Do you have a camping lover in your life you need to find the perfect gift for? You’ve come to the right spot! We’re camping obsessed here at Alpacka My Bags, so I’ll share with you a mixture of useful and fun things to give your camping friend.
If you’re not a camper yourself, there are a few different types of camping that might change what you want to get your friend. There’s tent, car, and rooftop tent camping which generally have the same essentials. Car campers might have less space available for gear so smaller items are perfect for them.
There is also backpacking, where you carry all your gear in a backpack and camp on a trail or in the backcountry. These campers need the lightest gear possible and usually take only the bare essentials.
Check out the best gifts for campers chosen by campers below and shop your favorites. These make the perfect birthday present, holiday gift, wedding gift, etc. If your friend loves camping, they’re bound to love these gifts!
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Gifts for Campers - Sleeping
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Camping Pillow
Help your camping friends sleep well and buy them a compact camping pillow! This inflatable pillow is lightweight and barely takes up any space. Plus, they can inflate it to their preferred stiffness.
Sleeping Pad
This one is a must for car, tent, and backpack campers. A nice sleeping pad makes all the difference when you’re sleeping on the ground or in the back of a car. This is one of my favorite gifts for campers because who doesn’t want to sleep well?
Sleeping Bag
Along with a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag is important. If your camping friend likes to go camping in the fall or winter, they will definitely need a very warm sleeping bag. I’ve had my Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 for several years now and it’s still going strong. It’s rated for temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C).
Double Hammock
These are great for campers, but really for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors! Hammocking has become a popular pastime activity and lucky for you, they make the perfect gift. We have a double nest hammock (for 2 people), but it works perfectly for a single person as well.
Camping Setup Gifts
Compact Camping Chair
A camping staple, the compact folding chair is one of the most important pieces for any camper. If you’re looking for a gift for a backpacking camper, they may need an ultralight folding chair. Every ounce counts when you’re carrying all of your gear on your back.
Lantern
Having a lantern while camping is so useful; you can actually get things done in the dark! There are so many different kinds of lanterns out there, but our favorites are this collapsible lantern perfect for hanging in a tent, and this Energizer large lantern that’s great for lighting up the campsite.
String Lights
While these aren’t necessary, string lights are such a fun addition to a car camping or tent camping setup. They provide extra light as well as a relaxing vibe. Plus, they’re useful at home!
Portable Fan
Camping in the heat can be intense. A portable fan can make a big difference! With a hook, this fan can be hung at the top of a tent, from the car, or even set up on a table or other flat surface.
Cozy Gifts for Campers
Camp Shoes
Part of the fun of camping is getting cozy at your campsite. A pair of camp shoes will be cherished by any camper. With memory foam inserts and sturdy soles, these camp shoes will make the perfect addition to any camper’s gear.
Fleece Pullover
With so many colors to choose from, a fleece pullover is always on my camping clothes checklist. They’re warm, stylish, and so comfortable. A fleece pullover is perfect to throw on while sitting by the campfire or when getting up early to catch a sunrise.
Thermal Poncho
If it’s chilly when camping, an extra layer is always welcome. I love my thermal poncho; it’s warm, yet I can still cook in it and more. It has a hat as well or you can use it as a blanket.
Rumpl Blanket
With so many patterns to choose from, including the National Parks edition, Rumpl makes the perfect camping blanket. They’re compact when packed but are very warm and fun to look at. These are great for camping as well as picnicking, traveling, road trips, etc.
Read Next: Grand Teton Itinerary – Best Hikes & Camping
Useful Gifts for Campers
First-Aid Kit
It’s a good idea to always have a first-aid kit when camping, especially when going far away from civilization. Are campers crazy? Maybe we are, but don’t judge us until you try waking up in a serene natural landscape. Give your camping friend a first-aid kit to stay safe!
Headlamp
After camping without headlamps for too long, I can attest to the importance of them now. Please make sure the camper in your life has a trusty headlamp. They make it so much easier to do things in the dark, and they double as a regular flashlight.
Reusable Wipe – “Pee Cloth” For Women
If you’ve ever had to pee while squatting in the woods, you’ll know how nice this would have been to have. Give your camping friend a reusable wipe so they no longer have to worry about toilet paper when nature calls. These cloths are antibacterial, washable, lightweight, and a must when camping or hiking without toilets.
Portable Power Station
Essentially a giant portable charger, a portable power station allows you to charge multiple devices at one time so you can keep those batteries charged while off-the-grid. It’s small yet mighty and can be charged at home before a camping trip.
Portable Charger
On a smaller scale, a portable charger is also helpful when camping. I always use mine to charge my phone at night so I can set an alarm, take photos, etc. If your camping friend loves to catch sunrises or take photos of every pretty detail in nature, a portable charger is a must for them.
Microfiber Quick-Dry Towel
This kind of towel is the best for camping. These microfiber towels are compact, dry very quickly, and are available in different colors and sizes. Every explorer could use a quick-dry towel!
Bear Bell
If your camping friend likes to backpack or hike in bear country, help them stay safe with the gift of a bear bell. Making noise is important when on the trails or at a campsite in bear country; this little bell is the easiest way to do so.
US National Parks Annual Pass
This is for my US campers! If you’re in the US, or at least your camping friend is, chances are they’re fans of the many incredible national parks found in this country. The “America the Beautiful” pass allows the pass holder access to all the national parks and over 2,000 other federal sites for one year.
REI Gift Card – US Campers
Yes, a gift card can be a great gift for campers. It’s an REI gift card, and if you enjoy the outdoors as well and live in the US, you’ll understand why this gift card in particular is so useful for campers. REI sells every piece of camping gear and outdoor recreation gear you could think of.
