Good Camping Gear on a Budget

Most premium front-country camping gear is loaded with luxuries and features that mimic the comforts of home. But unless you're getting out every weekend or prefer the extra amenities of a glamping setup, the top camping tech isn’t a prerequisite to having a great time outdoors. In fact, there are more options than ever for affordable gear that doesn't sacrifice quality, and this article will help point you in the right direction. From essentials like a camping tent and sleeping bag to extras like a camp table, a camping stove, and a cooler, below is our list of the best budget camping gear, which totals to $622 full retail at the time of publishing. For a complete list of options, check out our detailed camping gear reviews. 

Editor's note: We updated this article on August 7, 2025, to ensure our lists of budget camping items were all current regarding price, specs, and color options at the time of publishing. We also added a second category of nice-to-have "extra" camping items, including our favorite affordable filtration system, table, cook set, water storage, and more.
 

Our Team's Budget Camping Picks: The Necessities

• Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P
• Camping Sleeping Bag: Coleman Brazos 20
• Camping Mattress: Sea to Summit Camp SI Sleeping Mat
• Camping Stove: Coleman Cascade Classic
• Camping Chair: Coleman Cooler Quad Chair
• Cooler: Coleman 316 Series 70-Quart
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Astro 300

Budget Camping Equipment: The Necessities 

Camping Tent: Coleman Skydome 6P ($180)

Many of the best camping tents retail for $400 or more, have near-vertical walls, and are constructed with high-end materials for reliable protection against bad weather. But most of us venture out on clear summer nights and don't need to spend hundreds more for extra features. For fair-weather campers, the Coleman Skydome 6 gets the job done, offering good privacy, protection from moderate precipitation, and a layer of separation between you and the bugs. Don’t expect premium quality here—the tent is made from inexpensive materials, the single door isn't ideal for more than a couple of campers, and the rain fly doesn't extend all the way to the ground. But for $180 (and often found on sale), the Skydome features 85 square feet of floor area, has good ventilation, and is a breeze to set up. Coleman's even more affordable Sundome 6 has an additional 15 square feet of floor space, though it lacks some features that the Skydome offers, such as a gear loft for storage and also has a partial-coverage rainfly. If you think you'll be camping more often and can spend up a bit, we recommend the Skydome with Full-Fly Vestibule, which provides much better weather protection and covered storage space. But for fair-weather outings, the base model of the Skydome offers all most people will need. 
See the Coleman Skydome 6P
 

Camping Sleeping Bag: Coleman Brazos 20 ($59)

Unlike for backpacking—where weight and packability are paramount—comfort is the name of the game for car camping. Because of this, your camping sleeping bag can be as large and plush as you'd like. The best models will be roomy (look for rectangular designs), feature soft fabrics, and come filled with ample insulation (usually synthetic) for warmth on cool nights. Our favorite budget model for the past several seasons is another Coleman offering: their synthetic Brazos 20, which is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and will keep you comfortable on chilly to moderate outings in the summer and shoulder seasons. For under $60, you can expect cheaper materials and fill (you will probably want to add extra layers to stay warm as you approach the 30-degree mark), but this is a steal considering most options in this category cost well over $100, with some premium down bags approaching the $300+ range. If you only plan to camp in super warm weather or you sleep particularly warm, the Brazos 30 rings in even cheaper at $54.
See the Coleman Brazos 20  See the Coleman Brazos 30
 

Camping Mattress: Sea to Summit Camp SI Sleeping Mat ($89)

If you’re like us, a key ingredient to a quality night's sleep is a good mattress. Top-end camping mattresses can cost well over $200, but you can also rest well on a model like the $89 Sea to Summit Camp SI Sleeping Mat. This self-inflating mat is durably constructed with thick fabrics, has an R-value of 4.2 (perfect for 3-season camping), and offers a simple but functional one-way valve for quick and easy inflation and deflation. It's also light and compressible enough that we have no hesitations about taking it on the occasional backpacking trip, and the self-inflating design means you won’t get dizzy trying to set up your bed. The bad news is that there's only 1.5 inches of padding between you and the ground—if you're a side sleeper, we'd advise upgrading to the Camp Plus SI, which is 3 inches thick and costs $99 for the Rectangular Wide model.
See the Sea to Summit Camp SI  See the Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI
 

Camping Stove: Coleman Cascade Classic ($130)

Premium camping stoves are made with heat output and flame control that can rival your home kitchen, but these models can cost $190 or more. For the casual camp chef, the Coleman Cascade Classic is a tried-and-true stove for a good price, though it did go up $30 from last season. Still, the Cascade is simple to operate and features two burners so you can boil water for coffee while flipping pancakes. It also includes push-button ignition to keep your hands safe during start-up, which is fairly uncommon at this price point. More expensive models often have a larger cooking surface (some even have three burners), but for simple camp cooking, the Cascade has everything you need and nothing you don't. For around $120, Coleman's own Triton is a little more powerful but sacrifices some precision and doesn't come with auto ignition.
See the Coleman Cascade Classic  See the Coleman Triton
 

