Whether the camper you know enjoys roughing it in the wild or “glamping” in an R.V., we have some gift ideas that are sure to be appreciated by your friend or loved one. Here are our favorite gifts for the camper you know and love!
Best Gifts for Campers
YETI Cooler Backpack
The YETI Cooler Backpack is a great alternative to lugging a cooler behind you on the trail. This compact and portable cooler can fit up to 20 cans with ice. The Yeti backpack is waterproof and puncture-resistant making it a perfect outdoor companion. This can make a great gift for a friend who enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
Camping Hair Don’t Care Cap
This Camping Hair Don’t Care Cap is a gift that is both practical and lighthearted. It has a vintage stone-washed look and reads: “Camping hair, don’t care.” This can be a humorous gift for someone who loves to camp and doesn’t mind letting their hair down a bit when they are outdoors. It also serves as protection from the sun. A camper can enjoy advertising their love for camping with this cap!
LuminAID Lantern and Phone Charger
Not only does this LuminAID Camping Lantern give you the light you need to hike or set up your camp in the dark, but it is also capable of charging up your phone while you work. It is waterproof and shatterproof, which makes it a great companion while out of doors. To charge it up, you can use solar power, or for fast charging, you can plug it into a USB. Once it is fully charged, it can provide you with up to 50 hours of light. This camping lantern can pack down to 1-inch thickness when you are ready to pack up and take your campsite elsewhere. This 2-in-1 camping lantern will help your friend stay safe and connected while out in the wild.
Camping French Press
If you can’t leave your french press coffee behind, you can take it with you with this Camping French Press. This french press is made out of stainless steel and can be used directly on an open flame. It also comes with a hook to hang over the pot over the fire if the fire is too hot. This durable french press can give you a great-tasting cup of coffee even when you are at camp!
Wise Owl Camping Hammock
This Wise Owl Hammock is made of lightweight parachute nylon material and packs down to the size of an eggplant so it can easily tag along on a camping trip. Although it only weighs 1.5 pounds, it is strong enough to hold up to 500 pounds of weight. It takes the average person only a minute to set up, which allows a camper to take a quick, relaxing break while on a trail. This gift is sure to be a hit for the camper in your life!
Wicker Picnic Basket
The Insulated Picnic Basket has the charm of a vintage wicker picnic basket but the design is modernized to be more practical for campers and picnic-goers. Unlike the retro picnic baskets, this edition includes an insulated lining, which allows you to keep food at proper temperatures. This 16 piece set includes complete serving ware for 2, an integrated bottle opener, and the lid zips closed to keep all your goodies safely inside. For a romantic getaway, this basket can provide a charming touch while still being practical.
Where You Park It Doormat
This Where You Park It Doormat is a perfect gift for a friend who enjoys packing up a camper to go explore nature. It is made out of natural fibers with the welcoming quote. “Home is where you park it.” Since it is weather-resistant, you can choose to put it outside your door or use it inside. Even if your shoes get dirty on your camping excursions, this cheerful doormat will make sure that only clean feet enter your camper.
Retro Van Life T-shirt
The Van Life T-Shirt is a fun way to show off your love of camping to others. The design is printed in bright colors on 100% cotton material. This natural material ensures that the shirt is soft, breathable, and lightweight for utmost comfort when you are camping outdoors. This t-shirt can be a fun gift for the camper who loves exploring new campsites in a camper van.
Happy Camper Mug Set
This Happy Camper Mug Set includes one black and one pink camping mug. These mugs are considered “unbreakable” as they are made out of stainless steel. The double-walled design keeps your coffee hot or your iced tea cold for hours. The inside of the mugs are lined with a copper coating and each comes with a lid to prevent spills.
Joy In The Journey Keychain
The Joy In The Journey Keychain can make a great gift for the graduate or a friend’s retirement. This keyring has 3 pewter charms, a year charm, a camping van charm, and a quote that reads, “find joy in the Journey.” The keyring is packaged nicely in its own velvet pouch. If you are looking for a low-key, inspirational gift, this keyring could fit the bill!
