If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering what you can give to someone who loves camping. There’s so much camping gear out there and so many gadgets on the market, it’s hard to know what would truly be useful.
Let us suggest some of what we believe are the best gifts for campers. We’ve asked 12 of our camping friends which of their camping gear they think is the most useful and practical.
We’ve made our top list based on what we all think would be the best camping gifts anyone could give an avid camper.
We’ve come up with a list of the most memorable and practical camping gifts which will really serve a purpose and will not end up collecting dust in the garage.
Whether the camping gift is for a seasoned camper, a backpacker, or overlander, traveling by car, in an RV, by foot, or on a bike, we have you covered.
These are some of the coolest (and yes, useful!) camping gifts that every camper will love! Oh and we’ve also included some camping gifts for little campers too!
Practical Camping Gifts
Stainless Steel Multitool
If you’re looking for a special camping gift for someone who likes camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, or hunting, this Multi-Functional Utility Hatchet Tool is a perfect choice.
This super convenient and lightweight multi-tool integrates several tools you might need while camping such as a bottle opener, ax, saw, file, hammer, knife, pliers, screwdriver, wrenches, and more…
Campfire Roasting Sticks
When you camp you gotta have a campfire and what comes with a campfire? S’mores and hot dogs of course! Roasting sticks are awesome for cooking those. They come in a carry bag to help you keep them stored neatly and ready to use wherever you are. They’re adjustable and are also safe for kids to use.
Collapsible Tub
When we’re camping, we all need to wash dishes at some point. When you’re car camping you may not have the room to bring a tub to wash dishes. Most campgrounds have sinks in camp kitchens but what if they’re all being used when you want to wash your dishes? What if you’re in the woods with no access to a sink?
That’s when a collapsible tub comes in handy. Not only can you wash dishes in it but you can also wash clothes or even fill it up with ice to keep your drinks cold. It takes literally no room and is a great item to have whether you’re car camping or traveling in an RV.
Camping Lantern
Having a flashlight and/or lantern is an absolute necessity when you go camping. You can never have too many! If one goes flat you can rely on the other ones. This is a super-duper gift for campers and any outdoor lovers.
LED Headlamp Flashlight
Like we mentioned above, you absolutely need some kind of lighting when you go camping. A flashlight is great but if you need both of your hands to do something, a headlamp is pretty handy.
Camp Kitchen Utensil Organizer Set
Neatly organizes and hold your utensils in one convenient place. A utensil organizer travel set can be used not only for camping but is also perfect for picnics, concerts, sporting events, hiking, and boating.
Cook and Brew Set
Who says you can’t have a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the woods? This multi-functional set brews coffee, boils, and cooks. Whether it’s making a fresh cup of coffee in the morning or heating up some soup for lunch, this cook and brew set is a great gift for any adventurer.
Stainless Insulated Mug with Lid
Now, you need a mug to enjoy that freshly brewed coffee! We like this YETI Rambler because of the full-loop Triple Grip Handle which is comfortable even when you have your mitts on. Plus, not only does it keep your drinks hot, it keeps drinks cold too.
Solar Camp Shower
This is one of the best things to have when camping off-grid. All you need to do is fill up the shower bag with clean water, leave it in the sun during the day and hang the bag from the nearest tree to enjoy a nice warm shower.
Travel Clothesline
If you’re going camping for an extended period you will want to wash your clothes at some point. A travel clothesline is a godsend when it’s time to dry your clothes or wet towels. This one comes with steel hooks at both ends that can be attached anywhere like an RV, boat, and even between trees.
Unbreakable Wine Tumblers
Bringing wine glasses on a camping trip is usually not ideal because unless you have enough space to safely store your glasses, they are just not to most convenient items to bring. They can easily get tipped over and broken. Unless… You have unbreakable ones with a lid and a straw! No matter how many you’ve had, you know you will never spill a drop!
Solar Panel Kit
A solar panel kit is a great thing to have whenever there’s off-grid camping involved. Great to keep batteries, electronics, and camping fridge running.
