The Best Editor-Recommended Gifts for Campers

It can feel overwhelming and intimidating to plan, prep, and shop for a camping trip. And while you can certainly get out for a night under the stars with minimal gear (at least in the warmer months of the year), if you're camping close to your car, there's no reason you can't bring more amenities to help the outside feel like a rustic extension of home. Because of that, there are a ton of gift ideas to consider for your friends and family who love to camp. From bigger-ticket items like a tent and mattress to small extras that make the experience easier and more fun, options abound. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but it covers a lot of bases and includes some of my personal favorites after two decades of camping, overlanding, and traveling. Whether your gift budget is small or large, you'll find options to consider for everyone. If you also need ideas for day hikes and camping farther away from your car, check out our gift guide for hikers and our favorite gifts for backpackers.

Jump to...

• Essentials (mostly)
• Some of My Favorite Apparel
• Nice-to-Haves
   

A Fantastic Tent at a Great Price ($329)

Unless you're camping in a vehicle, you'll need a good tent. This may be something too personal and expensive to buy as a gift, but who doesn't love a good couples or family gift that's meant for both you and others? If you're in a position to purchase a bigger-ticket item and your recipient doesn't have a tent yet, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 is a great place to start. I have personally used this tent for over a decade, and it's still in excellent condition with no noticeable damage or wear. The Half Dome is easy to set up, spacious, and comes with a footprint—a bonus that many tents (especially at this price) don't offer. If you need more space for extra humans, gear, or a dog, the Half Dome 3 adds almost 12 more square feet for $70 more. The Half Dome tents also strike a sweet spot in terms of versatility: they are spacious enough to be cozy while car camping, yet light enough for shorter backpacking trips or campsites farther from the car. 

If you have a larger family or want more space to spread out, my other favorite option is The North Face Wawona 6. This tent is twice the size of the Half Dome 3 on the inside and includes a huge vestibule—the vestibule is as big as the Half Dome 3. This area provides an excellent space for larger gear, such as bikes, or for setting up a sheltered living room or cooking area when the weather is dicey. While pricey, the Wawona is still an excellent value, offering some of the best livable space of any camping tent I've tested.
See the REI Half Dome 2  See the REI Half Dome 3  See The North Face Wawona 6
 

A Customizable Luxury Upgrade Tent ($450+)

If you really want to impress and are looking for a top-tier gift for someone who hunts or loves to camp in style, the White Duck Regatta Bell Tent is worth a look. Large bell tents are not known for being cheap, but White Duck's Regatta comes in at a very reasonable price compared to many others. I don't have a ton of experience with this tent yet, but I am excited to take some long, luxurious trips in this palatial shelter. The 13-foot version I own sells for $770, and while setup and breakdown take much longer than with a tent like the Half Dome and Wawona mentioned above, my husband was able to handle the entire process without assistance. The Regatta's cotton canvas fabric is mold-, UV-, and water-resistant, but it's not a fully waterproof tent unless you also purchase a Fly Sheet. Consider this if your camper plans to set up this tent in potentially wet weather. 

Other intriguing accessories include the supplemental awning, which will add a shaded area measuring 13' x 8'2", and all of the Regatta tents except the 8' Mini come with a stove jack if you want to be able to add a wood-burning stove. This is a pretty specialized tent, but for the right camper in your life, it could be the gift that keeps on giving for many years to come. 
See the White Duck Regatta Bell Tent
 

A Mattress to Rival the One You Have at Home ($240+)

