Finding the best gifts for campers in 2022 and soon, 2023, might seem hard at first — after all, camping fanatics have much of the gear they need for their weekend outdoor adventures. That’s not game over, though: Campers have a tendency to wear out their camping gear, which means your best camping gift can be a replacement upgrade. In addition, most campers appreciate cool camping gadgets.
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Best Camping Gifts for 2022
We take pride in our gift guide for campers and camping enthusiasts because we not only recommend a particular can’t-go-wrong camping gift, we also tell you why our choices are cool gifts for campers.
Here’s just one example: We have a buddy who now has three kids. Suddenly when you do the family math, including the dog, their old 4-person tent just isn’t big enough. Boom, there’s your opening for a great camping gift. A 6-person or even 8-person tent would make a great camping gift idea for this family. If a tent is on your gift list, be sure to check out our guide to the best camping tents.
Table of Contents:
- What to get someone who likes camping?
- ‘Favorite 5’ Camping Gift Ideas for 2022
- Camping Gifts Under $25
- Camping Gifts Under $50
- Camping Gifts Under $100
- Best Camping Gifts for Kids
- Awesome Camping Gifts
- Camping Gifts for Couples
- RV Camping Gifts
- Gifts for Campers Who Have Everything
- What to get someone who loves the outdoors?
What to get someone who likes camping?
If you’re wondering what to get someone who likes camping, the best gifts are often camping gear upgrades. For example, everyone needs camp chairs for camping, but most outdoor lovers and campers settle for uncomfortable chairs. A can’t-go-wrong camping gift is an awesome camp chair like the super burly YETI Trailhead Camp Chair (read our full review here) or the cool NEMO Stargaze Luxury Recliner. If these camp chairs exceed your budget, you can still find some excellent and affordable chairs like the Kjaro Dual Lock Portable Camp Chair.
You can also look for camping gift clues. Has your camper complained about sleeping arrangements? Has an air mattress failed? Could they use a luxury or ultralight air mattress replacement? How about a camping cot?
If your camper uses an RV or a camp trailer, consider how you can improve their camping experience outside of the RV — hammocks are pretty fantastic, as are pop-up sun shades with mesh walls that keep the bees and mosquitos out. Check out our guide to the best screen shelters to explore this camping gift idea.
Meanwhile, what are our favorite camping gifts for 2022? Which are the best camping gadget gifts? The best camping stocking stuffers? Unique camping gifts for campers who have everything?
‘Favorite 5’ Camping Gift Ideas for 2022
Before our list dives into the special categories — like Under $25 — these are camping gear gifts that camping enthusiasts likely don’t have yet. They are our 5 favorite can’t-go-wrong camping gifts for the year:
1. BioLite AlpenGlow Lanterns
The BioLite AlpenGlow Lanterns are our new favorite camping lanterns. In fact, they’re so good we grab them for impromptu events like backyard get togethers with the neighbors. These rechargeable lanterns come in two sizes, 500 lumens or 250 lumens. They can deliver 8 different lighting modes, including an excellent Cool & Warm white light that is super usable while cooking at camp in the dark. But they also deliver playful lighting options you can start just by shaking the AlpenGlow. They include Candle Flicker and changing party colors. You can hang them from the built-in nesting hook — or rest them on a tabletop. So versatile:
2. Kelty Camp Galley Deluxe
The new for 2022 Kelty Camp Galley Deluxe lets you organize, access and store your camp kitchen essentials with ease! You can hang it or lay it flat on a camp table or pickup tailgate. It’s padded and easy to carry, which makes it also great for day trips and picnics. The only drawback is that you might have trouble finding it in stock — look here too:
Backcountry.com | REI | Sportsman’s
3. Rumpl Original Puffy Blankets
Rumpl didn’t invent camp blankets, but the company modernized the concept by using outdoor-ready materials and a sleeping bag vibe. Our favorite is the wildly popular Original Puffy. It’s designed for tents, camper vans, and wrapping up in camp chairs while you sip coffee on cool mornings. It has a durable ripstop shell with a DWR coating and it’s machine washable. Most are 52″ x 75″ but if you want a larger option, some Rumpl patterns come in bigger 2-person versions. In any event, Rumpl’s high-quality outdoor blanket success has caught on: Other outdoor gear manufacturers are making excellent competitive options — but we must say, Rumpl leads in style:
- Shop All Rumpl Original Puffy Designs — find the right Rumpl for your camper
- L.L.Bean Mountain Classic Camp Blanket
- REI Co-op Camp Blanket
- Kammok Bobcat 45 Down Trail Quilt — this bad boy ‘blanket’ snaps together like a sleeping bag and includes a poncho opening
4. GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair
If you bring a GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair camping, rest assured, it’ll be popular among your fellow campers. Unlike traditional rockers that have curved legs, the Kickback Rocker Chair uses an innovative piston design that delivers a relaxing rock . . . but still lets you fold up the chair for packability. And the price point? Surprisingly affordable.
Shop the Kickback Rocker Chair at Bass Pro Shops and get FREE Shipping!
5. RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler
RTIC’s Ultra-Light Cooler won us over this summer because it delivers the cooling power of a heavy rotomolded cooler but weighs 30% less. This cooler has thick insulated sidewalls — and it’s still a rugged cooler — but the 52-quart midsize camping cooler weighs just 21 lbs. For more detail, check out our full RTIC Ultra-Light Cooler Review or just nab one of the cool new color patterns direct from RTIC (and get free shipping).
Camping Gifts Under $25:
6. BioLite SunLight Solar Lantern
Best camping gift for outdoor lovers.
There are many reasons why the BioLite SunLight Solar Lantern makes a great camping gift, starting with the fact that it works supremely well. It puts out a soft-yet-bright light that you can prop up or hang pretty much anywhere. We use it outside at camp as well as hang it up inside our tents. You can charge it at home or in your vehicle via a USB charger or you can set it up to collect rays from the sun during the day. Here’s a hint: Buy an extra one for yourself. They’re that good.
7. Rolla Roaster Marshmallow and Hot Dog Roasting Forks
Best roasting sticks, under $20.
The Rolla Roaster Marshmallow and Hot Dog Roasting Forks have been around for decades — made in America in Idaho — and they’re awesome. The Rolla Roaster forks fit in most camp boxes but are expandable up to 42 inches, which is longer than most knockoff roasting forks. Better yet, the Rolla Roaster lets you rotate the fork with a knob attached to the handle. You want perfectly roasted marshmallows? Rotation is the key. You can even roast and rotate with just one hand. So good.
8. Stansport Folding Camp Stove Toaster
Under $10.
Toast is even better when you’re camping, and we don’t know why. Trouble is, how do you toast bread while camping without hopelessly burning it? There are ways to get it done, but the easiest way might be with the Stansport Folding Camp Stove Toaster. You simply place it over your camp stove burner. On a 7-day whitewater rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River this summer, this toaster got used every morning — works for bagels, too! Because it folds, it stores well in your camping gear box.
9. Nite Ize LED Micro Lantern
Under $10 stocking stuffer!
The Nite Ize LED Micro Lantern is a great stocking stuffer for camping and outdoor lovers. First, the clip lets you clip it to your clothes, to the interior roof of your tent, or to a tree branch. The light puts out a wide swath of usable light that will last up to 60 hours. Most every camper can find a way to use this little light, and outdoor enthusiasts will, too.
10. Intex Durabeam Airbed
While we appreciate high-end and ultralight air mattresses, it’s nearly impossible to beat the price-to-value-to-comfort ratio of an Intex Durabeam Airbed air mattress. The entire Intex line is very inexpensive yet reasonably durable and surprisingly comfortable, making it a great inexpensive camping gift. Because they’re so thick, they absorb and protect you from rocks, sticks or roots underneath your tent. While we’re also fans of ultralight camping air mattresses and luxury sleeping pads — check out our guide to the best backpacking and camping sleeping pads to learn more — the Intex Durabeam Airbed is outstanding for the low price point. Also available in twin and queen sizes at Walmart.com.
11. UCO Titan StormProof Match Kit
You don’t really need the massive and powerful UCO Titan Stormproof matches for most camping situations — standard matches will usually do the job — but that’s not the point here. The Titan Stormproof matches are windproof and burn for up to 25 seconds. They even stay lit under water. They come in a waterproof case. These are the emergency matches an outdoor enthusiast can throw in a daypack for a hike. As for camping, when the conditions are windy and wet, the Titan Stormproof matches might save the day.
12. Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer
When you need to pack more than a gallon of clean drinking water to your campsite, you want the 7-gallon Reliance Products Aqua-Tainer. It’s durable, inexpensive, BPA-free and it works great. We like to set one up in camp so that the water spigot is easy to access for filling water bottles or camp cooking.
13. FLY2SKY Tent Lamp Portable LED Tent Lights
These handy little light bulb-shaped camping lights can be clipped to the inside of a tent, an awning, or hung over a picnic or camping table. Handy, fun, inexpensive. You can separate the 4-pack for slipping into stockings, too.
14. Orange Screw: The Ultimate Ground Anchor
Usually under $30 … great for windy camping and softer soils!
If there’s one thing we know about tent camping, it’s that you never have enough stakes. The Orange Screw ground anchors are lightweight and screw into the ground using an included tube for leverage. The result is that your tent, sun shade, bug house, awning or privy will stay staked down in the wind. They’re great for high-wind areas, and they can work better in soft soils and sand than typical tent stakes. The Orange Screw is manufactured in the USA, and if you manage to break one, the company will replace it.
15. SOG Folding Survival Shovel
Campers can often use a good shovel, but few campers want to pack around a full-size shovel. Enter the SOG Folding Survival Shovel. This shovel packs down small but it’s stout. You can fold and set the spade to work as a traditional (albeit small) shovel or set it at 90-degrees to use it more like a pick or hoe — which is handy if you need to dig a small trench to prevent rainfall from seeping under your tent. You can store a folding shovel in a camp box, or better yet, just leave it in your vehicle.
