Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Molly Egan

This list of camping must-haves is unique camping gifts as well as essential gifts for campers. Whether you or your gift recipient are looking for gear to visit the various national parks or spice up existing camping trip gear – keep reading!

I have worn and used all of the gear listed below – so you are in good hands for the best camping gifts! Enjoy the hikes, camping, stand-up paddle boarding, and lake or river time with these items.

For those new to camping, great outdoors, heading to your first national park, you are new to camping and have questions – we’ve got you covered with answers to frequently asked questions.

Find some explanations for certain sized gear, brands, and camping gifts listed. Skip to that here.

Are you looking for the ultimate packing list for any trip – then check out these best 100 things to have!

Skip to top questions and answers for the best gifts for campers!

The 21 Best Gifts for Campers

Socks – Smartwool Merino Socks
Stand Up Paddle Board SUP – Bote Breeze Aero 10’8”
HeadLamp – Black Diamond Storm 400
Base Layer Top – Helly Hansen Lid Graphic Half-Zip Merino Wool
Base Layer – Kari Traa Merino Wool
Hammock – Eno
Sleeping Pad – Nemo Self-Inflating
Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag 5L
Portable Power Station – Scosche PowerUp 32K
Sleeping Bag – Patagonia Fitz Roy 20°F / -7°C
Slipper – Baffin CUSH Hybrid
Camping Stool – HillSound BTR Stool
Mittens + Hat – Odd Molly Smilla Mittens + Patagonia Beanie
Folding Water Cube – GSI
Two Person Tent – Mountain Hardware Aspect 2
Reusable Water Bottle — HydroFlask Wide Mouth Taril Series 24 oz.
Reusable Wine Tumbler – HydroFlask Wine Tumbler 10 oz
Outdoor Kitchen Set – Hydroflask Kitchen Sink Bundle
Trekking Backpack – Deuter Air Contact Core
Hiking Boots – Salomon Ultra Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Solar Inflatable Lantern – Luci Color Essence

1. Merino Wool Socks

This brand is the best for hiking socks! These merino wool and nylon blend socks will keep your feet warm socks and wick away moisture.

FEATURES:

Crew height
recycled nylon
Moisture wicking
machine washable

This is the best camping gift for those looking for gift ideas – can’t beat the price!

2. Stand Up Paddle Board SUP – Bote Breeze Aero 10’8”

This lightweight inflatable paddle board is easy to inflate and so much fun to use on all camping trips.

FEATURES:

10′8″ L × 33″ W × 6″ D
250 lbs capacity
Travel bag
Durable construction

3. HeadLamp – Black Diamond Storm 400

Light is essential when on a camp trip. The distance of light and length of use makes this an essential gift for campers.

FEATURES:

up to 150 hours
compact design
brightness memory
up to 400 lumens

While camping or hiking a handy outdoor accessory – perfect gift!

4. Merino Wool Base Layer Top – Helly Hansen Graphic Half-Zip

Base layers are key for staying warm – this is excellent for warmth and moisture-wicking! When you camp sleep in these at night – especially if your sleeping bag is not down.

FEATURES:

Wool & Polypropylene
moisture wicking
warmth of merino wool

We love their base layer bottoms as well.

5. Merino Wool Base Layer – Kari Traa

We love Kari Traa base layers for their function warmth and pattern. When you camp sleep in these at night – especially if your sleeping bag is not down.

FEATURES:

Breathable
100% wool
Recycled
Fun patterns

Fun gift ideas are a matching wool base layer outfit!

6. Hammock – ENO

There is no competition when it comes to this double nest hammock. It is super easy to use, durable and spacious – an excellent outdoor gift idea!

FEATURES:

9.5′ hammock body
compact sack – 5″ x 6″
bluesign approved
high quality construction – triple stitched

The universal use of this for a camp, hike, or backyard makes this a fantastic gift idea!

7. Sleeping Pad – Nemo Self-Inflating

This sleeping pad is a must-have for any camper! The ease of inflating and deflating makes this an essential camping gift.

FEATURES:

High R-Value, 3.3
ultralight
open-cell foam
1 lb 6 oz. weight

There are often unique collaborations that open up options—a great gift for a snowboardin

8. Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag 8L

This waterproof bag is essential for any water sport, hike, and camp – hello, occasional rain. The clip is great for attaching to your paddle board or backpack.