Temperatures are warming up, which means camping season is upon us. Camping with the wrong gear, or not enough gear, however, can put a serious freeze on outdoor fun.

Camping gear has come a long way since we were kids. New camping gear technology, including tents that keep you comfortable at night, coolers that keep food fresh for days and camping chairs that feel like you’re lounging on a cloud, make camping fun and setting up for the night easy.

Keep reading for our top camping gear picks of the year. We can smell the fresh air already. 

The best camping gear in 2024

When it comes to our picks for the best camping gear in 2024, we curated a list of camping essentials and chose the best in each category.

The best camping tents

From inflatable tents to camping tents that are as roomy as a hotel room, the right tent for camping has a huge impact on your camping trip. When looking for a camping tent, it’s important to consider how many people your tent will need to sleep (add one to avoid a tight squeeze), the seasons during which you’ll be camping and features like height, doors and ventilation. 

Best overall pick: Coleman Skydome tent with dark room technology

A camping tent can make or break your excursion. Our top pick, after referencing customer reviews, product details and features, is the Coleman Skydome tent.

The Coleman Skydome comes in various sizing options with a capacity for 4 to 10 people. It features blackout technology to (almost) black out the sun, so you don’t have to rise when the sun does.

We like this tent’s lightweight feel and ease of assembly, but the pre-attached poles are what really caught our attention. The tent features 20% more headroom than most Coleman dome tents and fits in a small carry bag when not in use.

The tent is made to be waterproof, featuring a tub-like floor, patented welded corners and inverted seams to help keep water out. Its frame is built to withstand up to 35 mph winds. However, some reviewers found this isn’t fully waterproof and suggested it’s a better warm-weather tent. While we wouldn’t suggest the Coleman Skydome tent for extreme weather, it’s proven to be a good overall tent for family camping trips or weekend excursions.

Currently on sale at Amazon, the Coleman Skydome tent is $170, reduced from a list price of $230.

More camping tents in 2024

Keep reading for more of our top camping tent picks.

Best camping stoves and grills in 2024

From two-burner stoves perfect for feeding a small camping crew to outdoor cooking setups worthy of the best outdoor chefs, camping cooking has come a long way thanks to the very best camping stoves and grills.

Best overall camping stove: Coleman RoadTrip 285 portable propane grill

If you’re as serious about cuisine as you are about camping, Coleman makes a terrific propane grill that’s easy to transport and clean, while also delivering versatile cooking options and a large grilling area.

The grill’s wheels and foldable legs make it easy to transport and store when not in use. The push-button ignition means you won’t have to hassle with getting your grill fired up.

This grill runs on propane and features three adjustable burners for precise cooking. It also features dual side nesting tables, perfect for keeping your cook space organized and sauces handy.

This grill is available at Amazon in three colors starting at $250.

More camping stoves and grills 

For more camping stoves and grills, keep reading.

Best coolers for camping in 2024

Whether you want to keep your grilling meats fresh or the cocktails on ice, the right cooler is a camping essential. Below, find our favorite camping coolers this year.

Best overall cooler for camping: Yeti Tundra 45

It’s tough to compete with the toughness and design of a Yeti hard cooler. The Yeti Tundra 45 holds provisions for overnight camping for four people, or beverages for one day on the water. This hard cooler fits 54 cans or 37 pounds of ice and comes with a dry goods basket.

What we like most about Yeti’s hard coolers is the undeniable toughness, “built to last” indeed. Keep cool items chilled even on the balmiest of days, or keep campfire food warm despite the chill of the night, depending on how you choose to use your Yeti. All the while, this cooler features three layers of insulation and durable remolded construction designed to withstand tough terrain.

You’ll also appreciate Yeti’s flat-top construction, which makes for the perfect seat around the campfire when all the others have been taken.

The Yeti Tundra 45 is available from Yeti for $300, reduced from $325.

More coolers for camping in 2024

When it comes to coolers, performance and durability matter. Here are more of our top picks for camping coolers in 2024.

Best camping chairs in 2024

Once you set up camp and get the fire lit, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to roast marshmallows and swap stories with the family. Consider these best camping chairs for recovering during your next outdoor adventure.

Best overall camping chair: Guide Gear padded camping chair

Just because you plan to sleep under the stars, doesn’t mean you have to spend your day feeling like a contestant on “Survivor.” A comfortable camping chair is essential for sitting around the campfire, enjoying the view and taking afternoon snoozes in the fresh air. 

The Guide Gear padded camping chair has a 400-pound capacity, features padding throughout the back and the seat and offers a side cup holder so you can keep your beverage close (and off the ground). 

This chair folds quickly and slips into an easy carry bag. It’s so comfortable that you might have your fellow campers fighting over who gets to sit it in next. (That said, you probably want to buy one for everyone in the family.)

This padded camping chair is available at Amazon for $80.

More camping chairs in 2024