16. Coghlan’s Inside Cooler Light
The Coghlan’s Inside Cooler Lid Light is a motion-activated cooler light that you install on the inside lid of a cooler. When a camper opens up the cooler, the light will come on, illuminating the interior contents. And then it automatically turns off. If you’re ever struggled to find the right drink in the dark of night, this camping gift is for you.
17. Coghlan’s Pop-Up Trash Can
Seems silly, but it’s surprisingly great for camping!The most surprisingly useful camping gift has to be Coghlan’s Pop-Up Trash Can. This little wonder collapses for easy travel but springs to life with ease. You can line it with trash bags and it will stand upright on its own. So handy.
18. Stansport Pop-Up Mesh Food Covers
If you’ve ever had yellow jackets or hornets swarm your picnic table and ruin a good outing, you know that bug protection in the wild is a thing to consider. The Stansport Pop-Up Mesh Food Covers are great for protecting your table-top food while camping. For instance, if you have a plate of hotdogs, yellow jackets won’t be able to get to them if they’re covered. A simple but powerful solution here.
Camping Gifts Under $50
19. Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
One of the best ways to reduce reliance on bug sprays.
Mosquitoes have the power to ruin an otherwise great camping trip. Some people are more susceptible to mosquitos, and if your camper has a guest who gets itchy red bumps from the little buggers, plenty of bug repellent spray is one answer. An even better answer is the ThermaCell E-Series Rechargeable Repeller. It creates a 20-foot zone of protection around your picnic table, camping table or campfire area. So cool. Most campers haven’t splurged on a ThermoCell, but we can almost guarantee that if you buy one as a gift for your camping enthusiast, it’ll get used.
20. Cabela’s LED Lantern with Remote
The Cabela’s LED Lantern with Remote is surprisingly versatile. First, it has a remote control, which is handy. Second, it puts out up to 500 lumens and has an amber light mode that attracts less insects.
21. Bass Pro Shops Stainless Steel Coffee Pot
The stainless steel construction makes this camping coffee pot a gift for the ages. It’s available in multiple sizes. The durability is outstanding. The Bass Pro Shops Stainless Steel Coffee Pot is percolator-based, so you’re bound to get a few tiny coffee grinds in the bottom of your pot and cup, but that’s part of camp coffee charm. However, if you want to brew coffee just like you do at home with a drip system, check out the Coleman Stovetop Coffee Pot — it fits over your camp stove burner and uses paper filters like a standard drip coffee maker.
22. KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower
Perfect for off-grid adventurers and family camping.
A bunch of inexpensive portable camping shower systems have hit the market lately, but the KEDSUM Portable Camping Shower gets our recommendation because it includes an extra battery as well as a handy spray nozzle. All you have to do is drop the submersible pump into a bucket of warm water, and boom, you have an instant shower. The kit also comes with a hook holder and a suction cup holder for the shower nozzle, giving you options for placing the shower head up high. The two USB-rechargeable 2200mAH batteries each last for 45-60 minutes with a full charge. (If you need an ultraportable bucket, check out our camping bucket recommendation below.) Remember the extra spray nozzle? You can use it to wash off muddy gear or even wash the family dog before you head home. So cool.
23. The Friendly Swede Collapsible Bucket
Great for any outdoor adventurer.
The Friendly Swede Collapsible Bucket pairs well with the aforementioned camping shower, of course, but it’s also great for washing camp dishes. Either way, buckets are must-have camping gear, if only for dousing a campfire before bed or leaving for a hike. The Friendly Swede Collapsible bucket, of course, collapses, so it’s great for packability. It includes a handy removable mesh hang bag, which can hold the battery for the portable camping shower mentioned above. It also comes with a lid. The material is made from BPA-free, heavy-duty 500D PVC. It comes in three sizes, but we like the do-it-all 16-liter/4.23 gallon size best.
24. Gerber XL Axe II
As far as we’re concerned, every camper needs a good axe.
Some public lands like to see every visitor bring along a bucket, axe and shovel, especially if they plan to light a campfire. We’re big fans of the Gerber XL Axe II because its 24.5″ overall length is long enough to be useful while it’s small size remains packable for car camping. In addition, the lightweight glass-filled nylon handle is super strong and will last through years of abuse. While we’re fans of traditional wood handles, we have a tendency to leave our axes either in vehicles or in pickup boxes where they cook and dry out over hot summer days, leaving you with a loose head on the axe. Not a problem with this Gerber. Plus, if you need to tap a tent stake into hard ground, the flat back of the Gerber XL Axe II head works great. Still want a great traditional axe with a wood handle? We understand. Try the L.L.Bean Camp Axe.
25. Luminoodle LED Light Rope
Best camping light for fun groups.
The Luminoodle LED Light Rope for Camping is a waterproof, USB-powered LED string of lights. You can hang the string of lights around camp, which provides a fun, jaunty environment for both kids and adults. It comes in a nylon bag, and if you pack the string into the bag, it transforms into a more diffuse lantern-like light. The string has built-in connectors for attaching it to branches, your tent or vehicles. Just make sure you nab the version that comes with a battery pack, otherwise you’ll need to supply your own portable battery charger with a USB connection. Alternately, we’re fans of the Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent & Camp Lights, which uses three traditional AAA batteries. Both are great under $50 camping gifts.