If you're anything like me, the whole reason you want to go camping is likely to unplug, chill out, and get some good rest. This is why a good mattress is one of the most critical choices you will make. What's the point of lugging yourself and a bunch of gear out into nature for some R&R if you sleep like crap and come home more exhausted than before you left? Obviously, the mattress you choose is a very personal decision, but my favorite is the Exped MegaMat. It's insulated, so you don't feel cold air beneath you, and it offers the perfect amount of firmness. Hest mattresses are also incredibly comfortable (though heavier, bulkier, and more expensive), thanks to multiple layers of memory foam. Still, the benefit of an air mattress is that you can dial in the level of firmness to your liking. My husband and I have the MegaMat Duo, and it doubles as an extra bed at home whenever we have house guests. After years of use, both at home and out in the woods, our mattress still looks brand new, and we love the rechargeable pump for speedy inflation and deflation. Last but not least, if you prefer to sleep in a vehicle and that vehicle isn't a truck, Exped also makes an Auto Sleeping Pad.
See the Exped MegaMat  See the Exped MegaMat Duo
 

A Super Comfortable and Reversible Pillow ($60)

What's a good mattress without a comfy pillow to match? While you can certainly bring your pillow from home when car camping, I like having a dedicated pillow for outdoor adventures. The Rumpl Camp Pillow has been my favorite for a while now. From a sustainability standpoint, I appreciate that it's made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, and from an everything-else perspective, I love the sheer comfort and versatility. The Camp Pillow is compact but not overly so (it measures 22 x 15 in.) and fits nicely, folded in half, into the included roll-top stuff sack. The exterior pillow case is removable for washing, and the interior fill can be accessed if you want to remove or add filling to dial in your perfect thickness. But the best part of this pillow is its two-sided design: one side is cool-to-the-touch polyester for hot summer nights, and the other is incredibly cozy polar fleece for when it's chilly. It might sound silly, but I get legitimately excited about camping just so I can use this pillow. Maybe it should just live on my bed at home?
See the Rumpl Camp Pillow
 

An Innovative and Warm Sleeping Bag ($250)

Sleeping bags are a dime a dozen and generally pretty boring, but the Rumpl Wrap Sack is a fun, versatile, and innovative option. This unique design features a layering system that lets you regulate your temperature by adjusting how you wrap the bag. There are three ways to configure the layers depending on how chilly it is, and the pillow pocket hood is shaped to perfectly nest the Rumpl Camp Pillow mentioned above if you want to go for the set. The layering system involves getting comfortable with some clips and zippers, but once you do, the coziness and adaptability are undeniable. Many sleeping bags for backpacking and camping are mummy-shaped, which helps retain warmth (since there is less space for cold air to seep in), but can also feel quite restrictive for many body shapes and sleeping positions. I love the roominess of the Wrap Sack as someone who moves around a lot while sleeping, and the colors add to the fun.
See the Rumpl Wrap Sack
 

The Best Camping Chair ($130)

The Kelty Low Loveseat is a perfect camping chair. The 13.5-inch seat height is low enough to be at the ideal height for the campfire, but not so low to be challenging to sit down and get back up. The two seats are comfortable, and each has an insulated beverage holder on the armrest. The chair includes a padded roll-tote storage bag that protects your car and other gear from the dirty feet and also doubles as a mat for your furry friend... unless they'd rather join you on the couch. If you don't need a double chair, Kelty also sells the single Lowdown Chair, but hear me out: even if you don't have a buddy to sit next to you, the second seat is great for your book, extra layers, or feet if you want to stretch out a bit. There's really not a situation where I've regretted having the extra space, whether camping solo or with a crew. The Low Loveseat is priced very fairly, in my opinion, and Kelty also offers the Loveseat Nest, which, for just $20 more, includes two camp blankets that can be stowed beneath the seats when not in use. Even if your gift recipient camps only occasionally, the Low Loveseat is a versatile gift that will likely be used at a wide range of get-togethers, from backyard BBQs to sporting events and concerts.
See the Kelty Low Loveseat
 

Everyone Loves a Good Hammock ($75-$95)

