Ahh, the great outdoors. There’s nothing like spending time amidst the trees and the stars to refresh your mindset, restore your peace, and leave you feeling rejuvenated. I first took up camping to help my mental health but I’ve found it’s done wonders for my emotional and physical health as well. Over my many camping trips, I’ve picked up a number of helpful tips and gadgets that improve the overall experience.
This list of 37 camping accessories is filled with true game-changers. No more twisting sticks to start late-night fires or using rocks to crack open a cold one. You don’t have to completely “rough it” to get the best experience. In fact, I find the opposite to be true. Don’t plan your next camping trip without picking up a handful of these items. You’ll thank me, I promise.
A Backpack Cooler For On-The-Go
Take a few cans on your next camping trip with this backpack cooler. It holds up to 52 cans and has side pockets that are also great for storing bottles or extra snacks. It’s ultra-padded and lightweight, so it’s easy to travel with.
A Comfy Air Mattress
A bed away from home that delivers just as much comfort: EnerPlex’s air mattress. It’s made with double padding that’s waterproof, puncture resistant, and cozy. And when you buy, it comes with a pump built in!
The Perfect Camping Blanket
It gets pretty cold out there, y’all, and you’ve got to be prepared! This amazing down camping blanket is designed to keep you warm and cozy all throughout the chilly evenings. It’s a great addition to your usual sleeping bag.
Stay Cozy Out There
While you’re out there in the rugged wilderness, you’ve got to stay as cozy and comfy as possible and you should do it with these fuzzy socks. The last thing you want is to have frozen toes while you’re tromping through the hills or snuggling in your sleeping bag.
Take an Easier Hike
I have two modes while camping. One is lounging in a hammock reading a book. The second is putting in my steps with every hike I can find. Sometimes these joints need a little support. That’s where these hiking poles come in.
Don’t Forget This Basting Brush
One of my favorite parts of camping is all the food! When I’m cooking over an open flame, I make sure I’m not skimping on flavor. That’s why I use this heat-resistant basting brush to coak my proteins and veggies in all the sauces.
Sleep Deep in All Weather Conditions
You can plan your daily agenda but you can’t always plan on the weather. Sunny skies can turn dark real quick, so it’s important to be prepared for less-than-ideal sleeping conditions. Packing an emergency sleep bag is the perfect solution.
The Only Towels You’ll Need
Hot afternoons are often spent in the lake, river, or ocean. At least, that’s where I’m spending my time! With these fast-drying towels, you can forget about laying them out in the sun. Water is quick to evaporate so you can use them over and over again.
Illuminate the Dark
When you’re out in the woods, it can get dark. Like, creepy dark. I always carry this flashlight with me anytime I’m leaving electricity behind. With an adjustable “zoom” feature, you can even narrow your light beam to something specific, or widen it to reveal a larger area!
Full Privacy Anywhere
One of the most troubling things about camping is the lack of privacy. Where are you supposed to change your clothes? Or relieve yourself? I know precisely where. In this Pop Up Privacy Tent.
Grab a Cold One
A full day spent outdoors is exhausting. And there’s nothing more relaxing at the end of the day than a cold drink. You may not have an ice maker, but you can use these Cooler Shock Ice Packs to keep food and beverages icy for up to 48 hours.
Keep It Cozy with Your Partner
Sometimes, I like to camp solo. But if my partner can come along, even better! On couples trips, we always use the Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag. It comfortably fits us both and can be used together or as two individual sleeping bags. Bonus!
Snooze Under the Stars
Not only does this stylish tent boast plenty of room for two, but this Pop Up Tent also folds up to be extremely light and compact. It only takes minutes to set up and tear down. If you’re like me and change up camping spots every few nights, this makes moving a breeze.
A Strong Camping Staple
Aluminum Carabiners are camping must-haves. They are strong enough to hold up a hammock but small enough to carry your keys without being bulky. This particular do-it-all item holds up to 130 pounds. So you can’t rock climb with them but you can do just about anything else!
Let There Be Fire
I love an item I can use over and over again. This electric lighter is rechargeable so you can buy one and take it on a thousand camping trips. A single-hour charge can give you days on end of fire-starting capability.
Hang In There
If your past camping trips haven’t included endless hours of hammock lounging, what are you doing?! This Camping Hammock can be set up anywhere and can hold up to 500 pounds. So whether it’s you alone, you and your dog, or you and your best friends, you can all enjoy a lounge session together.
Keep It Lit
After the sun goes down, you can usually find me nestled next to a campfire. But on nights I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll take my bike out for some exploring. When I do, I always use this Rechargeable Bike Light Set so I can see my path and so that others can see me.
Itchiness Be Gone
Mosquito bites, poison ivy, and contact rashes can quickly lower the morale of any trip. Bring along this natural cream, which uses a variety of essential oils, to soothe inflamed skin.
See the Sea Life
If you’re going to be anywhere near a mass of water, you have to check out what’s under the surface. So many lakes and rivers are full of life, and the best way to experience it is with this Snorkel Set. Specially designed for clearer vision, it is both fog and leak resistant.
