50 Fun and Useful Gifts for Campers
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Do you have a few happy campers on your holiday shopping list? You’re in luck because we’ve collected the best camping gift ideas right here in one place!
Camping has such a wonderful way of bringing people together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
That’s why camping gear makes such a wonderful holiday gift. Not only does it enhance people’s outdoor experience, but it encourages them to look forward to sunny days, cozy campfires, and toasty s’mores (which we could all use a little bit of during the long, dark winter!).
Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for campers? Well, you’re in luck, because below is a curated, handpicked list of our favorite camping gear of 2023.
This isn’t some mishmash of products–each of these items has been selected based on either our own personal experience with it or our own personal desire to receive it as a gift ourselves!
We’re sure you will find something they will love and start checking off your shopping to-do list today!
REI is our favorite place to buy gifts for campers on our lists. In the event we get a color or a size wrong, REI makes it SO easy for the recipient to return or exchange it for the correct item. With the free shipping for REI members, we also love that we get to skip the in-store holiday melee and shop from the comfort of our couch.
Psst… These are the best gifts for car camping, AKA where you drive your car right up to the campsite. If you’re shopping for someone who likes to hike to their campsite, be sure to check out our gifts for backpackers list instead!
The Best Camping Gifts of 2023
MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
Crank up the #campcozy vibes with these solar and USB rechargeable string lights by MPOWERD. They are perfect for inside a tent, under an RV awning, or decoratively hung up in a nearby tree.
REI Co-Op Pack Away Cubes
Keep your clothes and gear organized with these Pack Away Cubes. We use these for all our camping trips now. The top mesh panels make it quick and easy to find the clothes you’re looking for and keep the inside of the tent from looking like a laundry pile!
Ignik Gas Growler
Make the switch from single-use propane canisters to a refillable propane tank! The Ignik Gas Growler is smaller and easier to handle than a full-size 20 lb BBQ tank but lasts 5 times as long as the ubiquitous green canisters. Plus it can be filled up at most gas stations for a fraction of the cost!
Kelty Camp Galley Deluxe
Give the gift of organization! This structured hanging organizer from Ketly is a great way to keep your camp kitchen space free from clutter. This portable kitchen cupboard has enough storage for a family of four and can be hung off the roof rack of your car or a nearby tree.
GSI Outdoors Rakau Knife Set
We can’t stress enough the importance of having a good set of knives while camping. The GSI Rakau Knife Set features three stainless steel knives with blade guards as well as all the accessories you’ll need–a cutting board, knife sharpener, and microfiber cleaning towel–which all fit into an organized zippered carrying case.
Smartwool Quarter Zip
This is one of our favorite go-to camping shirts! It’s a super versatile style that can be zipped all the way if it’s cold, or zipped down to increase airflow when active. The fabric feels soft against the skin but has all the great attributes of wool (breathable, quick-drying, anti-microbial). Even after multiple days without a shower, these shirts don’t stink. Which is a huge plus when camping.
GSI 6-Cup Percolator
A stove-top percolator is one of the best ways to make coffee while camping – especially for larger groups. This stainless steel percolator from GSI allows you to make up to 6 cups of coffee at once, gauge the strength of the coffee using its clear & durable resin dome, and keep the coffee warm without over-steeping it. It’s a fantastic gift for any coffee-lover camper in your life!
SOL Collapsing Dishwashing Buckets
While nobody loves washing dishes while camping, these collapsible dishwashing buckets make the process a lot more pleasant! The large silicone basin allows you to easily wash your dishes, utensils, and cookware right at your campsite. We personally use these and now we can’t imagine doing without them.
ENO Nest Hammock
Give the gift of relaxation with this ENO Hammock. It comes in a single or double size, and it’s perfect for stringing up at the campsite and enjoying the fresh air. It comes with easy-to-set-up straps that make attaching it an absolute cinch.
Walkie-Talkies
No cell service, no problem! Camping is the perfect use-case for walkie-talkies (aka two-way radios)–especially for kids! Let the kids ride bikes around the campground or take a short nature walk on their own, and still be able to call them back when dinner is ready. 22 channels, 142 privacy codes, up to 32 mile range.
