20 Best Camping Gifts, According to People Who Actually Do It
As a frequent camper (and former backpacking and hiking guide), I’ve tested many products over the years—and found all sorts of convenient cooking accessories, useful gear, sleep staples, and even games and activities that can really elevate your experience. So if you’re trying to find a present for a friend who’s new to camping (or who packs up every weekend), I have tons of recommendations to get you started.
Below, I’ve rounded up the best gifts for campers, including some of my personal favorites. There are also several SELF Outdoor Award–winning products, as well as editor- and expert-vetted foldable chairs, backpacks, hammocks, stoves, and more. These camping gifts are perfect for every occasion, including your loved one’s birthday, holiday, or just because.
For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2023.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Photo courtesy of Bear Butt1
Bear Butt Double Hammock
We love this SELF Outdoor Award–winning hammock because it features an airy back panel, comfortably fits two people, and stuffs into a small, lightweight sack that your friend can tote on any hike.
- Photo courtesy of LifeStraw3
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
This back-to-back SELF Outdoor Award–winning straw makes any nearby stream or river water safer to drink by filtering out harmful bacteria, parasites, and microplastics.
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- REI6
Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
The iconic Yeti Tundra 65 cooler earned a SELF Outdoor Award for its serious durability—and the fact that it can keep ice cool for days. The Roadie 24 is a smaller, lighter version that’s just spacious enough to fit a bottle of wine and snacks (you know, the essentials).
- Photo courtesy of Black Diamond7
Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Headlamp
We awarded this headlamp a SELF Outdoor Award for its long battery life and useful night-vision setting, which can help your giftee find their way to the bathroom (or nearby bush) in the dark.
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- Photo courtesy of Patagonia13
Patagonia Black Hole Pack (25-L)
SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin swears by the sturdy, water-resistant Patagonia Black Hole for all of her climbing trips, day hikes, and commutes. “It will be an icy-cold day in hell before I let another outdoor backpack into my life,” she says.
- REI14
Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
On camping trips, I love to wrap myself in this eye-catching puffy blanket and snuggle up next to the fire. Since it’s so portable, I always keep it in my car as a backup in case temperatures dip. This blanket is also a breeze to clean—at the end of any trip, I just pop my Rumpl in the washing machine, so it’s ready for my next adventure.
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- Amazon15
Crocs Classic All-Terrain Clog
All-terrain Crocs make excellent camp shoes, particularly because they have deep lugs that provide traction in dirt and mud. They’re also light enough to carry almost anywhere—even to that picturesque campsite miles down the trail.
Available in sizes 6 to 12.
- Photo courtesy of Coleman16
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove
This compact award-winning stove has a griddle and a grill, guards that deflect annoying wind, and a built-in lighter (so your friend doesn’t have to dig around for matches).
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