Keep Your Tent Clear of Pests
Mosquitos and flies have been the culprit of many sleepless nights under the stars. Now I bring my Zapping Racket to instantly get rid of any insects in my tent. All that endless swatting and scratching is suddenly a thing of the past.
Rest Your Pretty Little Head
You wouldn’t settle for neck pain in the morning at home. So, don’t settle for it while camping! Use The Snoozy Camp Pillow to properly support your head and neck all night long. And no, it’s not going to take up space in your backpack. In fact, it folds down into a light and simple carrying case. Does it get any better?
Keep It All Together
Purses and backpacks can be bulky. Who wants to deal with that? If you just need to bring the necessities (you know, your phone, credit cards, and maybe a snack), then this Running Belt for Men and Women is your perfect accessory. Tie it around your waist or diagonal across your chest and you’ll be hands-free for any activity.
Light the Way
I know what you’re thinking! No, I’m not scared of the dark. But I do prefer to keep the Sunlit Camping Lantern around for good measure. This lantern comes with a foldable hook, handles, and even a magnetic bottom so it can be placed, hung, or attached just about anywhere.
Take Your Drinks Wherever You Go
Having a well-stocked cooler at the campsite is great. But what about days spent off-grid? When you’re hiking? Or boating? Or just out and about? You still need (yes, need) access to chilled drinks. That’s where the Backpack Cooler comes into play. Hold up to 24 cans and keep them cold all day long.
Hydration Can Be Fun!
I don’t have to tell you that staying hydrated while on a camping trip is incredibly important. But sometimes, it can feel like a chore, especially for little ones. The solution? Give them a super awesome water bottle of course! These Canteenies come in a variety of colors to suit your kiddo’s style, are vacuum insulated, and are made of stainless steel. In other words, they’re perfect.
Stay Organized on the Trails
It can be a bit nerve-wracking to put your phone in your pockets while on a bike ride. Keep it far more secure with the Roam Bike Phone Holder. This accessory attaches directly to your bike and keeps your accessories safely in place.
Light Up the Night
Atmosphere is everything. And, yes, the stars do a lot for ambiance, but I like to add my own touches too. For example, after hanging up the LED Rope Light, I find my campsite to be far more romantic.
Keep Calm and Let the Rain Fall On
I love the sound of rainfall, but I don’t love having raindrops fall on my face. That’s why I always bring this Rain Tarp when I’m camping. I can set it up directly over my hammock and be protected from both rain and UV rays. Win-win!
Get Fired Up
One of the best parts about camping is coming home smelling of a campfire. But getting a fire going can seem next to impossible. Unless you use these Fire Starters, that is.
Relax in Style
No camping trip is complete without a Folding Padded Quad Chair. Think about it. Where are you going to sit to drink your coffee? To read your book? To enjoy the night fire? I rest my case.
Set Up on the Sand
If you’re planning for a beach day, you absolutely need to bring shelter from all those harsh UV rays. That’s where the WhiteFang Beach Tent comes into play. With this gem, you’ll never have to fear a sunburn again.
When You Just Need to Chill
Wouldn’t camping be so much better if you could just bring your beloved couch along? Well, turns out you can! This Inflatable Couch only takes 30 seconds to inflate and provides hours of comfort and relaxation.
Dance the Night Away
Okay, these are too cool to pass up. Stick them in the ground for additional lighting and atmosphere. But, you can also connect this Bluetooth Speaker to your phone and play your favorite songs. Sounds like a party to me!
Power Up Anywhere
Electricity is a bit scarce in the middle of a forest. But with this Solar Power Bank, you can utilize the sun for energy and power your phone, laptop, tablet, or reading device no matter where you’re at.
Keep the Mosquitos Away
It’s hard to focus on your favorite book when mosquitos are swarming your hammock. Thankfully, this XL Hammock Net can keep bugs of all kinds off. That means less time scratching and more time savoring.
Your Favorite Treat Made Easy
What do you think of when I say “campfire”? S’mores, right? With these Marshmallow Roasting Sticks, you never have to worry about burned fingers again. Because they’re extendable, you can cook to golden brown perfection from a distance.
Fan the Flames
This may be my favorite item on the list. They’re called Magical Flames, and they turn your run-of-the-mill campfire into a display of vibrant colors. Red, blue, green, purple; The display lasts over an hour!
A Full Kitchen on a Keychain
Every time I go camping, I always find I’m missing some necessity. A bottle opening, for example. Or a way to peel my campfire potatoes. Ever since I bought this Set of 5 Cooking Gadgets, I always have every tool I could possibly need.
Keep Cool and Carry On
A sudden spike in temperatures can soak the fun out of the day. That’s why I always pack the Portable Camping Fan. It is rechargeable, portable, compact, and can be set up anywhere. Perfect for when a nice breeze is all you need.
This One’s for the Girls
Hey, ladies, this one is for you. Have you ever found yourself needing a toilet in the middle of nowhere? Sure, squatting is an option, but not a favorable one. Instead, opt for the Female Urinal for a quick, easy, and sanitary way to take care of business.
Don’t Touch My Food
I’m not big on sharing my food. Especially with local bugs. So, when I’m camping, I always bring with me the Mesh Outdoor Food Cover to keep pests from devouring my meal.