I stopped going camping because I got tired of the hours of late-night setup, no sleep and the seemingly constant discomfort. I only have so many vacation days and I don’t want to spend them dirty and miserable.
That being said, I’m a traveler and I really love to immerse myself nature. I miss camping. With rising Airbnb costs, I’m preparing to get back into it – but not without a few key items to make my outdoor stay a little more…plush. It’s time to level up to glamping!
I scoured Amazon for the best of the best camping items, and I think you’ll LOVE the things I found. If you’re sick of fighting with tent poles, getting back cramps on cheap sleeping pads or losing your way in the dark, this list is for you. I’ve included the essentials, along with cool gadgets like collapsible camping lanterns, sleep headphones, battery operated fans and mug heaters to help you get comfortable wherever you’re traveling!
Light up your base camp with these rope lights
Your camp will look super cool with these lights! Bonus: you can use them as a nightlight to ward off raccoons and stuff.
Keep drinks cold for 24 hours with this canteen water bottle!
It isn’t vacation without your favorite boozy beverage! I put a homemade mai tai in one of these for a beach day and, I kid you not, there was ice in it the next day. It’s crazy how well a little bit of metal can insulate.
A pop-up tent for easy setup
No more struggling with tent poles by the light of a flashlight! All you need to do to set this tent up is open it and throw it – literally.
Play cards or Jenga under the stars with this table
Now you can play your favorite tabletop game even when enjoying out and enjoying nature! This table is made with rust-proof, super sturdy aluminum and it folds, making it the ideal camping accessory.
Brighten up primitive campsites with a portable toilet
For $35, you won’t have to squat in the middle of the night or worry about peeing on your shoes. Reviewer G.W. sums this product up perfectly: “Having a personal potty in my tent during chilly/rainy camping trips is a game changer! No more dreaded night walks to the creepy porta potty!”
Enjoy 28 hours of playtime with this Bluetooth speaker
Every family has at least one self-appointed DJ; they’re going to need some way to inundate you with their favorite playlist. Enable them with this 20W waterproof speaker!
Keep flies out of your wine with this insulated tumbler
It’s a fact that if you drink wine outdoors, any and all flies in the area will flock to you. I hate having to pick flies out my wine – so gross! When out in nature, keep this lidded glass on hand to protect your favorite spirits.
Chill on the beach with this inflatable lounger
This lounger is super comfy and cute! Inflate it at the campsite and enjoy couch-like comfort when it’s your turn to watch the kids at the beach. It packs down small, so it’s a great find for keeping in the trunk.
Muffle noise with these sleep headphones
This headband looks so comfy, and it’s going to help you get your beauty sleep. No more jumping at every sound!
After a long hike, bust out this foot massager
It wouldn’t be luxury camping without a few fancy tech toys. 😈 Your feet will thank you.
Stay cozy at night with this double sleeping bag
This sleeping bag pairs best with a husband or male companion. This way, the sleeping bag is also heated.
This Mattress Topper Makes Me Sleep Like A Baby
Look how squishy this mattress topper is, look at it! It’s 3 inches of heaven made with high-quality CertiPUR-US certified cooling gel memory foam. It even comes with a waterproof cotton cover to protect it! This Twin XL size is perfect for long sleeping bags, but you can get it in the standard Twin size and other sizes too. Plus, it’s travel-friendly. Why feel the uneven, rough ground when you can sleep on a cloud?
You’ll always have somewhere to sit with this hammock
It packs down small enough so you can take it on hikes. It’s really easy to attach to tree trunks without damaging them, so you no longer have to settle for sitting on rocks (or in this case snow).
Get a good night’s sleep with this air mattress
This air mattress is nice and thick; plenty of space between you and the cold, hard ground. When it comes to living comfortably, this definitely beats those backpacking mattresses and mats. Trust me, you’ll be glad you spend a little extra on a good mattress.
This Electric Milk Frother Runs On Batteries
Imagine waking up to a fresh cappuccino in the middle of the woods. Just pack some non-dairy milk and instant coffee then froth the milk with this electric milk frother. Voila! You have your very own barista kit. It doesn’t get more “glampy” than that.
I love how compact this little lantern is
Gone are the days of lugging around a heavy, bulky lantern. This collapsible, battery powered lantern is perfect for lighting your way at night. It even comes with a magnetic base, so you can keep it from falling when you’re cooking.
This travel pillow is a game changer for nap time
I always get neck pain when I camp or sleep in the car, but that could be because I keep forgetting to bring a pillow. 😠Curse these loose-joint genetics!
Rain Or Shine, This Blanket Has Got You Covered!
