Last updated: September 24, 2023
TL;DR: The best gifts for campers are an America the Beautiful Parks Pass, an ENO Doublenest Hammock, and a Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern. Here’s why:
- The parks pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S. for a year, more than enough for any camper!
- Doublenest hammocks are lightweight and packable making it easy to relax comfortably during camping trips.
- This rechargable lantern provides ambient lighting for up to 70 hours without the weight or hassle of a propane lantern.
Buying the perfect gift for the people we love can be difficult, no matter who they are.
However, when the person for whom you’re shopping is an avid camper, it can be even harder because a lot of outdoorsy people aren’t necessarily into material things.
With that said, camping requires a lot of “stuff” these days, especially for those who like to camp in comfort.
Luckily, innovative camping enthusiasts have devised dozens of handy, creative, and downright fun items to make camping more enjoyable for everyone.
That being said, shopping for gear and more technical items can be overwhelming sometimes, especially when it’s for someone else.
You could easily waste a lot of time and money only to end up with something that isn’t exactly what your giftee needs.
That’s where this gift guide comes in!
These are our picks for the most thoughtful, fun, and practical gifts for campers. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner car camper or an expert backpacker, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.
Gear Gifts
Helinox Chair Zero
The Helinox Chair Zero is ideal for camping and backpacking because it’s lightweight and folds down to a 32-ounce water bottle size.
Weighing only one pound, it sits 11 inches off the ground and can support up to 265 pounds.
The Helinox Chair Zero also folds down and sets up quickly and comes with its own carry case. It’s available in grey with gold legs or black with teal legs.
It’s one of the trendiest outdoorsy presents right now since it is so portable and simple to use.
And it’s more than just a good piece of camping gear, it’s also perfect for the beach, outdoor concerts, festivals, and anywhere someone might want to take a load off.
Read our guide to the best gifts for outdoorsy women.
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Camp Loveseat
The Kelty Low Loveseat is another ideal seating solution for campers. And with its dual nature, it’s one of the best camping gifts for families or couples.
The loveseat comfortably seats two campers with a maximum capacity of 400 pounds and it has two adjustable and insulated cup holders on either end.
It weighs about 15 pounds all up so it’s better for car camping rather than backpacking.
This chair also sits low to the ground (just over a foot high), so your giftee can be close to the campfire or near their faithful camping dog at all times.
Looking for more chairs? Read our guide to the best reclining camping chairs.
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ENO Doublenest Hammock
Who doesn’t love lying in a hammock in nature?
That’s what makes the ENO Hammock such a great gift for someone who’s a camper.
I’ve had my ENO Hammock since 2015 and I can easily say it has seriously leveled up my camping experiences and it’s a go-to piece of camping gear for me now. I’ve even been hammock camping with it.
This hammock comes in more than ten color options so it’s easy to choose something your loved one will like.
It’s also a sturdy place to rest, with a weight capacity of 400 pounds so that it can fit two people at once.
The lightweight carabiners attach easily to any hammock stand, trees, and other solid structures so it’s easy to set up at most campsites.
Best of all, it’s compact, folding down to the size of a grapefruit, and lightweight, weighing only about one pound.
Headlamp
A great stocking stuffer, this GearLight LED Headlamp is one of the best useful camping gifts, especially for beginner campers.
Most campsites are not well-lit and may not have access to electricity.
That can make moving about at night dangerous, whether you’re going to the bathroom or trying to find your way to your tent.
This headlamp illuminates the path in front of you with bright beams. It’s also excellent for night walking or running at home and fits both adults and kids.
Lantern
If string lights at camp aren’t their thing, you can’t go wrong with a solid portable camping lantern.
The camper in your life might already have a lantern, but if they’re looking to upgrade their lighting situation at camp, this Black Diamond Moji R + Lantern could be a great gift.
This small lantern gives off 200 lumens of light and is perfect for lighting the inside of a tent or your entire campsite.
In addition, it’s battery-powered, lasts up to 70 hours, and only weighs 2.6 ounces.
It also has a convenient handle to make it easy to attach to the outside of a backpack using a carabiner.
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Flashlight
Proper lighting is crucial when you camp. Even though a flashlight is a simple item, this is one of our top camping gift ideas because it’s such a high-quality flashlight.
