A Camping Gift Guide for the Holidays

Shopping for a camper can be tricky: they already have a tent, and you don't know what's in their gear bin. The best camping gifts are the things people use every trip but don't buy for themselves. Here are ideas by budget and by the kind of camper you're shopping for.

01Stocking stuffers

• A headlamp. Every camper loses one eventually, and a good, bright one with a red-light mode is a real upgrade.
• Wool socks. Warm, dry feet make or break a cold night.
• A long-handled lighter or a good waterproof match case.
• A camping spork and a set of reusable utensils.
• A small first-aid kit for the car or pack.
• Hand and toe warmers.
• A park pass or a state park annual pass. Check your state's park system; many offer gift options.
• A paper map of a favorite national forest or park.

02For car campers

• A good camp chair. The cheap ones break. A comfortable chair with good back support is a gift they'll use every trip.
• A camp kitchen organizer or a box to keep cooking gear together.
• A two-burner camp stove if they're still cooking on a single burner. See camp stoves in the cold.
• A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven for campfire cooking. See fall campfire recipes.
• A rechargeable lantern.
• A portable power station for phones, lights and small devices. See portable power stations for camping.

03For cold-weather campers

• A warmer sleeping pad with a higher R-value. See sleeping pad R-values explained.
• A sleeping bag liner that adds a few degrees.
• A warmer sleeping bag if they camp into fall. See sleeping bag temperature ratings.
• An insulated jacket that packs small.
• An insulated water bottle or a vacuum bottle for hot drinks.
• An underquilt for the hammock camper. See cold-weather hammock camping.

04For beginners

• A camping cookbook.
• A basic tent big enough for their family, with a rainfly.
• A first camping trip, booked. Reserve a site for spring and give them the reservation. See car camping for beginners.

05For RV and camper owners

• Leveling blocks.
• A good water hose made for drinking water.
• An RV-safe surge protector.
• Outdoor rugs and string lights for the campsite.

06For the camper with everything

• A Leave No Trace or wilderness first-aid class.
• A campground gift card or a cabin night.
• Firewood from a local seller for their next trip (don't move firewood long distances; it spreads tree pests).
• Your company on a trip. Plan one together.

07Tips for buying camping gifts

• Check what they have. Ask a friend or partner, or look at photos from past trips.
• Quality over gadgets. A few well-made items beat a box of gimmicks.
• Keep the receipt. Gear is personal; make it easy to exchange.
• Shop early. Popular gear sells out before the holidays.

Whatever you pick, the best gift is the one that gets them outside more.

Photo: Autumn at Silver Queen Campground, Maroon Bells, Colorado (45113273842).jpg) by Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0.

Related: Storing Camping Gear for Winter So It's Ready in Spring