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45 Best Camping Gifts for People Who Love the Outdoors

Make your favorite camper a happy one with these fun and unique accessories.

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Taking in breathtaking views, snuggling up in a warm tent, toasting marshmallows over an open fire — there are so many reasons to love camping in the great outdoors. But if you're on the hunt for a gift to give to an outdoor enthusiast this holiday season and aren't a big camper yourself, you might be unsure about where to begin.

Here's the thing: If you're shopping for someone who is a serious hiker or backpacker, it's likely they already have all of the basic gear they need — including tents, sleeping bags and hiking shoes — so they'll most likely appreciate a unique camping gadget, like a portable mosquito repeller, or a thoughtful accessory that reminds them of their time spent outdoors, like a funny pair of camping-themed socks. On the other hand, if you're celebrating someone who's new to camping or RVing, they'll probably be in the market for some of the most popular, top-rated camping gear. But no matter what their level of camping experience or what type of camping activity they prefer, from casual day hikes to something a little more off the grid, this list of camping gifts has something for everyone.

With most of our gift picks under $50, including camping gear tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute, you can surprise and delight your friends and family with a present that's creative, useful and perfect for a night or two spend under the stars. From inexpensive stocking stuffers to practical, lightweight accessories to long-lasting gear that will stand the test of time, read on to shop the best gift ideas for all the outdoorsy men, women, kids, couples and families on your list this year.

Unique Camping Gift Idea

WEKAPO Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Hammock

Best Seller
Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Hammock

Wave this inflatable lounge couch through the air a few times to fill it up, and voila — an instant cozy spot to hang out. Pick from 16 colors for a gift your outdoorsy friends will love.

Best Portable Solar Charger

Nekteck 28W Portable Solar Panel Charger

28W Portable Solar Panel Charger

They can clip this lightweight solar phone charger to their backpack and charge their phone or battery pack as they hike. The panels unfold to span nearly 32 inches to capture loads of sunshine — our tech experts in the GH Institute also love that it has two USB ports and comes with a zippered pouch for storage.

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Amazon Reviewers Are Obsessed

Luminoodle

Best Seller
Luminoodle

Once it's charged via USB, this dimmable LED rope light — which comes in 5-foot and 10-foot lengths — can be strung up on tents, trees or RVs to shine some mood lighting on their camp site. The rip-stop bag can also act as a portable lantern if they decide to keep the ropes packed up inside of it.

Get Two for a Couple

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping

Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping

Easy to pack for trips near and far, this convenient foam pillow squishes down to just one eighth of its 14" x 18" size (it's also available in a smaller and larger version, too). With over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, shoppers can't stop raving about comfortable these pillows are. "My husband kept telling me we needed to get these for our camping trip," wrote one reviewer. "I have NEVER ... I mean NEVERRR slept as good as I did during that trip with this pillow. "

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Best Chair for Camping

CLIQ Camping Chair

Camping Chair

Clocking in at just 3.5 pounds, this no-tip camping chair supports up to 300 pounds, yet folds up to the size of a drinking bottle. "[This chair] allows me to lean back so comfortably and without fear of falling back — its balance is impeccable even in uneven camp ground terrains," writes one Amazon reviewer.

Rumpl The Original Puffy National Parks Collection Camping Blanket

On Sale
The Original Puffy National Parks Collection Camping Blanket

Make their camping experience more comfortable with a lightweight and warm blanket that rolls up easily into its included stuff sack. Amazon reviewers say it's easy to wash, too. This particular collection offers up 14 colorful designs inspired by our country's national parks.

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Luxury Camping Gift

Igloo ECOCOOL Trailmate 70 Qt Cooler

ECOCOOL Trailmate 70 Qt Cooler

If they've been very, very good this year, splurge on this tricked out hard cooler that's designed to handle all kinds of terrain with its oversize wheels. It's also packed with useful features, such as a removable container for storing dry goods, a ridged tray with two built-in drink holders and a lid that comes equipped with detachable umbrella holders.

For the Campfire Chef

Uno Casa XL Pie Iron

On Sale
XL Pie Iron

If they've never used a pie iron while camping, their world is about to be rocked. They can add bread and any filling of their choice (cheese, meats, etc.), then just heat it up over the campfire.

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Best Gadget for Bug-Free Camping

Thermacell MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller

MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller

No cords, batteries or DEET necessary: Thermacell claims this handheld repeller keeps mosquitoes away in a 15-foot zone for up to 12 hours of protection.

