Do you have an avid camper in your life but don’t know what to get them this holiday season? Well it’s your lucky day because we’ve hand picked every item in this thoughtful list of camping gifts.
In this guide we share items we always use at our campsite including products we’ve also just added to our wishlist. It features gift ideas for both men and women so consider this your one stop shop for all things outdoorsy.
Our Experience
Since staring this blog in 2018, we’ve camped in numerous places around the world. We love camping because it’s a great way to connect with nature and it’s usually cheaper compared to staying in a hotel. We’ve also driven around the US twice in our SUV and we often car camped in remote areas. Read more about us.
That being said, we’ve learned a thing or two about what you should bring. Our camping gift list includes included items we always bring as well as a few luxurious extras to help make any campsite feel like a home away from home. Several of these products can also double as a gift option for those who love to hike and we highly recommend you read through all of it before making a purchase.
We’ve included links to Amazon storefronts, REI and official websites so all you have to do is click to purchase. And without further ado, let’s find a thoughtful present for camping lovers:
1. US State Candle
We love gifting these US state candles because they offer nostalgic scents of various places. It’s a fun way to relive amazing memories shared with loved ones. This Utah candle smells like sagebrush, bergamot and juniper, but you can shop all 50 states below.
>> BUY: Amazon
2. Hand Towels
If you’re camper is big into decor, we highly recommend this set of adorable dish towels. They’re ultra-absorbent with two unique designs for a pop of color and reviewers often praise how cute they look in an RV kitchen or campsite. These babies are on our wishlist for our next trip!
>> BUY: Amazon
3. Tableware Set
Do you know if the camper in your life makes a lot of meals over the campfire? Look no further than this enamel dinnerware set because it includes everything they’ll need for meal time. This 24-piece set is available in various colors with 4 plates, bowls, mugs, knives, spoons and forks. We recommend enamel because it’s a durable material that should last trip after trip.
>> BUY: Amazon
4. Collapsible Cutting Board
Campers are tight on space which means multifunctional items work the best. We purchased this collapsible cutting board after our first trip because it can be used to store food, chop vegetables, strain pasta and even wash dishes. It also comes with 2 different knives so you can easily chop what you need as well. This is a wonderful camping gift for those who love to cook outdoors.
>> BUY: Amazon
5. Camping Pillow
This camping pillow is one of Therm-a-Rest’s best-selling products. Not only is this pillow great for camping, but it’s also popular with international travelers. We used it when we camped abroad and it also came in handy on many of our plane rides. It’s made from recycled polyester and compressible so it can easily be stored in a backpack when not in use. Shop the official website for more color options.
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Therm-a-Rest
6. Camp Cocktails
Camping should never mean forgoing tasty cocktails. We received this book as a gift and instantly loved it because it’s divided into styles of camping. With each new chapter, a more complex setup and recipe follows for a challenge. This is a great camping gift because it explains how to make syrups, liquors and bitters with ingredients only found in the wilderness.
>> BUY: Amazon
7. S’mores Sticks
Prior to our first camping trip, Mark had never tasted a s’more over a campfire and it’s since become a staple in our outdoor adventures. These stainless steel sticks are not only good for roasting marshmallows, but they can be used for hot dogs too! Extending 32″, these pokers are even color coded so there will be no confusion when everyone goes up for seconds.
8. Nalgene Water Bottle
This wide mouthed water bottle by Nalgene has been extremely popular for over 30 years. We love the 32-ounce design because it’s perfect for almost everything. Bottles made by Nalgene are leak proof, dishwasher safe and very easy to clean. So if you’re looking for a water bottle that’s virtually indestructible for the camping lover in your life, this is the one.
9. Darn Tough Socks
If there is only one product you seriously consider on this camping gift list, please let it be these Darn Tough socks. We have hiked hundreds of miles with our Darn Toughs (including Tour du Mont Blanc) and never got one blister. These socks are always our top recommendation for outdoor lovers. Be sure to check out all the fun designs!
>> BUY: Amazon | Darn Tough | REI
10. LED Lantern
A quality lantern is an essential tool for your camping lover and personally, we think you can never have too many. We love this 1,000 lumen LED lantern and even use it around the house when the power goes out. It’s extremely bright, but there are 4 different light modes so you can adjust it to your specific needs.
11. The Camping Life
We think The Camping Life is a great option for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s an inspiring book offering tips on how to pack a backpack, set up a tent in the snow, build a campfire and leave no trace. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to learn camping skills including how to make the most of their time in the wilderness.