Fast Drying Gym Towels
These Fast Drying Gym Towels are perfect for outdoor traveling and packing. This set comes with a hand towel and an extra-large towel. Each can hold up to 5 times its weight in water. After drying off, you can use a corner snap loop to hang them up to dry. When you are ready to hit the road, you can fit both towels into a carry bag. Since this set only weighs in at about 10 oz, they are easy to pack and carry on a hiking trip. This is a useful gift that has a good value at a budget price range!
Nalgene Water Bottle
The Nalgene Water Bottle can hold up to 32 oz. to help campers stay hydrated. The wide-mouth neck of this bottle allows you to add ice to keep your drink as cool as possible while on the go. When you screw the lid on, your bottle becomes leaf-proof. This water bottle is made of BPA-free Tritan, which is dishwasher safe and just about indestructible! You can use your Nalgene bottle to take hot or cold drinks with you on the go.
LED Camping Light Bulbs
These Camping Light Bulbs can be perfect for lighting up dark nights and keeping you and your campsite safe from wild animals. These bulbs have the capability of high, low, and strobe lighting to suit a camper’s needs. Each light is powered by 3 AAA batteries that will need to be bought separately. The bulbs are connected to D-clips so you can hang them up from the inside of your tent or carry them with you to light your path. These lights can be a practical gift that can ensure a friend’s safety and well-being while camping.
Camping Lantern Lights
The Camping Lantern comes with batteries pre-installed and is ready to go! It collapses to turn off and then pulls open to turn on. The 30 individual LED light bulbs in the light are energy-saving and will last for 30 hours. The lamp itself is made out of ABS military-grade plastic for durability. Inside the top of the lantern, is a small storage space for your keys, small change, extra batteries, or other small items. This set comes in a 2-pack and is a practical gift for a camper!
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
The LifeStraw is a great tool for the avid camper. Hydration is key for the body to function. When you are spending active time out of doors, water is even more crucial! While the human body has been known to last a week or even 2 without food, 3 days is about the limit for water. The Lifestraw is able to filter out bacteria and parasites to create drinkable water if you are caught without water on the trail. The Lifestraw is able to filter up to 4,000 liters of water, which is enough water for one person for up to 5 years. This company also has a give-back program, providing a year of clean water to a child in need with each purchase.
Two Person 20 Degree Sleeping Bag
This Two Person Sleeping Bag is a perfect gift for a couple! It is larger than a queen-sized bed and has a removable zip-top cover. Inside are 2 blankets so you don’t have to worry about a cover-stealing spouse stealing your blanket! The oversized hood will fit 2 pillows and there are 2 individual zip, foot vents for cooling off. This blanket is compressible, quick-drying, and super soft! It can be a thoughtful gift for beginning or experienced campers.
Bee’s Reusable Sandwich & Wrap Set
For a natural and reusable alternative to plastic food wrap you can try these Bee’s Reusable Food Wraps. These wraps are made from beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. Use the warmth from your hands to soften the wax and create a seal around the edge of a bowl or to wrap food. As the wrap cools it seals your food naturally. These wraps can be hand washed using cool water and mild soap to reuse again and again!
Orsen Inflatable Lounger Sofa
The Inflatable Lounger Sofa provides a great way to lounge in style on a camping trip. This air sofa can hold up to 500 pounds of weight. To fill it up with air, you can catch and trap air and then roll and buckle the ends for a firm lounging area. It should stay inflated for at least 5 hours before needing to be refilled with air. The rip-stop outer covering provides durability in the outdoor world. It includes large pockets for phones, an iPad, or reading material, and a strap to hold a cold one. This lounger sofa is perfect for a person and one or two friends to relax out of doors and enjoy the view.
50 States 5000 Ideas
The book 50 States 5000 Ideas put out by National Geographic can provide some new inspiration for campsites and fun things to do or sights to see in the U.S.! This could make a fun graduation gift for a graduate with wanderlust. Some places included in this book are national parks, beaches, hotels, Civil War battlefields, dude ranches, and more! You can add some more dots to your travel destination map with the help of this guide.
