Have an outdoor enthusiast on your gift list this year and not sure what to get them? ReserveAmerica is here to help with these nine gift ideas and experiences for campers, hikers and nature lovers of all stripes. Check out our recommended gifts for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Gifting Experiences
Gift the Essentials
Cold Weather Gear Gifts
Gifting Experiences
Don’t want to buy another thing? What about an experience? Maybe a trip you can take together? Whether it’s your partner, parent, or best friend, below are some of our top outdoor experience gift ideas.
1. Give a State Park Gift Card
Did you know that state parks offer gift cards? Talk about the perfect experience gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life! A state park gift card is a personal, yet versatile gift that allows the recipient to choose their own adventure. In addition, most state parks gift cards do not have an expiration date, making it even better. Gift cards are given on a park-by-park basis, and there is no “universal” state park gift card, so look up your specific local or state park to purchase.
2. Take A Road Trip Through Southwest Utah
Where to stay: Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, Utah
Best time of year to visit: Spring, for cooler weather and less crowds
Why we love it:
– Fantastic base to explore national parks in southwestern Utah
– Hiking trails and displays of petrified wood and fossils
– Picturesque camping spots near a lake
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is a state park adjacent to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and serves as a fantastic base to explore the large swaths of backcountry and national and state parks that comprise southwestern Utah. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park has a couple of trails to explore, as well as a visitors’ center. The visitors’ center displays petrified wood, as well as plant, marine and dinosaur fossils dating back to the Upper Jurassic Period over 150 million years ago. In addition to being within the larger Grand Staircase Escalante area — an enormous park itself at over one million acres — the state park is close to a few other national treasures: Bryce Canyon National Park (one hour drive), Capitol Reef National Park (one and a half hour drive), and Zion National Park (three hour drive). Campers at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park have their choice of twenty picturesque camping spots near a reservoir.
Recommended: 5 Wilderness Wonderlands to See This Year
3. Tour Greater Yellowstone Together
Where to stay: Harriman State Park, Idaho
Best time of year to visit: late summer and early fall to beat the crowds and the heat
Why we love it:
– Many of the same natural features as Yellowstone, but fewer crowds and lower entry fees
– Known as one of the best fly fishing spots in the nation
– Wildlife sighting opportunities like trumpeter swans, moose, elk, and waterfowl
This state park and wildlife refuge is an enormous 11,000 acres, and lies within the Henry’s Fork Caldera that butts with the western edge of Yellowstone. As part of the protected greater Yellowstone ecosystem, you get the same scenery and natural wonders, but can avoid crowds, make reservations more easily, and spend less on entry fees. Harriman State Park also turns into a wintering ground for about two-thirds of the entire nation’s trumpeter swan population. Additionally, the park is known as one of the best fly-fishing areas and also has miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
4. Explore Florida’s Everglades & Mangroves
Where to stay: Collier-Seminole State Park, Florida
Best time of year to visit: late winter early spring for perfect weather
Why we love it:
– Biologically rich park
– You can paddle through mangrove swamps
– Very close to Ten Thousand Islands Aquatic Preserve and Everglades National Park
Collier-Seminole State Park is a large 7,000 acre park that lies within the great mangrove swamp of southern Florida, one of the largest mangrove swamps worldwide. The park is ecologically diverse thanks to the fact that both temperate and tropical plant and animal species thrive there. The park has several wilderness trails for hiking and biking, as well as canoes and boats for rent to explore the mangroves and Blackwater River. The western portion of Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades National Park is just a 20 minute drive away. There are 95 sites available for tent and RV camping.
Recommended: Unique Ways to View Wildlife in Florida State Parks
Gift the Essentials
The following are essentials for any camping situation or outdoor activity. Whatever their favorite outdoor outing, they will undoubtedly benefit from these go-to items:
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Headlamp – A headlamp is not only a must for hands-free navigation in the dark while camping and hiking, but for other outdoor activities as well. A headlamp for nighttime jogging and walking is extremely helpful, especially during the winter when it gets dark early.
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Wool socks and wool sock liners – whether it’s blisteringly hot or frigidly cold, wool socks are a wonder for the feet. They wick sweat, reduce friction to prevent blisters, and are comfortable to wear indoors or out.
- Cooler – coolers run the gamut in terms of size, materials, cost, and effectiveness (how long they keep items cold). Choose from wearable backpack coolers and lightweight coolers for those who are on the go, or hard-sided coolers for maximum insulation while camping.
Cold Weather Gear Gifts
With many chilly months ahead, the holidays are as good a time as any to give your favorite outdoors-person some cold weather and snow gear.
- Microspikes (ice traction gear) – if you are shopping for an avid hiker who lives in a snowy area, then microspikes could be a welcomed gift. Microspikes are chains with small spikes on them that fit around footwear (like a hiking boot) and provide extra traction on packed snow and ice.
Recommended: Microspikes vs Crampons vs Snowshoes
- Layering Vest – vests are fantastic layering pieces since they generally pack down smaller than other upper body clothing. Another perk as a holiday gift is that it’s easier to choose the right size compared to jackets and sweaters because only the shoulders and abdomen need to be fitted.
- Neck Gaiter – this versatile tube of fabric is a versatile layering piece. A neck gaiter is often slipped over the head and worn around the neck for warmth and protection, but can also be converted to a face mask, headband, or beanie hat.
Recommended: Where to Camp in Winter
Whether you decide to gift an experience or a new piece of gear, make sure to make 2020 a year of adventure!
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!