Costco's Useful, Budget-Friendly Essentials That'll Upgrade Your Camping Experience

Everyone knows Costco is the place to go for a deal on bulk-purchasing household items, and while many may consider it to be just a big grocery store, it turns out that Costco has much more to offer than your average grocer. For example, you may not realize this retailer can be a premiere shopping destination for outdoor adventurers who love camping. It's probably the mega bargains that will first get you through the door (think the $4.99 rotisserie chicken, cheaper-than-cheap cafeteria-style offerings like the famous $1.50 hot dog, and the larger-than-life seasonal pumpkin pie), but in many cases, Costco's prices on recreational essentials really can't be beat. The gadgets that make time spent in the wilderness easier and more fun are often expensive when purchased directly from the manufacturer, but Costco has stepped in to do what it does best: get you a sizable discount on the items you seek.

From essentials like tents to items that will enhance your overall outdoor experience, don't miss the unexpected deals that have nature lovers stopping here prior to their camping trips. Costco's offerings will help with everything from generating electricity to hygiene. You'll also cook more efficiently and have a better view once night falls with its budget-friendly camping essentials.

Costco's budget generator is perfect for those interested in a more comfortable experience like overlanding or glamping. Imagine being able to pull right off the road and power an entire campsite with a system that won't break the bank — that's exactly what you get from the Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator with a Mini 100 Watt Solar Panel. The sky is the limit with this smart and eco-friendly purchase, as it will help any camper who utilizes it to reduce their carbon footprint by capturing solar power.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is a 1,264-watt-hour battery that offers up to a decade of product life by providing over 4,000 charge cycles. The generator functions at 2,000 watts, which means if you're thinking about charging smartphones and tablets, you're thinking too small — try laptops, mini refrigerators, coffee makers, or a larger electronic work station setup. Not only that, but all of its adaptations make it incredibly versatile, as you can utilize three AC outlets and USB-C and USB-A ports, along with a 12-volt car port.

Utilizing the solar panels when the sun is out is a great way to prepare for unexpected bad weather while camping. When it's sunny, these 100-watt mini panels can fully recharge the generator in just 18 hours. Its whisper-quiet technology makes less noise than its older gas competitors, and the device is both shock resistant and fire retardant. Be sure to look for additional discounts that Costco may offer, as there is often up to a $150 manufacturer's savings on this smart and economical purchase, which retails for $800 (as of this writing) on the Costco website, before discounts are applied.

Part of the fun of camping is getting out in the great outdoors and being one with nature. This often involves elevated physical activity like walking, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain climbing, or perhaps all of the above. These activities are going to cause even the most experienced adventurer to break a sweat, and while sometimes cooling off in a lake or utilizing facilities at a larger campsite is possible, many times it won't be. One of Costco's most useful outdoor items is an affordable, portable shower that will keep you both clean and cool. 

The RinseKit Pro Portable Shower is a small but powerful unit that provides you with the creature comforts of home while you're out on the road. It opens up the possibilities for camping at more obscure locations, as you'll be able to bathe anytime, anywhere — in fact, founder Chris Crawford invented the item so he could wash off at the beach after surfing. While the official 3.5-gallon portable shower retails on the RinseKit website for $225, it's an absolute steal at Costco for only $160 (at the time of publication). And buyers agree that it's well worth the investment. "Many uses and great battery life," one user on the Costco website boasts. "Used it for over two days camping to wash dishes, wash vegetables, and to take over 7 showers without charging the battery." Looking for more ways to keep cool at your campsite? This easy and effective DIY camping air conditioner only requires a few simple items.

Cooking over an open fire may be one of the best parts of a camping trip, but if we're being completely honest with ourselves, it's not always convenient or efficient. You can always turn to TikTok for tips that make cooking while camping easier, or just opt for this coveted Costco item: the Blackstone Camping Griddle Kit, which will allow you to make almost anything your heart desires while you're enjoying the great outdoors.

The griddle itself is constructed from titanium-coated ceramic, making non-stick cooking a breeze. This means that notoriously sticky foods like eggs will slide right off, and you can even make more than one dish at a time because there are two separate temperature zones under the griddle. The compact design still boasts 280 square inches of surface cooking space, making it possible to have a whole meal finished at the same time, both mains and sides. One feature that makes it perfect for your next camping trip are the adjustable legs, which will allow an even cooking surface on uneven ground. It weighs just 43 pounds and folds down into a compact carrying case, making it easy to pack and transport. The kit also comes with two spatulas and a collapsible basting dome.

But don't take our word for it — reviewers on the Costco website have weighed in with their own personal experiences. "The grill is solid [and] works well with cooking everything from burgers and bacon to vegetables," one reviewer writes. "The two cook zones make it easy to regulate temperature between two items cooking at the same time." Find it on the Costco website for just $260 or even less at some store locations.

Packing for a camping trip can be stressful — the more you bring, the more you have to unpack once you get to your site. The fewer items you have, the better, which is why this affordable camping essential from Costco that doubles as a power supply and charger is so valuable. You can add some light to your campsite with these helpful hacks, but you're still going to want to have the 3000 Lumen Tri Power Rechargeable Duracell Lantern on hand. It won't just light your way by night; it will also recharge your smartphone and any other personal items that need it. The power is right there in its name – 3,000 lumens worth of shine will be enough to light up a campsite or the inside of your tent, even on a starless, moonless night. There are also four different modes to choose from, a dimming feature, and a red light flasher. Whether or not you operate on low, medium, high, or eco-mode, you'll never be left in the dark with this handy lantern on hand.

Not only that, but the device itself can be recharged in three different ways, as one reviewer on the Costco website points out: "I like that this lantern can be powered multiple ways, solar recharge, electric, or alkaline batteries. Makes it very versatile! And it's small enough to be convenient to take along while being a really bright light source. Highly recommend!"

At only 10 inches tall and 5 inches wide, the lantern is compact enough to carry around, and with a water-resistant rating, it will withstand the dampness associated with a night spent outside. Some people love it so much they don't put it away once they've returned home. Find this camping essential at Costco for just $40 (price may vary based on location and discounts).