Photo by DieterMeyrl via iStock
It’s springtime here in California, and it’s got me itching to spend a long weekend in the mountains…
If you’re like me, camping and overlanding means more than fresh air and beautiful scenery. It also means taking camping accessories along with you that make your trip all the more comfortable and functional.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have quite the robust collection of camping gear. Part of the reason for that is that I test a lot of gear. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy having creature comforts when I’m out in the wild. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably of like mind!
So, I’ve compiled the list below of the best camping accessories of 2024. These are items that make “roughing it” a completely different – and better – experience!
Editor’s Note: This is a dynamic list, so check back often to see other items I’ve added.
Table of Contents
- SandyCats TrailWash V2
- Tailgater Tire Table
- Summit Stove
- Campfire Mat
- Front Runner Camp Kitchen Utensil Set
- Inergy FLEX 1500 Power Station
- Tailgater Camp Organizer
- Front Runner Expander Camp Chair
- Bonus: Hard Top Buddy
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: SandyCats TrailWash V2
I don’t know about you, but when I go camping, I manage to get all kinds of dirty over the course of the day. And it happens even if I’m not hiking, biking, fishing, or doing some sort of other activity! Between the dirt around camp, the bug spray, sunscreen, and smoke from the campfire, I feel pretty gross at the end of a day just enjoying a good book in my camp chair.
So, what do I do?
I take a shower at camp!
One of the best ways I’ve found to clean up at camp is with the SandyCats TrailWash V2. This small-but-mighty camp shower has everything you need to wash away the day’s dirt and grime…
There’s a Wild Shower kit (shown above) that includes a high-pressure, low-flow shower head with a switch, a suction shower head holder, a six-foot hose kit with food-grade tubing, and quick-connect connectors. It also comes with a German-made water pump and an 18650 battery pack. It all fits nicely into the included carry bag, too!
Or, perhaps you fancy the Fisherman’s Rinse option (shown above), which swaps out the low-flow shower head and six-foot hose with a multi-functional spray nozzle and a ten-foot coiled hose. There are other options, too:
- The Oasis Combo (shown below) gives you a parker elbow faucet, a high-pressure low-flow shower head with a switch, a suction shower head holder, and a six-foot length of tubing (plus all the quick connectors, water pump, battery pack, and carry case as well).
- The Wilderness Wave set gives you a parker elbow faucet, a multi-purpose nozzle, and a ten-foot coiled hose (plus all the quick connectors, water pump, battery pack, and carry case as well).
- The Ultimate Camp Kit combines all the accessories – parker elbow faucet, ten-foot coiled hose, multi-purpose nozzle, high-pressure low-flow shower head with switch, suction shower head holder, six-foot shower hose kit, water pump, battery pack, quick connectors, food-grade tubing, scepter lid, and carry bag. Whew – that’s a lot of goodies!
In other words, SandyCats offers just about any camp shower setup you could possibly need. And the best part is that whatever kit you choose, you can use it for more than just showering!
For example, you can use the parker elbow faucet to assist in cooking or cleaning. The multi-purpose nozzle is ideal for putting out your campfire before heading to bed. And you can use the shower setup for you, your kiddos, or the dog! All the while, the rechargeable battery ensures you’ve got the water flow you need. Not bad, right?
There isn’t an easier, more effective option for cleaning up while you’re camping. The TrailWash V2 is compact, high-powered, low-flow, and easy to use. What more could you want?!
Learn more about SandyCats TrailWash V2
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Tailgater Tire Table
I’ve had a Tailgater Tire Table for several years now, and in that time, it’s proven to be one of the most valuable camping accessories in my arsenal.
In fact, the Tire Table is the first thing I get out and set up when I get to camp and the last thing I pack up. I use it every single day I’m camping! Why? Well, that’s simple – it’s incredibly easy to use and versatile.
Setup couldn’t be simpler – I just hook the table over one of the tires on my Jeep or trailer, extend the leg for added stability, and it’s ready to go. Then I can use it for all sorts of needs – preparing dinner, a place to eat, a stand for my Starlink…you name it.
The Tire Table comes in various models, including regular and large sizes as well as steel and aluminum options. I have the large steel version, which provides 33.5″ x 28″ x 1.5″ of tabletop space – plenty for my needs. Heck, this thing holds up to 75 pounds, so I can load it up with gear without worrying that it’ll collapse.
Better still, since the table hooks onto a tire, you don’t have to worry about finding a level surface for the table. Instead, you get a stable, level table no matter where your adventures take you.
Durability isn’t a concern with the Tire Table, either. My large steel table is powder coated to stand up to the elements. And the steel construction is ideal for placing hot items on top of the table without worry of damaging it like you would with a plastic table.
My Tire Table fits up to 50-inch tires, so even if you’ve outfitted your rig with huge rubber, you can still use the table with ease. And when you’re ready to pack up and hit the trail or head home, it takes mere seconds to get the table off your tire, folded up, and into the back of your vehicle.
Like I said, this is one of my favorite camping accessories – and I think you can see why!
