How to Wash Dishes While Camping

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Introduction

Washing dishes is one of those things that seems complicated before your first camping trip, but it’s actually very simple once you have a basic system. Most campers wash dishes right at their campsite using a small amount of water, soap, and a sponge.

The key is to keep meals simple, wash dishes soon after eating, and use as little water as possible.

If you're planning your meals for a trip, Easy Camping Lunch Ideas can help you keep meals simple and reduce the number of dishes you need to wash.

And, if you’re brand new, the Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Car Camping walks through all the camping basics.

Use the Three-Bin Method

The easiest way to wash dishes while camping is the three-bin method. You don’t need actual bins — small tubs, pots, or bowls work just fine.

The three steps are:

1. Wash

2. Rinse

3. Sanitize (optional)

Basic setup:

• Bin 1: Warm soapy water

• Bin 2: Rinse water

• Bin 3: Small amount of water with a tiny bit of bleach (optional for sanitizing)

Most casual camping trips only use wash and rinse.

This method uses very little water and works really well at campsites.

If you're planning your water supply for cooking and cleaning, How Much Water Do You Need for Camping can help you plan ahead.

Scrape Plates Before Washing

Before washing dishes, scrape leftover food into the trash. This makes washing dishes much faster and keeps your wash water cleaner.

Helpful tips:

• Use a paper towel to wipe grease off pans

• Scrape food into trash bags

• Don’t dump food scraps on the ground

• Keep food and trash sealed to avoid animals

Keeping your campsite clean also helps reduce bugs. How to Keep Bugs Away While Camping explains how a clean campsite makes a big difference.

Use Biodegradable Soap

When washing dishes outdoors, use biodegradable camp soap and use only a small amount. A little soap goes a long way when camping.

If you're camping at a campground, use the dishwashing station if one is available. If not, wash dishes at your campsite and dispose of dirty water according to campground rules.

Never dump dirty dishwater directly next to your campsite or near water sources.

Air Dry Your Dishes

The easiest way to dry dishes while camping is to let them air dry. Bring a small drying towel or drying mat and let dishes dry while you relax or sit around the fire.

Air drying is easier than trying to towel dry everything.

Many campers wash dishes right after dinner so everything is clean before the evening campfire.

If you're cooking dinner over the fire, Campfire Cooking for Beginners can help you keep meals simple and cleanup easy.

Keep Dishwashing Simple

The easiest way to deal with dishes while camping is to reduce how many dishes you use.

Simple ways to reduce dishes:

• Use paper plates sometimes

• Use one pan meals

• Eat directly from the cooking pot

• Use foil packet meals

• Bring simple meals

• Prep food at home

• Use reusable cups and plates

• Wash dishes right after eating

Simple meals and fewer dishes make camping much more relaxing.

If you're planning meals ahead of time, Camping Food Prep at Home can make cooking and cleanup much easier.

Final Thoughts

Washing dishes while camping is actually very simple once you have a basic system. A small amount of water, a sponge, and biodegradable soap are really all you need.

Most campers quickly develop a routine of washing dishes after meals, letting them air dry, and keeping their campsite clean and organized.

Keeping things simple is the best way to make dishwashing easy while camping — and the simpler your meals are, the easier cleanup will be.

Keep Camping Simple

Camping doesn’t need to be complicated. A few thoughtful choices make all the difference.

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