Best of all, it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
This Fenix Flashlight weighs only about 5 ounces, can last up to 115 hours on its eco setting, and has a beam distance of up to 673 feet (on high).
A lot of people use it not only as part of their camping gear but for emergency preparedness as well, so it’s a two-for-one.
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Air Mattress
Even some of the most avid campers have a hard time sleeping on the ground.
That’s why this Air Mattress makes a great gift for the car campers in your life.
It’s ultra-comfortable and can sleep two people (queen-size), making it one of the top camping gifts for couples.
Add a couple’s sleeping bag, and this sleep system keeps campers warm down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also comes with a built-in air pump, so you don’t have to keep track of the hand pump.
Sleeping Pad
This Sleepingo Sleeping Pad is the perfect gift for campers and backpackers.
It weighs less than a pound, folds down to the size of a water bottle, and still provides two inches of thick sleep support, making it one of our best camping gifts for comfort.
The sleeping pad is also completely waterproof and made of rigid, tear-resistant materials.
Sleepingo is so confident in the quality of their product that they offer a lifetime replacement guarantee, so no worries about damage or rough use.
Swiss Army Knife
A Swiss Army Knife is one of the handiest tools a camper can carry with them, and Victorinox remains one of the best manufacturers in the world.
It’s also one of our favorite easy-to-buy Amazon camping gifts with its durable and compact nature.
It has seven functions, including a small blade, scissors, tweezers, and a toothpick. It’s also one of the more affordable camping gifts under $25, making it a great stocking stuffer.
Camping Blanket
Sticking with Amazon camping gifts, the Rumpl Puffy Camping Blanket is ideal for staying warm around the campfire and also for beach trips, picnics, concerts, and more.
The blanket is very warm and easy to carry, weighing just over two pounds and folding down compactly.
Another one of the best features about this blanket is that it is machine-washable, so your giftee doesn’t have to worry about getting it dirty on their next wilderness adventure.
Lastly, it’s water-resistant and has a cape clip and corner loops for versatility. The blanket comes in three sizes: junior, 1-person, and 2-person.
And if your giftee has a soft spot for National Parks, check out the extensive park-inspired designs.
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Camping Pillow
The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow comes in three sizes and two colors so that it can be a somewhat personalized camping gift.
It’s incredibly comfortable and even the deluxe size weighs under seven ounces.
Another reason that we love this pillow is that it is moisture-wicking and helps keep your head cool on hot nights.
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Anker Battery Pack
This Anker Battery Pack is not only a top camping gift; it’s also great for travel or anytime when your loved one might need to charge their phone or electronics without access to an outlet.
It can provide multiple charges for most models of iPhone, Samsung Galaxy phones, iPad mini, and other USB products with five volts.
It also comes with an 18-month warranty and weighs well under one pound, so they won’t feel the extra weight in their bag (which is ideal for overnight backpacking trips).
Nice Outdoor Blanket
Once again, an outdoor blanket is almost certainly something that your camping enthusiast has in their arsenal, but perhaps not as nice as this one from YETI.
The Lowlands Blanket is entirely waterproof, padded, and a great gift for staying warm around the campfire.
Like most products YETI makes, it’s very durable. It stands up to wear and tear from all kinds of outdoor elements (even pets) and it’s machine-washable for easy cleanup.
Its relatively large size makes it a great family camping gift.
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Camping Axe
A high-quality axe is one of the more rugged camping gift ideas on this list, and it doesn’t get much better than this Hults Bruk Kisa model.
Made in Sweden at a foundry that is more than 300 years old, this medium ax weighs less than three pounds.
Despite its low weight, the blade is made from thick, durable steel designed to stay sharp and withstand many sharpenings.
It can chop thick wood and other items, which is ideal for building fires and using it for a variety of outdoorsy needs.
Camping Towel
It might seem very basic, but this PackTowl Personal Towel can be one of the best camping gifts because it comes in handy in so many situations.
It’s also perfect for backpacking or extended camping trips because even the largest size (beach) weighs less than 10 ounces and folds into a small pouch.
The best thing about this towel is that you can use it and let it dry over and over on a single trip without washing it.
And it dries fast, especially when left in the open air. It also has an antimicrobial treatment that prevents the growth of bacteria.
Topo Multi-Tool
Just like with the Swiss Army Knife, if you can get multiple purposes from carrying a single item, then that item is automatically a fabulous camping gift.