Best Camping Gift for Mom

One Savvy Girl Ultralight Backpack Cooler Chair

Amazon’s Choice
Ultralight Backpack Cooler Chair
Credit: One Savvy Girl

This waterproof folding stool that's also a cooler is like two presents in one! Campers and tailgaters alike will love that it weighs just three pounds, and easily opens up into a place to perch when they need a rest. Plus it has handy exterior pockets for a water bottle and a wallet.

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For the Day Hiker

4Monster Hiking Daypack

Hiking Daypack

They probably already have a serious hiking travel backpack for overnight trips, but what about a smaller option for day trips? Weighing in at less than half a pound, 4Monster's water-resistant daypack conveniently stuffs into a small drawstring pouch for easy storage. It can easily fit snacks, water and other day-hike essentials.

What to Get Campers Who Have Everything

WILD REPUBLIC The Outdoorsman Gift Box

The Outdoorsman Gift Box

When they head out on their next adventure, they'll be grateful for all the goodies in this gift set, including a multitool, a firestarter rope, a survival bracelet, insect repellent candle and much, much more.

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For When He Ventures Out Alone

13-in-1 Outdoor Emergency SOS Survive Tool

Amazon’s Choice
13-in-1 Outdoor Emergency SOS Survive Tool

This small kit is actually pretty mighty. It includes a compass, wire saw, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, knife, flashlight, whistle and more. If they're new to camping, this is a great pick to get them started with the essentials.

Personalized Camping Gift

Welcome to Our Campsite Doormat

 Welcome to Our Campsite Doormat

Gift this personalized mat to the glamping enthusiasts in your life (it'll look so cute in front of their RV!).

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Best Coffee Maker for Camping

Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Coffee and Espresso Maker

This nifty camping coffee-maker is an excellent replacement for larger French presses, thanks to its easy-to-use, lightweight design (and tiny stature, making it easy to stash away).

Best Camping Gift for Families

Arres Marshmallow Roasting Sticks Kit

Marshmallow Roasting Sticks Kit

So they're out with the kids, and there are no good sticks to be found at their perfectly-manicured campsite. What to do? Good thing you gifted them these colorful, telescoping marshmallow roasting sticks to save the day. They're also good for roasting other stuff, like brats and hot dogs, too.

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INSPIRE THEIR NEXT CAMPING TRIP

'Where Should We Camp Next?' Book

On Sale
'Where Should We Camp Next?' Book

Filled with the best places to take family-friendly trips across the U.S., from national parks to RV resorts to camp sites, this guidebook will help them find something great to do — no matter where they are in the country.

Best Camping Towels

Microfiber Fast Drying Towels (2 Pack)

Microfiber Fast Drying Towels (2 Pack)

Whether you're backpacking or camping, every inch of space in your pack counts. These lightweight microfiber towels fold up into a teeny tiny pouch, making them easy to bring on adventures.

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Upgrade His Multitool

LEATHERMAN Wingman Multitool

Wingman Multitool

It will fit in their pocket, it's durable (made from stainless steel) and it serves 14 functions (ruler, can opener, knife, pliers ... you get the gist). Sounds like a home-run gift to us!

For When She Needs Her Hair Out of Her Face

Toes Home Outdoor Magic Headband (6 Pack)

Outdoor Magic Headband (6 Pack)
Credit: Toes Home

Tame flyaways with a soft headband that keeps hair — and, er, sweat — out of their face while they're climbing, jogging, hiking or biking.

Headshot of Alexandra (Allie) Early
Alexandra (Allie) Early
Digital Director

Prevention’s digital director has more than a decade of experience editing and strategizing for news and lifestyle publications such as Good Housekeeping, Time Out New York, Time Out New York Kids, Haute Living, and Forbes (previously writing for PureWow, Paste, xoJane, Men’s Fitness, House Beautiful, and Life by Daily Burn among others). She’s happiest when she's elevating a great story with perfect packaging, digging into longform storytelling, or remixing the way we experience reported journalism.

Headshot of Lauren Matthews
Lauren Matthews
Group Executive Digital Content Director

Lauren (she/her) is the executive digital content director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she oversees online content and strategy for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and other Hearst titles, including SEO, video, social media and e-commerce efforts. She has almost 20 years of experience writing and editing beauty, lifestyle, home, health, entertainment and product review content. She graduated from NYU with a degree in journalism and history.

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