26. Stansport Pop-Up Privacy Shelter
A pop-up privy makes off-grid camping much better!
For camping on dispersed camping sites on public land that don’t have bathrooms or outhouses, especially with kids, having an instant pop-up shelter is critical. All you need to do is add a portable toilet and you’re good to go!
27. Reliance Products Hassock Portable Lightweight Self-Contained Toilet
Best camping gift for camping beyond the campground.
Our favorite camping toilet does away with water, flush and containment systems — the easiest way to use it is with Reliance Products Double Doodie Toilet Bags, but you could use it with black kitchen-size trash bags and kitty litter if you find yourself in a bind. Sure, it’s not the funnest gift idea, but if your camper likes to go car camping in off the grid areas that don’t have readily available outhouses, a camping toilet makes the call of nature much easier. It’s fantastic for kids, so it makes a great gift for camping enthusiasts who have children. If you’ve ever had to suddenly pull off to the side of a mountain road, let’s just say having a portable toilet for a kid who has to go now pays for itself on the first use. It also works with Eco Gel Port-A-Potty chemicals, which solidify liquid waste and help deodorize things. One note: If you do prefer to flush everything out of sight, try the Camco Standard Portable Travel Toilet.
28. Adventure Medical Mountain Series First-Aid Kit
Every camper needs a first aid kit.
The camping first-aid kit gift idea is the least sexy camping gift idea, but it’s arguable the most important: When you’re camping, you’re usually far away from medical attention and facilities, so having a great first-aid kit is a necessity. Sadly, most campers have poor first-aid kits . . . or none at all. So show your camper that you really care — and in the off-chance they seriously need it, they’ll appreciate your smart thinking. Choose the appropriate size first-aid kit by Adventure Medical Mountain Series First-Aid Kits. The Explorer version is hard to beat, but the Hiker version is excellent, too.
29. Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan
Best camping accessory gift for tent camping.
The Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan doubles as a light and a fan. You can hang it from the ceiling of your tent with a magetic plate or carabiner clip or use the included stand if you want to set it on the floor. If you’ve ever camped in hot weather, a little breeze inside your tent can kick the hot air out and help bring the cool air in, making it a great camping gift for hot summer campers — or anyone who gets stuck in the full sun in the last camping spot available.
30. Classic Crocs
The classic Crocs clogs are great for camping because they’re inexpensive, comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and versatile. They’re great for resting tired feet after a long day of hiking, but they’re also capable of working as a serviceable water shoe for wading along rocky beaches. If they get wet, they dry fast. If get dirty, they’re easily washable. Plus, they’re available in gobs of colors and styles. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with Crocs.
31. Lunatec Aquabot Spraying Water Bottle
Deceptively simple!
The Lunatec Aquabot Spraying Water Bottle is a deceptively simple camping gift. Basically, it’s a water bottle with built-in pump that lets you add pressure, which lets you shoot the water out of the bottle in a stream or mist. It’s great for washing hands and washing camping dishes without using much water, but it’s also great for rinsing off dirty dog paws in camp and spraying off sand that sticks to legs and feet before you enter your tent or put on your shoes. As a first-aid tool, you can use it to irrigate a wound, and as long as you use clean water, wound irrigation is a very effective way to prevent infections. So yeah, lots of uses.
32. L.L.Bean Trailblazer Snap 300 Combo Headlamp
Headlamps are must-have camping gear.
The great thing about a headlamp is that it frees up your hands. If you’re busy getting a family tent ready in the dark, a headlamp ensures that you aren’t creating shadows from a flashlight or lantern. And when it’s time to find your shoes in the dark, a headlamp makes it easy to tie them and make your way outside for a call of nature. And kids? Well, kids love headlamps. Makes them feel cool. The L.L.Bean Trailblazer Snap 300 Combo Headlamp puts out a respectable 300 lumens and converts to a bike light, lantern or magnetic area light. Definitely handy.
Camping Gifts Under $100
33. Kammok Roo Double Recycled Hammock
We love to take hammocks camping. Our favorites are two-person hammocks because they’re, well, big enough for two! The Kammock Roo Double Recycled Hammock is lightweight-yet-roomy with a 500-pound weight capacity. Want to pair this hammock with an even more awesome camping gift idea? Drop down to our Awesome Camping Gifts section and check out the Hammock Swiftlet Portable Hammock Stand!
34. Camp Chef Propane Compact Fire Ring
Best camping gift for hot, dry summers.
When the fire danger rises, many camping areas and camp sites ban campfires. Fortunately, some locations still allow propane-based fire rings. Either way, we’re big fans of propane camp fire systems. Sure, propane fire rings are not as good as a real campfire with real wood and real coals, but the Camp Chef Propane Compact Fire Ring is surprisingly great. Plus, we must admit, it is nice to simply turn it off at bedtime rather than leave your campfire burning overnight or haul over some water to properly douse it.
Note: If the Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring runs out of stock, the less compact Outland Living Fire Bowl works well, too.