This Leatherman Signal Topo Multi-Tool includes a blade, pliers, saw, bottle opener, awl, wire cutters, safety whistle, and fire-starting Ferro rod, which are all essential camping items. It’s also easily attachable to a backpack with a carabiner.
One of the best things about this tool is its weight, which is under a half-pound, making it one of the better gift ideas for the backpacker or lightweight packer in your life.
In addition, it has a sharpener for the blades and the blade even has topographical map laser markings for a special aesthetic touch.
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All-Purpose Tarp
Like a good camping towel, an all-purpose tarp comes in handy when camping.
What’s more, this item is inexpensive so it’s an excellent cheap camping gift for your loved one’s next camping trip to their favorite national park or for the upcoming holiday season.
This particular Outdoor Products All-Purpose Tarp is especially great for camping because even the largest size (8 x 10 feet) weighs well under one pound.
In addition, it’s made from heavy-duty polyurethane and is durable against outdoor elements.
It also comes with six heavy-duty grommets along the edges and corners to make it easy to secure, even in windy or adverse conditions.
If you are looking for a sunshade, check out our guide to the best camping canopies.
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Camp Fan
This GIPAOE Multi-Speed Fan comes with a rechargeable battery and is one of the more unique camping gift ideas on this list.
It’s another versatile item that has a hook to hang overhead and LED lantern, which makes it extra useful.
Unfortunately, the fan head doesn’t rotate like the old Coleman fan that I used to recommend. This fan is more rugged, though.
It’s also rechargeable via USB (convenient for car camping) and you can charge other small electronics from the battery.
Like I mentioned above, multi-use items are essential for camping, making this fan an ideal gift.
If you’re looking for a slightly nicer gift, check out our guide to the best tent air conditioners.
Dry Bag
A dry bag is one of those items campers don’t realize they need until they own one and wonder how they ever got by without it.
This Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag comes in various sizes and colors for both long and short trips.
It also has a comfortable carrying strap for when it’s filled and comes with a waterproof phone case.
Many campers who enjoy watersports rave about this dry bag and it’s excellent for trips to the beach or pool too. As a bonus, it rolls down small and weighs very little when empty.
Read our full guide to the best dry bags for kayaking and canoeing.
Inflatable Kayak
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the active camper in your life this holiday season, it doesn’t get much better than this affordable inflatable kayak.
An inflatable kayak is one of the best gifts for campers since it can transform someone’s camping experience and provide hours of outdoor fun.
The Intex Explorer 2-person Kayak is puncture-resistant, durable, equipped with two seats and two oars, and comes with a high-output air pump for easy inflation.
This kayak comes with a carrying bag and weighs about 30 pounds.
While it’s not exactly lightweight, it’s substantially lighter, smaller, and more portable than traditional kayaks.
It’s also much more affordable and practical; regular kayaks can cost over $1000 and are often impossible to transport to more remote campsites.
Read our full guide to the best budget kayaks and best gifts for kayakers.
Portable Shower with Heater
The Geyser Systems Portable Shower is one of the more unique camping gifts and somewhat of a luxury item that someone may not be inclined to purchase for themselves.
It’s a great gift for long car camping trips from campsite to campsite where showers may not be available.
With no pressurization needed, campers can get up to 15 minutes of steady, warm water from this tool, which weighs only 8 pounds.
It requires a 12-volt plug to heat and pump the water, which means that it can efficiently run off a regular vehicle.
It also has a long 16-foot power cord so your giftee doesn’t have to get mud around their car whenever they shower.
Practical Gifts
Fire Starters
One of the most practical gift ideas on this list, these Lightning Nugget Firestarters are always useful for regular campers.
They’re guaranteed to light and burn for 15 minutes, which is more than enough time to light your logs and kindling.
They’re also nontoxic, have no chemical additives, and are made from all natural wood products, so they’re safe for your giftee and eco-friendly.
This set of 12 firestarters weighs 10 ounces so the package is easy to carry on backpacking and camping trips.
Backpacking Trowel
The Backpacking Trowel from TheTentLab weighs only one ounce and is made from ultralight aluminum.
It has four teeth on the blade and can easily let you dig even through rocky ground.
A high-quality trowel is one of the more unique gift ideas that could come in handy in several ways.