Portable folding shovel
You never know when you might need to dig when you’re out in the woods or on the beach. This folding multi-tool shovel is perfect for camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, self-defense, and gardening.
Pop up Privacy/Shower Tent
These are great to get changed, to set up a portable shower or camping toilet.
Reusable Storage Bags
These clear storage bags are super convenient for storing food and other items and make finding things easy. They’re reusable, Eco-friendly, and versatile. You can store fresh food, snacks, and marinate food. They’re also good to store personal items and a first aid kit.
Portable Camping Stove
No need to build a campfire every time you feel like having a hot meal. With a portable stove, you can cook anytime and anywhere you like.
Folding Campfire Grill
This is the perfect gift for every camper who simply loves building campfires and thinks that everything is just better cooked over a campfire.
Brand New Tent
Yes I know, most camping enthusiasts already have a tent, but what if they need to update their tent because they used it so much. What if they need to upgrade to accommodate a growing family? We personally like the Coleman Sundome because it’s a good quality waterproof tent and is super quick to set up.
Popup Laundry Hamper
Popup hampers are super convenient because they weigh nothing and literally take no room when packed away. You can use them for laundry, towels and even toys.
Cooler light
A cooler light always comes in handy when you decide to stay up after the sun goes down. There’s nothing worse than having to hold a flashlight between your teeth and freezing your hand to the bone when you’re trying to find that last beer!
Portable Wireless Speaker
The sound of nature is nice but sometimes it’s also nice to listen to your favorite songs when you’re hanging out by the fire. For this, you need a good portable Bluetooth speaker which is shockproof and waterproof as well.
Travel Bar Bag
This travel bar bag is a great gift for anyone who likes to make cocktails. This bag comes with all the tools you need to show off your cocktail-making skills, no matter how deep you are in the woods.
Inflatable Lounger
An inflatable lounger is an awesome gift for anyone who loves to spend time and chill in the great outdoors. It’s compact, lightweight and you can hang out in total comfort, wherever you are!
Inflatable Kayak
Lightweight and compact, inflatable lightweight kayaks are easy to assemble and allow you to take the fun of kayaking wherever you go. They’re great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers.
Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Another great gift for the adventurer! It comes with a carry bag so you can take the paddleboard with you wherever you go. It inflates or deflates quickly and is ideal for the lake, river, or ocean.
Gifts For Campers, Hikers & Backpackers
Water Filter System
This water filter system is great for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or traveling abroad. The Sawyer Water Filtration System with Hydration Kit ensures you have access to clean water in the backcountry or anywhere in the world!
Camp Cook Set
This is perfect when you have limited space and extremely good value for a recreational outdoors person. This Stanley camp cook set lets you cook on camp stoves or grills to enjoy delicious, hot food/tea/coffee straight from the campfire.
Microfiber Quick Dry Towel
These soft microfiber towels are great to use on the whole body. They are 3x more absorbent than standard cotton towels and dry 3x faster! A must-have for campers, hikers, and backpackers on the go!
Inflatable Camping Pillow
This camping pillow is said to be the most compact and lightweight inflatable camping pillow on the market! It’s pretty small indeed. It folds down to 5×2 inches which is smaller than a soda can! It makes a comfortable pillow for your head or as lumbar support.
Camping Hammock
Whether it’s for a weekend hike, a backpacking trip, or a family campout, a camping hammock is a great item to add to the camping gear list. We love the Owl Outfitter Hammock because it’s ultralight and packs small (about the size of an eggplant) and it comes with 5 separate loops so you can adjust the hammock to the perfect height. You can easily attach the straps to trees or anything sturdy in seconds.
Camping Sleeping Pad
This sleeping pad is ultra-lightweight and packs down to the size of a small water bottle. It is perfect for a backpacking trip.
Camping Mess Kit
This compact camping mess kit includes everything you need to cook a feast such as a nonstick pot, nonstick pan, pan cover, soup spoon, wooden spoon, cleaning sponge, nylon travel bag, 2 BPA Free Bowls, and a Folding Stainless Steel Spork and more. It’s easy to use and easy to clean. Great for backpacking, camping, and hiking picnics!
