14 Costco Camping Essentials to Pick up Now for Summer

Costco can make time spent getting back to nature even better.

A storefront of Costco
Updated July 18, 2024
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Camping enthusiasts are always preparing for their next outdoor adventure; having the right gear is essential to making the most of a trip.

Luckily, a great Costco hack is to take advantage of the retailer's fantastic deals on camping essentials. 

From tents and sleeping bags to portable stoves, the following products can help you enjoy your next camping adventure.

Editor's note: prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Pendleton Packable Blanket

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Pendleton Packable Blanket

At $6.97, the Pendleton Packable Blanket is a worthy addition to your camping arsenal. In addition to being portable, it’s also water-resistant, and you can clean it by tossing it in the washing machine.

Nearly 1,700 Costco members give the blanket 4.8 out of 5 stars, which they say is great for picnics. We can imagine laying on it while stargazing, too.

Coleman Quickbed Elite Extra High Airbed

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Coleman Quickbed Elite Extra High Airbed

While it's not the most luxurious option available, the Coleman Quickbed Elite Extra High Airbed is a solid choice for a good night's sleep in the great outdoors.

For $59.99, you get more comfort and support than sleeping on the ground. One reviewer shares that it “is very comfortable and easy to inflate and deflate. Great for my grandkids when they come to visit.”

Titan Deep Freeze 26-Can Backpack Cooler

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Titan Deep Freeze 26-Can Backpack Cooler

With a relatively large capacity, the Titan Deep Freeze 26-Can Backpack Cooler can keep food and drinks cold for hours or even days.

It is made with sturdy materials, ensuring it can withstand outdoor adventures.

Reviewers give the backpack cooler 5 out of 5 stars, praising its durability, spaciousness, and ability to keep drinks cold — all for a price of $44.99.

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Igloo Maxcold Latitude Flip and Two Wheeled Cooler

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Igloo Maxcold Latitude Flip and Two Wheeled Cooler

If you want a durable cooler and don’t need it to be as portable, the Igloo Maxcold Latitude Flip and Two-Wheeled Cooler is a great option. With its large 90-quart capacity, it can hold a ton of food and drinks, making it perfect for larger groups.

Costco customers liked the cooler's sturdiness, maneuverability, and spaciousness, although some noted that ice doesn’t last as long as in other more insulated coolers. Still, you get good value for spending $99.99.

10-Person Lighted Instant Cabin Tent

Courtesy of Costco Costco-CORE 10-Person Lighted Instant Cabin Tent

The CORE 10-Person Lighted Instant Cabin Tent says it is spacious enough for 10 people.

This tent is fairly easy to set up, too, especially in light of its size.

The $249.99 tent features a built-in LED lighting system that provides ample illumination for nighttime activities. Satisfied Costco members especially appreciate the tent's roominess and ease of setup.

ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Water Bottle 2-pack

Courtesy of Costco Costco-ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Water Bottle 2-pack

You should always carry a water bottle everywhere, especially when camping. The ThermoFlask Stainless Steel Water Bottle offers a two-pack of 40-ounce bottles for $28.99. These bottles are sure to keep your water and ice nice and cold.

Reviewers also note that these keep hot liquids hot as well, so you can enjoy coffee or tea. They are dishwasher-safe.

Lifestraw Personal Water Filter 4-pack

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Lifestraw Personal Water Filter 4-pack

If you’re headed off on an extended hiking and camping trip — especially in rural areas such as the Appalachian Trail — having clean water sources is a must.

That’s why this four-pack of Lifestraw Personal Water Filters is a game-changer. The filters instantly make lake and river water potable.

For $49.97, you can get clean water, which campers and preppers alike who review the product say they love.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles

Avid hikers will also benefit from the $49.99 Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles. The major bonus here is the lightweight — they won’t bog you down on long treks through the forest. They have a solid, ergonomic grip as well.

Enthusiastic reviewers give these poles 4.8 stars out of 5. One reviewer writes: “Cork handles are great. Well made product. Exceeds expectations.”

Flame King Steel Propane Cylinder

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Flame King Steel Propane Cylinder

For $49.99, you can grab this 5-pound Flame King Steel Propane Cylinder that’s empty and ready to be filled. It also has a proprietary gauge that makes it easy to see just how much propane is in the tank.

Reviewers love how it holds up on extended camping trips.

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CORE 30 Degree Hybrid Sleeping Bag

Courtesy of Costco Costco-CORE 30 Degree Hybrid Sleeping Bag

The CORE 30-Degree Hybrid Sleeping Bag is designed to keep you warm and comfortable, even if it's 30 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Its sturdy construction promises that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

The cost is $59.99. Reviewers like the sleeping bag's spaciousness, comfort, and warmth. Some complain about having difficulty getting it back into the storage bag, but isn’t that the struggle with every sleeping bag?

Pro tip: If you purchase one of these items from Costco, consider paying for it with a credit card that helps you earn cashback.

CORE Fold in Half Bench 2-pack

Courtesy of Costco Costco-CORE Fold in Half Bench 2-pack

Whether you need extra seating around the fire or a table for prepping food, the CORE Fold in Half Bench two-pack is an excellent choice that will only set you back $69.99.

These 6-inch benches are easy to set up and fold in half for convenient storage and transport.

Each bench’s solid construction ensures it can withstand the elements and even a bit of rough use. Reviewers praise the product's sturdiness, convenience, and versatility.

Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Collapsible Table 2-pack

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Collapsible Table 2-pack

Another portable table option is the two-pack of Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Collapsible Tables. The main selling point is that they are lightweight and only cost $59.99 for the pair.

Each table can support up to 50 pounds and can be set up almost anywhere.

Costco reviewers agree that the ease of setup is fantastic, taking under one minute. You may need to put your muscles into it, though, say others.

Timber Ridge Camp Pantry

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Timber Ridge Camp Pantry

When camping, you need a place to store your food and sundries. The Timber Ridge Camp Pantry is handy for this.

This pop-up item also collapses for easy storage. It’s notable that the pantry has a whopping 4.9 out of 5 stars — a rarity it costs $59.99. “I am thrilled thrilled thrilled with this pantry,” one reviewer gushes.

Coleman Back Home Screenhouse

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Coleman Back Home Screenhouse

Last but not least, you may need some shelter in addition to your camper or tent that keeps bugs out on your next camping trip.

Consider, then, the Coleman Back Home Screenhouse for $219.99. This product is 12 feet by 10 feet and can also double as a shade structure, protecting your skin from the sun.

You may have issues if you live in a super windy area, but one Costco member says they got a refund when theirs was damaged. So, there’s no need to fret.

Bottom line

Maks_Ershov/Adobe camping tent in a forest by the river

Costco is a great one-stop shop for all of your camping needs, whether you are an avid trekker and backpacker or simply like to pitch a tent in the backyard. It’s also an excellent place to shop if you are a retiree living the RV life on the road.

Don’t forget to check out the grocery section at the warehouse as well, as they stock all kinds of camping goodies — from sausages to chocolate bars and graham crackers — that can help you beat the high costs of groceries.

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