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25 Best Camping Gifts for A Night Around the Bonfire

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

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coghlans fan mallome sticks hydro flask day cooler darn tough crew socks
Good Housekeeping

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As the weather heats up, many campers start dreaming about their next outdoor escape. Whether they’re pitching a tent after a long hike or relaxing in a camp chair by a bonfire, there’s something special about spending time in nature. If you’re shopping for someone who loves the outdoors, this list of the best camping gifts is full of ideas they’ll actually use on their next adventure.

Our top picks:

From clever finds they may not have considered—like ROAME’s portable soap sheets for easy handwashing anywhere there’s water—to must-have essentials, like an emergency medical kit for those just-in-case moments, there’s something here for every kind of camper.

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

Wave this inflatable couch through the air a few times to fill it up, and voilà—an instant spot to lounge. Pick from over 20 colors and patterns for a gift your outdoorsy friend will love.

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Talk about bang for your buck, this rechargeable mosquito repellent is said to create a 20-foot protection zone in just 15 minutes, according to the brand. The scent-free repellent is generated by heat and is said to last up to 5.5 hours before needing a recharge.

RELATED: Best Bug and Mosquito Repellants

If they've never used a pie iron while camping, their world is about to change. They can make an instant panini with bread and their filling of choice. All they have to do is clamp down, heat the iron over the fire, and enjoy.

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Since headphones aren't ideal when camping, gift them this popular, water-resistant Bluetooth speaker. That way, they can play their favorite tunes while setting up camp for the night. It features a 24-hour battery life on a full charge, per the brand.

My Dad is an avid outdoorsman and loves his BrüMate Hopsulator. Every morning, he grabs the adapter from the freezer, adds it to the bottom of the can cooler, and secures his daily Diet Coke in place before hitting the road. The beverage insulator can fit 12 or 16-ounce drinks and is top-rack dishwasher safe, according to the brand.

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One of the toughest parts of camping is sleeping on hard, unforgiving ground. This insulated sleeping pad offers a solution to that problem. It features 3.5 inches of cushioned loft that inflates via an included pump sack. The pad is said to reflect body heat, helping to keep sleepers warm throughout the night.

Stay cool with this USB-C rechargeable fan, featuring a soft LED light to gently illuminate your space. The compact, roughly 7-inch design offers three speed settings and can be propped up via clip or stand—wherever you need it most. According to the brand, the fan and light can run together for over three hours on a single charge.

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If you're going on a camping trip, a cooler is a must. This backpack option from Hydro Flask stood out in tests conducted by our Good Housekeeping Institute for its large capacity (fitting 36 cans), waterproof zippers (that aid against leaks), and cold retention (lasting up to 12 hours).

RELATED: Best Backpack Coolers

Camping—especially when paired with hiking—can be tough on your feet, so the right socks matter. These micro crew socks from Darn Tough are designed to cushion, protect, and keep you warm, thanks to a blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex. They also feature a charming forest-inspired design that fits the outdoor vibe.

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After testing a slew of heated gloves in our Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab, this pair from Savior Heat came out on top. Our experts love it for its quick, consistent heat, battery level indicator, and bulk-free design. The gloves can output heat for up to 12 hours.

RELATED: Best Heated Gloves

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

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For a fun alternative to tent camping, gift this single sleeping hammock that comes complete with talon straps, carabiners, and an attached storage bag. Our Good Housekeeping Institute named this a top pick among hammocks for its large 400 lb capacity and long length, making for an easy setup.

RELATED: Best Backyard Hammocks

I recently took a pack of these portable soap sheets to the jungles of Panama, trekking to a remote cacao farm. By the end of my journey, my entire group was asking to use these. They're compact, easy to toss in a bag, and are water-activated. They even lather up, adding an extra sense of cleanliness.

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Organized by injury, such as cuts and scrapes, medications, burns, and more, this two-person travel first aid kit comes equipped with the necessities. No matter what they run into on the trail, this kit can help patch them up until they reach greater care.

RELATED: Best First Aid Kits

Help inspire their next adventure with this book that's packed with hundreds of photos and ideas for where to go next. The book covers everything from museums and mountains to restaurants and beaches.

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Easy to pack for trips near and far, this convenient foam pillow is available in three sizes: small, regular, and large. It features adjustable firmness and can be tossed in the washer upon return from their trip.

YETI's stylish, stackable 10 oz. mug comes in several colors (just look at that forest green shade!) and keeps coffee warm, thanks to its double-wall insulation. We've tested and loved a variety of YETI products and appreciate that this mug is also dishwasher-safe.

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Make their camping experience more comfortable with a lightweight, warm blanket that rolls up easily into an included sack. Amazon reviewers say it's easy to wash, too. This particular collection offers up 13 colorful designs inspired by our country's national parks.

If you don't want to forage for sticks to roast marshmallows, bring this five-pack of prongs along for kids and adults to share. Each stick sports its own color, so users don't get confused about whose is whose.

Headshot of Kate Franke
Kate Franke
Associate Editor

Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand. 

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