As an avid camper, I’ve gotten my fair share of starry-night-under-the-sky-themed gifts over the years. They’ve ranged from wonderful, permanent additions to my camping bag—like the Snow Peak mugs I never knew I needed—to well-intentioned but never-used (um, thanks for travel-sized toilet paper, Mom??).
If you’re shopping for someone who loves to go camping, they likely already have (and love) their core items (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, stove, chairs) so it’s best to avoid gifting these unless they’ve hinted otherwise. Instead, consider giving them a fun—yet practical—extra with these 28 camping gift ideas they’ll actually use.
Camp clothing
Courtesy of Teva
1. Teva ReEmber camp shoes
Buy now: $80, teva.com; rei.com
Comfortable, cushy, and easy to slip on/off, the Teva ReEmber slip-on is the ideal shoe for lounging around the campfire. I love the sleeping-bag-meets-slipper design as well as the collapsible heel that lets you wear them as either a snug sneaker or chill clog, depending on your mood. In the gift department, this shoe has been a hit among several friends and family members over the years—especially since they can use it outside of camping trips as well.
Courtesy of Snow Peak
2. Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Pullover
Buy now: $190, snowpeak.com
I love the entire Flexible Insulated line by Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak, but the Insulated Pullover is my favorite piece this year. It’s available in multiple colors, including a new festive Bordeaux red, and makes for a cozy, camp-ready outer layer that’s surprisingly warm considering how lightweight it is. It also has a water-repellent finish and multiple pockets, lending it a little extra practicality in the great outdoors. Minimalist in design, this monochromatic, unisex pullover is also stylish enough to wear around town (a rarity among outdoor apparel) and a go-to for both camping and travel. Add on the matching pants ($200) for a head-to-toe look that’s both functional and fun.
Courtesy of Patagonia
3. Patagonia Range Earflap Cap
Buy now: $55, patagonia.com
The new Patagonia Range Earflap Cap comes in four different colors, but I personally love the natural and brown options. Both of these colors have a fleece-covered top—a cozy and fun play on Patagonia’s iconic jackets. With a short brim that provides sun protection and earflaps that can be worn up or down depending on the temperature, it’s a versatile hat for all types of outdoor conditions.
Courtesy of ToughCutie
4. ToughCutie women’s merino wool socks
Buy now: $24, toughcutie.com
When it comes to gift-giving, socks don’t have the best reputation. But maybe that’s because grandma never chose to buy a high-quality merino wool pair like the ones from ToughCutie, a Black woman–owned apparel brand. Since they’re made of merino wool (widely considered the best material for hiking and outdoors socks), these socks are odor-resistant, soft, and cushy. They also magically keep feet warm in chilly weather but cool when things heat up.
Courtesy of Arc’teryx
5. Arc’teryx Rho Wool Crew
Buy now: $120, men’s, arcteryx.com; women’s, arcteryx.com
Versatility is key in the great outdoors and the Rho Wool Crew by Arc’teryx has just that. Thanks to its super soft merino wool material, it naturally regulates body heat, is odor resistant, and feels comfortable. It’s a great shirt on its own but also nice as a base layer to help keep campers warm at night. A stretchy but form-fitting design adds to the extra comfort.
Camp food and drink
Courtesy of Artisan Publishers
6. The Campout Cookbook by Marnie Hanel and Jen Stevenson
Buy now: $19, bookshop.org
The Campout Cookbook will easily become any camp cook’s new favorite book. Inspired by nights outdoors, it features creative recipes like green chile and cheese cast-iron cornbread, bootstrap bibimbap, and over a dozen s’mores ideas that’ll break you out of your basic chocolate-graham-cracker-and-marshmallow rut, all alongside delightful illustrations, stories, and camping tips.
Courtesy of 1927 S’mores
7. 1927 S’mores Kit
Buy now: $27, 1927smores.com; etsy.com
Founded by husband and wife duo James and Elise Kelly, the Portland-based 1927 S’mores Company specializes in artisanal versions of your favorite camp dessert. While you can get them fresh at its cabin-themed shop in Portland, the super giftable s’mores kits can be shipped anywhere in the United States. For flavors, choose from mint cabin cocoa, whiskey and brown sugar, cocoa espresso, or original, which is a simple, upgraded take on the classic.
Courtesy of Wildland
8. Wildland Coffee Bags
Buy now: $23 for a 10-pack, wildlandcoffee.co
Every ounce counts when prepping for backcountry camping, so most backpackers will eschew their beloved French press or pour-over for a simple, lightweight packet of instant coffee. Rather than let your friends suffer with a mediocre morning brew, treat them to an actually good cup of joe from Wildland, whose compostable, tea bag–esque design requires no additional equipment. (I especially love the extra dark roast.) Prefer instant coffee? Intelligentsia makes an excellent option ($12 for a five-pack, intelligentsia.com).