I used to pack three blankets for camping – one to sit on, one for warmth, and one that’s water resistant in case it rains. Now, I only have to pack this Oceas blanket ’cause its got all three in one! The plush fleece has insulation, the polyester waterproof backing is coated with polyurethane, and its design is super lightweight, making it the perfect travel companion. If you’d like some extra cushion though, I recommend their puffy camping blanket too.
This Waterproof Cooler Has Your Back
This looks like an ordinary cooler, but it’s also a backpack! I will never go back to standard coolers ever again. This Oceas cooler backpack can fit up to 40 cans and is insulated with leakproof thermal lining. My family and I use it for picnics, hiking, camping, and sunny beach days. It’s so much easier to carry our drinks and food this way, especially since their backpacks have extra strap and back padding.
Bring this inflatable volleyball net for the lake
Better bring your A game – your daughter is still holding a grudge from your last family trip, when you beat her at Monopoly.
A self-inflating play mat for your toddlers or fur babies
Give them a few toys, set them on this mat and they’ll be entertained for hours. Time for parents to kick back and relax. 😎
Bring some heated socks for chilly nights
I don’t know about you, but I freeze every time I camp – regardless of the season. Instead of throwing some disposable Hot Hands packets into your sleeping bag (and risk starting a fire – yikes!), invest in some heated socks. I can confirm, the heat actually makes a world of difference in your sleep quality.
This air pump will make setup and cleanup easy
This $18 inflator is a wonderful, multipurpose device that will change your life. I bought this one because you can use it in the car or at home with a regular wall socket. It can deflate and inflate, with three different funnel sizes to choose from. I use it to inflate my pool floaties – it definitely is a must-have!
When insects descend, you’ll be ready with this zapper
I think the most annoying part of camping has to be the mosquito bites. Too many times, I’ve woken up with welts in the middle of the night and been unable to sleep because they’re SO dang itchy! To this day, I do not travel without anti-itch cream.
Desert camping? Don’t forget to grab a canopy!
When there are no trees, it’s kind of hard to keep out of the sun. You want your camp to be a friendly refuge from the heat; take one of these with you for instant relief from those scorching UV rays.
The ultimate power station for all of your devices
The description for this product brings up a really good point: can you go camping if you need a CPAP machine at night? The answer is yes – with this portable generator! It can power almost anything.
This fan will keep you cool overnight
There’s nothing like camping in the desert. You go to bed with 10 layers on and wake up at sunrise drenched in sweat. Thankfully, they make these little hanging fans for when sleeping in is non-negotiable.
Every camper needs one of these Coleman stoves
I use mine as a barbecue, but it really is made for camping. If you’re like me and you’re too broke to afford those amazing $1000 grills, buy one of these. You can use it for camping and grilling – you won’t find a better deal.
Add extra comfort underfoot with an outdoor rug
Want to make your trip even more plush and stylish? Invest in an outdoor rug like this one. It’ll help keep dirt and debris off of your stuff – and your camp will be the most Instagram-worthy around.
Watch your favorite movie with this mini projector
If I was going to watch a movie while camping, it would probably be The Parent Trap. It’s got all the best camp pranks. 😂
Save money with this two-in-one inflatable sofa bed
I NEED one of these! This inflatable couch doubles as a bed, so you can enjoy it as comfy furniture during the day and use it as a mattress at night. For $79, this is a smart buy.
Always bring a blanket for stargazing
Grab a snuggle buddy and get to work! Those shooting stars, constellations and nebulae are waiting to be discovered.
Your coffee will always be toasty with this mug warmer
A great find for $24! The crisp morning air is always amazing, but it’s going to turn your fresh brew into an iced coffee real quick.
Create a pop-up shower with this privacy tent
Also a great find for roadside bathroom breaks and changing in public.
Electric lighters are the future
I have a rechargeable spark lighter and it’s honestly the best. I never run out of lighter fluid! They can still start a fire when yielded by naughty individuals, but they’re far less likely to self-combust because they contain no fuel.
Take this air purifier for the road
The air outside may be filled with pollen and dust, but your tent/car doesn’t have to be!
Create instant furniture and storage with these bean bag covers
This is a great way to store blankets and sweaters! Stuff the covers during the day and use them as poufs; at night, unzip them to get your warm stuff out.
I wish I had had a kiddie pool like this for the desert
Take a couple extra gallons of tap water and you’ll have a little cool down/splash zone for the weekend!
A multipurpose wood-burning fire pit
When your campsite is sans fire pit, bring your own! This one comes with a grill, poker and mesh lid. You can use the middle section as a cooler during the day and a fire table at night!
Fix your makeup anywhere with this light-up compact mirror
This is a must-have if your trip is split between the mountains and city – or if you’re crush is going on the trip. Fix yourself up anytime, day or night!