Learn more about the Tailgater Tire Table
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Summit Stove
When heading into the great outdoors for camping adventures, you have to be prepared for rough terrain and the challenge of having limited space. In such circumstances, hauling a large grill is completely impractical. But you have to eat!
Fortunately, the Summit Stove camp stove presents an ideal solution with its compact yet rugged design, tailored for outdoor enthusiasts like you and me.
The stove is constructed entirely from stainless steel, so it’s capable of withstanding the harshest conditions. Whether your ideal campsite is just off the highway, deep in the woods, or at the top of a mountain pass, this stove is built to be rugged, durable, and easy to use.
Despite its robust build, the Summit Stove camp stove maintains a modest footprint. When folded down, it neatly fits into a 4 x 4 x 16-inch box (which includes all the stove hardware), ensuring maximum portability and convenience.
Setting up the Summit Stove camp stove is a breeze, requiring just a minute to unfold and prepare for cooking campsite dinners. You can use either wood or charcoal, allowing you to tailor the flavor of your meals to your particular tastes. Better still, you don’t have to pay for propane or haul around a propane tank. Nice!
Cleanup is swift and hassle-free, thanks to the stainless steel construction, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the wilderness and less time on mundane tasks like cleaning your grill.
Those of us who camp cherish the adventure of exploring scenic landscapes, relishing the fresh air, and creating memorable moments with loved ones. What better way to enhance these experiences than by preparing delicious meals at camp using a compact, durable camp stove that’s easy to clean?
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Campfire Mat
Living as I do in Southern California, the danger of wildfires is significant. The last thing I want to do is contribute to the destruction by starting a wildfire with careless campfire etiquette.
Heck, I’m so careful that I use a protective mat even when I’m using something like my Summit Stove grill. I don’t use any old mat, though – I use the Campfire Mat.
As you can see above and below, I’m using the Mini-Mat from Campfire Mat to cover my Tailgater Tire Table and help protect the immediate area from any sparks or embers that might emerge from the grill. This mat is perfect for this application, as well as using around small fire bowls, propane fire pits, and the like.
Made of fire-retardant material, the Mini-Mat gives you the peace of mind that you won’t spark a fire while you’re cooking. Likewise, you won’t cause damage to your table while you’re cooking (though, damage to the Tire Table isn’t a concern). But, if you’re grilling up some food on a tabletop stove sitting on a wooden campground picnic table, having a protective barrier on top of the table is a good plan.
You can also buy a large Campfire Mat to put around the fire ring. This mat is 14.5 feet in diameter, so you get a substantial ring of protection around the fire. Not only does this mat help prevent sparks igniting a fire, but it also helps keep the dust down around the fire pit, allowing you and your fellow campers to more thoroughly enjoy your time by the fire.
And like so many of the items on this list, the Mini-Mat and Campfire Mat are both simple to deploy, easy to pack up, and easy to clean. A trifecta!
Learn more about the Campfire Mat and the Mini-Mat
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Front Runner Camp Kitchen Utensil Set
Few items are as indispensable on a camping trip as a high-quality kitchen utensil set…
But not all kitchen utensil sets are made alike. I’m a fan of the Front Runner Camp Kitchen Utensil set because it’s got a huge collection of tools wrapped into one handy kit.
Not only that, these utensils are robust. Gone are the days of flimsy, disposable camp utensils prone to breakage. The Front Runner set boasts composite handles that provide a comfortable and substantial grip, ensuring durability and reliability even in rugged environments.
A good example of this is that the knife handles are triple riveted, while the fork and spoon handles feature double riveting, guaranteeing stability during use. Each knife is professionally forged with black comfort grip poly handles, with the steak knives boasting high-quality micro-serrated edges for precision cutting.
The convenience of the Front Runner set extends beyond its superior craftsmanship. Designed for hassle-free transport, the entire kit rolls up securely in a custom tool-style roll. Equipped with adjustable straps, buckles, and carrying handles, this roll ensures safe and rattle-free transportation to and from the campsite. Moreover, integrated loops with carabiners allow for easy hanging of the opened roll and utensils, facilitating quick access whenever needed.
With a comprehensive selection of utensils, the Front Runner set leaves no cooking task unaddressed. From serrated knives and steak forks to dessert spoons and teaspoons, every dining need is met with precision. Additionally, the set includes essential kitchen tools such as a chopping board, paring knife, bread knife, carving knife, serving spoon, spatula, BBQ/campfire fork, and even a bottle opener and corkscrew, ensuring versatility in meal preparation. It’s got it all!
Learn more about the Front Runner Camp Kitchen Utensil Set
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Inergy FLEX 1500 Power Station
Having off-grid power is a fantastic bonus to have when you’re camping, which is precisely why I’m including the Inergy FLEX 1500 power station on my list of the year’s best camping accessories.