Camping Chair: Coleman Cooler Quad Chair ($54)

You can easily spend $100 or more on a camping chair, and you might be rewarded with features like a recliner, rocker, or even a built-in footrest. But that begs the question: Do you really need all these bells and whistles? In our opinion, a great camp chair simply needs to be comfortable and stable, which is why the Coleman Cooler Quad has won our hearts. And we’re not sure what we’re more excited about: the $54 price tag (often found for less) or the built-in cooler. The Cooler Quad also has a wide seat and tall back (both padded for comfort), and its tough fabrics will stand the test of time. It’s not lightweight or super packable, and the steel frame can rust over time if you leave it out in the rain, but the Quad is all most campers need at a good price. If you're willing to forgo the cooler, Coleman's Broadband Mesh Quad Chair is just $35, or you can go for double seating with the Kelty Low Loveseat for $130.
See the Coleman Cooler Quad  See the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad
 

Cooler: Coleman Classic Series 70-Quart ($85)

Some manufacturers claim that their coolers retain ice for more than two weeks, which is extremely impressive if you’re willing to shoulder the high price tags. But in reality, the majority of camping trips last just a couple of days rather than a couple of weeks, meaning you don’t need to keep your food cold for that long. The 70-quart Coleman Classic Series is our favorite cooler for casual campers and still features a respectable claimed ice retention of five days (we've experienced closer to two or three in favorable conditions). Retailing for $85 but often found for much less, the Coleman is made with lower-quality plastics than top-end models and won’t stand up to abuse like a Yeti, but it won’t take much of a toll on your wallet, either. And if you're looking for wheels for easier transport, Coleman's own 50-quart Xtreme retails for $65 and is also often found on sale.
See the Coleman Classic Series 70-Quart  See the Coleman 50-Quart Xtreme
 

Headlamp: Black Diamond Astro 300 ($25)

Hands-free illumination for camping is a nonnegotiable, and luckily, most midrange headlamps won't run more than $50. For true budget shoppers, the Black Diamond Astro 300 stands out with a $25 price tag and a solid build from a reputable manufacturer. It’s easy to use and has a max lumen output of 300, which is more than enough for setting up camp or cooking dinner. We wish the Astro had a softer red-light option for use at night, and we do like how many modern headlamps recharge via USB—you'll need to spend up for the $45 Astro 300-R for that capability. Still, you'd be hard-pressed to find a higher-quality headlamp at this price point.
See the Black Diamond Astro 300  See the Black Diamond Astro 300-R
 

Necessities Total: $622

You can get a lot of things for $622, including a domestic airline ticket, a couple of nights in a nice hotel, or half a month’s worth of rent in some places. And as it turns out, $622 can also buy you most things you need for endless weekends of summer camping, which is as long-lasting an investment as they come. Plus, if you’re buying for two, bear in mind that many of these items are made to share—including the tent, camp stove, and cooler. While spending more than $600 on a camping setup might seem steep, these are quality items from reputable brands that offer budget-friendly goods. For comparison, our top-rated camping gear in these categories totals $1383—more than double the budget options listed above.
 

Our Team's Budget Camping Picks: The Extras

• Camping Filter: LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter System
• Camping Pillow: Teton Sports Camp Pillow
• Camping Cookset: Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
• Camping Table: GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 2.0
• Water Storage: Scepter 5-Gallon Flow Control
• Camping Lantern: Black Diamond Moji

Budget Camping Equipment: The Extras 

Camping Filter: LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter System ($66)

Most group camping water filters are created fairly equal—a hollow micron filter attached to a tube with a large reservoir bag. Some fancier models have two reservoir bags for dirty water and clean water, filter locks, and extra components, but for an affordable option from a company we trust, LifeStraw's Peak Gravity does the trick. A hollow-core membrane filter screws onto the durable 3-liter poly bag, which can be hung from a sturdy branch or roof rack, allowing you to filter clean drinking into your own container. This is a hands-free operation, and as long as you clean your filter between uses, the flow should stay fairly rapid. You can always use $15 Aquamira drops for a more portable and cheaper option, but we appreciate how well the Peak Gravity system clears out silt. 
See the LifeStraw Peak Gravity
 

Camping Pillow: Teton Sports Camp Pillow ($20)

Camp pillows are inherently fairly affordable, but this comfortable option from Teton Sports undercuts the competition with a $20 price tag and plenty of sale options. We love the brushed flannel exterior as well as the cozy checkerboard-like patterning that gives off outdoorsy cabin vibes. Teton also included a handy drawstring-equipped storage bag for travel, as well as a removable pillowcase for easy cleaning—simply toss it in the wash with other clothing at the end of your trip. As with other budget designs, the materials are on the cheaper end, and this is a little bigger and bulkier than higher-end competitors. Otherwise, this is a soft pillow at a great price and comes in a range of fun colorways.
See the Teton Sports Camp Pillow
 

Camping Cook Set: Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set ($40)