While a camping chair is pretty essential, sometimes it just won't provide the level of coziness your outdoor adventure requires. For proper R&R in the great outdoors, I never leave home without a hammock (or two). I've used many over the years, but my two favorites are the ENO DoubleNest ($75) and the Kammok Roo ($95, pictured above). Both are impeccably well-made and, after a decade of use, still look pristine, with not a loose thread in sight. The Roo is a bit lighter, longer, and has a higher weight capacity than the DoubleNest (500 lb. vs. 400 lb.), but the DoubleNest is wider, available in more fun colors and patterns, and is $20 cheaper. Whichever you choose to gift is a great choice. Keep in mind that neither of these hammocks comes with straps, so you'll need to invest in those as well for a proper setup. Both brands have options, but my go-to is the ENO Atlas straps ($30-40). That said, if you want to stick with the 500-pound rating for every component, the Kammok Python straps ($40-55) are the way to go—they are also longer.
See the ENO DoubleNest Hammock  See the Kammok Roo Hammock
 

A Great Camping Table ($90)

The REI Co-op Camp Roll Table is perhaps the camp accessory that has been in my family for the longest. There's a reason this table has been sold at REI for this long without changing—it's an ideal companion for camping and beyond. We always take it camping, yes, but it's also the table we pull out whenever we set up the Ooni pizza oven for wood-fired pizza night on the back deck. It's lightweight and compact while still providing a decent-sized (27.5 x 27.5 in.), sturdy space for most camp dinner needs. It's a tight fit if you're using it for all your prep and a tabletop camping stove, but if you have a free-standing stove or your campsite has picnic tables, the Camp Roll Table is the ideal supplement. It's a great size for playing a game after dinner, too. If you want more space, there are certainly larger tables to be found (the GCI Outdoor Slim Table would probably be my choice), but the Camp Roll has served me so well that I'd honestly buy a second one if I regularly felt I needed a bigger surface. 
See the REI Co-op Camp Roll Table
 

Burners Better Than Your Stove at Home ($160)

The Camp Chef Explorer is nicer than the stove in my kitchen—no joke. This portable range boasts 60,000 BTUs and can be used either freestanding anywhere with a flat-ish surface, or the legs can be removed to set up on a table or tailgate. There's no auto-ignition, so you'll always want to have a long lighter on hand, but the quality the Explorer delivers for the price has impressed me for years. And this stove goes way beyond just camping: I live in the mountains in an area with semi-frequent power outages—and I currently have an electric stove. The Explorer has saved the day on more than one candle-lit evening, and it's also great for anyone who dabbles in canning, beer making, or loves a good backyard party–after all, people always want to congregate where the cooking is happening. I also own some fun accessories for the Explorer, including a flat top, grill box, and carry bag. 

If the Explorer is too much stove for you or your giftee, my favorite compact tabletop model is the Everest 2X. This powerhouse is tried and true (it tops our camping stove roundup), with 30,000 BTUs per burner —more than most tabletop models offer. Check out this comprehensive review of the Everest if you'd like to dig in deeper. It's a bigger investment, but if your giftee's life or camping style doesn't warrant a giant freestanding model, the Everest is a premium choice.
See the Camp Chef Explore  See the Camp Chef Everest 2X
 

Coffee Time!

I worked in specialty coffee for over a decade, from barista to farm-level involvement, roasting, and teaching people how to taste and assess coffee properly. What this means is that I take my morning cup seriously, whether I'm at home or out in the woods. Not everyone will want to take things to this level, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your coffee ritual that also make great gifts. Without getting into a million little details, here is a list of some of my favorite equipment and beans:

Makers:

• If you prefer a French press, I love the Yeti Rambler. It's heavy and pricey, but this is because the interior is double-walled and ceramic-lined (which is better for flavor than metal), the lid locks, and it's available in a bunch of fun colors.
• One way to go lighter, cheaper, and more compact is with an Aeropress. It's durable and produces an excellent cup, whether you prefer a pour-over style or something closer to espresso. For larger groups, consider the Aeropress XL.
• For an ultra-classic and even more affordable option (with fewer parts to lose or break), the Hario V60 is the gold standard. It's not just any pour-over: the cone angle (60 degrees) and interior ridges help control water flow rate, resulting in a cleaner, more flavorful cup. The plastic version is excellent for camping, but I also keep a ceramic one at home. Don't forget the filters!
• Lastly, I've got to mention the Bialetti. This little stovetop espresso maker is the easiest to use of these options. While I will always advocate weighing your coffee, the Bialetti basket lets you skip this step. Different coffee beans have different densities, but the magic of the Bialetti is that you can fill the basket, stick it on a burner, and wait until it finishes percolating. This little magician produces a strong and excellent cup, every time.
• If this has left you feeling overwhelmed on the brewing process, check out these fantastic brew guides from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. 
   

Accessories:

• As I said, I am a firm believer in weighing your coffee to guarantee consistency in your morning cup from bean to bean. The Hario V60 Drip Scale is my ride-or-die. It's been with me for over a decade, and I've probably only had to change the batteries once, no exaggeration. That said, I've also been eyeballing the Ultrean Mini, which is rechargeable and much more compact.
• Many people will bring pre-ground coffee camping, which makes a lot of sense. But for the true coffee nerd in your life (or someone like me who lives in an area with frequent power outages), a hand grinder makes a truly special gift. I recently upgraded from an old GSI Outdoors model to the Timore Chestnut C3S Pro and love it.
• Even with a robust camping stove, I also love bringing a Jetboil for super-fast boiling. Not only does it save time and fuel, but it also often means the two burners on the stove are occupied with pancakes and bacon, and no one wants to wait for coffee longer than necessary.
• Despite what I just said, if you prefer a V60 pour-over, pouring water from a Jetboil isn't enjoyable and doesn't produce a particularly nice final cup. To do a V60 justice, you'll need a gooseneck kettle.
   

Beans:

• I don't recommend buying your coffee at a grocery store. Why? The bags there have often been sitting for weeks or months, so even though you're still paying a premium for many top brands, your coffee won't be fresh. If you have a local roaster in town, make a habit of supporting them by buying your beans there. Where I live in Lake Tahoe, Drink Coffee Do Stuff is often where I go. However, most of my coffee comes from two subscriptions I love and have had for years: Sweetbloom Coffee in Denver, Colorado, and Trade, which sends me a different coffee from rotating roasters each time. A bag of coffee or a subscription is a guaranteed win for the coffee lover on your gift list. 
  
   

Chef-Worthy Knife & Cutting Board Set ($125)

If there's a camper in your life who's a true foodie, nothing will delight them more than a good set of knives. Yes, you can absolutely bring a knife and cutting board from home when you car camp, but unless you have a dedicated knife bag or sheath, packing all that up can be tricky. Enter the GSI Outdoors Rakau Knife Set. Not only does this set include a microfiber dishcloth and a bamboo cutting board with a juice gutter (a feature that feels extra essential to me when cooking outdoors, as drips can attract unwanted wildlife), but it also comes with a knife sharpener. The zippered case houses three knives with sheaths: a paring knife, a Santoku blade, and a serrated bread knife. I'll be honest, I don't own this set (yet), but I've been swooning over it. If someone gifted this to me, I'd be over the moon. 
See the GSI Outdoors Rakau Knife Set
 

A Cooler Built to Last a Lifetime ($375)

Coolers are generally pretty boring, and you can get one for fairly cheap. But if you're able to go premium for yourself or a lucky recipient, the Yeti Tundra is the crème de la crème. Wildly durable with impressive ice retention, the Yeti is padlock-compatible for bear-proofing and available in fun colors, with wheels, and in a plethora of sizes from 25 to 299 liters (yes, you read that right). My husband and I prefer the 65-liter size and also use Yeti's Ice Blocks, which are custom-shaped for compatibility.
See the Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler
 

