12 Camping Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed

Upgrade your next camping vacation with this comprehensive guide to camping gadgets you didn’t realize you needed, from a smokeless grill to a camping lantern that doubles as a ceiling fan.

1. BioLite FirePit Outdoor Smokeless Grill

The BioLite woodburning, smokeless grill goes from spark to fire in 30 seconds or less, which—after a long day of hiking or traveling to a campsite —is exactly what you need. The battery power pack is charged by USB, there’s a 24-hour burn time, and four fan speeds control the intensity of your flames. You can also control the intensity from the BioLite Energy App for Android and iOS devices while lying in your tent!

2. CampSpark Telescoping S’mores Roasting Sticks

Safe for kids, attractive and easy to store in the included carrying bag, the CampSpark Roasting Sticks are the best S’mores skewers we’ve seen and used while camping. The color coded sticks make sure no one steals your perfectly roasted marshmallow!

3. Pop Up Baby Booster Seat

If camping with a baby, this pop-up baby booster seat is essential! It can be set up in seconds and has a BPA-free plastic tray that’s easy to wipe down. Plus, a convenient carrying case makes this booster seat easy to transport anywhere you go.

4. Camping Sleeping Pad

For anyone with a bad back or anyone who’d prefer to be as comfortable as possible in their tent, this lightweight, thick foam inflatable sleeping pad is a must-own! Seriously, this pad is an investment in your sleep therefore an investment in your sanity.

5. The Campout Cookbook

Camp food has come a long way from bland hot dogs! This beautifully designed Campout Cookbook will inspire you to whip up some fresh dips, stews, pizzas and even your own energy bars around the campfire.

6. Reebow Tactical Gear First-Aid Kit

If you’re out hiking and camping at all, let alone with your family, a good first-aid kit is a mandatory essential to have in your daypack. This one from Reebow stores away 115 supplies tidily in a 1-pound package that won’t weigh you down or take up much space in your backpack.

7. Camping Journal

Every camping trip provides a wealth of funny stories, harrowing tales of adventure, and memorable anecdotes. This cute camping journal, perfect for kids and adults alike, has prompts and ample space to store away all of the best (and worst) narrative bits from your experiences in the great outdoors with family.

8. Camping Lantern and “Ceiling” Fan

Camping in summer can be brutally hot and uncomfortable, which is why this affordable, brilliant piece of camping gadget tech is a must-own for anyone spending one or 100 days in a tent each year. Hang this camping lantern that doubles as a fan from the center of your tent or place it by your bedside to stay cool on warm nights in the woods.

9. BioLite Solar Powered Lantern

This portable 100-lumen solar LED lantern can be charged with help from the sun or via a micro USB port. It provides up to 50 hours of dimmable light on low and four hours on high, using the built-in 750 mAh rechargeable battery. Switch between full RGB color spectrum, including red night vision, to set any kind of mood you want while camping with family or friends.

10. Leatherman Multitool

Hardcore campers swear by this Leatherman Multitool. Seriously, it’s the first thing packed for a camping trip, before even the tents and sleeping bags. And it’s easy to see why, as there’s almost nothing this handy tool cannot do. It’s basically an entire toolbox in your pocket and makes the perfect gift for an experienced camper or someone just dipping their toe in the lake.

11. LED Headlamp Flashlight

Whether you are pitching your tent after sunset or making a perilous journey after dark, every camper needs a trusty headlamp. This LED camping headlamp is affordable, highly rated, and super cool looking. Buy one or three for the campers on your list and know you bought a camping gadget gift that will be loved for years.

12. Coleman Percolator

Because there are no Starbucks in the great outdoors, this rugged Coleman Percolator is a must-have when camping. It brews up to 14 cups of coffee on a camping stove or grill, meaning your entire crew will get the morning energy they need to keep on hiking along the trail.

Jeff Bogle lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife, two daughters, and three cats. He is an award-winning photographer and respected travel journalist with bylines on Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, PBS, Esquire and more. Jeff (probably) spends too much time in England watching football and far too many hours plotting his family’s future travel adventures. Find Jeff on his own site, Out With the Kids.