What’s so impressive about the FLEX 1500 is that it has so many power outputs:
- Six 110-120VAC floating outlets
- Two 60W USB-C ports with PD and QC 3.0
- Two USB-A ports with QC 2.0
- Two 5.5mm x 2.5mm DC outputs for Basecamp LEDs & future accessories
- Two 15A cigarette lighter ports with 13.8V regulated DC output (20A at 13.8VDC total combined DC output)
On top of all that, this power station comes with a 1,500-watt pure sine wave inverter capable of 3,000 watts of surge power. Also included is a 1,000-watt-hour lithium-ion battery that you can charge via AC, DC, or solar power. You can even use all three power sources simultaneously to charge the battery in about an hour-and-a-half.
Additionally, Inergy makes the FLEX 1500 batteries stackable, so you can stack up to five batteries together. And since it’s expandable to up to 96 total batteries, you can have a lot of power!
At 14″ x 8″ x 8.9″ and 29 pounds, the FLEX 1500 power station is compact and easy to maneuver from your vehicle to your tent or wherever you need power. Adding additional batteries is simple, too – it’s a plug-and-play system, so assuming the batteries are within a similar voltage range, they’ll automatically connect and you can start using clean, quiet power no matter where you are!
Learn more about the Inergy FLEX 1500 Power Station
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Tailgater Camp Organizer
With so much gear floating around camp, it makes sense to include some means of organizing your stuff. That’s where the Tailgater Camp Organizer comes in…
At the heart of its design lies a thoughtful layout, featuring eight storage pockets measuring 4 inches high, 8 inches wide, and 8 to 10 inches deep. With this storage capacity, all your campsite essentials will be neatly organized and easily accessible, eliminating the frustration of rummaging through cluttered gear to find what you need.
The versatility of the Tailgater Camp Organizer is evident in its dropdown fabric with zipper, which seamlessly rolls up and out of the way when in use, providing unobstructed access to stored items. When it’s time to pack up, simply roll down the fabric and zip it up to safeguard belongings from inclement weather or during transportation. Nice!
The organizer is compact and spacious, yet folds in half for effortless storage when not in use or when carrying minimal items. It’s equipped with handles for convenient portability and two adjustable buckles to secure the top, so this organizer ensures hassle-free transportation to and from the campsite.
The Tailgater Camp Organizer is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. Its waterproof coating provides added protection against moisture, ensuring the longevity of your gear, while the 1000D Polyester Cordura fabric offers exceptional strength and durability.
This little guy weighs just three pounds when empty, too. Measuring 13.5 inches long, 21.5 inches wide, and 4 inches deep when closed, and expanding to 28.5 inches long and 21.5 inches wide when opened, the Tailgater Camp Organizer strikes the perfect balance between compactness and spaciousness.
With its innovative design, durable construction, and unparalleled functionality, the Tailgater Camp Organizer stands as one of the best camping accessories of 2024. Whether you’re on a weekend getaway or an extended overland expedition, this organizer will streamline your camping experience and make it much more functional!
Learn more about the Tailgater Camp Organizer
Best Camping Accessories of 2024: Front Runner Expander Camp Chair
You need a place to sit and camp, but rather than opting for something that merely holds you up off the ground, why not get something that’s also comfortable?
The Front Runner Expander Camping Chair is both functional and comfortable, allowing you to have a seat next to the fire and relax after a day of adventuring. Not only that, but this chair offers the support and stability you need to avoid getting a backache from a flimsy chair.
On top of that, the Front Runner Expander matches the height of most tables, so you can slide up to have a meal while sitting in comfort! As a full-size chair, it easily accommodates up to 250 pounds while also compacting down to just 1/16th of its deployed size. Like I said, it’s perfect for camping!
Front Runner has incorporated several additional features that make it one of the best camping accessories of 2024. There’s a cup holder, a utility pocket for small items, and a media pocket for your phone. Add a powder-coated finish to the frame and a solid back design, and you’ve got one heck of a chair.
Learn more about the Front Runner Expander Camp Chair
Bonus: Hard Top Buddy
If you’re like me and your adventuremobile is a Jeep, another camping accessory worth checking out is the Hard Top Buddy.
This unique tool allows you to quickly and easily remove the top from your Jeep once you get to camp. This patented gadget inserts into your Jeep’s trailer hitch and uses its articulating arm to extend over the roof. Simply attach the top to the Hard Top Buddy with straps and lift it off your Jeep with the built-in crank. Swing the arm 180 degrees to clear the hardtop from the Jeep, lower it to the ground, and your Jeep is ready for an adventure!
Better still, when you’re lounging around camp and want to take a nap, you can attach a hammock or hanging chair to the Hard Top Buddy and snooze away on a sunny afternoon. Not bad, right?!
Whether you’re using Hard Top Buddy to relax or remove your Jeep’s top, you can rely on quality construction, ease of use, and ease of transport to get the job done. This bad boy is built here in the U.S., so you know the quality is top-notch. Talk about a fantastic bonus camping accessory to consider for your kit!
Learn more about Hard Top Buddy
Just so you know, some of the cool stuff we mention comes with affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy (no extra charge to you!). Plus, we occasionally feature sponsored content, but rest assured, we only shout out products we genuinely stand behind.