Cooler Backpack
With a cooler backpack with high-density insulation material and leak-proof liner inside you know your food and drinks will stay cool all day. Great for hot summer days.
Backpacking tent
These are great because they pack down small and include a carrying sack so you can carry them easily on backpacking or camping trips.
Portable Camping Chair
This portable camping chair is perfect for backpackers and car campers. Great for camping, hiking, tailgating, picnics, BBQ’s and the beach.
Portable Camping Table
After a long hard day of hiking, you need a place to drop your gear, cook a meal and enjoy a hot or cold beverage. These portable camping tables are perfect for that. They’re lightweight and also really sturdy. You can put your food, drinks, portable speakers, and other items on it all at the same time.
Hydration Pack
Lightweight and comfortable, this hydration pack is a terrific companion for all your day-long or overnight hydration needs. This backpack is adjustable to fit all frames comfortably and is suitable for men, women, and children.
Fire Starter Kit
This fire starter kit makes lighting a fire a breeze. It’s a great tool for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, travel, climbing, backpacking, etc. It’s easy to carry and is also waterproof. It can be used in most weather even low temperatures.
Emergency Survival Kit
Great for campers who love to be well-prepared in advance for emergencies during their outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, disasters, and accidents.
Emergency Survival Shelter
When you spend a considerable amount of time in the wild you will encounter some bad weather such as rain and high winds. You could even get lost. An emergency shelter is a good thing to carry in your backpack in case any of the above happens and you’re too far to safely get back to your campsite.
This thermal shelter is super handy as it can also be used as a ground cloth, backpack cover, rain poncho, sleeping bag liner, distress signal, windscreen, shade sail, rainwater collector, bear bag, trail marker, bandage, and many more…
Wood Burning camp stove
With this little camp stove, you don’t need to carry heavy and expensive canister fuels. You can use twigs, leaves, pine cones, and wood as fuel! Its compact design makes it easy to carry in a backpack.
Best Camping Gifts for RV Campers
RV GPS
A GPS is one of the most important devices you can have on a recreational vehicle. Apart from giving you the correct direction, it also gives you real-time traffic updates. It also sends you weather information of where you are or are heading. These functions make it a great device and we consider this to be one of the best gifts for RV campers.
Camping Dish Set
These are a great addition to anyone who loves to camp, has an RV, or camper. This colorful set has dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls all tucked into a reusable box with a handle.
Pop Up Utility Container
This is so convenient with a zippered lid and padded handles. It stores at just 2.5″ tall and expands to 24″ tall x 18″ diameter. Perfect for camping, picnics, toy storage, and more!
Camper Salt and Pepper Shakers
These RV salt and pepper shakers look super cute on the table or as a decorative piece on a shelf.
Camper Dish Towels
These dish towels will add color and joy to any RV or camp kitchen.
Oven Mitt and Pot Holder Set
With these, you can show your love for camping in the outdoors and at home. The mitt and pot holder are perfect for handling hot food from the oven, microwave, or campfire.
Reversible Camping Mat
This large mat keeps the dust and the sand away. You can use it for your RV but also for any outdoor event like a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, an outdoor concert, or a barbecue on your patio.
Welcome Door Mat
Wipe your feet clean before getting into your RV, your home, or campsite. This mat traps moisture, mud, and other debris. It has such a nice design and is also weather and mildew-resistant.
Mixing Bowl Set
This mixing bowl set is so handy. It’s lightweight, durable and it nicely stacks together. This super functional 13 piece kitchen toolset is a great space saver in the cupboard of an RV or the car.
Camping Journal & RV Travel Logbook
This is a fantastic way to keep track of the places you stay at. You can add all the details so you can remember what you liked, directions, the cost, and your favorite memories.
Utensil Caddy
These holders are not only great for utensils but also for condiments. They keep things neat and save time on cleanup.
