The Coolest Camping Gear for Your Summer Staycation
Updated: Jun. 10, 2020Whether you're heading to your favorite campground or only venturing as far as your backyard, these must-have camping accessories will set the scene for some serious outdoor fun.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Adventure awaits!
Looking for an outdoor activity that will keep you sane and socially distanced this summer? Camping just might be a perfect choice, even if it’s not usually your thing. Seriously—hear us out. You’ve got two options: You could either head to the best campsite in your state for some fresh air and a change of scenery, or you could set up your own makeshift campground right at home and reap all the benefits of camping in your backyard. To do either scenario right, though, you’ll need the right camping gear. From the best portable barbecue to the comfiest outdoor chairs imaginable, we rounded up everything you’ll need to have a blast in your backyard and beyond.
Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.
Coleman Sundome Tent
From $56.84
To have a legit camping experience, you’ll need a tent, and with nearly 11,000 rave reviews on Amazon and a reasonable price tag, the Coleman Sundome is a no-brainer. It comes in a variety of sizes that can accommodate two to six people; the six-person option has enough room for two queen-size camping air beds. All of the tents are weatherproof and set up in ten minutes, and after using it in the backyard, even the most reluctant campers might be ready to plan a trip away from home. If so, check out these 15 best places to camp in national parks.
Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag
$57.95
Who says that you have to go solo in a sleeping bag? Get cozy with your tentmates in this extra-large, queen-size sleeping bag that will keep you toasty even on the chilliest of nights (down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). It comfortably fits two adults or a few kids. Or, if you’d prefer a little alone time, you can break it down to create two twin-size sleeping bags. If you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, researchers say you should go camping—here’s why.
Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow
$44.95
Whether you’re trying to get some shut-eye in your tent or just want to gaze up at the stars, it’s a lot more comfortable to do that when you have an actual pillow under your head instead of a scrunched-up sweatshirt. But who wants to lug around a bulky pillow with the rest of your camping gear? No one—and now you don’t have to. The Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow is inflatable and folds down to the size of a lime. Plus, unlike most camping pillows, which make you feel like you’ve got your head propped up on a balloon, the Nemo Fillo has a three-inch I-beam baffled air cell, cushy insulation, and a soft cover for a more natural pillow feel. Before you board your next flight, buy one of these 13 travel pillows that experts swear by.
Kingso Outdoor Firepit
$59.99
No campout is truly complete without a firepit. Sure, you can put your rusty Scout skills to the test by making your own, or you can get some smart camping gear. This lightweight, portable option from Kingso comes with a mesh screen to protect you from embers, as well as a wood-handled poker. If you really have no intention of camping anywhere other than your backyard, you might want to invest in something fancier (and heavier), like this stone-topped, propane-fueled fire table from Frontgate. Setting up a fire pit in your backyard is one of the easy quarantine home projects you’ll wish you’d done sooner.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
$249.99
Campouts and barbecues go hand-in-hand, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. But you can’t cook up the perfect burgers, hot dogs, and veggie kebabs without the right portable grill. This propane option from Coleman has three separate adjustable burners and 285 square inches of grilling space. You can even swap out the grill for a cast-iron griddle to make pancakes, bacon, and eggs in the morning. Plus, this model has wheels and folds up, so transport and storage are a breeze. For your day-to-day cooking needs, which is better: an indoor or outdoor grill?
Ooni Fyra Portable Wood-fired Outdoor Pizza Oven
$249.00
Take your outdoor cooking up a notch with a portable pizza oven by Ooni. Fueled by wood pellets, this 22-pound mini-oven gets up to temperatures of 932 degrees Fahrenheit in 15 minutes and turns out stone-baked Neopolitan-style pizza in one minute flat. (Yes, you read that right.) Plus, you can feel good about your purchase: A portion of it will go toward tree-planting initiatives via Ooni’s partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. What other mouthwatering munchies should be on your menu? Try these 26 camping recipes you’ll want to make all summer.
Hershey’s S’mores Kit
$24.00
You can pick up the graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows separately at the store, or you can click one button on Amazon and have a neatly packaged box filled with all those ingredients delivered right to your doorstep. One of these Hershey’s boxes makes 18 s’mores, which is plenty to satisfy hungry little (or big) mouths. Worried about your kids around the campfire—or just don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of getting one started? Opt for a tabletop s’mores maker fueled by a Sterno, which you can also use indoors year-round. Don’t miss these delicious ways to spruce up your s’mores.
