The 15 Best Gifts for Campers Who Love the Outdoors in Any Season

Whether you’re shopping for a new or a seasoned camper, these gifts for campers can help make the great outdoors even more enjoyable.

By Melissa Graham | Updated Jun 30, 2021 11:07 AM

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The Best Gifts for Campers Option

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Time spent outside is essential for overall health, and campers know firsthand the benefits of quality time in nature. From gadgets to sleeping essentials and equipment, the best gifts for campers offer tools that make time in the wilderness as effortless and easy as can be. Novice hikers to veteran campers can make use of these items, which will come in handy from the moment they step foot on the trail. Whether the camper in your life is looking for the ultimate hammock to hang between trees or a tent that can fit a family of six, these gift options are bound to bring the best out of their outdoor adventures. Any camper, whether beginner or expert, will enjoy the following gifts for campers.

Check Out Amazon’s Gifts for Campers
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Target’s Campsite Essentials
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The Best Gifts for Campers Option

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How To Choose the Best Gifts for Campers

There are seemingly endless options for camping accessories—so many that you might not know where to start when choosing a gift for your favorite camper. Here are a few questions to ask to narrow down the perfect gift.

  • Have they been camping for years, or are they just looking to get started? A veteran camper probably won’t need a sleeping pad, but that’s a gift newbies might not even realize they needed.
  • Do they camp solo, with just a few friends, or with the whole family? A cooler that can hold enough food for a few days for just one or two people may not be the most practical gift for someone who goes on family reunion camping trips with the whole family.
  • What time of year or what climate do they camp in? A lightweight sleeping bag may make sense for someone who camps during the warm summer months, but it may not be that useful for someone camping in the mountains in the fall or winter.

The Best Gifts for Campers

Give the gift of comfort, reliability, and versatility with these savvy products that will make camping even more enjoyable. From gadgets to tools and basic necessities, these gifts suit a wide range of campers from beginners to experts.

Gifts Under $25

For the Bookworm

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide by Dave Canterbury
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Survivalists, campers, and hikers can all gain something from Dave Canterbury’s guide to the great outdoors, which features practical tips as well as advice on how to truly connect with nature. This New York Times best seller focuses on the “5Cs” of survivability, which include cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages. It provides detailed information on the tools and techniques necessary to survive the outdoors, but also how to make the best of the thrill of the wilderness. $10.39 on Amazon.

Best for Keeping Clean

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Sportneer Solar Shower Bag
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Avid campers probably expect to get dirty when spending so much time outdoors. But with the Sportneer Solar Shower Bag, they no longer have to settle for subpar hygiene. This portable shower bag not only provides a powerful rinse-off, but also a warm one. It can heat water up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit in just 3 hours when exposed to direct sunlight. The bag holds up to 5 gallons of water and includes a front pocket to hold the essentials, such as soap or shampoo. It’s also made of durable PVC, so campers won’t need to worry about it snagging or ripping on harsh debris. $17.99 on Amazon. 

Read More: The Best Camping Gadgets

For the Lumberjack

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw
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Campers can benefit from the Sportsman Pocket Chainsaw, which includes a 36-inch-long chain to make chopping wood, tree limbs, or other debris a cinch. This compact, folding chainsaw is self-cleaning with cutting teeth that tear through wood both ways. Tree trunks and overhead branches are no match for this tool, and the camper who receives it will be able to use it in more ways than one. $21.95 on Amazon.

Gifts Under $50

A Survivalist’s Dream

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: TRSCIND 13-in-1 Survival Gear Kit
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The TRSCIND 13-in-1 Survival Gear Kit is best for experienced campers who spend extensive time outdoors and need multiple tools at their disposal to make camping safe. This kit includes a compass, flashlight, whistle, blanket, wire saw, survival knife, flint stone, tactical pen, and water bottle clip. It comes in a compact and convenient case that weighs well under 2 pounds and is easy to pack or stow away when not in use. Several tools included are also multipurpose, so they’re even more practical. $29.99 on Amazon.

In Case of Emergency

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: FosPower Emergency Solar Portable Radio
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For campers who spend time in remote locations, safety is of the utmost importance in case unexpected weather or other dangerous situations arise. The FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio is an excellent gift option for outdoor enthusiasts, as it provides emergency power to tablets and phones. It includes a radio, SOS alarm, and lights, as well as three power sources to ensure it’s ready to use at a moment’s notice. The radio even receives up-to-the-minute weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and AM/FM stations to keep campers in the loop. With this gadget, campers and their loved ones can rest easy knowing they’re taking safety precautions. $29.99 on Amazon.

Read More: The Best Camping Gadgets

Keeps Campers Cozy

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Kloudi Space Heater
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One second is all it takes for the Kloudi Space Heater to warm the air thanks to its high efficiency and energy-saving abilities. Campers need not freeze in cold conditions with this space heater, which is quiet, portable, and easy to use. Campers can choose between two modes of heat, low or high, as well as a fan option to increase warm airflow in their vicinity. This space heater also shuts off automatically if tipped over or overheated, so users can rest assured it’s safe to use for longer periods. $32.96 on Amazon.