The handle is also rippled for comfort and ease of use. It’s perfect for camping, backpacking, and more.
Good Quality Tent Stakes
These tent stakes are some of the best camping accessory gift ideas on this entire list.
MSR Ground Hog Stakes cost less than $3 apiece and are super easy to use.
They’re made from durable aluminum that the manufacturer boasts is indestructible. They also weigh less than an ounce each so that they couldn’t be more portable.
Lastly, they have pull-cords that make them easy to remove and notches at the top to make securing them very easy.
Although I recommend tent accessories more than tents themselves for a gift, if you’re looking to purchase a tent for a loved one (or yourself), check out our guides to the best 4-person tents, 6-person tents, 8-person tents, 10-person tents, 12-person tents, large camping tents, 3-room tents, instant tents, pop-up tents, inflatable tents, tunnel tents, canvas tents, waterproof tents, insulated tents, winter tents, tents with a stove jack, and cabin tents.
Rubber Mallet
A rubber mallet is another one of those tools that campers use more than they realize, making this 16-ounce TEKTON Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet one of the best gifts for campers you can buy.
Best of all, it’s inexpensive so it’s a great gift to buy if you’re on a budget.
The most obvious use for this mallet is for putting up a tent by hammering stakes into the ground, but people also find it handy for construction projects, woodworking, and more.
It delivers a soft strike to prevent damage to metal, wood, and more.
Portable Mosquito Repeller
One of the most unpleasant things about camping can be the bugs.
What’s more, mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus and other diseases that could pose a threat to your loved one.
The Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller provides 15 feet of protection without deet or other harsh chemicals.
That’s not only good for humans but the environment as well.
This repeller comes with three repellent mats which each last 12 hours and replacements are inexpensive.
It has been evaluated by the EPA for effectiveness and safety and is lightweight and easy to pack for camping convenience.
It’s also one of our favorite camping gifts for under $25.
If you’re looking for another gift to keep the bugs out, read our guide to the best screen houses for camping.
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Water Cooler
Staying hydrated is one of the most essential things to keep in mind when outdoors.
That’s where this YETI Silo 6 Gallon Water Cooler comes in handy and makes for a great gift.
YETI is indisputably an industry leader in coolers, water bottles, and other food and beverage storage, cooling, and heating items, so you know you’re getting your money’s worth with their products.
It’s a great splurge item which makes it the perfect nice Christmas camping gift if you’re looking for something special.
Beanie
We love this Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie for camping all year round.
Covering your head is one of the best ways to keep warm when camping, especially at night, and this beanie’s lightweight material makes it very versatile.
Made from merino wool, it’s super comfortable and won’t chafe your giftee’s skin or scalp.
It’s one of the best camping gifts for her or him with its stylish nature. People also love to throw it on for chilly runs, under a ski helmet, or for other active outdoor adventures.
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Heated Gloves
There are lots of options available for heated gloves, but we especially love these Savior Heated Gloves.
They’re available in six sizes, from extra-small to 3X-large, so there’s a pair for everyone. They come with a rechargeable battery pack that heats quickly from wrists to fingertips.
These heated gloves are a great gift for spring, fall, and winter and come with three heat settings.
They can make camping nights much more enjoyable and they’re great for outdoor winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, and more.
Looking for more options? Read my full guide to the best heated gloves on the market.
Pop-Up Trash Can
Coghlan’s Pop-Up Camp Trash Can is another one of those items your camper probably doesn’t know they need but will be grateful for once they have it.
Even if you’re not a camper yourself, you can probably imagine how throwing away trash can be problematic.
Plastic bags rip and leak and if you’re camping for more than a day or so, they’ll start to smell.
This trash can prevents all of those issues. It holds a standard 33-gallon trash bag and makes practicing Leave No Trace much simpler.
Wilderness Wipes
Our second item on this list from Sea to Summit, Wilderness Wipes, come in handy in several scenarios, making them an ideal outdoor camping gift.
Since they’re small and inexpensive, they make an easy add-on item for a larger gift or in a basket full of more minor things.
Campers love to use these wipes to clean their feet before bed or wipe off sweat after a long hike or workout.
They can also use them to wipe their hands before eating or to take care of excess dirt on their camping gear before packing it into their bag or car.
