective layer and the tent bottom it is important that the tent floor itself have an extra layer of waterproofing.
The easiest solution is to add a waterproof sealant. Although most tents come with a sealant on one side, we highly recommend adding an extra layer of waterproofing to this since most tent’s initial waterproofing will not be very good. Also, we highly recommend adding waterproofing to both the top and bottom of your tent floor. It never hurts to add an extra layer of protection.
One of the spray waterproofers we have had great success with is pretty affordable and can be found on Amazon here.
We have an article that you will enjoy on waterproofing your whole tent here.
More tips for stopping your tent bottom from leaking.
This may sound obvious but we have seen this many times. Always try to place your tent on high ground. This will keep water flowing away from your tent instead of under your tent.
Even when on high ground avoid depressions. you can easily overlook this in grass or ground littered with debris but if your tent is in a depression on the ground, water will pool under your tent and this can lead to moisture-wicking.
Make sure the ground under your tent is solid. Soft ground can lead to depression under your tent. The weight of your gear and just simply walking around inside your tent will cause the soft ground to compress and leave a hole or depression for water to collect.
Using a tarp or canopy above your tent can help too. You can angle a tarp to direct rainwater above your tent in a direction away from your tent. This can tremendously reduce the amount of water that gets under your tent.
If you are new to tent camping or have been doing it a while, be sure to check out our tent camping articles here. We have articles for tent newcomers as well as seasoned tent campers.
Keeping ants out of your campsite presents its own set of challenges when camping. When this happened to me, I had to learn the ins and outs of how to keep ants out of my campsite and tent. I am now going to pass on what I know to you.
So how do you keep ants out of your campsite and tent?
The best way to keep ants out of your campsite is, Keep your food secured, clean up after cooking or eating, do not leave drinks around the campsite or in your tent, especially if they are sugary, like soda, keep sweet-smelling scents to a minimum. This will help prevent ants from coming into your campsite. Using Diatomaceous Earth in a ring around your campsite will help repel ants. It is also a good idea to do this around your tent too.
To understand how to get rid of or avoid ants in your campsite, you first have to understand what attracts them. Let’s face ants are everywhere, but they only have one thing on their mind, and that is to feed their colony. They are especially attracted to for or drink high in sugar. This means those soda cans shouldn’t be left out or you will get a swarm of ants.
Don’t leave yet, we have more for you, including tips and other methods that work for keeping that little creepy crawlies away.
There are a lot of ways to effectively store your food while camping. You might have seen pictures of people stringing food up in a tree to keep it safe from bears. But you don’t have to go to that extreme!
If you just want to keep ants out, all you have to do is keep the food in a container with a tight lid. Also, try not to let anything drip down the side, or it will attract ants, especially anything sticky and sweet.
There’s no need to go extreme and get a bear canister which is a heavy-duty plastic container that bears can’t open. If you have a cooler, you can keep your food in there, and ants should leave it alone. Also, make sure to clean your utensils and dishes after using them.
Some campgrounds do provide on-site metal food lockers where you can store your food and any other items like toiletries that may attract insects or animals. Because you’ll be sharing this space with other campers, only put the most important items in there since there may not be space for all your things.
Also, try not to leave food unattended outside your tent or in the campground or picnic area. Birds or other animals can quickly steal pieces of food and may leave behind crumbs that will attract ants
Food Storage Options
As mentioned, a cooler may be enough to repel ants and nothing more will be needed unless you are in bear country. One popular option among campers is to bring along a designated plastic tub that all food is stored in. Any non-perishable items can be stored together easily in a single 10-gallon tub.
Ziplock bags are also one of the most common and easiest to find ways of storing food while camping. Whether it’s putting snacks into them and then storing them in your plastic tote or taking them in your backpack while on the trails.
Tupperware containers are also lightweight and seal to protect any food. Another option is Nalgene jars which may be even more lightweight and are very secure. An added benefit is that all your food will stay fresh and you won’t have to worry about running out of food and spoiling your camping trip.
Don’t Feed The Ants – Dispose of Food and Trash Properly
You don’t just have to worry about storing your leftover food, but also about disposing of food and trash. Many campers use paper plates and napkins with plastic cutlery. If you don’t throw it away in a secure location, this could also attract ants.
Make sure all your trash is secured, either in a plastic bag or a bin if you have an RV. When you throw it away, put it in the designated area of your campsite. Some campsites may have special containers that are bear-proof and should be used at all times.
If you are camping in the backcountry, you may have to pack your trash out with you. In that case, ziplock bags can be helpful for storing garbage until your trip is over. Double bag everything just to make sure since you may have to leave the trash in your tent until you leave.
Avoiding Ants While RV Camping
If you brought your car or are glamping in an RV, food storage should be a breeze. You’ll then only have to worry about ants outside near your picnic table or campfire.
In that case, make sure to put down a tablecloth on the picnic table and wipe it clean when you finish eating. Make sure to dump any crumbs far away from your campsite.
If you didn’t bring a tablecloth, you can also use newspaper, a sheet or blanket, or even a waterproof map that could be easily wiped off. Again, just make sure to shake out any towels or blankets and dispose of paper far from your campsite.
Before you go to sleep, do a quick check around the ground. If you have kids or pets, they might have wandered off with a snack and left some crumbs. Just sweep them away or cover them with some dirt, so no ants show up overnight.
Keeping Ants Out of Your Tent
If you have a tent, you might have ants nearby trying to get in for many reasons, whether they smell food or just want a warm place for the night. There are several at home remedies for keeping ants away.
Some common ant repellents that you might have on hand include:
cucumber slices spices and herbs (e.g., cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne, chili powder) vinegar coffee grounds lemon juice cornmeal baby powder
If you’re camping without cooking and don’t have any of those on hand, you can use bug spray on the ground around the tent. Just make sure not to spray the tent directly or inside the tent because this could damage your tent.