>> BUY: Amazon
12. Citronella Candle
It’s never fun to get eaten alive by mosquitos when you’re sitting by the campfire. So we love burning these scented citronella candles by Coleman to help with the bug problem. The 6 oz candles burn for up to 25 hours or you can purchase a 10 oz candle in a camping mug that burns for 50 hours. These candles are available in pine, s’mores and campfire scent.
>> BUY: Amazon
13. Kelty Loveseat
One of our newest purchases after recently attending a tailgating weekend, this two person loveseat by Kelty is perfect for any campsite. Unlike regular camp chairs, this loveseat can fit two people and it’s perfect for getting cozy outdoors. We love the insulated beverage holders, dual arm rests, 400 lbs weight capacity and easy to clean polyester material. Just buy it!
14. Nomadix Towel
As avid travelers and hikers, we could not live without our quick drying microfiber towels. We own several by various brands, but we like the Nomadix towel because they offer very unique designs. Always highly rated, this towel is made with post-consumer recycled materials to create the MicroTerry fiber which has more than 4x the absorbance of cotton. Any camper would love to unwrap one of these beautiful towels this holiday season.
15. Adventure Meals
Adventure Meals by Mountain House are a great food alternative for both campers and backpackers. They are lightweight, portable and freeze-dried to lock in nutrients. All you have to do is add hot water, stir, wait 10 minutes and then you’ll have an instant meal. We like Mountain House because they have unique flavors available.
16. French Press
Currently on our wish list, this French Press by Stanley is always highly rated. Not only does it come in many beautiful color options, but it can keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours so your camper can make the most of each morning. It’s made from stainless steel and very easy to clean.
17. YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
One of the most popular brands currently on the market, YETI coolers are easily recognizable. We purchased a smaller model for our first US road trip and it kept our food cold for days in extremely hot temperatures. We now have the Tundra 45 cooler on our wishlist so we can store even more. The Tundra is available in many sizes and colors which you can shop below.
18. Bear Spray
No one ever wants a visit from a bear in the middle of the night, but sometimes nature has it’s own ideas. Campers should be actively aware of their surroundings when camping in bear country so while this might not be the most exciting camping gift, it’s one that can save their life. Counter Assault works as a bear deterrent which inflames the eyes and upper respiratory tract when sprayed so your camper has time to run away.
19. Sleeping Pad
We love these self-inflating foam sleeping pads from Therm-a-Rest for any type of camping. It offers 2 inches of thickness with a 6.0 R-value along with warmth and support right where you need it. We often use it for car camping, but this is a cheaper option if you’re on a tight budget.
>> BUY: Amazon | REI | Therm-a-Rest
20. Cast Iron Skillet
No campsite is complete without a cast iron skillet. We think this is a great camping gift idea because cast iron skillets are suitable for both stovetops and oven cooking in addition to whipping up a delicious meal outdoors. You can purchase skillets in various colors and sizes so we’re sure you’ll be able to find one for your specific needs.
21. Baseball Cap
Who doesn’t love a good baseball cap?! Kristen just put this adorable baseball cap on her wishlist for the year! She loves the adorable embroidered lettering because it’s perfect for lazy mornings at the campsite. It’s made from 100% cotton so it’s very durable yet lightweight. Shop all the color choices below!
>> BUY: Amazon
22. Camp Stove
Coleman is a very popular choice when it comes to camp stoves and we have to agree. This two burner camp stove is a game changer when it comes to the campsite because you can easily cook two things at once and the wind blocking panels help to control the flame. So give your camper the gift of being able to make their favorite meals anywhere they go.
23. Multi-Tool
Recognize Sasquatch?! We think this multi-tool is a fun camping gift for someone with a great sense of humor. It includes a carabiner, bottle opener, multiple screwdriver heads, 4 hex wrench positions and a cord cutter. But the best part is that it’s TSA compliant, made from stainless steel and available in numerous shapes so check them all out below.
>> BUY: Amazon
24. BearVault
If you’re camper is planning a trip in bear country, look no further than BearVault. These bear resistant food containers are approved by the NPS to help protect food from bears and other wildlife. We highly recommend using one so you can carry your food safely. It also helps to protect wildlife life from relying on humans for food so we think these containers are always a win win.
25. National Park Pass
Have a camper that loves the US National Parks? Then give them the gift of free park entry for an entire year! At only $80, this pass will give your camper access to the famous national parks and various other recreational sites throughout the entire country. We always purchase one of these passes every year and it’s completely worth it if you plan to visit multiple parks.