Best of all, they’re gentle on skin and the earth and 100% compostable.
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Biodegradable Soap
Speaking of good for the Earth, it’s essential to use as many eco-friendly items when camping as possible to be a good steward and follow Leave No Trace principles.
That’s why we love Campsuds Biodegradable Concentrated Soap. Just a few drops create enough of a lather to clean your body, clothes, or a bunch of dishes.
This inexpensive soap comes in a 4-ounce bottle, but because it’s concentrated, it lasts a while.
It’s even safe and effective in saltwater, so your giftee can bring it along on their next beach trip, too.
Bear Spray
Camping is a ton of fun but it comes with risks as well. In order to truly enjoy the experience, it’s a good idea to take certain precautions in the wild.
On rare occasions, bears can pose a threat in specific areas since they have powerful senses of smell and hearing, so it’s crucial to have the right gear to repel them if need be.
This 8-ounce spray bottle of Counter Assault Bear Deterrent does the trick.
If your loved one is ever faced with an aggressive bear, this spray quickly discharges up to 32 feet and adds a layer of protection for everyone standing in the vicinity.
Each can costs less than $50 and has a more than 4-year shelf life.
Bonfire Fire Pit
The Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit Stand makes for a unique camping gift because it’s not something that your giftee would necessarily use when camping in the wild.
However, this bonfire pit allows camping enthusiasts to feel like they’re camping even when they’re at home.
The design and construction of this bonfire kit mimics that of a campfire in many ways but has additional features and safety functions that make it great for home or patio use.
It can also be used at some campsites or ideally for backyard camping. It’s wood-burning and weighs approximately 20 pounds.
If you’re looking for something they can bring camping with them, read our guide on the best tent stoves.
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Food & Drink
Freeze Dried Meals
Making meals easier to cook is always a good thing when camping, which is where Mountain House Classic Meal Assortment Bucket comes in.
This is one of the best food gifts with 24 servings of meals and five different meal options.
Each meal comes in easy-to-use packages that are easy to carry when backpacking or camping. To prepare, simply add water and they’re ready in only ten minutes.
These meal pouches are not only tasty, but they’re also great for emergency preparedness as well.
Starbucks Via Packets
Coffee drinkers know how difficult it can be to start the day without a delicious cup of joe.
Luckily, if your giftee is a coffee person they can still enjoy a cup of coffee while camping with Starbucks Via Packets.
Simply add hot water and the Via grounds dissolve in their cup.
Starbucks sells Via packets in a number of their favorite coffee blends, including Pike Place, Italian Roast, Caramel Latte, French Roast, and more.
They’re also tiny and much easier to carry on the trail than other coffee brewing options, making them ideal for backpacking as well.
Camping Mug
If your loved one is going to enjoy their morning cup of coffee or evening cup of tea on the trail, they need the right cup to drink from as well.
This TOAKS Titanium Single Wall Cup not only holds 450 ml it also helps keep liquid warm so they can sit, sip, and enjoy the slow pace of nature while having their favorite drink.
This particular mug is ultra-lightweight, weighing less than 3 ounces. It also resists corrosion and doesn’t have a metallic aftertaste that’s typical with other camping cups.
Camping Tumbler
The third item from YETI on our list of happy camper gifts, this YETI Rambler Tumbler holds 20 ounces of liquid and comes with a splash-proof and spill-resistant MagSlider lid.
It’s available in eight colors to suit any camper’s taste preferences.
Like all YETI beverage holders, this travel mug keeps hot beverages steaming and cold beverages icy for hours so it’s perfect for on the go.
It’s also BPA-free, shatter-proof, dishwasher-safe, and fits in standard cup holders.
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Aeropress
The Aeropress Coffee Maker makes one of the world’s best cups of coffee at the campsite and anywhere else.
It’s ideal for camping because it’s lightweight, resistant to breaking, and only requires hot water to make a superior cup of coffee.
Campers have used it for years because of its ease of use and the delicious coffee it makes.
French Press
French press coffee is some of the best-tasting in the world and it’s one of the easiest ways to make coffee while camping or traveling.
As with the Aeropress, this OXO Outdoor Campgrounds French Press only requires hot water and coffee grounds to make a delicious cup of coffee.
This particular model is shatterproof, BPA-free, and made from recycled materials. It weighs just over 1 pound and only takes four minutes to make a hot cup of joe.