Quick tip – You can repurpose the ashes from your campfire to repel ants. Simply collect the ashes and make a solid ring around your tent, picnic table or any other area you want to keep ants out of.
Use Diatomaceous Earth To Get Rid Of Ants
You may have heard that a common, natural insect repellent is diatomaceous earth. But what is it exactly and how does it work? Also, is it safe to use?
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring rock that has a lot of silica and crumbles into a fine powder. According to a website on the topic, “at the microscopic live, diatomaceous earth is sharp and porous, making it highly absorbent.” Then, when insects walk through it, “it sticks to them and sucks vital moisture away from their exoskeletons,” causing them to die of dehydration. (source)
Because it is non-toxic, it is safe for humans and doesn’t damage the environment. It will work as long as it stays dry and, if it does get wet, all you have to do is re-apply it.
Don’t set up on their home
Not setting your campsite on or near ant mounds is always a best practice but if you are camping in a designated space, there may not be enough room to avoid this.
The solution is to get rid of the ants from the beginning. You can do this by bringing in commercial chemicals but not only may these be detrimental to the environment but you probably don’t want pesticides around your campsite.
A great way to deal with this problem quickly is to bring a pot of water to a boil and basically cook the ants instantly. It’s best to do this at dusk or during colder parts of the day when the ants are not as active. Also, you will want to come up to the mound slowly so that the ants do not get disturbed and remain in the nest.
The great part about this method is that even if it doesn’t kill all the ants, they will relocate their mound to protect the queen.
Don’t Attract Ant, Keep Scents to a Minimum
Although you probably won’t bring a lot of sweet-smelling things with you like cologne or perfume while camping, you still have to be careful of scent that might attract bugs. This includes some deodorants, toothpaste, and even soaps or body wash which make you smell sweeter.
Instead, swap it out for a simple, scent-free alternative. Also, make sure to store all your toiletries somewhere secure so it won’t spill or break, causing the scent to attract ants to your camp while you’re not there.
Disrupt Scent Trails Of Scout Ants
If a scout ant finds food at your campsite, you can be sure that you will soon have an infestation. It is vital to destroy the scent trail left behind in order to keep ants from swarming your site.
First, you will have to identify the scent trail. The only way to do this by eye is once the ants are starting to come to your site. Have you ever notice that ants usually follow in a single line? They are following the scent trail, and this is how you know where it is.
Next, you will need to disrupt the trail. There are few items that you might have on hand or should keep on hand when camping to get rid of the scent trail.
Vinegar- Mix vinegar in a 1 cup vinegar to 3 cups water ratio. Spray or pour the solution along the scent trail.
Chili powder- Chili powder doesn’t actually get rid of the trail, but since ants can’t stand the smell of chili powder they will be repelled by it.
Cinnamon- There are a lot of people that say ground cinnamon works but the truth is it has to be concentrated to do the job. Concentrated oils are really what you need for this to work.
Even if there’s no trail of ants to visibly show the scent trail, just knowing that one exists will give you an advantage. If that’s the case, just make sure to clean around the entire area where the infestation happened, and you’ll be sure to disrupt the trail no matter where it was.
Products to Repel Ants
If you camp in an area where ants are a problem, there are several products you can buy and add to your packing list to deal with ants. However, not all may be necessary, and some could kill off the ant population which might be problematic depending on where you’re camping.
1. Raid Ant Baits: You can buy these small traps which have poisonous food inside them. The ants will eat the food, then take it back to their colony where they will feed it to the other ants, causing them to die. This is not ideal if you are camping near an anthill or large area of ants because they may be vital to that ecosystem. Also, this method takes a long time to work.
2. Ant Killer Spray: The brand EcoRaider sells a non-toxic liquid that will kill ants on contact. It is said to be both pet and child-friendly with a citrusy scent that will quickly dissipate. They also claim it will disrupt the scent trails for up to 4 weeks. Although it will kill the ants directly, it should only kill those it touches and won’t be transferred to the entire colony.
3. Raid Max Ant & Roach Spray: A cheaper alternative is a Raid spray that also kills ants on contact. It also claims it will continue to die for up to 6 months. You could also spray this down even if ants are not yet present as a deterrent. However, it may not smell nice and could be harmful to children, pets, and the environment so check before using.
All in all, it’s relatively simple to avoid having ants in your campsite. You’ll just need to be prepared and have a good offense. But, if something does go wrong, at least you’ll be prepared with ways to combat ants, so your trip isn’t ruined. I hope you found these tips useful and have a wonderful camping trip!
Dealing with an Ant Infestation
If ants do somehow invade your camp and get into your food, it’s best just to get rid of all the affected food. Again, make sure to dispose of it properly so it won’t attract more ants by wrapping it up well and throwing it away in a designated area.
Because the ants will have already found their way to your camp, chances are they have already laid down a scent trail to show the other ants how to get back to the food. The most important thing is to disrupt this scent trail to prevent any more ants from coming.
The truth about keeping ants out of your campsite
When you are in the great outdoors ants are everywhere and completely keeping them out of a campsite can be extremely challenging. The truth is, even with chemicals and tricks, scout ants will most likely make it into your site.
Most of us can live with one or two ants, but the only way to prevent an infestation is to make sure you store food properly and don’t have any food sources around to cause a mass invasion.
Have more solutions that work? We would love to hear about them, and we may add them to this article. Simply leave us a comment with your method.
It’s completely normal for your tent to be really grimy, dirty, and wet after a camping trip. To extend the life of your tent, you’ll need to clean it. If your tent is moldy, then you’ll need to follow special instructions to make it safe to sleep in again.