Campfire Stories Game
Want to jump-start some creative storytelling with your little campers? This is a great game to help kids get into the spirit of oral storytelling, with fun prompts that are all based on the natural world. We played this game on a camping trip with our friend’s kids and it was a lot of fun.
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
Perfect for snuggling under in front of the campfire, or as an extra layer over a sleeping bag, Rumpl’s NanoLoft Puffy Blanket is made of 100% post-consumer recycled insulation for extra cozy warmth. I gave this to my sister as a gift years ago and it still joins us on every family camping trip!
Rolla Roasters
These telescoping roasting forks are the perfect way to roast marshmallows and/or hotdogs over a campfire! The double prong prevents the marshmallow from spinning, giving you a lot more control. They collapse down and come with their own storage bag. Perfect!
Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Maker
Improving on their (near perfect) original coffee maker, the Aeropress Go is designed specifically for portability. All the pieces you need to brew an incredible cup of coffee now nest together inside a travel mug. Perfect for camping trips, hikes, road trips, or anywhere else that could be enhanced by a great cup of coffee.
REI Co-op Wonderland 4 Tent
If you’re looking for a camping gift for the whole family, an upgraded tent could be the ticket! REI Co-op’s Wonderland 4 Tent is their new, super livable family tent that has a ton of great features. With a floor space of 100″ x 100″ and near-vertical walls that give way to a standing height of 75″ (that’s 6′ 3″ –no more hunching over!) this tent feels plenty roomy. Additionally, it has two full-sized doors as well as zippered mesh windows that help with ventilation and let light in, but keep bugs out.
Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit
Sometimes you want the ambiance of a campfire but without the setup and smoke. (like during a fire ban). The Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit is a propane-powered “campfire” that can be used anywhere propane stoves are allowed. Campgrounds, tailgates, snow parks, etc.
BioLite Prep and Grill Tool Kit
We really appreciate having a dedicated set of utensils for camping. It makes packing so much easier if we’re not rummaging through our kitchen every time we want to go camping. This spatula, tong, and knife set from Biolite comes in a durable roll-up storage pouch and is great to just keep with all our camp stuff.
Teva ReEmber Terrain Slip-Ons
Nobody wants to deal with shoelaces when getting in and out of a tent (especially in the middle of the night!) which is why these super cozy slip-ons by Teva are a camping must! Combining the durable rubberized tread of a hiking boot with the soft insulated upper of a slipper, these are our go-to camp shoes all season long.
Patagonia Fjord Flannel
There is just something about going camping that makes you want to wear flannel! These Fjord Flannels from Patagonia have been some of our favorites for the past few years. Lots of classic colors and styles, super comfy fabric, and a nice athletic fit.
GCI Freestyle Rocker Chair
Lean back and unwind at the campground with the smooth rocking motion of this sturdy, travel-friendly rocker camp chair. No matter the terrain, GCI’s innovative duel-piston design ensures clean and smooth rocking action. We own one and it is an absolute joy to sit in.
Igloo ECOCOOL Cooler
Made from post-consumer recycled plastics, this 52-quart ECOCOOL Cooler is a fantastic budget-friendly cooler that will keep food and drinks cold for up to three days–perfect for a weekend camping trip!
REI Co-op Flannel/Fleece Blanket
Everyone could use a dedicated camp blanket! Something soft and snuggly to curl up with while enjoying your morning cup of coffee. This one from REI has one side made of flannel and one side made with fleece, so you get to pick your cozy!
Vuori Performance Joggers
Breathable, moisture-wicking, and UNBELIEVABLY soft, these jogger pants from Vuori are the epitome of camp cozy. I just can’t get over how comfortable they are. The semi-loose, casual fit means you’ve got a little latitude in selecting the right size. Available for men and women.
Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen
This packable, portable camp kitchen offers plenty of space for meal prep–perfect for dispersed camping or keeping the campsite picnic table uncluttered. It has one large surface for a camp stove, and two side tables for chopping or lining up ingredients. The zippered storage compartment is great for storing pots and pans, helping keep the campsite organized!
GSI Glacier Skillet
This is hands-down the best camping non-stick skillet we have ever used. It has a highly conductive stainless steel base and an incredibly durable, laser-etched non-stick surface. It’s a joy to cook on, easy to clean, and it doesn’t need to be babied. What else could we ask for in a camping skillet?
REI Co-op Camp Bed Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
This is a great, budget-friendly camping sleeping pad that boasts an R-value of 7.6 so it’s a great pad for to use in the shoulder seasons like spring and fall. It’s 2.5 inches thick so it provides good cushion from the ground, and easily inflates and deflates.
Vuori Ponto Performance Crew
This lightweight, long-sleeve crew sweatshirt by Vuori is another great mid-layer option. The synthetic fabric has all the active performance you’d expect plus a subtle elasticity, that allows for total freedom of movement.
Two Burner Camping Stove
Every camper needs a good camping stove! We’re including two options on this year’s camping gift guide, depending on how serious of a camp cook you’re shopping for. First up is the Coleman Cascade Camp Stove, a solid and compact stove with two, 10000 BTU burners. This is a great stove for casual camp cooks and comes in at $100. For campers who are really into cooking at the campground, our upgrade pick is the Camp Chef Everest 2x (pictured), which boasts two, 20,000 BTU burners with excellent simmer control. This is the stove we personally use and it’s a true workhorse!
OXO Outdoor Santoku Knife
We’re firm believers in using good quality knives even at the campsite–and this OXO Outdoor Santoku Knife is perfect for the job. The full-size stainless steel blade lets you get some serious chopping action, and the locking sheath means you can toss it in your camping box without worrying about damaging the blade–or your fingers!
Fireside Outdoor Thermal Protection Gloves
Using heat-protective gloves has saved our hands a number of times, so we know these Fireside Outdoor Thermal Protection Gloves would make an excellent gift for campers who like to cook over a wood fire or grill! These gloves offer protection from heat up to 932°F as well as cut and abrasion resistance–perfect for all kinds of camp kitchen tasks.
Lodge 4-Qt Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven paves the way for all kinds of camp cooking–baking, braising, frying, and more! This would be a super fun gift for campers who like to hang around the campfire and make memorable meals for the crew.
Lodge 4-in-1 Camp Dutch Oven Tool
This helpful tool would be a great companion gift for the Dutch oven, or as a stocking stuffer idea for someone you know already uses one. The 4-in-1 Camp Dutch Oven Tool can act as a lid lifter, bail lifter, trivet, or to raise the oven up off the coals for heat management (we’ve also used it as a cooking stand for our cast iron skillet).
Exped DeepSleep Sleeping Pad
Give the gift of a good night’s rest! If you’re shopping for someone who could use a little more comfort at the campground, the Exped DeepSleep mat will be a welcome surprise. These sleeping pads come in a single or double width, are 3 inches thick, and offer an insulation R-value of 8.5 meaning it will keep you warm and protected from the cold ground in any season.
Coleman Classic Recharge 800 Lumens LED Lantern
This Coleman rechargeable lantern has the look of their classic propane lantern but with the modern convenience of efficient LED lighting, adjustable brightness settings, and USB charging. Plus, you can leave those finicky mantels behind! With three power modes, you have lots of control over how much light it puts out (100-800 lumens and 13-49 foot beam distances).
Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat
Grab your partner, a blanket, and snuggle up next to the campfire with this foldable loveseat! This would be a super cute camping gift for a newlywed couple, lovebirds of any age, or families with small kids.
Kelty Waypoint Car Tarp
Whether a camping trip brings rain or bright sun that needs to be shaded, this Kelty Waypoint Car Tarp will come in handy! It attaches to the back of nearly any vehicle and creates a nice, liveable, protected hangout area. This is a great gift idea for campers who like to be prepared for anything.