Nalgene Flask
This slim, 12-ounce polyurethane flask from Nalgene is an ideal camping gift idea because it makes it easy to bring your giftee’s favorite hard alcohol to camp.
It’s slim, making it very easy to carry in the side pocket of a backpack or even the pocket of your jacket.
Sometimes it’s fun to make hot toddies or have a drink or two while enjoying nature, and this small, convenient Nalgene bottle makes it easy to do just that.
Camping Mess Kit
To make packing and meals easier while camping, many people end up using single-use plastic, which is terrible for the environment.
This UCO 6-Piece Mess Kit solves that problem, making it one of the best gifts for anyone who cares about sustainability.
It comes with a spork, cup, tether, plate, and bowl so that campers can use it with any meal.
The entire set only weighs 10 ounces, making it very easy to carry as well.
Read our guide to the best camping mess kits.
Camp Stove
A reliable camping stove is one of the most essential camping gifts you can give to someone and they don’t get much better than this Eureka Ignite Plus 2-Burner Stove.
This camping stove is propane-powered and full-size so that you can cook amazing meals, even in the middle of the woods.
With 10,000 BTUs, thick-gauge steel construction, and weighing only 12 pounds, this camping stove is one of the more unique gifts for the camper on your list.
Jetboil
We’ve discussed several food and beverage systems on this list that require boiled water.
Well, the Jetboil Flash Cooking System only takes 100 seconds to boil water, meaning campers can enjoy their tasty treats faster.
I recently started using a Jetboil on my backpacking and camping adventures and I can easily say that it’s a serious gamechanger.
As a bonus, the bottom cover doubles as a measuring cup and changes color when the water is ready.
Pocket Rocket Stove
Weighing just over two ounces, the MSR Pocket Rocket Stove is an ideal camping present for campers and backpackers.
Even though it’s tiny, it fits many sizes of pots and pans, is compatible with various fuel sources, and takes only three-and-a-half minutes before boiling.
This small camping stove provides heat for up to 60 minutes so it’s great for both short and longer trips.
Camp Cook Set
Amazingly, this Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cookset contains 19 pieces and weighs under six pounds.
Everything nests conveniently into the largest pot and is dishwasher-safe, ideal for easy travel, storage, and clean-up.
The pot and frying pan are made of stainless steel and the plastic items are BPA-free and food safe.
Large Camping Pot
This TOAKS Titanium Pot is another option for boiling water while camping and allows campers to make hot beverages, dried meals, and more.
Made of titanium, it’s ultra-durable and lightweight and won’t leave any aftertaste.
It holds 25 fluid ounces, weighs just over 3 ounces, and works with several heating systems. It’s a convenient and thoughtful camping gift idea for her or him.
Cast Iron Cook-It-All
Home cooks know how effective cast iron is for meal preparation and now you can give that convenience on-the-go with this Lodge Cast Iron Cook-It-All.
Your culinary camper can bake, sautee, griddle, grill, and more with this pan.
Just note that since it weighs almost 30 pounds, this cook-it-all cast iron pan is best as a car camping gift.
It also comes with a 33-page guidebook with recipes and tricks for getting the most out of it.
Camp Pizza Oven
If your loved one is more of a glamper or enjoys the finer things in life, a camp pizza oven can be a great gift.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying delicious hot pizza when you’re camping.
This Ooni Pizza Oven is one of the more unusual gifts but enjoyable and worthwhile nonetheless.
It’s on the heavy side (about 26 pounds) so it’s another piece of camping gear that’s best as a car camping gift.
This pizza oven is made of stainless steel and reaches over 900 degrees in only 15 minutes. It’s compatible with gas, wood, and charcoal.
Spork
Many campers are serious about protecting the environment, so this tiny spork from Humangear makes a cute camping gift for the sustainability-focused camper.
It’s available in eight colors so it’s easy to find the perfect option for anyone on your list.
It’s also BPA-free and completely food-safe with a design that makes it easy to cut food with the edge of the fork and scoop with the spoon.
Roll Top Kitchen
This Mountain Summit Gear Roll Top Kitchen is one of the best gifts for the camper-chef in your life.
Nothing impedes wilderness food preparation like not having a place to get things ready, but this item solves that problem.
