Camping is a notoriously gear-heavy activity—but that’s all part of the fun. From decking out your campsite with all the creature comforts to sleeping in a rooftop tent under the stars, no camping experience looks the same for every camper. When it comes to buying the perfect gift for the camper in your life, you have some choices to make.
Are they an avid car camper who loves a lush setup with comfy chairs and cozy twinkle lights? Do they prefer taking a minimalist approach to camping with only the essentials? Are tech-enabled gadgets and top-of-the-line gear more their speed?
Sure, sticking with the basics like hiking socks or water bottles is a safe bet. But you can also go the extra mile to find a gift tailor made to their unique camping style. For example, an outdoor chef might love a new camping kitchen, or true wilderness adventurers might value the gift of preparedness. Understanding the type of outdoorsy person you’re shopping for is key to buying the best camping gifts.
We sought out a wide range of camping gifts so your giftee can soak in nature and enjoy their time outside to the fullest.
The Expert: I’m a freelance writer and gear reviewer who contributes to a wide range of outdoor and national publications, such as Backpacker Magazine, Outside Magazine, and CNN Underscored. As an avid camper who values creature comforts—even in the backcountry—you’ll find me making the trek from my urban home in Chicago to the remote Northwoods of Wisconsin and Michigan most summer weekends with gear packed to the roof of my SUV. I’ve tested countless types of outdoor gear over the last decade, from firepits and camp chairs to inflatable sleeping pads and down jackets.
What to Consider When Shopping for Gifts for Campers
Consider Their Camping Style
Like snowflakes, all campers are unique. Some (like myself) are maximalists and pack everything but the kitchen sink before heading to the campground. I like to call this “comfort camping.” Others might keep it simple and bring only the necessities with them outdoors. The beauty of camping is that everyone can make the experience their own.
Some common styles of camping include car camping (where you park your car at the campground), backpacking or hike-in camping (where you carry all your gear in a backpack), and overlanding (where you camp with and out of your vehicle).
Get to know the camper in your life and how they like to spend their time outdoors. You’ll likely want to buy more compact, lightweight gear (think: headlamps and hiking socks) for the minimalist type and can mix it up with heavier-duty gear for traditional campground campers (think: camp chairs and coolers).
Shop For the Season
Seasonality has a big impact on where, when, and how campers venture outdoors. Factor in the common weather patterns and climate for where the camper you’re buying for lives or travels. Are they based in the Southwest? Warm-weather, 3-season gear would be a safe bet. Do they love traveling to the Pacific Northwest? You won’t go wrong with water-resistant gear.
What Not to Buy
Unless you’re shopping for a loved one whose sleeping habits you’re very familiar with, I’d recommend shying away from purchasing sleeping bags and camping mattresses. Most campers have strong opinions about their sleep preferences and setup. For example, some folks might be okay with a no-frills sleep system (like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad) while backpacking, while others may want to sleep in bedroom-like comfort (like the NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad) while car camping.
Sleeping bags and pads all range widely in use case, material and comfort, and temperature rating. Not to mention, sleep systems tend to be high-ticket items—costing you a small fortune, especially if it’s name-brand. We did include a couple of sleeping bag and pad recommendations in our roundup, but it could be wise to consult with your giftee before making your final pick.
How We Selected Gift Ideas For Campers
Because there’s no catch-all way to camp outdoors, this guide aims to provide a variety of camping gear ranging in use case, camping activity, and overall price points—from $5.50 to $599. That said, many fall under $100. These gifts represent a wide variety of outdoor retailers and brands—and will speak to all types of campers ranging from ultralight backpackers to gear-heavy car campers.
We did not focus this guide on camping during a particular season, time of year, or region. You can rest assured most of the gear on this gift list is appropriate for all types of camping adventures regardless of where or when the person you present these presents to ultimately goes. Many pieces of the camping gear on this list I either own myself or have tested in the past. For any of the gear I haven’t had the chance to try out, I extensively researched product information, specifications, and user reviews—mostly on REI.
Most campsites (at state parks, national parks, and national forest areas) come with a wooden picnic table, and if you’re lucky, some repurposed tree trunks to sit on around the fire. But you can’t beat a comfortable camp chair for relaxing at the campground.
REI’s breathable and durable mesh Skyward Chair distributes body weight to create a comfortable lounge. Oversized armrest and drop-down pockets keep gear close and secure too.
A restful and comfortable sleep in nature is totally doable with the right gear. The Coop Original Travel & Camp Pillow blends memory foam and microfiber for optimal comfort that can be customized—just unzip and remove undesired fluff to create an ideal loft.
If your giftee loves rocking an outdoor aesthetic, make the Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal your pick. Some call Chacos “the unofficial footwear of outdoorsy folks” because they’re deeply loved for their ability to hold up on hikes, paddles, bike rides, beach days, and practically any adventure.
Bonus points if whoever you gift these to ends the summer with a coveted “Chaco tan” on the top of their feet.
ToughCutie Eve Light Weight Hiker Crew Socks
Every hiker needs a solid pair of socks to keep their feet sweat- and smell-free. For a loved one who camps, you can’t go wrong with the soft yet durable Eve Light Weight Hiker Crew Socks by ToughCutie.
Made of merino wool, these lightweight hiking socks naturally wick moisture—keeping feet feeling fresh mile after mile.