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
The Flexlite Camp Boss Chair has become one of our favorite camp chairs–it’s roomy to sit in, easy to set up, and packs down for easy storage. The ripstop polyester is durable and abrasion-resistant, and it also has a DWR coating to help ward off stains from any spills.
Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent Camp Lights
Enhance your tent’s interior lighting design with the Big Agnes mtnGlo Tent Camp Lights. These durable LED lights can be strung up using the included clips or bundled into a translucent pyramid-shaped stuff sack and hung up like a lantern. Either way, you’ll get soft even lighting to extend your evening past sunset.
REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler
Day pack on top, insulated cooler on the bottom, the Split Pack Cooler from REI is designed for anyone who likes to enjoy good food and drink while out on the trail. Perfect for a trip to the beach, a hike up to a mountain lake, or just a park-side picnic.
YETI Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid
The YETI Rambler Tumbler looks as good in the office as it does at a campsite, making it a versatile camping gift that can be used just about anywhere. The double-walled vacuum-sealed insulation keeps liquid hot or cold, and it comes in a ton of fun colors.
NEMO Forte Sleeping Bag
For side sleepers or people who move around at night, NEMO’s sleeping bag designs are a welcome departure from the movement-restricting mummy bag! The Forte is one of the top-selling bags in the NEMO line, offering recycled PrimaLoft synthetic fibers, a DWR-coated ripstop nylon shell, and other great features like a draft collar and a pocket inside the hood to secure a small pillow, or to hold extra clothes or jackets to create a pillow. These are perfect for car camping but aren’t overly bulky or heavy so they can be used for backpacking as well. Available in 20°F and 35°F temperature ratings.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
You can never have enough headlamps. That’s what makes the Black Diamond Astro 300 such a great gift idea. It’s super versatile Hands-free, directional lighting for any occasion. Toss it in your glove box, day pack, or camping box.
Nocs Provisions Binoculars
Compact, lightweight, durable, and waterproof – Nocs Provisions Binoculars are the perfect travel binoculars to help you take a closer look at the natural world around you.
Nite Ize Gear Line Organization System
Hang clothes, towels, or gear at the campsite with the Nite Ize Gear Line. It comes with sturdy S-Biner double-gated carabiner clips in alternating sizes that attach on to a sturdy loop with reusable twist ties on each end. Say goodbye to camp clutter!
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
For camping, road trips, or long flights, the Sea to Summit Aeros is our favorite travel pillow. Soft, supportive, and cozy when inflated, it compacts down into a tiny stuff sack when stowed for travel. I used this pillow while hiking the John Muir Trail and 10 out of 10 it was definitely worth the weight.
Cotopaxi Fuego Jacket
Around town or around the campfire, the lightweight Cotopaxi Fuego down jacket is perfect for any cool weather occasion. Made with water-resistant 800-fill-power goose down and durable ripstop fabric, this jacket comes in a variety of fun and vibrant colorways.
Seattle Chocolate Classic Chocolate Bar
A perfect holiday gift or camping treat, these Classic Chocolate Bars from Seattle Chocolate come in tasty seasonal and Pacific Northwest–inspired flavors – including Camper’s S’mores.
REI Siesta Double Sleeping Bag
Give yourself the gift of camping cuddles! The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 double sleeping bag has plenty of room to stretch, turn, or sprawl out in. Rated down to 20 F degrees, making it a great option for cooler weather camping.
National Parks Annual Pass
Products can be nice, but meaningful experiences will last a lifetime. Give the gift of an entire year of adventure that she’ll remember for years to come with the America the Beautiful (National Parks) Pass. Just one pass gets you into every National Park and monument, as well as National Forests, Grasslands, and plenty of other recreation sites across the country.
REI Gift Card
Still unsure what to get? You can’t go wrong with a gift card from REI. As the nation’s largest outdoor retailer with over 100 physical locations and an extensive online store, chances are if it’s a camping-related product, REI has it. They also have an incredible return/exchange policy, which makes them our number one pick for a gift card.