48 Products That'll Make Camping About 50 Times Easier

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8 hours ago

A copy of Where Should We Camp Next? — a 50-state guide to help you discover more than 300 different campgrounds and outdoor places to pitch your next tent.
Promising review: "My first crack of the book had me checking to see which campgrounds in the Mitten made the cut. I have some new places to check out for sure. Next, I searched surrounding states to see what I needed to add to the list, and was delighted to see one of our summer adventures so highly rated. I enjoy reading about the amenities of each campground and like the badge system for quick searches. This book will definitely see a lot of use in the upcoming years." —TCGet it from Amazon for $10.49.
A headlamp to light your path in case you have to use the restroom in the middle of the night or on your way down from the mountain after watching the sunset.
Promising review: "This product is awesome! It has a really bright light that can be adjusted. It takes batteries, and they last forever. It is also super comfortable and has a band that can be adjusted to size. I bought these so that my husband and brother could come on a night hike with me and reach the summit before sunrise. These lights kept us safe and lasted the entire 8 hours of use while we hiked to the top. Would definitely recommend and would definitely buy again!" —Makenzie BowersGet a pack of two from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two sizes).
A portable shower you can warm with the sun. After filling it up with water, set the shower out in the sun to heat it up to 110 degrees. The shower can hold up to five gallons of water, so you can still have your karaoke shower moments in the great outdoors.
Or! a pack of no-rinse water-activated bathing cloths when you may not have access or the desire to do a long shower in the woods. Just add a little water to these cloths and wipe down your potent parts. No drying required!
Promising review: "This stuff is a lifesaver. I fell off my basement steps and landed hard on my feet. I broke a bone on my right foot and sustained an injury on my left foot. Getting from point A to point B is pretty tough right now, let alone getting into the tub. I was washing with a rag and soap at the kitchen sink, but this is much easier for me to keep clean since I don't need to rinse it off my body when I'm done. This is going to be a while, so I expect to use most of the 60. That said, I was thinking that this is good for camping and other activities where getting a shower is difficult." —Ben DonahowerGet a box of six packs from Amazon for $19.99.
An instant tent perfect for solo camping or camping with your family for one simple reason — you can set it up by yourself in a matter of minutes. More than 13,000 campers agree that this tent is a win for your next trip outdoors.
A spurge-worthy self-inflatable canopy ready to give you instant shade in a matter of minutes. It's lightweight and easy to carry. In fact, it comes with a little backpack to make transporting it even easier.
The canopy has a zippable shade wall, a rechargeable air pump, eight ground stakes, four tether ropes, and a storage backpack. Promising review: "This canopy makes my solo trips to the beach with my kids SO much easier! The weight difference from traditional metal-framed canopies is AMAZING!" —LANEA J.Promising review: "Freakin awesome!! Man, I have to give this thing serious props. Tried it for the first time yesterday. We live in FL and go to the beach probably 30-40 times a year since it's so close. We've been refining our beach 'system' by getting lighter and lighter items and making the trip as easy as possible. I've tried many canopies and shades, and this one is now number 1. Before this, I was using one of those huge Coleman 10x10 canopies, but it weighed 100 pounds and took up a lot of space in the car. The Soli has eliminated that and vastly reduced the setup time. I timed it. It took right at 2 minutes to inflate, and we had the whole thing staked, ready, and were chilling in less than 10 minutes. Fantastic. I had dozens of people staring in awe at it, and 5 people came up and asked me about it directly. It was a hit. Love it!!!! Cannot wait to use it again!" —Brad S.Get it from Soli for $319 (originally $418; available in two sizes and five colors).
An elevated dog bed with a canopy so your pupper can enjoy a good lounge during the family camping trip without overheating.
By the way, some reviewers say this elevated bed is great for cats, too!Promising review: "I love this canopy bed!! I got it for my chihuahua for camping and backyard parties. It's very sturdy, and the material is thick. We've only used it once so far, but it seems like it will last a long time. It also came with a carrying bag, which was nice. Everyone who saw it at the campsite loved it :)" —ChelseaGet it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
A pair of all-terrain dog boots so their paws can be comfortable when they explore the great outdoors with their human. They like to hike, bike, and run just like you. So, if you get new boots, they do, too.
A washbag because stains happen, even in the great outdoors. If you've packed super light for your camping trip and decide to extend your adventure, you'll be happy to have this portable washing machine with you. Well, you're actually the washing machine and this is more like a tool to help you, but it can fit about two shirts, two pairs of socks and two pairs of undies in each load. All you have to do is add water and your detergent and rub the clothes (in the bag) for 30–180 seconds.
Promising review: "I used this to do laundry by hand for three months on a road trip through Mexico. It was an absolute game changer. Whenever we had access to clean water, we did as much laundry as we could, and it felt like this actually helped us get our clothing really clean. The trick was not to overload it and add a tiny bit of bleach to freshen everything up. This will come on every camping and rafting trip from now on!" —C. TutGet it from Amazon for $55.