It has a fold-out counter and two table surfaces. It also comes with a carrying case that makes it easy to get to a campsite.
Camp Prep Table
This REI Camp Prep Table is a perfect camping accessory gift for easier food prep when car camping.
It’s a helpful addition to any campsite, making it an excellent camping gift for mom or dad.
The table is relatively large and roomy (24 x 49 inches) and has adjustable legs for two different heights.
It can hold 100 pounds and weighs 19 pounds so it’s not difficult to get to and from a campsite.
Marshmallow and Hot Dog Roasting Forks
Who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows or cooking hot dogs over the open fire when camping?
These roasting forks from Rolla Roaster are one of the best gifts to make cooking over an open flame not only simpler but much safer as well.
The handles have a knob for rotating the fork for thorough, all-over cooking.
Each pack comes with two roasting sticks in different lengths made from stainless steel and heat-resistant wood.
Backpack Cooler
Backpack Coolers are one of my favorite gifts for people who camp. After YETI discontinued their Hopper Back Flip Cooler, I set off to find the new best backpack cooler.
Cushioned shoulder straps and a sternum strap make it easy to carry the Maelstrom cooler to a campsite or picnic area.
A great gift for an upcoming camping trip, this heavily insulated backpack itself weighs only about five pounds, can carry up to 20 12-ounce cans, and won’t leak.
I really liked the YETI HitchPoint Grid, so I was glad to find similar clip-points on this backpack. The loops are handy so your camper can attach a water bottle, keys, and much more.
Read our guide to the best coolers for camping and best Yeti alternatives.
Bear Food Container
Once again, bears in the wilderness are no joke. They can smell food from a distance, so food storage is a significant safety issue on and around the trail.
The BearVault BV500 Food Container is perfect for backpacking and makes for one of the best camping gifts for those who often do multi-day hikes in Bear Country.
This container is voluminous enough to hold food for one person for seven days but weighs only over two pounds.
It’s clear so you can easily see what’s inside and very easy to access, too.
Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack
The Ursack AllMitey Bear and Critter Sack is made of Kevlar, the same material that bulletproof vests are made from.
It’s best for keeping food safe from smaller animals, even those with sharp little claws.
But they can be used as bear-resistant containers to tie up food in bear country.
A friend of mine actually just had a bear try to break into her bag. It left claw marks but gave up before reaching her M&M’s.
It holds up to 5 days worth of freeze-dried meals and weighs about ten ounces, making it easy for your loved one to carry on their next camping trip.
Books
The Camp Dutch Oven Cookbook
One of the best gifts for the outdoorsy person who loves to cook, The Camp Dutch Oven Cookbook shares delicious ways to prepare food over a campfire using a dutch oven.
Learn how to do it seamlessly and beautifully with this inexpensive, helpful cookbook.
Easy Campfire Cooking
Eating well while camping is easier to do now more than ever, thanks to some of the inventive cookbooks and cooking devices on this list.
This book about Easy Campfire Cooking is one of the best camping gifts for someone who wants quick, easy, and delicious meals to make on the campfire.
With more than 200 recipes specifically designed for camping, your camper can make delectable meals for their friends and family with this cookbook.
The New Camp Cookbook
This New Camp Cookbook is one of the more interesting gift ideas on this list that gives your loved one everything they need to know about having delicious meals at camp.
For campers, road trippers, and adventurers of all sorts, this book shows how to use all kinds of ingredients, what camp cooking gear to bring, how to plan meals, and more.
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs
With The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs, campers can learn how to read subtle signs that they see while hiking on the trail and any other kind of outdoor situation.
They’ll figure out what to look for to know important things, like when it’s going to rain, how to track animals, and much more.
Read our full guide to the best gifts for hikers.
Moon USA National Parks
There’s no better place on earth to go camping than in one of America’s 62 national parks.
The Moon USA National Parks book provides campers with everything they need to know about each and every US national park.
It includes sample itineraries, road trip guides, detailed maps, and much more.
Just for Fun
I’d Rather Be Camping Socks
One of the more novelty camping gifts on this list, these I’d Rather Be Camping Socks tell the world that the camper in your life would rather be doing what they do best.
They come in more than 15 different colors and one size fits most with these socks, making them perfect camping gifts for him or her.
They’re also super cozy and comfortable.