>> BUY: USGS Store | REI
READ: How to make the most of an America the Beautiful Pass
26. Hammock
We love these lightweight and compact hammocks because you can take them pretty much anywhere. It’s made from parachute nylon and available in a rainbow of colors so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Shop ENO at REI or shop Wise Owl at Amazon for a cheaper version.
27. Water Cooler
Water is a necessity at any campsite and should always be something your camper thinks about before any trip. We love using this 2 gallon cooler for storing water when we camp. It has a convenient carrying handle, a wide mouth opening and Cool Riser Technology to help keep our water cool. For under $20, this is a no brainer camping present anyone will love.
>> BUY: Amazon
28. Portable Speaker
We always carry this small portable speaker by Anker because you never know when you’re going to need some music. It’s a compact size offering unbelievable sound with 24-hours of playtime. Try it and we promise you’ll instantly love it!
>> BUY: Amazon
29. Water Reservoir
If you’re planning a long hike, we always recommend carrying a water reservoir. This Hydrapak by Osprey is a great choice because it easily fits into a larger backpack and lays flat for efficiency. You can purchase in 1L, 2L and 3L size based on your individual needs.
30. Rumpl Blanket
Rumpl is a great brand to support because each original puffy blanket (pictured) is made from 60 plastic water bottles. We think this blanket is the perfect camping gift because it’s extremely durable so it can easily withstand the elements unlike regular blankets. It also comes in a convenient roll-top carry bag so your camper can take it anywhere their heart desires.
READ: The duffel bag made from 50 plastic bottles
31. Benchmade Knife
It’s always a good idea to have a knife on hand at a campsite because you never know what you’ll encounter. The blade itself is made from stainless steel and the handle is composed of carbon fiber. It’s an extremely lightweight knife with a blade measuring 3.4 inches long making it the perfect gift for anyone who loves the outdoors.
32. Lodge Scrapers
A small yet mighty idea, these two scrapers by Lodge are perfect for the camper who loves to cook. This set includes 1 pan scraper and 1 grill scraper with assorted angles made from easy to clean polycarbonate. They are dishwasher safe and can be easily be packed for a camping trip.
33. Campsuds
These concentrated Campsuds are one of the most used items on our camping gift lift. It’s a biodegradable cleaner requiring only a few drops that can be used by campers, backpackers and even travelers. We use these Campsuds because we can easily clean up our campsite without worrying about harmful chemicals and hurting the environment. This is a great way to leave no trace.
34. Picnic Table Cover
Another new item for our wishlist, we think this picnic table cover is a brilliant idea! It’s a 3 piece set including 1 table cover and 2 bench covers made from a high density fabric. So the next time you have a campsite with a table covered in bird poop or dirt, just throw this cover over the top to easily create a clean camp. The cover also comes with a drawstring bag for storage.
>> BUY: Amazon
35. Wood Smoker Chips
Last but not least, we think these wood smoker chips are a unique present for any camping lover. This is a great way to elevate any BBQ experience with smoking chips made from 100% natural hardwood. We’ve showcased the multi-pack including apple, hickory and mesquite scents, but you can purchase each scent individually as well.
>> BUY: Amazon
The Morgan Conclusion
If you’ve made it to the end of this camping list featuring thoughtful present ideas, congratulations because we’ve included many items. However, we’ve spent a lot of time and effort putting this guide together so we hope you found it useful.
But if you’re still having trouble picking a gift, here’s what we recommend:
- US state scented candle
- Collapsible cutting board
- Camp Cocktails
- Darn Tough Socks
- Kelty Loveseat
- Adventure meals
- Stanley french press
- Camp stove
- BearVault
Remember, gifts don’t always have to be expensive to mean a lot. It’s the thought that counts.
More Gift Guides
- Best gifts for those who love hiking
- Our tried and tested national park gift list
- Thoughtful presents for any outdoorsman
- Unique gifts for women who love the outdoors
- Gift ideas for beginner and pro photographers
- Popular gift ideas for frequent travelers
Want more gifts? Head to our Gift Guides to find something truly unique.
We hope our list featuring the best gift ideas for campers helps you find that special present this holiday season!
Please let us know if you have questions about any of these gifts in the comments below. If you’re having trouble deciding what to get the camper in your life, send them a link to this webpage and let them pick for themselves!
Happy Shopping,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us.