REI Membership – US Campers
There’s a good chance your camping friend already has an REI membership, but if you know for a fact they don’t, it’s one of the best gifts for campers! For only $30, your friend can become a lifetime member of REI and receive all their exclusive member benefits. It’s only a one-time payment!
Read Next: 5 Best Campgrounds in South Carolina
Camp Kitchen Gifts
Propane Stove
Camping food doesn’t need to be boring. A single-burner stove is our go-to; it’s perfect for cooking whatever we want and takes up very little room. OR if your camping-lover friend enjoys a little more comfort and convenience when camping, opt for a double burner stove!
Tea Kettle
If your camping friend is also a tea or coffee lover, a tea kettle is necessary for them to survive while sleeping outside. It’s also useful for making freeze-dried camping meals, oatmeal, and more.
Another useful item for campers who use propane stoves are nice pots and pans. This pan is a great size and can even double as a boiling pot for pasta, etc. has everything a hungry camper could need.
Jetboil Stove
Combine the two above you get the Jetboil Flash Java Kit Cooking System. This easy-to-use camping stove boils water in 100 seconds, is also a coffee French press, and has a push-to-ignite button.
Camping Mugs
You can’t have camp coffee without camping mugs. There are so many different kinds available, but these are our picks. For backcountry camping, these compact, ultralight mugs are perfect. For car or RV camping, these fun Swig mugs are our favorites.
Yeti 24 L Cooler
A trusty cooler makes all the difference for camping food. If your friend has somewhere to store refrigerated goods, you’ll help them make delicious camping meals. The Yeti 24 Roadie is smaller making it perfect for up to 2 people.
Cooler Backpack
Instead of a solid cooler, opt for a cooler backpack to give the camping lover in your life. These are versatile and easy to bring on hikes as well as picnics at home.
Mess Kit – AKA Dishes
We need dishes to eat on, so give your camping friend the ultimate 2-person mess kit. This comes with a spoon, knife, fork, plate, bowl, and cup for 2 people.
Kitchen Cooking Set
As well as dishes, cooking utensils are important. This kitchen set has it all! From a soup spoon and spatula to a mini cutting board and spice container, there’s every cooking utensil you need for a camping meal.
Stasher Reusable Bags
It’s handy to have some sort of tupperware when camping, but regular containers get bulky. That’s why I recommend Stasher reusable bags. They squish down, yet are just as useful, and come in varying sizes.
Camping Cookbook
Camping food doesn’t need to be boring! Prove this to the campers in your life by gifting them an awesome camping cookbook. You might even want one for yourself; I won’t tell anyone.
S’mores Kit
What’s a campfire without s’mores? Help your camper step up their s’more game or just make it really easy for them to enjoy this beloved camping treat. This s’mores kit will be enjoyed by any happy camper (wink wink).
Gifts for Campers with Dogs
Collapsible Bowls
These are great for adventure dogs of all kinds. Collapsible bowls are easy to take on the go. They’re perfect for campsite meals or even water breaks when hiking.
Durable Dog Toys
Who said playtime had to end? A bacon-scented fetch toy is perfect for any play-loving camping dog. They can play fetch at the campsite all day long now.
Dog Treats
Become their best friend, give the camping friend’s dog a big bag of healthy treats and they’ll love you forever. Zuke’s are our go-to for our dog; they’re bite-sized so you can control how much they eat.
Waist Leash
A waist leash is so handy when doing this around camp or when hiking with a dog. Going hands-free while your dog is still tied to you is a game changer!
Trusty Dog Harness
Along with a good leash, a comfortable harness is also important for camping dogs. Help your camping friend make their pup the ultimate outdoor adventure dog.
Poop Bag Holder
It’s important not to leave dog waste anywhere. Help your friend “Leave No Trace” and give them a poop bag holder.
Read Next: 15 Best Outdoor Activities for Adults
Fun Camping-Themed Gifts for Campers
Camping Socks
Who doesn’t love a pair of fun socks? You can never have too many so these camping-themed socks are the perfect gift for campers if you’re not sure what gear they already have.
Camping Games
Perfect for on-the-go or at home, this portable cornhole game is just that. It’s collapsible but still provides lots of fun for campers in nature or at the dining table.
National Park Puzzle
When the camper in your life is stuck at home dreaming of their next trip, help them enjoy a little piece of nature and give them a national park puzzle! It might inspire their next camping destination.
Nature Board Game
Another one to keep campers occupied at home is a camping board game. It’s like a little escape into the outdoors and a whole lot of fun for everyone playing. Trails is a hiking/outdoor focused game for 2 to 4 people. It’s perfect for home or camp!
Lands of Lost Borders Book
If your camping friend is also a book lover, this is my number one book recommendation for you to give them. Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris is an incredible true story of travel (and camping) along the Silk Road.
Coffee Table Camping Book
Inspire the camper in your life with dream trips found in “You are Here Camping,” the perfect coffee table addition. They can browse it any time they’re feeling a camping trip brewing or when they’re missing the great outdoors.
Best Sites to Buy Camping Gear
- REI | All things outdoors for US citizens
- Backcountry | Camping and hiking focused
- Amazon | Sometimes you need the convenience
Your camping-loving friend will be thrilled when they open their present from you! These gifts for campers are ideas brainstormed by camping-obsessed people and we truly think these are all amazing gifts.
From creating the ultimate camping setup to staying cozy to bringing a piece of the great outdoors home to enjoy, these gifts for campers will win you the best present title at your next gift exchange.
Help your nature-loving pal make the most of the outdoor adventures and give them a useful (or fun!) present. It’s not a surprise that camping gear can get expensive, so really any gift, no matter how big or small, will help your friend enjoy the outdoors even more. I hope you found the best gift for campers helpful!
Camping Guides
Share these camping guides with your outdoorsy friends!