Camping Hat
This adorable hat is one of the best camping gifts for her. It says “camping hair, don’t care” and comes in more than 20 colors and combinations.
It’s adjustable with a buckle closure and made from 100% cotton. It also comes with a higher opening in the back for ponytails or a messy bun.
And she really can wear it camping without a care about how dirty it gets since it’s machine washable.
Camping Popcorn Kit
One of the more quirky camping gifts, this Camping Popcorn Kit is a fun way to cook popcorn since you use it over an open flame to make a tasty treat for the whole family.
This kit comes with everything you need, including five popcorn kits, four disposable tubs, and four seasoning samplers. Additional kits, tubs, and seasoning are readily available on Amazon.
This kit is even better for camping because it’s durable, lightweight, and the disposable tubs make cleaning up a breeze.
Camping Journal
Has your camper ever wanted a special place to record their favorite memories and adventures?
If so, this Camping Journal is the perfect gift idea. It conveniently collects the names, dates, and memorable features of every place they camp.
This journal is softcover and contains 162 pages. They’ll enjoy looking through it over the years and remembering good camping times.
Inflatable Lounger
I included comfortable chairs and loveseats above, but this Inflatable Lounger is in a category of its own.
As the name suggests, it’s inflatable but also easily deflates, making it easy to carry and transport.
It’s also lightweight and compact and comes in more than 15 colors and designs, including a few with unicorns, making it a great camping gift for the whole family.
It comes with a headrest, adjustable drink holders on the sides, a bottle opener, and secure stakes to keep it in place.
Portable Cornhole
This collapsible and Portable Cornhole Set makes a great Father’s Day camping gift.
It comes with an easy, compact carrying case, eight stakes to hold the boards in place, and eight bean bags in addition to the boards themselves.
It’s very lightweight and great for taking to the beach, on a picnic, or even just the backyard, in addition to camping trips.
Magic Flames
Camp kids especially will like these Magic Cosmic Flames. Your giftee simply has to put them in the fire and the flames will start to change colors.
It’s kind of like personal fireworks in their campsite (but much safer)!
Each set comes with 12 packets and each color-changing piece of wood burns for about an hour. They also make good kindling for when they’re building a fire.
Camping Graphic Tee
This soft Graphic Camping T-shirt has a cartoon of the great outdoors and reads “Still Plays Outside.” It’s a quirky camping gift for men or women, with unisex sizing and silhouette.
A small company manufactures it in Michigan and the shirt comes in a retro gray color.
Happy Camper Shirt
Another piece of fun camp clothing I love is this Happy Camper Shirt.
It has a graphic of mountain peaks in front of a sunset and the message “Happy Camper” on it. This shirt comes in heather purple and light blue. The T-shirt features a v-neck neckline and the tank top has wide straps.
Sizes range from small to extra large.
Read our guide to the best gifts for RV owners.
3 No-Fail Gifts
I’ll finish up this list of more than 70 camping gift ideas with just three more creative ideas for the camper on your shopping list.
America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass might be the ultimate present for campers, hikers, adventurers, and outdoorsy travelers.
For under $80, this pass grants access to all of America’s national parks, as well as hundreds of other sites across the country, including those managed by the Forest Service, National Park Service, and more.
As a bonus, REI donates 10% of sales to the parks to help preserve them.
The pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase, so be sure to time your purchase for when your giftee will have some time off. It’s also worth checking to see if they already have a pass.
Read our full guide to the best national park gifts and our national park passport guide.
REI Gift Card
If you’re still at a loss for what to get your camping enthusiast, make it easy and go for an REI gift card.
REI is one of the top retailers for camping and outdoor gear of all sorts. This way, you know that they can get exactly what they need for themselves for their next adventure.
Gift cards also make great gifts for loved ones far away since you can easily mail them in a card or even send them digitally.
Camping Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are a popular way to keep the love coming, and Nomadik curated boxes are specially designed for campers.
They include all sorts of items, such as socks, gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, navigation tools, energy bars, trail mixes, lighting, hydration containers, cookware, and much more.
You can purchase a Nomadik box subscription at a traditional monthly rate or a premium quarterly subscription that you can cancel at any time.
The quarterly boxes are the best since they have bigger surprises like a backpack or Rumpl blanket.
Looking for more outdoor gear and gift guides? Check out these related posts below!
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