Deluxe Pop-Up Trash Can
When you head out to camp you want to leave only footprints and memories behind! This Camp Trash Can helps you keep your campsite clean. It can be stored flat and will spring up when you need to put it to use. This can holds 30-gallon bags and offers a lid you can zip closed to keep bugs and animals at bay. It can come in handy when cleaning up your campsite.
Coleman Camping Tent
The Coleman Camping Tent is large enough for 6 people to sleep inside and will fit 2 queen-size airbeds. It is designed with pre-attached poles for a quick and easy set-up. In fact, this tent can be set up as quickly as 1 minute, which allows you more time to spend exploring the campground. This tent is made from Polyguard double-thick fabric for durability. If you are caught in the rain, this tent has inverted seams to stop leaks before they start. You also can put up the included rain-fly for added moisture protection. It comes with pockets to keep your belongings safe in your tent. This tent is easy to set up and use even for beginning campers.
Backpack Cooler Chair
This Backpack Cooler Chair is just about a one-stop shop for all your camping or hiking needs. This lightweight backpack is insulated to help keep food items cold. For this pack, it is best to use cold packs rather than ice. It includes an elastic pocket for a water bottle and a zipper pocket for keys, a phone, or other small items. You can also use this backpack for dry snacks, clothes, or camping gear. It can fold out into a stool to take a load off your feet while hiking. This nifty bag has a lot going for it and is a useful tool for a camper!
Primula Pour Over Filter
This Reusable Fine Mesh Filter is can be useful for making pour-over drinks such as coffee and tea. The fine mesh prevents grounds from escaping into your cup. This portable filter fits most mug sizes and is also dishwasher safe. It can be an ideal sidekick for getting your caffeine tank filled while on the trail.
Carabiner Handle Mugs
The Carabiner Mugs are perfect for roughing it outdoors. The handle of this mug is a carabiner, which clips easily to a belt loop or backpack. This unpretentious mug is double-walled for insulation and has a rolled lip for comfortable drinking. In this 4 pack set, each handle has a different color so you will easily know which drink is yours! The nifty clip handle is a sure way to keep your mug handy and securely attached so you don’t lose it on the trail.
Timbertote Mighty Tiny Torch
Many fire starters are full of chemicals, but this Mighty Tiny Torch is a natural fire starter that you can safely use to start a bonfire for cooking food and roasting marshmallows. If used on its own, it will last up to 1.5 hours and burn down, leaving a very small amount of ash. The handle allows you to carry the log easily to your campsite. This gift can be paired with the Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven.
Waterproof Picnic Blanket
This Pocket Picnic Blanket is waterproof, sand proof, and windproof and can make be a great camping asset! It is made out of breathable parachute ripstop polyester and dries quickly after becoming wet. It includes 6 stakes to hold it in place and comes with its own pocket-sized bag with a carabiner to clip it easily to a backpack. There is even a zipper pocket to keep your valuables! This blanket will fit 5-7 adults and can be a great area to set up a camp picnic or for small children to play.
Lodge Dutch Oven
The Lodge Dutch Oven can make a great all-purpose camp pot for cooking over a campfire. This cast iron is pre-seasoned so it is ready to make flavorful food. Its lid can be flipped to become a griddle for breakfast time. Lodge has been making cast iron products for over 100 years now and is a reliable brand for cooking needs. This gift is a “must-have” for many campers!
Collapsible Silicone Pet Bowl
![VavoPaw Collapsible Dog Bowl, [2 Pack] 1000ML Large Capacity Collapsable Silicone Pet Bowl for Dog/Cat Water Food Feeding, Portable Travel Pet Bowl for Traveling Camping, Lake Blue+Turquoise Green](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4181DryQevL._SL500_.jpg)
This Camping Dog Bowl is made of silicone and can collapse flat to be easy to pack. After they are flat, ou can even use them like Frisbees for playtime! Each bowl is equipped with a carabiner to clip and carry until your next stop. Lids are included to keep your dog’s water and food fresh for later. These bowls are not dishwasher safe, but they are a great portable option for camp. This set comes with a food bowl and a slightly larger water bowl to make it possible for Fido to join your camping trip.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
To add some atmosphere to your camping party, this Wireless Portable Speaker is ready to play your favorite tunes for up to 24 hours. This speaker is water-resistant and dust-proof making it a great choice for an outdoor speaker. Although it can withstand a light sprinkle if it gets caught in the rain, it is important to note that this speaker cannot be submerged in water. This wireless, Bluetooth speaker has a clear, high-quality sound that can make a party out of a campsite!
