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 flops (um, thanks for travel-size 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 25 ideas for camping gifts they’ll actually use.
Camp clothing
1. Teva ReEMBER Slip-Ons
With a collapsible heel, this Teva camp shoe is perfect for an easy on and off.
Courtesy of Teva
Comfortable, cushy, and easy to wear, the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons are ideal shoes for lounging around the campfire. I love the sleeping-bag–meets-slipper design as well as the collapsible heel that allows 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; my dad is now hinting that he’d like a second pair to replace the ones I gave him several years ago. For a more summery, warm-weather version, you can never go wrong with Teva’s Original Sandal ($55).
This pullover is surprisingly warm for how lightweight it is—and excellently made.
Courtesy of Snow Peak
2. Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Pullover
- Buy now: $94 (previously $190), red colorway, snowpeak.com; other colors, snowpeak.com
I love the entire Flexible Insulated line by Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak. But the Insulated Pullover is my favorite piece since it’s a cozy, outdoor-ready outer layer that’s surprisingly warm considering how lightweight it is. It also has a water-repellent finish and multiple pockets. Minimalist in design, this monochromatic, unisex pullover is also stylish enough to wear around town (a rarity among outdoor apparel) and one of my go-tos for both camping and travel.
A fleece hat to match your Patagonia fleece sweater? Yes, please.
Courtesy of Patagonia
3. Patagonia Range Earflap Cap
- Buy now: $55, patagonia.com
This hat is a gifting hit. I gave one to my husband two years ago and now, every time he breaks out his Patagonia Range Earflap Cap for the winter season, he’s guaranteed to get compliments from friends and coworkers. Several have even bought one for themselves after seeing how cozy-cool this unique hat is. Plus, it’s practical too. 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.
4. 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. A stretchy but form-fitting design adds to the comfort, perfect for camping and outdoor adventures.
Camp food and drink
For campers who are always in charge of the tacos, The Campout Cookbook will be a new favorite.
Courtesy of Artisan Publishers
5. 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 chili 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.
Get your camping friend some actually good instant coffee.
Courtesy of Wildland Coffee
6. Wildland Coffee
- 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 for a 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 to gift instant coffee? Intelligentsia ($12 for a five-pack) and Verve ($17 for a six-pack) are excellent, but splurgy, instant-coffee options that make great gifts.
Camp kitchen supplies
Nothing says ready for camping like a well-made pocket knife, such as the Opinel No. 10, which includes a corkscrew.
Courtesy of Opinel
7. Opinel No. 10 Corkscrew Stainless Steel Folding Knife with Bottle Opener
- Buy now: $38, opinel-usa.com; $31, 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 multi-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.
8. Puffin Drinkwear Beverage Jackets
- Buy now: from $20, puffindrinkwear.com
The beverage jackets from Puffin Drinkwear are a quirky and clever take on a classic beer coozy, making them a fun stocking stuffer for outdoorsy folks. With styles that range from puffy vests and jackets to lumberjack-esque flannels, you’re sure to find one that matches your friend’s vibe.
The Camp Dutch Oven by Lodge helps you get creative with your camp meals.
Courtesy of Lodge
9. Lodge Camp Dutch Oven
- Buy now: $80, rei.com
This petite, 12-inch, six-quart cast iron Camp Dutch Oven from Lodge will be a welcome addition to any food lover’s camp kitchen. Adventurous, car-camping chefs can nestle it in the coals of a firepit to bake fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast or cook 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.
One of the best mugs on the market
Courtesy of Yeti
10. Yeti Rambler 20 Oz. Tumbler
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, it’s the ideal vessel to keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold while out and about.
For grinding coffee beans on the go
Courtesy of VSSL
11. VSSL Java G25 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 G25 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).
The stylish Snow Peak Field Coffee Master makes a mean cup of joe.
Courtesy of Snow Peak
12. Snow Peak Field Coffee Master Kit
- 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 set, which includes a kettle and a pour-over cone, can be used as either a percolator or kettle and (most important) makes a cup of coffee so good even your barista would approve.