Camping Gifts For Overlanders & Off-Roaders
Tire Deflator Kit
This is a must-have to keep accurate tire pressure for good fuel economy, prolonged tire life, and maximum traction while you’re venturing off-road.
Light Bar Kit
Don’t let the dark to stop you from exploring. This kit is great for Jeeps, 4×4, cars, ATVs, UTV, SUVs, trucks, and trailers. Includes the LED light bar, wiring harness, and mounting brackets.
Winch
Never risk getting stuck or help out fellow off-roaders. This is a great winch that looks and works awesome. So simple to set up, anyone can do it.
Recovery Tow Straps
Need to pull a friend out of a ditch? Or do you need to move a tree out of the way? These heavy-duty tow straps can handle any job. They’re ideal for towing Jeeps, 4x4s, pickup trucks, SUVs, Boats, Trailers, ATVs,s or Snowmobiles.
Recovery Traction Mats
These will get your vehicle out of any situation. Ideal for off-road use, these mats will give you the maximum traction and prevent your vehicle tires from spinning on sand, snow, ice, or mud.
Long Range Two-Way Radio
These provide an easy-to-use and reliable solution to long-range communication for any outdoor enthusiast.
12 Volt Air Compressor
An air compressor is a necessity in our eyes because when you like to venture off-road, chances are you will need to air down your tires to make the ride smoother. But once you get back on the road you will need to pump those tires back up as soon as possible. What if there are no gas stations for miles? That’s when 12-volt air compressors come in handy.
Little Campers – Best Camping Gifts For Kids
Head Flashlight Headlamp
Some of the best camping gifts for kids are not only fun but also practical like these headlamps. Kids can improve their visibility instantly with this hands-free headlamp. No more struggle to hold a flashlight when they need both hands to play or perform any tasks.
Camping Play Set With Tent
Get the little ones ready for camping with this playset. This camping set provides a good way for little kids to learn about outdoor survival tools and food preparation.
Kids Walkie Talkies
These kids Walkie Talkies provide an impressive range, which enables long-distance play and opens a world of possibilities within your child’s outdoor adventures!
Kids Outdoor Explorer Kit
This is the perfect gift for little explorers! It supports STEM learning and encourages kids to explore nature. This kit includes everything for kids to explore nature: 5x power magnification Binoculars, Compass, Flashlight, Butterfly Net, Magnifying Glass, Tweezers and Bug Catcher, whistle, trap, headlamp, fake spider, reflective stickers, and a waterproof Backpack.
Glow-in-The-Dark Outdoor Game
Kids, teens & adults will enjoy this awesome glow-in-the-dark game that develops teamwork, social skills, strategy, and hours of fun!
Kids Hammock
Your kids will sleep like babies in this hammock. Hang it on trees, poles, or anything else sturdy. It’s durable and super comfy!
Kids Camping Chair
This kids’ outdoor chair is adorable, portable as well as easy to open, and close. It includes a handy cup holder and stores easily in the matching carry bag.
Kids Binoculars
This is a great educational and exploration toy which brings kids close to nature. Perfect for bird watching, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and more.
Portable Toddler Bed
A portable bed that requires no setup? Yes, please! With its simple fold and go system this portable toddler bed is quick and easy to use while you’re on the go or for sleepovers.
Sleeping Bag
These are suitable for kids and adults too! These sleeping bags pack down into an ultra-compact bag in seconds. There’s no need to fold or roll it, you can just stuff it into your carrying bag.
Final Thoughts
We hope that our list has helped you choose the most memorable and useful gift for the camper in your life.
Which product(s) do you find the most useful for camping?
Let us know in the comments below if you feel we should add something to this list. We’re always keen to discover new gear that makes camping even more exciting!
This is a great list thank you! The cooler light and the wine tumblers with the lid are such good inventions. No more flies in my wine! lol
Haha I know right! And no more spillage if the kids knock them over, they are the best! Glad you liked our list 😉
What about an air compressor? That’s pretty handy when going off-road…
Of course Ron! We’ll add it to the list for sure. Thanks!