Therm-a-Rest Travel Pillow
This Compressible Travel Pillow can be folded down to at least 1/2 its size, which is a useful feature when you are packing for a campsite. It comes with a tote bag with drawstring and cord-lock which allows this pillow to remain compact until you are ready to take it out for use. The inside is made from an upcycled byproduct of Thermarest mattress production while the exterior is made of brushed polyester to feel soft and smooth against the skin. This pillow is sure to give the owner a good night’s rest after a busy day at camp!
Indoor/Outdoor Personalized Blanket
If are looking for a gift with a personal touch, this Personalized Blanket could make a great choice! This warm, fleece blanket is machine washable so you don’t have to worry about taking it with you into the outside world. The front is designed with 2 interlocking hearts and space for 2 names and a date. It reads “Forever and Always” underneath. If you wish to make changes to the text, you can send a message to the company after purchase. This can be a memorable gift for your favorite couple!
WolfWise Privacy Pop Up Tent
The WolfWise Privacy Tent allows you to shower, or change in privacy. This tent includes a removable rain cover and a mat to keep your feet from becoming dirty while trying to shower. The material is made of polyester that is UPF 50 to block 98% of harmful sun rays, it is water-resistant, and also has 2 windows that can be opened to let in air. This pop-up tent can also offer a refuge from the sun for small children to play while spending a sunny day outside. This gift could also be paired with the Solar Camping Shower Bag for a complete shower set!
Collapsible Multiuse Wash Bin
The Collapsible Multiuse Wash Bin makes it easy to wash dishes, or your clothes while at camp. You can also fill this bin with ice to set up an easy-access cooler for drinks or use it for extra storage for supplies. This container is made of safe silicone to easily fold down after use, while the handles are made of plastic for a secure grip when transporting the bin. This can be a useful gift that your friend can use to serve multiple camping needs!
Vinglacé Insulated Wine Glass
Many people enjoy the durability of insulated mugs but don’t want the flavor of a cup of coffee or wine tainted by metallic or plastic tastes. The Insulated Wine Glass gives you the durability of stainless steel with the outer shell, but the inside is made of glass for clean-tasting drinks. This glass is double-walled to keep drinks hot or cold, and the glass can be removed for dishwashing. The Vinglace wine glass can be a great gift choice for the purist, who enjoys drinking wine out of real glass and also spending time out of doors.
Solar Camping Shower Bag
The Solar Camping Shower Bag can let you stay clean and fresh even when you are roughing it out on the trail. Its 5-gallon capacity allows you to take a nice shower and its solar heating system can even give you hot water. This bag includes a temperature gauge for you to decide when the water is hot enough for you to enter. You can switch the showerhead on and off to save hot water for later. This shower bag also includes pockets to store soap and shampoo.
Grill Armor Oven Gloves
These Grill Gloves are resistant to extreme heat. They are certified to withstand up to 1,472℉. A silicone coating allows you to get a secure grip on utensils or pot handles. The gloves are lightweight and machine washable. They can come in handy when setting up a campfire, grilling outdoors, or tending a dutch oven. These gloves can be a great companion gift with the Lodge Dutch Oven.
Gobi Gear Hoboroll
The Gobi Gear Hoboroll is a great asset when wanting to make your camping necessities as compact as possible! This bag allows you to organize your belongings in 5 different compartments. It even includes a “secret” zipper compartment for valuables, cash, and I.D. cards. It comes with 2 anodized aluminum sliders for efficient compression and has reinforced edges to keep your bag from breaking at the seams. You can attach this compression bag to a backpack, or you can use its removable shoulder straps for easy carrying.