Stanley makes some of our favorite classic gear that rarely feels fussy or overly specialized. While there are plenty of ultralight, nonstick, fancy titanium options out there, this is a great starter cook set with a 1.58-quart stainless steel pot with a strainer lid, two bowls and lids, a cutting board, spatula, and ladle. All the pieces collapse down for easy nesting storage, and the pot has a thick bottom for even heat distribution. And while a quick search will show more complex sets online, we trust Stanley more than copycat drop-ship brands. What you lose with a simple set like this is versatility and the number of components. With just one cook pot, your best bet is to prep food ahead of time and plan for one-pot meals. Capacity is smaller too, so this set is best for just two campers, or when the hot components make up a portion of the meal for a larger group. 
See the Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
 

Camping Table: GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20 ($40)

While plenty of campsites come with picnic tables (or a truck tailgate, or a flat rock), bringing a folding camp table adds portability, a guaranteed flat cooking space, and extra surface area for prepping while you set up your stove on that nice flat rock or picnic table. GCI's updated Compact Camp Table 20 is our top pick for its reliable folding mechanisms, stability on a range of surfaces, and packed size of just 18 x 18 x 2 inches. Unfolded, the 20-inch top can seat up to four people (though it is tight) and two people comfortably. For travel, we just tuck it against the sides of the truck bed and hold it in place with gear bins for a low-impact addition to our evening cooking setup. 
See the GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20
 

Camping Water Storage: Scepter 5-Gallon Flow Control Water Can ($20)

The award for the most boring-but-necessary item goes to camping water storage. While you can spend $80 on a fancy Sea to Summit 20-liter Watercell, we've found Scepter's $20 water cube to work just as well, if not better thanks to the upright position and flow-control valve. Granted you don't get the space-saving collapsible design of a storage solution like the Sea to Summit, but Scepter's handy 5-gallon container has proven spill proof, stable in a moving vehicle, easy to carry, and durable. We use containers like this for road trips, dry camping, or anywhere that collecting water can be a pain and we want all of our cooking and drinking water easily on hand and accessible.
See the Scepter 5-Gallon Flow Control Water Can
 

Camping Lantern: Black Diamond Moji Lantern ($30)

While most of us can get away with a headlamp at camp, it can be nice to have a stationary camping lantern illuminating a seating area or truck bed. Black Diamond’s compact, simple Moji costs just $30 and has a basic but functional design. The max brightness is a moderate 200 lumens, which we wouldn't use for night hiking but does a nice job illuminating a tent or car-camping setup. Black Diamond offers a few varieties of the Moji, and for just $5 more, the Moji+ has the same output but a few more features like campfire mode, more lighting functionality, and magnets to stick it to the side of a vehicle. But for a simple and straightforward light source with a long battery life, the original Moji is a nice little luxury item to supplement your headlamps.
See the Black Diamond Moji Lantern  See the Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern
 

Extras Total: $216

We're not going to name names, but $200 is some of our editors' monthly breakfast burrito budget. When we think about it that way, getting a group-size filter, camp table, cozy pillow, lantern, cook set, and water storage is enough to make us forgo our post-hike breakfast treat for a few weeks. Similar to our necessities above, plenty of these camping items are good for pairs or a group, which makes the cost breakdown even more worthwhile.
 

Where to Find Deals on Camping Gear

We always encourage you to support your local retailer, but if you’re hunting for deals, it can be a good idea to shop around. For outdoor gear, we're big fans of REI Co-op, which offers free shipping on orders of $60 or more (members receive free shipping for any amount) and easy returns. Plus, REI has a number of notable sales throughout the year where you can find significant savings on much of their inventory. Keep in mind that if you shop at REI, it pays to become a member (with a one-time-fee of a $30) in order to access these sales and receive your yearly dividend (up to 10% back on REI purchases), among other benefits. Of course, Amazon is another easy and popular place to shop online, with nearly constant sales and a great selection of budget and off-brand products.
 

It’s also worth looking for a used gear or gear consignment shop in your neck of the woods. Buying used gear can be a great way to find high-quality items at huge markdowns, and it's a good feeling to give someone's old tent or backpack a second life. But shopping this way can be a bit of a gamble—especially for the uninitiated—and you'll want to be sure to inspect your gear carefully to make sure it's in good shape. Online, REI's Re/Supply program also offers a nice selection of lightly worn goods, and as a bonus, if you’re not satisfied with your gear, you can return it within 30 days of purchase.
 

Where We Draw the Line: Cheap, Not Junk

The gear we’ve compiled on this list might be on the cheaper end of the spectrum, but it’s certainly not junk. Saving money doesn’t need to mean sacrificing performance and durability, and we feel strongly about purchasing gear that won’t end up in the landfill after one use. Our biggest recommendation: Do yourself a favor and buy goods that will last. At the same time, not everyone needs top-of-the-line equipment, especially casual campers who get out just a few times a year. With our recommendations here, we hope to help you find that nice middle ground of quality and price. And if you'd like to see what spending up can get you, check out our article on the best camping gear, which covers all of our top picks for the year.
Back to Budget Camping Gear Necessities  See Our Camping Gear Reviews