Lights to Set the Mood

There are many options for lighting your campsite, but there's no arguing that good lighting is essential and a significant part of feeling cozy and safe. And a new, fun light is a gift that's pretty well guaranteed to get used. Your needs, preferences, and budget will all play into this decision, but here are my go-tos:

• A reliable headlamp for when you need to wander away from camp for a bathroom break, walk the dog, or prepare ingredients for s'mores around the campfire. I use the Petzl Actik Core, which is powerful, comfortable on my head, and is both rechargeable and battery-compatible.
• I love having string lights on hand to create a really cozy space in the tent or elsewhere around camp. For a budget option, I recently bought the rechargeable 32.8-foot DIBMS String Lights and have been impressed with them. But for an upgraded option, and a more suitable gift, I have used Luci String Lights for years and love them. They come in fun colors and are rechargeable via a cord or the sun.
• I also recently acquired the Snow Peak Rechargeable Hozuki Lantern and love the adjustable hanging hook and Sleep Mode, which turns the light off automatically when your space is silent. For a ton more options, check out our roundup of the best camping lanterns.
   

A Comprehensive First Aid Kit ($42)

This certainly isn't the sexiest gift, but it's something that everyone absolutely needs. While it's always the hope that a trip will go off without a scratch, blister, bug bite, or worse, life has a way of throwing obstacles in our path, no matter how careful we are. Surviveware offers a wide range of options, but I think the 119-piece kit strikes a sweet spot. It's compact, everything is well-labeled, and it comes with functional extras not included in smaller kits, like a multitool, knife, and wet wipes. I think a first aid kit makes a great gift because it's often overlooked or deprioritized, but guaranteed to come in handy (and be deeply appreciated) when you least expect it. 
See the Surviveware Comprehensive First Aid Kit
 

Backcountry Bathroom Kit ($50)

Depending on where you like to camp, there may or may not be a bathroom available. Established campgrounds will more than likely have a toilet, but if you're like me and enjoy finding stealth places to camp where you won't see another human, then you'll have to be prepared to take care of your own waste. REI Co-op has a great article on how to go to the bathroom in the woods if you want to brush up on tips and tricks. This might seem like strange subject matter for a gift guide, but I love the idea of helping someone do a basic necessity in a way that's easier and more responsible. The Pact Outdoor Bathroom Kit is just that kind of gift. The kit comes with a shovel for digging a hole, hand sanitizer, 20 dehydrated, compressed wipes (a squirt of water turns each into a soft 9-in. towel), 60 mycelium tabs to help kill bacteria and break down waste faster, and a handy tri-fold case. This is the kind of gift that someone may never buy for themselves but will thank you for later. Pact also makes a smaller Lite version that's perfect for a stocking stuffer.  
See the Pact Outdoor Bathroom Kit
 

A Durable Duffel Bag ($159+)

While not strictly camping gear, you'll need a way to carry your clothing from the house to your tent and back home again, and a duffel bag is the perfect choice. I've used the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel for years, and the craftsmanship is, without a doubt, exceptional. The weather and abrasion-resistant material will keep your personal effects safe and sound without showing a scratch or a smudge, and the optional backpack straps really come in handy for longer carries. The webbing lash points are great for attaching other gear or securing the bag in the back of a truck. This is a gift that can keep on giving, because, while it's great for camping, it's also ideal for all kinds of travel, whether by plane, train, or automobile.
See the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L  See the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 40L

Small But Mighty Phone Charger($40)

If you're out camping for several days or more, your devices will run out of juice. And while it can be wonderful to unplug, it's also nice to have the assurance that you can charge your phone if needed. It's not just about having a camera or your downloaded tunes; it's about safety. Many newer phones offer emergency SOS functionality via satellite, but you obviously need battery power to use it. I have used many chargers, but I always return to my trusty TG90° Portable Charger. It's super slim, making it easy to carry alongside your phone while charging on the move. For longer trips, I will also bring my Jackery Explorer 300, which I use as a backup at home for all those power outages I keep mentioning. 
See the TG90° Portable Charger
 

Some of My Favorite Apparel

Having the right layers when out in the elements can be the difference between a miserable time and a truly enjoyable one. While clothing is highly personal, I want to mention some of my favorite options of late, as any of these would (in my humble opinion) make a really great gift.
 

