Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

7 camping accessories that take your adventures to the next level

No need to be bored while camping! Try one of these camping accessories.

camping in the fall around campfire.
Woody Kelly / Unsplash

One of the best parts of camping is to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean that you have to leave convenience behind. Camping accessories are supplementary items that enhance your camping adventures beyond the basic necessities like tents and sleeping bags, and if your camping experience is starting to feel lackluster, you might just be in luck. Here are our favorite camping accessories to take on the road with you.

Grill basket from Shizzo

Grill Basket from Shizzo
Shizzo / Shizzo

Some camp sites have grills, but not all of them do. If you’re left with just a camp fire ring to work with, then The Shizzo Grill Basket will give you an option for a nice, hot meal. This set includes the grill basket, a basting brush, grilling gloves, and a portable case. The basket itself is deep and wide enough for all kinds of dishes from hamburgers to steak, seafood, or veggies, and it has a secure locking mechanism so you can easily flip your BBQ-of-choice. Best of all, it’s made with high-quality stainless steel so it will pack light and you can easily stick it in the dishwasher when you get back home.

Recommended Videos

Portable campfire popcorn maker from the Great Northern Popcorn Company Store

Portable campfire popcorn maker from the Great Northern Popcorn Company Store
Great Northern Popcorn Company Store / Great Northern Popcorn Company Store

S’mores are a classic campfire treat, but have you ever tried campfire popcorn? This is a great addition to your campfire snack menu, especially if there are some in your party who find s’mores too sweet. The best part is, you can mix and match your favorite toppings and flavorings, from classic butter to hot and spicy. This particular popper has room for four quarts of crispy fresh popcorn and wipes clean when you’re finished.

Pocket-sized projector from AKASO

Pocket-sized projector from AKASO
AKASO / AKASO

Popcorn will go well with our next camping accessory — a pocket-sized projector! This one from AKASO can deliver high-definition visuals against a makeshift screen or even the side of a tent. It supports 1080P HD resolution and connects to smartphones or laptops through HDMI, USB, or Micro SD, but you can also utilize its wireless screen mirroring through a reliable wi-fi connection. It does have a built-in stereo, but you can also connect external speakers to enhance the sound quality.

Tent lamps from FLY2SKY

Tent lamps from FLY2SKY
FLY2SKY / FLY2SKY

If you need some extra lighting, tent lamps are the way to go. These are battery-operated lightbulbs that you can hang from your tent, lines, or even from trees using the handy carabiner clips at the back. Made from ABS plastic, these lamps are heavy-duty and can handle the rigors of your adventure. Since they have a water resistance rating of IPX8, they can also handle exposure to rain. With a brightness of 150 lumens, these lamps will be sufficient to illuminate your campsite for activities like reading or cooking. Best of all, you can adjust them through three lighting modes: high, low, and strobe (which is fun for parties but also great in emergency situations).

Portable trash bag holder from Wakeman

Portable trash bag holder from Wakeman
Wakeman / Wakeman

While likely the least glamorous thing on our list, a portable trash bag holder can make all the difference when managing your waste, which is critical if you want to be a good campground neighbor. This one from Wakeman has a collapsible design that can hold a 13-gallon bag. It’s made from sturdy materials and can withstand outdoor conditions. The best part is the lid, which contains odors, but we still would not advise leaving anything in it over night in case you attract larger animals.

Portable shower bag from Unniwei

Portable shower bag from Unniwei
Unniwei / Unniwei

Even in the outdoors, hygiene is a must. If you find yourself at a campground with really gross showers or no showers at all, the Unniwei Solar Portable Shower Bag is a practical solution. With a capacity of five gallons of water, this solar-powered shower bag is suitable for about three showers. It can heat water to 113°F within just a few hours, so you can easily fill it up when you get to your camping spot. It comes with a hose, shower head with an on/off switch, and a water tap for washing hands, dishes, food, or even cars. The only thing it doesn’t have is a privacy screen.

Coghlan Fireside Story Dice

Coghlan Fireside Story Dice

Fireside stories are one of the greatest forms of enjoyment while camping, and while you might have a few old favorites up your sleeve, the Coghlan Fireside Story Dice set can help you and your buddies create new winners. There are twelve wooden dice in, all with colorful symbols on each side. They’re color coded to include settings, objects, activities, feelings, and actions, so when you roll the dice, you can use the symbols to craft a compelling story. Play individually or collaboratively with others.

Whether it’s telling stories or snacking by the fire, we hope that these innovative camping accessories spark some ideas about how to make your next camping trip the best one ever.

Sarah Joseph
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Essential camping tips for an unforgettable Everglades adventure
How to enjoy Everglades National Park at its finest.
Alligator relaxing on a log at Everglades National Park

The Everglades is a subtropical wetland in southern Florida, covering about 1.5 million acres. According to the National Park Service, it's the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the world. Known as the “River of Grass,” the Everglades are ultimately a slow-moving sheet of freshwater. Swamp-like in nature, the Everglades are home to reptiles and amphibians like the American alligator or the American crocodile.

When I lived in Florida, we learned that any body of water deeper than an inch probably has a gator in it. Not everything in the Everglades is dangerous, though. On your journey, you may spot the great blue heron, osprey, or even a bald eagle. The park is full of plant life, from sawgrass marshes to cypress swamps and mangrove forests. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, these camping in the Everglades tips will help you navigate the unique challenges of this area.
Top camping at the Everglades tips

Read more
3 game-changing food hacks for your next camping trip
Camp cooking made easier with these tips
A group of people cooking around a campfire at dusk

I don't know about you, but when I dream of a relaxing vacation in nature, I want to do as little chores as humanly possible. Camping isn't exactly the most convenient of activities, so I like to prepare in advance and do everything possible to make it easier, especially in the food department.

It's not always easy to cook over a fire or keep your food fresh, and if you don't bring disposable plates or dishes with you, it can be a huge hassle to clean up. It's by no means a reason to avoid nature altogether, but I have learned a few tricks here or there to make the process better. Here are some of my favorite food hacks for camping that will make your life easier and your trip more enjoyable.
Prepare as much as you can in advance

Read more
Death Valley camping: A guide to camping in the hottest, driest national park
Here's your ultimate guide to Death Valley
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states, covering 3.4 million acres. It's also well-known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the United States. Here, you'll find a variety of sand dunes, mountains, salt flats, and canyons to explore, and Death Valley also has some of the best stargazing in the whole world. There are so many reasons to head to Death Valley this year, but since there's so much to see and do, you might want to consider camping. Here's our ultimate guide to Death Valley camping.
Know before you go Death Valley camping

If you don't want to roast or freeze, the best time to visit Death Valley would be in the fall or the spring. Come in the spring for the best stargazing, but either timeframe offers some great adventures. Once you've decided when to go, book your campsite. Options will fill up quickly during the spring and fall, so try to get your reservations early.

Read more