Camp kitchen supplies
Courtesy of Opinel
9. Opinel No. 10 Corkscrew Stainless Steel Folding Knife with Bottle Opener
Buy now: $38, opinel-usa.com; $40, amazon.com
The camper in your life likely already has a knife for the great outdoors, but do they have one that doubles as a corkscrew and bottle opener? I bet not. For camp chefs who love wine and beer, consider the dual-purpose Opinel No.10 Corkscrew Stainless Steel Folding Knife with Bottle Opener which, on top of being an all-around great knife, has a corkscrew tucked away in the handle. The most updated version of this knife’s design now includes a small metal bottle opener at the end of the handle as well.
Courtesy of Lodge
10. Lodge Camp Dutch Oven
Buy now: $54, rei.com
This petite, 12-inch, five-quart cast iron Camp Dutch Oven from Lodge will be a welcome addition to any food lover’s camp kitchen. Adventurous chefs can nestle it in the coals of a firepit to bake fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast or a savory chili for dinner. To complete your gift, pair it with a copy of the Campout Cookbook ($19), which includes several outdoor-friendly dutch oven recipes. This dutch oven is also available in additional sizes, ranging from two to ten quarts.
Courtesy of Yeti
11. Yeti Rambler 20 Oz. Tumbler
Buy now: $35, yeti.com; rei.com
The Yeti Rambler Tumbler is one of the best on-the-go mugs for both camping and travel. Insulated, durable, and available in a variety of colors and sizes (though I prefer the 20-ounce), it’s the ideal vessel to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold while out and about.
Courtesy of VSSL
12. VSSL Java Coffee Grinder
Buy now: $160, vsslgear.com
Making a superb cup of camp coffee starts with freshly ground beans—which is where the VSSL Java Coffee Grinder comes in. This stainless steel hand-grinder is durable, can adjust to 50 unique grind settings, and can process 20 grams of beans at a time (enough for one cup of coffee).
Courtesy of Snow Peak
13. Snow Peak Field Coffee Master
Buy now: $185, snowpeak.com
Snow Peak is known for its stylish food-centric gear, and the Field Coffee Master system is no exception. Made from stainless steel, this elegant system works as either a percolator or a kettle with a pour-over cone and (most importantly) makes a cup of coffee so good even your barista would approve.
Is your friend more of a tea drinker? Worry not—Snow Peak also has an outdoor-friendly tea set: the Sayou Tea Pot Set ($115).
Courtesy of VSSL
14. VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker
Buy now: $150, vsslgear.com
A fancy stocking stuffer for campers and whiskey lovers alike, the VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker will bring the party to any campground. Not your average flask, this 8-ounce vessel also has a tiny yet powerful Bluetooth speaker attached to the bottom (which unscrews to detach from the flask). A magnetic locking carabiner top allows you to easily clip it on to chairs and backpacks so you don’t lose it. Double-walled insulation keeps whatever you put inside nice and cool—which I can attest to after my friends and I slowly sipped our way through its contents on a recent 95-degree day by the river.
You can also build your own VSSL, choosing any color, size, end cap, and gear tins from its line to create a custom creation. The makers say all VSSLs are waterproof and virtually indestructible.
Courtesy of MiiR
15. MiiR co*cktail Shaker and Barware Tool Set
Buy now: Tumbler, $15 (originally $30), miir.com; co*cktail Shaker Set, $40, miir.com; Barware Tool Set, $50, miir.com
There are few things classier than a well-crafted co*cktail in the middle of the woods, so why not encourage your camp-loving friend to up their mixology game with some portable co*cktail-making gear by MiiR? I’ve had a lot of fun shaking up everything from margaritas to mocktails in MiiR’s sturdy, insulated co*cktail shaker, which also doubles as a thermos. Miir’s stainless steel barware tool set (which includes a bar spoon, muddler, strainer, and double-sided jigger) and tumblers complete the kit; they’re sold separately but they make a powerful gift together.
Courtesy of Snow Peak
16. Snow Peak Wabuki Chopsticks
Buy now: $50, snowpeak.com
Whether they’re an off-country backpacker or car camper, reusable cutlery is a must. For those who prefer chopsticks, Snow Peak’s Wabuki Chopsticks are made with titanium and bamboo, and twist apart into two pieces for ultimate packability. My husband has had his set for over a decade and they’re still in great condition.
Lighting and electronics
Courtesy of Balmuda
17. Balmuda Lantern
Buy now: $149, us.balmuda.com; amazon.com
From Tokyo-based company Balmuda, this rechargeable lantern is an excellent, functional piece for camping, but it’s also stylish enough that the campers in your life will want to use it at home as well (I certainly do). I especially love that you can turn the dial to easily switch between a warm, ambient light for relaxing to a powerful, bright, white light for when you need to see what you’re doing.
18. Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp
Buy now: $65, blackdiamondequipment.com; rei.com
Although avid campers will likely already have a headlamp in their kit, many are still reliant on battery-operated ones. Give them an eco-friendly upgrade with this rechargeable option by Black Diamond. At 400 lumens, the Spot 400-R Headlamp is bright enough to illuminate a space even during the darkest evenings, while the red light option allows for a more mellow brightness (ideal for joining campfire companions without blinding them).
Courtesy of Mpowerd
19. Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights
Buy now: $55, mpowerd.com
The Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights are an 18-foot string of glittering LED lamps that pack into a fist-sized spool and recharge via USB (8 hours) or direct sunlight (14 hours). Out in the wild, they can be hung from trees, tents, or whatever-there-may-be to add a bit of mood lighting. As a bonus, they also function as an external battery pack and can charge small electronics, like phones.
20. Anker Prime 12,000mAh Power Bank
Buy now: $90, us.anker.com
Keeping cell phones and other devices charged while camping is always a challenge. Fortunately, this Anker power bank is a quick and powerful portable battery that, when fully charged, can recharge an iPhone 14 Pro twice.
For lounging
Courtesy of Kammok
21. Kammok Roo Double Camping Hammock
Buy now: $85, kammok.com; rei.com
Give outdoor loungers the Kammok Roo Double, a durable and silky-soft hammock made from recycled materials that’s big enough for two. Add on adjustable straps ($30) for an easy set up just about anywhere—at home or in the woods.
Courtesy of Rumpl
22. Rumpl Sherpa & NanoLoft Flame Puffy Blankets
Buy now: Sherpa, $104–$175, rumpl.com; rei.com; NanoLoft Flame, $130, rumpl.com; rei.com
Lightweight, durable, and designed for the outdoors, Rumpl’s line of machine-washable blankets are a cozy addition to any cool night outdoors. Standout options from its line include the Sherpa Puffy Blanket (available in a variety of colors), a warm, fleece-lined version of the company’s signature blanket, and the NanoLoft Flame Puffy Blanket, which is made from a fire-resistant material that won’t collect holes from stray campfire embers.
Bags and other small accessories
Courtesy of Matador
23. Matador Freerain Hip Pack
Buy now: $60, matadorup.com
Since most women’s clothes lack decent pockets, I almost always have a hip pack strapped to me while puttering around a campground—keeping essentials like my phone, lighter, and bug spray close by. The two-liter Matador Freerain Hip Pack is one of my favorites, since it packs down super small when not in use, is waterproof, and features a simple black-and-white check pattern.
Courtesy of Fjällräven
24. Fjällräven Tree-Kånken backpack
Buy now: $125, fjallraven.com; moosejaw.com
This sustainable version of the Swedish outdoor gear brand Fjällräven’s iconic Kånken backpack is made from tree-sourced lyocell material, which is excellent for day hikes and car camping trips.
Courtesy of Kinfield
25. Kinfield Golden Hour Mosquito Repellent
Buy now: $22, kinfield.com
After watching my DEET-filled bug repellent burn a hole through my toiletry bag on a trip to Southeast Asia, I finally decided to make the switch to a more natural option. Fortunately, the brand Kinfield, which was founded by Nichole Powell after she, too, struggled to find clean alternatives to skincare products, has a DEET-free bug repellent that actually works. Kinfield Golden Hour uses a mix of citronella, lemongrass, and cloves to keep wearers bite free (and smelling amazing). This item makes for an excellent stocking stuffer for anyone who spends time outdoors.
Fun and games
26. National Park Puzzle
Buy now: $32, parksproject.us
While your giftee may not necessarily take a puzzle with them on their next camping trip, they’re sure to appreciate the theme and ethos behind the national park themed puzzles by Parks Project. Each 1,000-piece puzzle features beautiful illustrations of U.S. national parks such as Big Bend in Texas or Saguaro in Arizona. Part of the proceeds from every purchase will be donated to vital projects in national parks around the United States.
Last-minute gifts and gift cards
Photo by Shutterstock
27. National Parks Pass
Buy now: $80, usgs.gov
It’s likely that your outdoors-obsessed friend already has a National Parks Pass. The good news for last-minute gift givers? The annual pass has to be renewed each year. Simply send them a card with an IOU to renew their annual pass, which covers entrance fees at national parks and many other national public land sites.
Courtesy of Tentrr
28. HipCamp or Tentrr Gift Card
Buy now: various, hipcamp.com; tentrr.com
If your loved one already has all the outdoor gear they need, consider instead a gift card to campsite booking platforms HipCamp or Tentrr. Similar to Airbnb, HipCamp is a peer-to-peer booking platform for campsites on privately owned land with sites that range from simple, bring-your-own tent spaces to rustic cabins in the woods.
Tentrr, on the other hand, is best known for its fully equipped campsites—complete with already-pitched safari tents and other camping essentials—on both private and public land, including many New York State Parks.
This story was originally published in 2021 and is updated annually. It was most recently updated on November 1, 2023 to include updated information. Lyndsey Matthews contributed to the reporting of this story.