Read More: The Best Tent Heaters

For the Foodie

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Travel Stove
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Temperature-controlled gourmet cooking is possible outdoors, thanks to the MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Travel Stove. It boils a liter of water in just over 3 minutes and requires no priming, preheating, pumping, or pressurizing before use. This stove accommodates a wide range of pot sizes and is easy to pack thanks to its minimal size and weight. Bonus: It uses precise flame control to go from torch to simmer in no time, so campers’ empty stomachs won’t have to wait long to be filled after a long day of activity. $44.95 on Amazon. 

Read More: The Best Backpacking Stoves

Hydration on the Go

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack 50 oz
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When you go on a hike or bike ride, don’t get slowed down by clunky water bottles—or worry about finding a place to throw out plastic ones. This CamelBak hydration pack lets you carry 50 ounces of water right on your back, which is perfect for walks or shorter bike rides. The lightweight, slim design means the weight is dispersed so you barely feel it. It also comes with a secure zipper pocket to keep your essentials safe. $50 on Amazon.

Gifts Under $100

Lounging for Two

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: ENO DoubleNest Lightweight Camping Hammock
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For swinging in the trees with your child or snuggling up under the stars with a significant other, this ENO two-person hammock is the perfect addition to your camping arsenal. It folds up into a compact storage bag so you can bring with you on a hike, but the sturdy material and construction make it feel safe and secure for up to 400 pounds. All you’ll need is a set of straps and a place to hang this hammock. $69.95 on Amazon.

Top-Rated Cooler

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Coleman Xtreme 5 Cooler
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When you’re in the middle of the woods with no access to a fridge, you want a cooler you can trust. Keep drinks and snacks cold with this sturdy cooler from Coleman that will keep ice frozen for up to 5 days. The durable cooler is built for the outdoors, and with its 250-pound capacity, you can pull it up to the fire and use it as an extra seat. It can hold up to 100 cans, so you’ll have plenty of room to keep everything for your camping trip cold. $69.99 on Amazon.

For the Outdoor Napper

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Easthills Outdoors Camping Hammock
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Give the gift of comfort and relaxation with the Easthills Outdoors Camping Hammock, which comes with tree straps and adjustable loops for campers to set up so they can settle in. This hammock also comes with a mesh mosquito net to ensure no distractions keep campers from getting their quality zzzs. Bonus: At 118 inches by 79 inches, the hammock is roomy enough to fit two adults, or big enough for one occupant to spread out. $75.99 on Amazon.

Read More: The Best Camping Hammocks

Gifts Under $250

Sweet Dreams

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleeping Pad
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Don’t let your loved one sleep on the hard dirt ground: This sleeping pad is a must for any camper, from the first-timer to the experienced. Unlike other sleeping pads that are so thin that you can feel the ground, or they’re bulky and heavy but not very comfortable, this sleeping pad is different. The individual air cells allow the pad to conform to your body while still being lightweight and easy to transport. And it’s easy to inflate and deflate, so you can get right to sleep even if you arrive late to the campsite.  $109.95 on Amazon.

Ultimate Comfort

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: QOMOTOP Self-Inflating Camping Mattress
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Ideal for car or motor camping, the QOMOTOP Self-Inflating Camping Mattress consists of nontoxic TPU material for the most comfortable sleep on the go. This sleeping pad inflates on its own, so there’s no fear of leaving a pump behind. Its temperature isolation ability ensures campers stay at an optimal temperature in hot or cold conditions, and its silent design means it won’t wake others with every movement. The pad can reach up to 4 inches in thickness and is easy to roll up and stow away at just 7.5 pounds. $119.57 on Amazon. 

Read More: The Best Camping Air Mattress

Top-Rated Tent

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup
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For campers who want the true outdoor experience, the Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup is a durable shelter that can fit up to six people. Welded corners and inverted seams keep water from seeping in, and its double-thick fabric will withstand the test of time. With this tent, there is more time for comfortable sleep since it can be set up in just 1 minute. At 10 feet by 9 feet, it can fit two queen-size air mattresses so campers won’t have to rough it on the ground. $146.99 on Amazon.

Gifts $250 and Over

Tech-Savvy Buy

The Best Gifts for Campers Option: Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch
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For campers who enjoy hiking, biking, or working out outdoors, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch is a top-notch fitness tracker that can also be personalized to include a compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, and thermometer sensor. Outdoor enthusiasts can turn to this smartwatch when they want to monitor their heart rate or use contactless payment to purchase supplies. Garmin’s Vivoactive watch also features smart notifications and Live Track when paired with a smartphone; all tools that can help make camping even more relaxing. $249.99 on Amazon.

Read More: The Best Outdoor Watches

How to Get Deals on the Best Gifts for Campers

To get the best deals on gifts for campers, you’ll need to become familiar with online resources like Honey that will alert you when items you’ve been eyeing go on sale. Honey is an easy-to-use browser application that keeps track of the price of items for you, so you don’t have to do the dirty work. Retailers such as Walmart and Target also offer price matching on purchases, so you can snag gadgets and gear at the lowest price available.

For in-store purchases, retailers like REI do gear swaps or “garage sales” twice a year, where high-priced items are significantly discounted. When you find those dates, it would be wise to mark your calendar and set your alarm so you won’t miss out. The best deals on gifts for campers can also be found during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales, so you can purchase items ahead of time if you plan to give them outside of the holidays.

Prices listed here were accurate at the time of publication on 6/30/2021.