This handy travel accessory is a flask and a Bluetooth speaker all in one.
Courtesy of VSSL
13. VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker
- Buy now: $105, backcountry.com
A fancy accessory for campers and whiskey lovers alike, the VSSL Insulated Flask + Speaker, an eight-ounce container with a powerful Bluetooth speaker attached to the bottom, will bring the party to any campground. Double-walled insulation keeps whatever you put inside nice and cool—which I can confirm after my friends and I sipped our way through its contents on a 95-degree day by the river—and a magnetic locking carabiner top allows you to easily clip it onto chairs and backpacks so you don’t lose it.
Freshly muddled mint juleps, anyone?
Courtesy of MiiR
14. MiiR Cocktail Shaker and Barware Tool Set
- Buy now: Lowball, $25, miir.com; Cocktail Shaker Set, $40, miir.com; Barware Tool Set, $50, miir.com
There are few things classier than a well-crafted cocktail in the middle of the woods, so why not encourage your camp-loving friend to up their mixology game with portable cocktail-making gear by MiiR? I’ve had a lot of fun shaking up everything from margaritas to mocktails in MiiR’s sturdy, insulated cocktail 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.
These Snow Peak chopsticks twist apart and pack down into an included carry case.
Courtesy of Snow Peak
15. Snow Peak Wabuki Chopsticks
- Buy now: $50, snowpeak.com
Reusable cutlery is a camping 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. Plus: They’re designed to last. My husband has had his set (an older but similar version) for more than a decade, and it’s still in great condition.
Lighting and electronics
The light on this stylish lantern can be adjusted for brightness and warmth.
Courtesy of Balmuda
16. 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.
17. Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp
- Buy now: $65, blackdiamondequipment.com; rei.com
Avid campers will likely already have a headlamp in their kit, but many still use 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.
The Luci Solar String Lights are the perfect way to add some mood lighting to your campsite.
Courtesy of Mpowerd
18. Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights
- Buy now: $55, mpowerd.com
Available as an 18- or 44-foot option, the Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights are a string of glittering, LED lamps that pack into a compact spool and recharge via USB (8 hours) or direct sunlight (14 hours)—perfect for mood lighting in the woods. They also function as an external battery pack and can charge small electronics, like phones.
19. 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
Nap, read a book, or stare at the stars with the Kammok hammock.
Courtesy of Kammok
20. 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 adjustable straps ($35) for an easy setup just about anywhere—at home or in the woods.
The classic Rumpl just got an update.
Courtesy of Rumpl
21. Rumpl Original Puffy + NanoLoft Flame
- Buy now: NanoLoft Flame, $96–$130, rumpl.com; $85–$95 rei.com; Original Puffy, $99, 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 NanoLoft Flame Puffy Blanket, made from a fire-resistant material that won’t collect holes from stray campfire embers, and its classic, Original Puffy, which was refreshed in August 2024 to include an easier-to-use stuff sack, cape clip, and lower price.
Stay bug free without the use of harsh chemicals.
Courtesy of Kinfield
22. 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 Nichole Powell founded 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).
23. National Park Puzzle
- Buy now: $27 (was $38), 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 this 1,000-piece, national park–themed puzzle by Parks Project. 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
The National Parks Pass is an easy last-minute gift.
Photo by Shutterstock
24. 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.
25. HipCamp Gift Card
- Buy now: various, hipcamp.com; autocamp.com
If your loved one already has all the outdoor gear they need, consider instead a gift card to campsite-booking platform HipCamp. 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.
Prefer to gift a more glamorous experience? Companies like AutoCamp and Under Canvas are two of our favorite glamping companies. Both have multiple locations throughout the United States and options to buy gift certificates.
This story was originally published in 2021 and is updated annually. It was most recently updated on November 1, 2024, to include updated information. Lyndsey Matthews contributed to the reporting of this story.