Cranmore 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set
$53.99
Dinner is served! This 12-piece set from Wayfair—which includes dinner plates, salad plates, and cereal bowls for four—features kitsch, vintage design that will get you in the mood for your outdoor adventure. And since it’s made of melamine, you don’t have to be delicate with it. What other camping gear shouldn’t you leave home without? Flatware specifically designed for on-the-go use, like this stainless steel Devico portable flatware set, and the perfect drinkware, whether it’s a set of durable enamel mugs or space-saving collapsible silicone travel cups. Here are another 14 things we’re buying at Wayfair to create a backyard oasis.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
$59.99
When you’re sitting around the campfire, telling stories, you want to be comfortable. But comfort is hard to achieve in a tiny, flimsy camping chair. Meet the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, one of the camping accessories you won’t know how you ever lived without. Super roomy with a 24.5-inch seat width, it holds up to 800 pounds and is covered with 600D polyester fabric. And, of course, it folds up for easy storage and toting. How amazing is this chair? It made a number of “best of” camping-gear lists for 2020, and one happy Amazon reviewer calls it “a cross between an overstuffed chair and a La-Z-Boy.” Sold! If you’re traveling by RV this summer, check out this list of the best RV parks in every state.
Leatherman Wingman Multitool
$47.96
When you’re camping in your backyard, you have access to whatever you need, whenever you need it…but do you really want to head to the house every time you remember you’ve forgotten something? Nope. That’s why you need a multitool like the Leatherman Wingman. While some fancier models cost much more, this one gets the job done without breaking the bank—and has thousands of near-perfect reviews on Amazon. The 14 tools packed into its pocket-sized, stainless-steel design include scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and strippers, bottle and can openers, and more. Of course, this essential camping accessory will also come in handy for assorted projects around the house.
Enjoying Life Our Way Personalized Wine Table
$59.00
Cheers to the great outdoors! For a more intimate campout, pick up this handmade wooden wine table from Etsy, which comes apart for easy storage. Just push the wooden spike into the ground and you’ll have a sturdy spot for a bottle of wine and two glasses. It also makes a great gift, since you can personalize it. Here are another 30 personalized gifts that really go the extra mile.
Lily’s Home Unbreakable Acrylic Wine Glasses
$29.95
Ditch the red Solo cups and class things up a bit with these multicolored wine glasses. Made from BPA-free Tritan, they look like real glass but are shatterproof and dishwasher-safe (on a non-heated cycle). Bonus: Each person gets a different color, so you won’t get your glasses confused.
Coleman Instant Canopy with Sunwall
$139.99
There is such a thing as too much fun in the sun. When you need a little shelter from the rays (or a surprise storm), you’ll be glad you have the Coleman Instant Canopy. This 10-by-10-foot cover sets up in three minutes, boasts UPF 50+ protection, and even has a side shade to pull down. Of course, don’t forget to protect your skin this summer, even if you have one of these. Make sure to slather yourself in the only sunscreen the FDA wants you to use.
Eravsow Bug Zapper & LED Camping Lantern & Flashlight
$23.99
Nothing ruins a campout faster than a bunch of hungry mosquitoes who decide that you’re the main course. This bug zapper from Eravsow is the camping gear you need to prevent that scenario. Its ultraviolet LED lights to provide a 16-by-16-foot haven from mosquitoes, and best of all, its methods are non-toxic, so you won’t be breathing in chemicals. This waterproof device also functions as a regular lantern and flashlight, which will come in particularly handy on real camping expeditions. For more pest-repelling options, check out these other top-rated bug zappers.
Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler
$299.99
When it comes to keeping food and beverages cool, you can’t go wrong with a Yeti. The gold standard of coolers, Yetis are definitely on the pricier side, but they last. And arguably even better, you won’t end up with a bucket full of melted ice after a few hours. In fact, the Yeti Tundra’s three inches of PermaFrost insulation will keep ice frozen for days—yes, days—and you won’t need as much of it to keep things cold. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need days’ worth of cold drinks, an Igloo BMX Cooler will do the trick.
Celestron Travel Scope 70
$86.80
Keep kids (and adults) engaged after the sun goes down with this portable telescope, which weighs just 3.3 pounds and folds into a tiny travel backpack. Easy to use and great for beginners, it will let your campers check out the moon and the planets, and if you download the free astronomy software, they’ll actually know what they’re looking at. By the way, these spectacular national parks are even more incredible on starry nights.
Want more deals and product picks sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our Stuff We Love newsletter.