There are tons of knots. Too many for the average person to memorize. Fortunately, the average person doesn’t need to know all these knots. For beginning and intermediate campers and glampers, really only a handful of knots are necessary to tie down tents, cinch gear, and hang hammocks.
First, though, you’ll need some rope or cord to practice with. This TOUGH-GRID 750lb. paracord is what I use because it’s sturdy and comes in several color options, including natural tones and high-vis (no one likes tripping over guy-lines). But there are lots of similar options available online and in stores, so use whatever works best for you.
Alright, let’s take a look at some basic knots for camping and how to tie them.
Best Camping Knots
Square Knot
This basic knot is an easy way to bind two ropes together. This is helpful if you need to lengthen the reach of your rope or fasten two roped items together. However, this knot isn’t secure under pressure and can slip, so be sure not to use it in safety situations or with heavy items.
Learn how to tie a square knot with this animation
Adjustable Grip Hitch
As the name suggests, this is a simple knot that is readily adjustable to alter tension, making it perfect for tent stake knots and guy lines. Again, this knot should not be used in emergency or critical situations such as rock climbing, since it has a tendency to slip if shock-loaded.
Learn how to tie the adjustable grip hitch knot here
Bowline Knot
The bowline knot is quick and fairly secure, so it’s great for all-purpose tying. Hang a hammock, solar shower, or bear bag… just keep in mind that this knot is secure under tension but tends to come loose when unloaded. So it’s not ideal for extremely light items or items that offer variable tension.
Trucker’s Hitch
It looks complicated but I promise after a few practice rounds, you’ll have it figured out. This knot is extremely handy when cinching down gear on roof racks or truck beds, or when bundling gear together like chairs, firewood, etc. It basically works like a ratchet strap. Its versatility definitely makes it an essential for campers.
Visit to learn the trucker’s hitch knot
Double Davy Knot
Although it’s commonly used for fishing, I think there are plenty of opportunities to use the double Davy when camping as well. It’s a quick, secure way to tie the end of a rope to an eyelet, ring, or lanyard hole. It’s a slightly more secure variation of the original Davy knot, which is touted to be one of the strongest and simplest knots.
Learn how to tie the double Davy here
Rope Coil
Lastly, we have the rope coil, which is a well-known method for bundling unused rope for tangle-free transportation and storage. This is one of the most useful knots for camping because it ensures your cord is never tangled or wrapped around other gear, so it’s always ready to use when you need it.
Master the basic rope coil with this animation
And there you have it, those are my go-to knots for camping. There are many more, so once you master the knots listed here, I encourage you to spend some time online finding other knots that might be suitable for your needs. Knot tying is an essential skill when spending time outdoors, so don’t be caught in the rain while you’re fumbling to pitch your tent!
I would like to give a hearty thank-you to Animated Knots, who offer a wealth of education about knot-tying. I highly recommend spending some time on their site to browse all the various types of knots at your disposal!