A retractable clothesline so you can hang-dry the clothes you just washed in the bucket or hang up your swim clothes after you've spent a delightful evening floating around the lake.
Promising review: "Love this product for our camping trips! We hung this from our 10x10 canopy and were able to hang our washed clothes/hand towels to dry. It is super stretchy and held up during some pretty strong winds last weekend. The clothespin parts are really strong, and the color makes it more fun. The price is great and I love the storage bag so it doesn't get tangled when storing." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $9.99.
An ultra-large net to shield you from mosquitoes and other winged bugs. You'll be able to lie back with a good book without having to use your favorite coming-of-age novel to shoo the bugs away.
A set of four suction cups you can connect to your vehicle to secure your tent, awning, or hang a projector screen for evening movies by the campfire.
A five-piece mini kitchen tool set complete with a grater, bottle opener, pizza cutter, swivel peeler, and grinder. It's a space-saving solution that gives you a variety of kitchen tools that fit together on a ring to make for easy storing.
Or, a 27-piece camping kitchen set filled with kitchen tools and utensils that all store neatly in a carrying case.
A roll-top camp table for a rousing game of Uno while waiting for the sun to set so you can stargaze. This table rolls up super compact for efficient packing but sturdy enough to handle that slam when you hit 'em with a Draw Four.
Promising review: "This is a great little table. We purchased it for when we go camping and it's the perfect size for a game of backgammon or cards by the campfire. The best thing though is that is so compact when not in use. Great buy!" —Joni H.Get it from Bespoke Post for $65 (available in two colors; there's also a larger version).
A mosquito repeller — a bug spray alternative designed to create a 15-foot shield around you to help remain bite free.
A personal water filtration system that you can rig with your CamelBak to stay hydrated during hikes.
A plastic-free cutlery set made from organic wheat straw fiber. These individual sets are great for on-the-go meals and even come with a cute carrying case so you won't have to worry about the knife and fork getting lost in the bottom of your pack.
A pop-up trash and recycle can combo, just in case the campsite you choose isn't necessarily close to a trash can.
A LifeStraw to give you peace of mind while camping. This device is designed to eliminate 99% of waterborne bacteria and certain parasites. It can filter contaminants as small as 0.2 microns. And it can strain — get ready for this—1,000 gallons of water.
A Ninja Frost Vault, a wheeled cooler with a dry-zone which acts like a mini fridge. The cold from the cooler transfers to the dry zone to keep food safe and dry at a temp under 40 degrees for days. No more blindly slipping your hand inside an ice-cold water pool to locate your string cheese. You can pre-prep sandwiches, fruit, and veggies and more to store before or during your trip.
Promising review: "On our first outing, the drawer at the bottom did a great job of keeping our sandwiches dry and cool." —Kelly A LaflerGet it from Amazon for $229+ (available in three sizes and six colors).
A huge 100-quart cooler complete with wheels that'll keep all of your beverages nice and chilly even if they're sitting in direct sunlight. It can hold up to 100 cans, which should be more than enough for a weekend, right?
A pack of 102 compressed toilet paper tablets for those times when you need a wipe. These pop out but without the chemicals and irritating scents. One tablet and a few drops of water will grant you a full-sized moist cloth. Reviewers say they're durable, too.
A portable solar panel battery charger so you'll never be caught in the middle of a dicey situation with a dead phone battery. I'm sure you can think of several horror films where this gadget would've been handy.
A Zippo Typhoon match kit complete with a floatable container that holds 15 matches that will still light in extreme weather. Starting a fire by rubbing two sticks together is now your last resort.
An Off! kid-safe bug repellent, an unscented, plant-based essential oil formula that's gentle enough to use on babies 6 months and older so parents can rest easy knowing their tiny humans aren't getting nibbled on by bugs.
Promising review: "This is a handy spray for kids to take to camp or school. Easy to spray, the cap is sealed tightly to make sure it doesn't accidentally open. My kiddos are allergic to a lot of products, and so far this Off Spray hasn't given them any skin reactions, so it means the product ingredients are kid-friendly and true to its description." —AJGet it from Amazon for $9.75.
A pack of mosquito-repelling patches that come in an assortment of fun stickers that your kiddo will be oh-too-eager to wear. Made with a combination of nontoxic all-natural essential oils to confuse mosquitoes and hide your kid's scent from their senses.
Promising review: "I feel bad when my son gets bitten by mosquitoes. I used these all last summer. They make it so easy to keep him safe and they are safe! Made with pure essential oils. Just one sticker on his clothing. They work great!" —UnmaskedGet a pack of 24 from Target for $9.99.
And a pack of bug bite relief patches infused with aloe and witch hazel to provide on-site relief so getting bitten by an annoying bug doesn't have to ruin your day.
Promising review: 'Great product!!! As someone who always gets bitten by mosquitoes, this is exactly what I needed. The other night, my hand got absolutely attacked by a mosquito, so I used the various sizes of these stickers to cover the whole area… a few minutes later, the itching completely went away. The stickers held on very well through several days of hand washing, dish washing, showers, etc., and when I removed them, the bites had cleared up!' —Amazon CustomerGet a pack of 27 from Amazon for $9.99.