35. REI Co-op Camp Roll Table
Because you can always use another camp table.
We have never met anyone at any camping spot where they said, “Geez, I wish we didn’t have that extra camp table.” Never. Camp tables are great for food preparation, for use as dining tables, and for playing games. They hold your drinks and give you a good spot to place a lantern. The best camp tables are made from lightweight aluminum with portable designs. Why aluminum? If you’re cooking, you can remove a hot pot or pan from your camp stove and set it on the aluminum camp table surface. Vinyl and plastic camp tables will melt.
36. Leatherman Skeletool Topo Multi-Tool
Best camping gift for hikers and backpackers.
If you want a unique camping gift, you’ll be hard-pressed to go wrong with the REI laser-etched Leatherman Skeletool Topo Multi-Tool. This multi-tool features outdoor-focused topographic map lines etched into the blade. Seems like a simple decoration, but it’s surprisingly cool for outdoor lovers. As for the tool design itself, it’s big enough to be useful but light enough to carry everywhere. The built-in carabiner doubles as a bottle opener. If the topo lines don’t do it for you, consider the red Skeletool RX, which includes a carbide glass-breaking tip. If your camping enthusiast is also the kind of person who might need to break a car window to rescue a fellow human trapped in a car in a lake or stuck in a car after driving off the road, the RX version is for them. If you’re looking for someone more tuned to outdoor survival, try the awesome Leatherman Signal Topo Multi-Tool — it features a safety whistle and a fire-starting ferro rod.
37. LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
Off-grid camping awesomeness here!
The collapsible LuminAID PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern takes standard solar camping lanterns one step farther — with onboard batteries that can charge your mobile devices. For instance, you can charge the PackLight Titan in the sun, then if you need to top off your smartphone, you can. Most car camping happens near vehicles, of course, but if your camper is also a backpacker or likes to head out a bit farther — or go on canoe or rafting camp trips — the PackLite Titan stands out.
Under $50 Option: The LuminAID PackLite Max version has a smaller on-board battery and a bit less light output, but it’s also fantastic.
Camping Gifts for Kids & Families
38. FireBuggz Family Fun Pak Roaster Fishing Pole Set
Best camping gift for kids.
The FireBuggz Family Fun Pak includes two awesome FireBuggz Fire Fishing Pole Roasting Forks, which are basically small ‘fishing poles’ that let you roast up to two hot dogs or four marshmallows at a time. Instead of a stick, the pole system dangles a stainless steel hook with a cutout of a fish. If you lift the rod up in a jigging motion, the fish acts as a counter balance that lets you flip your hot dogs or marshmallows to ensure even roasting. It’s surprisingly cool. The Family Fun Pak also includes two straight roasting sticks that allow you to turn the shaft to rotate your hot dog or marshmallow, letting kids (and adults) roast to perfection. It’s a great camping gift for anyone who likes to laugh and roast over a campfire — which is pretty much everyone.
39. Motorola T100 Series Talkabout Radios for Kids
Second best camping gift for kids.
Every kid we’ve ever met loves the walkie talkie. The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radios are family friendly and easy to use. Walkie talkies for kids are fantastic for letting kids play around the campsite, but if they’re getting old enough to head over to the lake to fish by themselves, having a way to communicate is handy for parents, too.
40. Slackers 50-Feet Slackline Classic Set with Teaching Line
One of our favorite camping gifts for families.
A slack line, a.k.a. slackline, is a surprisingly great camping gift for campers who have kids. Simply set it up between two trees — along with the included top balance-assist strap — and you have a challenging and fun toy that kids will spend hours on. They’ll build micro-muscles and balance. And when it’s your turn, you’ll gain all the same mind-body challenging benefits of finding and keeping your balance on a slack line. Plus, it’s fun — and there are no digital electronic device game screens involved at all. Chalk that up as a another win for camping.
41. SpeedyJig PRO Paracord Bracelet Kit and Jig
Under $30.
Paracord bracelets have been ‘survival gear’ for years. Basically, all they are is handy paracord woven into a bracelet. If you get in a jam outdoors, you can unweave the bracelet, leaving you with cord that you can use to build a shelter. Or you can pull the thin inner cords out of the main cord shell and use them as a fishing line. Most people won’t get into a survival situation, of course, but building the paracord bracelets is fun and satisfying. Better yet, it’s a great project for kids while camping. The kit comes with a few buckles and lengths of paracord to get you started, but you can buy paracord and buckles separately or grab an additional material kit.
Awesome Camping Gifts
42. Kammock Swiftlet Hammock Stand
Best camping gift for campers who have everything.
If you give your camping enthusiast a hammock, they’re going to put it use. Who doesn’t like hammocks? We’ve never met anyone who doesn’t. They’re astoundingly comfortable, and the Kammock Swiftlet Hammock Stand is big and strong enough for two. Your camper can take a nap, read a book, or just chill. If you sit sideways instead of lay lengthwise, you turn the hammock into an ultra comfortable lounge chair. The only drawback is that the hammocks themselves are sold separately — see below! Either way, because pretty much everyone likes a hammock, hammocks are always one of our top camping gifts.
43. Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit
Best camping gift for campfire lovers.
This REI-award winning Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit is an ultralight elevated fire pan. We know, it seems odd at first, but after using it in a dispersed camping site with no good fire ring already available, we’re big fans. As many campers know, sometimes existing fire rings and pits are situated in really bad places on campsites. The Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit lets you start a fire on the beach, on a river bank, and even on public lands that require leave-no-trace fire pans. It packs down small and quickly and easily sets up to create a 24″ x 24″ fire area.
44. Camp Chef Explorer 2x Two-Burner Stove
Best stove for the camp cook.
If your camping enthusiast has a bit more space, the Camp Chef Exlporer 2x Two-Burner Stove is the base-camp stove to beat. You get two massive 30,000 BTU burners set up with removable legs so you don’t have to take up camp table space to easily use this stove. Better yet, it’s completely upgradable with some cool accessories, which you can choose as camping gifts in the future: You can add a BBQ Grill Box to turn one burner into a grill or add a large griddle to one side to create an egg and pancake-frying machine. And yet that’s not all: You can add the Artisan Pizza Oven accessory to let you bake pizza in camp! If you’d rather have a more foldable design for easier packability — along with fold-out side shelves — check out the Pro Series Deluxe 2-Burner Stove (which also accepts the aforementioned add-on accessories).
45. L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Outfit
Be ready for the chance to fish.
The L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Outfit is the best all-around portable fly fishing and spin fishing rod and reel combo we’ve ever seen. Why? You get both a complete fly fishing and spin fishing rod and reel combo. The point is to have always have a rod and reel handy for whatever type of freshwater fishing might present itself at any particular camping location. If you’re shopping for a true camping enthusiast, there is a great chance they have camped somewhere without a rod or reel and wished they had one handy. This is the camping gift idea answer you’ve been looking for. Plus, two people can fish at the same time!
46. GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
Great for family camping, camp cooks, and even tailgating.
The GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station helps delivers a next-level camping experience. You get outstanding organization for your camp cook, including plenty of space for food prep and storage. Plus it all folds down for easy packability and storage.
Note: If you want an even bigger option, check out the Cabela’s Deluxe Camp Kitchen.
47. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cook Set
Best all-in-one camping cook set for four.
Some campers just take an old hodgepodge mix of old kitchen cook pans, pots and cups, but none of it fits together or packs up easily. And inevitably, something gets left behind at home and the camp cook has to make do without a pan or pot. Or maybe you forget the paper plates and you’re out of luck far off the pavement. The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cook Set has you covered. This camping cook set includes two pots with strainer lids, a frying pan, plus four color-coded plates, four triangular bowls and four triangular cups with sip-top lids. The cookware is non-stick anodized aluminum, and the entire set packs up into an included collapsible wash-basin carrier. It’s all very handy and very good for car camping where space is critical.
48. Camp Chef Rainier 2x Cooking System
Best stove for car campers.
For car campers who might be short on space, it’s hard to beat the Camp Chef Rainier 2X Two-Burner Cooking System. This handy all-in-one unit blends a camp stove burner with a larger camp grill and/or griddle — you get all three: a stove burner on one side as well as a griddle that you can swap out with the included grill on the other side. So in the morning you can brew up some camp coffee while frying up some breakfast, then shift to grilling hot dogs for lunch or dinner. As a lightweight and portable all-in-one camp cooking unit, it’s hard to beat.
P.S. If all you need is basic camp stove — or want an awesome upgrade, check out our guide the best camping stoves.
49. REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent
An excellent, packable family camping tent
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent is a roomy, packable and sturdy dome tent that’s great for 3-season family camping. It comes with a full-coverage rain fly and a front door vestibule to keep gear dry.
Note: We’re also fans of the jaunty green Big Agnes Big House 6 Person Tent, and if you want to go really big, try the Eureka! Copper Canyon 12-Person Tent.
50. White Duck Regatta Bell Tent
If you want to create an astoundingly great camping experience, it’s hard to go wrong with the White Duck Regatta Bell Tent. This canvas tent evokes old-school camping vibes — and it’s great for someone looking to create a glamping experience. Nylon tents are great an all, but canvas? Darn near magical. Read our full White Duck Regatta Bell Tent Review to learn more.
51. Coleman Instant Screenhouse
Great for every car camping enthusiast.
The Coleman Instant Screenhouse is basically a pop-up shelter with screened walls that keep the bugs out. Remember the Thermacell Radius mosquito repellant system? A good screen house helps keep other insects at bay, too, namely yellow jackets, hornets and bees that might be attracted to your dinner. The Coleman Instant Screenhouse is a roomy 15 by 13 feet but sets up in about a minute. You get two large doors for easy access. The canopy acts as a sunshade.
To learn more about screen house options, check out our guide: 12 Best Screen Houses for Camping!