Silicone Reusable Snack Bag
The Silicone Reusable Storage Bag is perfect for conveniently packing snacks while on the go. The bags can be washed in the dishwasher after use and reused for your next trip! You can also microwave food in these packs, boil the bags in water up to 400 degrees, or use them for freezer storage. Each bag is BPA-free for clean eating. These reusable bags not only are easy on the budget but also save on waste that comes from disposable plastic bags. Especially when camping, the less waste you accumulate, the less waste you have to carry around until you find an area to dispose of it!
GSI Javamill Coffee Grinder
You may know a coffee drinker who cannot compromise on the quality of their coffee drink even when camping outdoors. This GSI Outdoors Javamill is a compact burr grinder, that allows you to hand grind your coffee when there is no electricity to be found. You can choose between coarse and fine grinds depending on what brew method you choose to use. The grinder is made out of durable co-polyester and weighs just a little over 9 oz. The handle is foldable to become even more compact to fit inside your camping backpack. This little guy is ready to keep you caffeinated with a freshly ground brew each morning you spend at your campsite!
How We Selected Gifts for Campers
When searching for the best camping gifts, we looked for gifts that are outdoor-friendly. Three of our main considerations when choosing our list were items that are:
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Portable
Waterproof
When camping outside, sometimes rain can come out of seemingly nowhere. If your important items are either made of waterproof material or can be stored in waterproof bags, you can keep your items from becoming waterlogged. Also, if you decide to hike a trail, you may run into streams of water. Waterproof backpacks, coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and blankets can help you stay warm and dry even in wet circumstances.
Durable
Durability is also an important consideration when choosing a camping gift. We sorted through product reviews to find high-quality items that can hold up when put to the test. No one wants to find out that the items you brought with you don’t resist under pressure after you have set up your campsite miles away from a replacement! Better to do the research first and choose items that are built to withstand wear and tear.
Portable
When you are packing for camp, you want to use your space the most efficiently. Items that can fold up and are lightweight will save space in your trunk (or backpack!) and will be easier on your back in the long run. You can also choose items that are multi-purposed such as the Collapsible Multiuse Wash Bin and the Ultralight Backpack Cooler Chair. You are able to pack in more items that add to your comfort when you use your space wisely and choose compact items!
FAQs – Gifts for Campers
These are our answers to a few frequently asked questions about camping gifts. We hope our answers can inspire you to find the perfect gift for the camper in your life!
What is a practical gift for campers?
Practical gifts can also be some of the most intriguing gifts for campers and hikers. The LifeStraw is a great survival tool as it can filter parasites and bacteria out of water sources. This can literally be a lifesaver if you run out of water on a hiking trail. Another practical gift is the Ultralight Backpack Cooler Chair. This gift is a backpack, cooler, and a chair all in one. This multipurpose gift can help you travel light and hands-free. Other useful gift ideas can include pop-up tents, waterproof blankets, ponchos, and insulated glasses. Not only do these gifts serve a practical purpose, but they also can be fun to receive!
What are good camping gifts for couples?
Maybe you have friends that love to camp and are getting married soon. A gift that could stand out among others could be one that acknowledges their soon-to-be union and also their love for camping! Some romantic camping gifts could be a Two Person Sleeping Bag, Insulated Picnic Basket, Happy Camper Mugs, or the Hammock. One of these choices can be useful for a newlywed couple when spending some quality time together on their next camping trip. You could also consider a personalized camping gift such as this Indoor/Outdoor Personalized Blanket.
What are some luxury camping gifts?
Some friends love camping in the wilderness, but others may prefer “glamping.” These friends love spending time outdoors, but also want to take some of the comforts from home with them. Some luxury items that a friend can enjoy while camping are the Orsen Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa, Camper Doormat, Vinglacé Insulated Wine Glass, and Microfiber Fast Drying Towels. These gifts may not be absolutely necessary but can make the camping life a little easier and will add some fun to the journey.