For those handy camper types, you can’t go wrong with this stainless steel beauty. The Assert Pocket Knife is an ultralight, 3-inch foldable pocket knife that’s sharp and stylish. It’ll come in handy for all types of camp chores, from cutting open the firewood packaging to stripping twigs off larger branches.
You can also customize a tailor-made version of the Assert on the Gerber website—picking out every little detail from colors and clip type to a personalized logo or pattern on the blade.
Everyone needs a good pair of sunnies. Whether they’re into summiting mountain peaks on bluebird days or sun tanning in their camp chair with a cold one in hand, Goodr’s classic sunglasses will keep their eyes squint-free and safe. They’re non-slip and fit snug, which means they double as great running and biking glasses.
Take in nature while cooking a forest feast. The five-piece Nomad Cooking Kit comes with everything they need to cook outside—including a serrated folding knife for cutting bread, dense cheese, and meat, a peeler for prepping veggies, and an 8- by 5-inch cutting board. An included microfiber cleaning cloth doubles as a carrying pouch for the kit.
Opinel has handcrafted knives for over 130 years, so rest assured this craft cutlery will stand up to wear, tear, and rugged adventure for years to come.
Camp with the entire crew—family, friends, and fur pals—in the deluxe REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent. With a whopping 83 square feet of floor space, bugproof mesh windows and vents, and two huge doors, it’s a dreamboat of a car camping tent. It’ll fit six people comfortably inside.
A whole slew of inner pocket organizers and color-coded tent fabric and poles simplify storage and setup—that way there’s more time for campfire hanging and less time setting up and searching for gear.
Skip the boring camp lantern and opt for this multi-color light that turns the campsite into an instant party. The AlpenGlow Mini fits in the palm of your hand but packs a punch with its color-changing features.
Switch up the mood depending on the desired vibe—its warm white glow that creates a calming ambiance, “horizon” mode which transitions through sunrise and sunset hues, or single and cycling colors to keep it simple. This small but mighty lantern lasts up to 40 hours and can be recharged via USB.
Pair a comfortable camp mattress with an equally comfortable sleeping bag: the NEMO Jazz. High-tech camping brand NEMO is known for its quality camp gear—and the Jazz doesn’t disappoint.
Its synthetic insulation will keep them warm down to 32 degrees, and thoughtful features like a draft collar foot and upper body venting give sleepers the ability to adjust airflow for optimal comfort.
Give the gift of cozy campfire hangs. This fire, stain, and water-resistant puffy blanket makes the perfect campfire companion with the ability to sit close to the flames without fearing rogue sparks.
It might seem silly when you’re basically sleeping in the dirt, but this mini dust pan makes a big difference in keeping the tent clean and tidy. From beach camping to multi-day camping trips (especially with dogs and kids) they won’t regret having this in their gear bin.
This gift goes out to the true camp chef in your life. The Camp Chef Explorer 14 2-Burner Stove was made for cooking for a whole crew. No matter if they’re whipping up a meal for the family, a group of friends, or guests from one site over, the camp chef in your life will love this sturdy and reliable camp stove.
Even with its larger size, it’s completely portable. Foldable legs and a convenient carrying case make breakdown and setup a breeze. It’s compatible with a full-size propane tank and can be paired with many Camp Chef accessories—from the Professional Grill Box to the Italia Artisan Pizza Oven.
A stylish pick, the Patagonia Mini Hip Pack is compact and sleek—and perfect for day hiking. Its lightweight yet durable design will hold up to wear and tear on the trail. The 100% recycled ripstop nylon keeps water out and contents inside safe and secure.
For shorter day hikes they’ll appreciate having this hip pack slung around their shoulder or strapped around their waist for carrying snacks, a first aid kit, and other trail essentials.
Snag this bamboo-top table that makes for a perfect addition to the campsite. At just over 20 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than your average camping table. However, the tradeoff with a heavier table is versatility.
The GO Compact Camp Table adjusts to three different height settings: coffee table height, kids’ table height, or dining and food prep table height. Unfolded, the table’s dimensions are 39.37 inches long by 27.36 inches tall by 25.59 inches wide.
From playing cards around the campfire to adding extra table space to the kitchen, this one’s for someone who wants to spread out and spruce up the campsite.
Dishes outdoors are inevitable. Make their life easier with this compact and collapsible kitchen sink. It’s not sexy, but it’s a camp essential that makes chores more efficient. Plus, they can use it to collect water too!
YETI 35 Hard Cooler
If buying ice isn’t their thing and cold beers are, snag this cooler with a cult following. Campers (and river tubers) love the YETI 35 Hard Cooler for its ability to keep food and drinks cold for hours upon hours. It comes in several larger sizes too, depending on how much they plan to pack.
When gear starts to get unwieldy, REI’s Ditty Sack pack makes a big difference in staying organized. Simple, stuffable, and handy, they can fit a variety of odds and ends—from headlamps and tent stakes to camp snacks and dirty clothes. The variety three-pack comes with a color-coded range of sizes (2-liter, 3-liter, and 7-liter).
No matter if they’re a wannabe or seasoned birder, Nocs’ compact, fun, and affordable binoculars are a great pick. A thick, rubber housing and high-impact rubber means they’ll outlast the occasional fumble or less-than-ideal weather. They magnify subjects 8x and offer a field of view up to 357 feet.
Kindling makes all the difference to get a campfire going. The Gerber 15” Bushcraft Hatchet will make a firemaster out of anyone. They can split big logs or harvest fallen forest wood with ease, no matter if they’re into wilderness survival or just trying to have a little fun.