52. Counter Assault Bear Spray
You don’t have to hike in grizzly bear country to need a good can of bear spray, but if your camper is visiting Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and parts of Idaho where grizzly bears roam, bear spray is an absolute must, making it a go-to camping gift idea. For the rest of the country that has black bears, well, most often a black bear will run away as soon as it notices a human. But not always. Bear spray is for those ‘not always’ times. And while it’s not marketed as a deterrent against mountain lions, there have been some reports where bear spray has successfully fended off cougar attacks.
53. ISLE Pioneer 2.o iSUP
Best camping gift for water lovers.
If you’re camping near a beach or lake, it’s hard to go wrong with an inflatable stand-up paddleboard — especially now when they’re on sale. Not sure you can stand up on one? Don’t worry, you can also use them like sit-on-top kayaks. Either way, kids love them, and adults appreciate the healthy challenge. The ISLE Pioneer 2.0 iSUP is beginner friendly and delivers an outstanding price-to-value ratio. Check out our full ISLE Pioneer 2.0 iSUP review for more detail.
54. Aquaglide Chinook 100 Inflatable Kayak
Not sure about the iSUP camping gift idea? An inflatable kayak brings a similar sort of fun to the camping experience. The Aquaglide Chinook 100 Inflatable Kayak is durable and paddles well.
Shop all ‘Inflatable Kayaks’ at OutdoorPlay and get FREE Shipping on most orders over $49!
55. Guide Gear Dura Mesh Elevated Dog Bed
Camping gift for dog lovers.
The Guide Gear Dura Mesh Elevated Dog Bed is fantastic for dog-loving campers because it folds up for travel but works like a comfortable cot. This portable dog bed gets your dog off the ground and away from pesky insects, easily elevates over rocky, uneven ground. Better yet, if you dog gets wet and muddy, the bed dries fast and washes easily.
Camping Gifts for Couples
56. Kelty Low Loveseat
The Kelty Low Loveseat is a great camp chair for couples! If it’s sold out, also try:
Runner-up: Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat
57. REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Double Sleeping Bag
Room for two!
Double sleeping bags make great camping gifts for couples. The excellent REI Co-op HunkerDown Hooded 20 Double Sleeping Bag is lightweight and warm. Also check out the innovative The North Face Dolomite One Double Sleeping Bag. It features three layers that you can mix and match depending on the temperature rating you need.
58. Klymit Double V Sleeping Pad
The Klymit Double V Sleeping Pad is great for camping honeymooners and car-camping parents who still like each other. Better yet, the side-by-side V-chamber construction reduces the movement of air between the two sides, which means a big guy can roll over without bouncing his partner around, waking her up and creating a heightened need for coffee in the morning. It’s 74″ long, just under 4′ wide and it’s 3″ thick. It weighs in at about 2.7 pounds, which makes it fantastic for car campers who like to travel light and don’t have a lot of extra room. Oh, one more thing: The Double V comes with a pump-integrated stuff sack for easy, rapid inflation, so you don’t need to pack a bulky pump.
RV Camping Gifts
59. weBoost Drive X RV
This cell-signal booster works with all carriers. When you install it in an RV, your RVers can get much improved cell service while driving remote roads and when camping off the beaten path. It’s a great peace-of-mind gift that could enhance the safety of your RV-lovin’ family. (Get the weBoost Drive Reach version for cars, pickups, SUVs and vans — check out our full weBoost review for more detail.)
60. Plastic Straw-style Rugs
Most RV campers can benefit from a synthetic rug, which keeps dirt and debris at bay but is easy to clean and can handle a bit of rain and moisture.
61. Classic Retro RV Shaped Cutting Board
Made from bamboo, this cutting board naturally resists moisture.
62. Funny Camper RV Towel
If your RV camper has a sense of humor. . . .
Gifts for Campers Who Have Everything
63. NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
Even if you think your camper has everything, you’re probably safe with the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair because it’s so new. The NEMO Stargaze is super comfortable and is the kind of chair everyone at camp will rush to sit in first.
64. YayLabs SoftShell Ice Cream Ball
Because everyone loves ice cream while camping.
The YayLabs SoftShell Ice Cream Ball lets you make homemade ice cream at your campsite without the need for electricity. All you have to do is put cream, sugar and flavorings (like vanilla) in one end of this ball then fill the other with ice cubes and salt. Next, roll the ball around for 25 minutes and you’ll have astoundingly great homemade ice cream. Just choose the quart size option because you can never have enough ice cream at camp.
65. YETI Trailhead Camp Chair
For a rugged and over-built take on a camping staple, try the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair. Sure, it’s spendy, but it’s also fantastic. Read our full YETI Trailhead review to learn more.
66. YETI Custom Drinkware
If you camper has everything, it’s time to go with a customized camping gift. Try YETI, which lets you choose from a bunch of graphics or upload your own. So cool.
67. Custom Leatherman Multitools
Like YETI, Leatherman has its own custom laser etching program. Check it out to create your own unique camping gift!
68. LifeStraw Go Filtered Water Bottle
Great for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, under $30.