A double hammock made of lightweight nylon ideal for when you want to cozy up with your significant other or bestie, sit back and enjoy the vibes.
A folding bench you'll probably use beyond your camping trip because it's so easy to set up and pack away. It folds FLAT so you don't have to choose between taking this along or another piece of camping gear. There's room for them all.
Promising review: "A very nice addition to the camping gear, looks nice and holding up well so far. I've even used it outside at home a few times when I've had more visitors than chairs." —Joel S.Get it from Bespoke Post for $148 (available in two colors).
A set of enameled dishes for four in case you'd like to eat off something a little more upscale than the usual paper plates.
A 2-in-1 tabletop camping grill for a smaller cooking option for those campsites that can't accommodate a full-sized grill.
Or a delightfully extra propane camp stove/oven range so you can really feast beyond mere campfire cooking.
A waterproof, self-inflating, bed-height air mattress , because sleeping outdoors shouldn't have to mean sleeping on the ground. You can even fit sheets and a comforter on this mattress. It'll be just like sleeping at home, minus the walls, ceiling, flooring... You get the picture.
A National Park blanket that's pretty much the best blanket you can have with you on your next outdoor excursion. It's stain- and water resistant, insulated, comes with a cape clip so you can wear it hands free, it's made from recycled materials, and it folds up nice and tight. You'll love it so much, you'll use it at home, too!
Promising review: "I'm obsessed with Rumpl. We use them for camping, soccer games, hockey games, travel, and everyday life. My kids sleep with their Rumpls every night. I am constantly looking for new colors and patterns to add to my collection. I own the original, nano, and down versions, all are amazing! 100% recommend getting one for yourself." —Anne S.Get it from Rumpl for $125. Find more National Parks to choose from here.
A TikTok-beloved dog water bottle you can clip onto their leash so they can stay hydrated while they join you for your morning workout session.
Promising review: "We love this product! When camping or traveling, it's nice to be able to get your dog's water without a mess, especially in the car! Great for long walks too!" —Chatty KakGet it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and in four colors).
And a portable dog paw cleaner just in case there are some tiny bugs trying to hitch a ride inside on the bottom of your furry companion's paws.
Promising review: "This thing is ingenious! We have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. If you're not familiar with the breed, they have very feathery paws that collect a lot of dirt, sand, snow — you name it. While we like using this at home, we LOVE it for camping. It's very simple to use, and she adjusted to it easily. It's easy to take apart and clean. I highly recommend it. I should also mention that the product was well packaged and arrived quickly." —mothershipGet it from Amazon for $14.44+ (available in three sizes and six colors).
An inflatable lounge chair you can blow up with the element of wind. Just whip it back and forth and watch the wind inflate it. Then pop a squat and enjoy!
A pack of wax-based fire starters that are pretty much a super chic way to get the fire burning. Plus, the burning pine and flowers add a sweet aroma to your campfire scene.
A cot and air mattress if you're anything like me and need to be as high off the ground as possible, especially when sleeping outside. You've just gone from camping to glamping.
A lantern fan combo that'll keep your tent bright and cool without taking over your space.
An essential oil cosmetic-grade bug spray formulated with lemongrass, cedar wood, peppermint, and geranium to keep the bugs from nipping on your skin without irritating you either.
Promising review: "I need an insect repellent that we can use horseback riding and is okay to use directly on our skin. We use this for our clothes and skin, and it works. Biting mites, chiggers, ticks, mosquitoes, and horseflies hate it." —UnbiasedGet it from Walmart for $10.48 or a double pack from Amazon for $26.99.
A set of DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets you'll definitely want to invest in this summer and probably gift a few, too. These bands use essential oils to repel the hungriest of bugs using essential oils like citronella.
A Bug Bite Thing suction tool that's ideal for camping trips, especially when you hike to a promontory to view the sunset and get derailed by a bug bite buffet. It's chemical free and can help stop itching caused by bee stings, spider bites, and more.
A portable campfire — it's both waterproof and windproof — that burns for up to five hours so you don't have to light, relight, and stoke the fire all night long.
An oversized padded camping chair adults can really sink into and feel the luxury of an at-home-lounge in the wide open spaces.
Promising review: "I bought three different chairs to test over a period of time. Of the three, this one stood out as the winner. We love the oversized chair as it provides great comfort. We take them camping, and why wouldn't you if you have the space? Guide Gear also makes foldable foot stools which, when paired with this chair, give you the ultimate relaxing setup." —Trucker WarrenGet it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in three colors).
A stainless-steel Stanley pour-over because camping shouldn't mean that you have to sacrifice your cup of joe. Besides, you're going to need that extra boost of energy to get the most out of your weekend getaway.
A lightweight portable solar generator so you can travel with your must-have electronics like your phone, laptop or tablet, and more. The outdoors is fun, but so is sitting in the outdoors while watching episodes of The Golden Girls.