• Pulling on a fresh pair of socks has got to be one of my favorite sensations. Sock options abound, but my favorites are from Paka, Farm to Feet, Darn Tough, and Smartwool.
• Free Fly makes a lot of really great stuff, but the Bamboo Lightweight Fleece Wide Leg Pant is my current favorite cozy item, whether I'm at home or curled up by a campfire (they come in a jogger for men). My husband has been wearing the Gridback Fleece Anorak Hoodie from Free Fly, and not only does he love it, but it looks incredibly stylish while still being a functional outdoor layer.
• I have two favorite layers that I wear almost daily, whether I'm camping, walking the dog, or sitting at my computer. The Ridge Merino Convict Canyon Hoodie is like the adult version of my childhood security blanket that came with me everywhere. It's oh-so-soft and cozy, and it looks good, too. More recently, I've also been loving the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Heavyweight Half Zip Hoody. It's more fitted than the Ridge Merino Convict Canyon, and also has a more durable outer fabric. Both layers have a gridded fleece on the inside that feels really good next to skin.
   

• I've always been a flannel girl, and the current popularity of shackets pleases me. My favorite right now is the Marmot Pinecrest Heavyweight Flannel Overshirt (there's a men's version too). I own the rosin green color, and it looks just as at home and stylish around a campfire as it does with a pair of jeans for an evening out.
• Shoes! I'm fairly certain I could write a novel about shoes, but for now, I'll just talk about my current favorite house and camp shoe. The Xero Shoes Pagosa Fireside Slippers are extremely lightweight and packable, with an outdoor-ready rubber sole and a cozy, puffy upper with 200 grams of synthetic insulation. I have stopped wearing any of my other indoor slippers since I got the Pagosa—it's that cozy. 
   

Really-Nice-to-Haves

Folks new to camping will obviously need to get the essentials first—things like a shelter, a sleep system, a cooler, and a stove/cookware. But after you've built the basics, it's really fun to start adding things that are just creature comforts. And some of these items make especially great gifts, because they may not be the first things your giftee thinks to buy for themselves. You can get as creative as you want based on who you're buying for, but here are some of my current favorites:

• I realize that many items on this list are pricey, so here's a super cheap one: the humble handkerchief. Don't disregard this simple staple; it's good for so many things (wiping, cleaning, filtering, first aid, protection from sun or dust, tying things together... the list goes on), and also available in fun colors and patterns to suit any preference or proclivity.
• If your giftee likes to bring wine or cocktails to the campsite, a great gift idea is a fancy flask, and I love the offerings from High Camp Flasks. They are beautifully designed, with cups that magnetically attach to the main flask, and come in a lovely giftable box.
• The Nemo Helio Pressure Shower is such a treat for all manner of tasks and adventures. From washing dishes at camp to rinsing feet and bodies after an epic day to getting mud off your bike before you load it up, this is a great camp upgrade.
• Something I have really appreciated having is a fancy ground mat. For the dog, for kids, for stretching, or to provide an "entryway" to your tent, this is such a useful luxury to have on hand. My favorite is the Kama Mondo, though it's pricey and can't be thrown in a washing machine. For a less rigid but more practical option, the Rumpl Overland Mat is a great option.
   

• Everyone needs a good tote bag, and if you want to buy just one for perhaps your entire camping career, the Rux Waterproof Tote Bag is the way to go. This thing is ready for whatever kind of adventures you can throw at it, with welded seams, a roll-top, and multiple lash points.
• Last, but certainly not least, everyone needs a good book for relaxing in the great outdoors. Our team has compiled a great list of adventure books for you to explore. Remember to support your local bookstore, and happy camping!