A water bottle with a built-in filter or purifier isn’t usually needed for most camping trips because you’re bringing along your own water and drinks. But stick with us here: Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can get off the beaten path and run out of water. The LifeStraw Go Filtered Water Bottle can filter out 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, which means they could use this bottle to safely filter water from most creeks or lakes in a survival situation. Better yet, the 2-stage activated carbon filter reduces odor and chlorine and can make campground water taste better.
69. Mountainsmith K-9 Cube
An excellent camping gift for dog lovers.
This camping gift for dog lovers will make packing for the family dog much simpler and ensure that food and dog bowls are never left behind again. The Mountainsmith K-9 Cube is a carry bag with two interior pockets. On one side you store food in a removable TPU-lined food bag. In the other, you can store more food or dog toys. The front pocket holds a collapsible water bowl and a collapsible food bowl. For odds and ends, the top includes a mesh zipper pocket and the side have mesh water bottle pockets.
70. Camping T-Shirts
Some camping enthusiasts like to broadcast their favorite hobby, and if that sounds like your camper, a cool camping t-shirt or hoody that matches their personality is a good bet. There are tons of camping shirts and designs, so you should have plenty of choices.
A Game Changing Camp Gift for Tent Camping: Cots
Cots are stable yet comfortable, especially with a cushy pad. More importantly, cots are raised so aging campers can get into and out of their camp beds more easily . . . but you don’t have be older to appreciate the stable comfort of a great cot.
As for tent camping with most grandparents, the bottom line is this: Set them up with cushy cots to ensure everyone has a great time. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll come tent camping with you and the kids again.
- REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 — a bit bulky, but it’s ultra comfortable for back and side sleepers
- Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Auto-Fold Cot — fast and easy setup!
- Cabela’s Cot Pads — easily triples the comfort of a standard cot
What to get for someone who loves the outdoors?
The best camping gifts to get for someone who loves the outdoors are gifts that are handy for outside use even if you’re not camping. Here are some of our favorite all-around great gifts for outdoor lovers:
71. Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle
Best camping gift for backcountry explorers
Usually camping enthusiasts pack enough freshwater for drinking, but sometimes we run out — we tend to underestimate the amount of water our bodies crave while overpacking on the sports drinks, juice boxes and beer. One of our favorite answers is the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle. Not only does it filter out bacteria and harmful protozoan cysts like giardia, it also filters out viruses — which makes it our favorite travel water purifier too.
72. ICEMULE Backpack Cooler
Best camping gift for campers who like to get off the beaten path.
RV campers often have refrigerators, and most every camping enthusiasts has a hard-sided cooler for food and drinks, but few campers have soft-side backpack coolers — yet. The soft-sided backpack cooler lets you load up with cold drinks and food at base camp then head for the beach or day hike. No one likes to lug a cooler more than 40 yards but a backpack cooler lets you take ice cold beverages far off the road with ease. We’re big fans — check out our guide to the best backpack coolers for more detail or just nab the ICEMULE Pro Large. The price-to-value ratio is fantastic, it works surprisingly well, and it packs down small. Very highly recommended.
73. Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler
The great thing about a heavily-insulated rotomolded cooler is the excellent ice retention — you can use less ice and keep the contents cool for days. The Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler gets our nod for our favorite line of rotomolded coolers. It’s just a bit better than most and usually available at a slightly better price point, but seriously, most every rotomolded cooler is excellent, so we’re splitting hairs. What we like about the Cabela’s Polar Cap Equalizer Cooler are its burly grab handles. It has rope handles, too, but the built-in grab handles let you strap this cooler down in more ways that most. Our second pick would be the iconic YETI Tundra 45 in one of the cool new color options.
74. Dometic 12v Electric Fridge/Freezer
Speaking of high-end coolers, why not just go with a refrigerator/freezer? The Dometic 12v Electric Fridge/Freezer lets you not only keep things cool, but you can keep ice cream frozen, too. Ever had ice cream while camping far from the pavement? So why does the Dometic 12v Electric Fridge/Freezer make a great camping gift? Admittedly, it’s a bit of a luxury item — most every outdoor adventurer wants one but few actually make the investment. If your camper only camps in a big recreational vehicle that already has a built-in refrigerator, sure, skip this idea, but if your camper is a tent camper or hunter or fisher, the Dometic 12v Electric Fridge/Freezer is a sweet camping gift: Shop Dometic’s full line of portable electric coolers here.
75. Prism Synapse Dual-line Parafoil Kite
Campers like the outdoors, and who doesn’t like to fly a kite? The Prism Synapse Dual-line Parfoil Kite packs up small so it’s ready whenever the wind blows. The two-line system lets you steer the kite in spins and dives. Includes everything you need to fly, including instructions for dual-line newbies.
76. Nomadix National Parks Towel
If your camper loves our National Parks, Nomadix has a special ‘National Parks’ series of lightweight, quick-drying towels. They’re oversize at 30″ x 72″ yet pack down to a camping and beach-friendly 7″ x 3.5″ — making them ready for whatever your camping enthusiast is out doing . . . like cooling off in a roadside river or hiking to a mountain lake on a hot summer day. Note: If you like the towel idea but want a thicker, bulkier, more traditionally cotton beach towel, check out L.L.Bean’s Seaside Beach Towels.