45 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 the year.
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!
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
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.
L.L.Bean Flannel Camp Blanket
A cozy classic that’s built for camp life. This flannel blanket from L.L.Bean is soft, durable, and perfect for curling up by the fire on cool nights. It’s a great idea to have a dedicated camping blanket, one you don’t mind picking up a semi-permanent campfire aroma.
Blackstone 20″ Camp Griddle
We already own the 22″ version from Blackstone, but this new 20″ camp-specific model is a smart upgrade for lighter, easier transport. It still delivers dual-burner power and a generous surface, yet packs down with a latching hood + carry handle so it fits better in the gear bin. If you know someone who loves cooking big breakfasts or meals at camp, this griddle makes that dream totally doable without stationing a full kitchen at home.
Sea to Summit Detour Collapsible Pot
It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. This stainless-bottom, collapsible pot heats evenly, packs flat, and is a huge upgrade from other silicone designs. We use ours constantly in the van—it’s sturdy, well-made, and smartly designed for campers who care about both performance and space.
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.
Solo Stove Bonfire
Enjoy a clean burning campfire right in your own backyard, but without all the smoke! The Solo Stove Bonfire is an award-winning portable wood fire pit, whose unique design allows for easy-to-light fires that are virtually smoke-free. Our friends bought one, our parents bought one, and we liked it so much we bought one too.
Battery String Lights
Nothing transforms a campsite like a strand of warm string lights. These battery-powered ones are the same model we use—they’re easy to hang between trees, over the picnic table, or inside the tent for a cozy post-sunset glow. They’re lightweight, affordable, and deliver a ton of ambiance for the effort.
Pendleton Camp Throw
Classic, cozy, and unmistakably Pendleton. These wool camp throws are warm, beautifully patterned, and made to last for generations. It’s the ultimate fireside companion and a gift that instantly elevates any campsite (or cabin).
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 Puffy Blanket
Perfect for snuggling under in front of the campfire, or as an extra layer over a sleeping bag, Rumpl’s 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!
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 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.
Camp Craft Cocktail Kit
All the ingredients for a campground happy hour, packed in one beautiful jar. Just add your favorite spirit and let it infuse for a ready-to-pour craft cocktail at camp or at home. It’s a creative gift for anyone who enjoys a good drink and a great view!!
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.
Kelty Low 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.
REI Co-Op Trailgate Gear Cubes
Keep your clothes and gear organized with these Trailgate Gear 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!
Grill Armor Heat Protection Gloves
Using heat-protective gloves has saved our hands a number of times, so we know these Grill Armor 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.
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 9, meaning they will keep you warm and protected from the cold ground in any season.
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!
Coghlan’s Camp Stove Toaster
Toast at camp? Absolutely. This fold-flat toaster fits right on top of a camp stove and makes perfectly golden slices to go with your morning eggs & bacon. It’s one of those inexpensive but surprisingly delightful little luxuries that makes camping breakfast feel like home.
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!
L.L. Bean Men’s Chamois Shirt
A shirt, that’s almost like a light jacket, the L.L.Bean Chamois Shirt is a longtime favorite for cool-weather camping. It’s thick, soft, and available in an inclusive range of sizes (the tall options are a game changer). Perfect for layering after sunset or wearing as a cozy outer layer in shoulder season.
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.
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.
Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
A campsite classic that never goes out of style. These waterproof playing cards can handle spilled drinks, rain, or sticky s’mores fingers, making them perfect for the outdoors. Keep a dedicated deck packed with your camping gear so you’re always ready for a round of cards under the stars.
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.
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.
GSI 6-Cup Percolator
A stovetop 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!
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).
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.
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.
High Camp Flask
High Camp Flasks keep cocktails at the perfect temperature, ready to drink whenever you are. Whether sipping cocktails around the campfire or enjoying them at the end of a hike, this is a great gift for campers who are sure to love the vacuum-insulated and leak-proof premium container that comes equipped with integrated tumblers.
L.L. Bean Women’s Quilted Quarter-Zip Pullover
The perfect layer for those cool camp mornings or post-sunset evenings. L.L. Bean’s Quilted Pullover is cozy, cute, and comes in a wide range of sizes—including petite, tall, and plus. We love that it’s functional enough for the outdoors but soft enough to live in all weekend.
Eddie Bauer Stretch Down Vest
A stylish and functional layer that keeps your core warm without the bulk. Perfect for winter errands or chilly mornings at camp, this vest is an easy gift for anyone who’s perpetually cold but still wants to move freely. We’re big believers in the power of a good vest—warmth, mobility, and a classic outdoor look all in one.
Leatherman Free P2 Multitool
There’s no end to the uses for a good multi-tool, and the Leatherman Free P2 is one of the best. Whether you’re fixing a tent pole, tightening a loose screw, or opening a stubborn package, it’s always up for the task. Built to last a lifetime, it’s one of those pieces of gear you’ll always be glad to have—ours lives permanently in the glove box.
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.
Outside Inside Basecamp Chess/Checkers
For campers who love a good game, this weatherproof chess and checkers set is a smart upgrade. Durable and compact, it’s built to handle dirt, rain, and less-than-gentle handling. A great gift for anyone who likes to unplug and settle into a slow-paced game by the fire.
Patagonia Nano Puff
Around town or around the campfire, the lightweight Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie is perfect for any cool weather occasion. This has been one of our go-to camping jackets for years. Its quilted design features Primaloft synthetic insulation for warmth without any added bulk.
Lightweight Bocce Ball Set
Bocce is one of those perfect camp games—easy to learn, fun for all ages, and playable on just about any surface. This lightweight composite set makes it easy to pack along and set up wherever you’ve pitched your tent. It’s a great way to fill lazy afternoons at camp with a little friendly competition.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
You can never have enough headlamps. That’s what makes the Black Diamond Astro 300 such a great camping gift idea. It’s super versatile, hands-free, directional lighting for any occasion. Toss it in your glove box, day pack, or camping box.
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.
Welly First Aid Kit
Everyone can use an updated first aid kit—especially one dedicated to camping or keeping in the car. We love Welly’s kits for their sturdy, crush-proof tins that keep everything neatly contained, instead of jumbled together into a soft bag. Stocked with essentials like Band-Aids, ibuprofen, and hydrocortisone cream, this kit is practical peace of mind packed in a bright little box.
Stanley Quencher
This one barely needs an introduction—it’s the tumbler that launched a thousand trends. Insulated, durable, and cup-holder friendly (finally), it’s perfect for road trips, camping, or just staying hydrated all day. Megan’s been using hers nonstop for two years—it’s that good.
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 generous return/exchange policy, which makes them our number one pick for a gift card.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Check out these outdoor gifts under $50, gifts for outdoorsy women, gifts for national park lovers, or gifts for grillers and outdoor cooks!
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