Camping season doesn't end when summer does. In fact, some of the best weekends to get outside are still ahead, whether you're planning a fall road trip, a late-season campground getaway or tailgating adventures throughout football season.
The good news? Labor Day is one of the biggest outdoor shopping events of the year, with major markdowns on camping, hiking and tailgating essentials from retailers like REI, Amazon, Backcountry and Stanley. I've been tracking holiday sales all week, and these are the camping deals I'd prioritize before prices return to normal.
5 best Labor Day camping deals to shop first
If you're short on time, here are the camping deals I'd shop first:
- Best camping chair on sale: GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker, $56
- Best hiking deal: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots, $128.93
- Best camping deal under $20: Retractable 4-in-1 Camping String Lights, $18.99
- Best hard cooler deal: Ninja FrostVault 65-Quart Cooler with Wheels, $294.99
- Best outdoor tech deal: Blavor Solar Portable Wireless Charger, $29.99
11 editor-approved Labor Day deals on camping gear, hiking boots, tailgating essentials
From rugged coolers and best-selling camp chairs to fall hiking gear, drinkware and tailgate essentials, here are my favorite Labor Day camping deals worth shopping right now.
1. This rocking camping chair is under $60, the lowest price ever
GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker
The GCI
Outdoor Kickback Rocker brings rocking-chair comfort to campsites, tailgates and backyard fire pits. With spring-action rocking technology, a foldable design, built-in drink holder and easy-carry strap, this Labor Day deal makes upgrading your outdoor setup surprisingly affordable.
Save 20% at Amazon
2. Tackle any trail in these waterproof Merrell hiking boots
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots - Women's
From campsite walks to challenging hikes, these waterproof Merrell boots are built for outdoor comfort. Their supportive design and weather-resistant construction make them a smart choice for fall adventures.
Save 30% at REI
3. This rechargeable camping fan helps make sleeping outdoors easier (and has a light!)
Ogery Portable Fan Rechargeable, 30000mAh Camping Fan
Hot, stuffy tents can quickly ruin an otherwise great camping trip.
This rechargeable camping fan delivers cooling airflow, built-in lighting and remote-controlled convenience in one portable package, making campsite mornings, afternoons and overnight stays far more comfortable.
Save 21% at Amazon
4. Keep drinks and food separate with this wheeled cooler
Ninja FrostVault 65-Quart Cooler with Wheels
A good cooler can make camping trips significantly easier, and this large-capacity Ninja model is built to handle everything from weekend campouts to tailgates.
The wheeled design helps simplify transport, while its spacious interior offers plenty of room for food, drinks and ice.
Save $55 at SharkNinja
5. Keep your devices powered during weekend camping trips
Blavor Solar Power Bank 10,000mAh Portable Wireless Charger
Whether you're using your phone for navigation, photos or emergency communication, a reliable power source is essential outdoors. This portable power bank offers convenient backup charging and solar capabilities, making it a useful addition to camping, hiking and road-trip gear.
Save 25% at Amazon
6. This instant tent sets up in about a minute
FanttikOutdoor 4/6/8/10 Person Instant Tent
One of the biggest camping headaches is setting up your shelter before the fun begins.
This Fanttik instant tent is designed to pitch quickly, helping families and weekend adventurers get comfortable and start exploring sooner.
Save 15% at Amazon
7. This Stanley cooler is perfect for day trips and tailgating
Stanley The All Day Julienne Midi Cooler | 20-Can | 12-Quart
This compact Stanley cooler is a practical option for campers who don't need oversized gear.
Designed to hold up to 20 cans, it's ideal for short camping trips, picnics, beach days and road trips while keeping refreshments cold and organized.
Save $56 at Stanley
8. Upgrade your campsite with these rechargeable camping string lights
Ogery Rechargeable Camping String Lights, 4-in-1 Quick Storage
Lighting can make or break a campsite, and these rechargeable string lights offer an easy way to brighten tents, picnic tables and campsites.
The quick-storage design helps prevent tangles, making setup and pack-up far less frustrating.
Save 21% at Amazon
9. Outdoor meals are easy with this versatile Coleman camp stove
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove
Camp cooking becomes much easier when you have the right setup. This Coleman stove offers versatile cooking options for everything from morning coffee to dinner at the campground, making it a practical addition to almost any camping kit.
Save 25% at REI
10. This sun-protective hat is ready for fall adventures
The North Face Class V Brimmer
Protect yourself from the sun during camping trips, hikes and outdoor excursions with this lightweight brimmed hat. Its versatile design makes it an easy addition to virtually any adventure packing list.
Save 25% at Backcountry
11. Roll into camp with this lightweight wheeled RTIC cooler
RTIC 22-Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler
A dependable cooler is a camping essential, and this RTIC deal combines portability with serious ice retention.
Its wheeled design makes transporting drinks, snacks and meal prep supplies easier, whether you're camping, tailgating or spending a weekend outdoors. BONUS: Get a free 40-Ounce Road Trip Tumbler with your purchase.
Save up to 20% at RTIC
Are Labor Day camping sales actually worth shopping?
Yes. Labor Day is traditionally one of the last major outdoor gear sale events before Black Friday and Cyber Monday hit, making it a good time to save on camping equipment, coolers, hiking gear, drinkware and campsite essentials.
Which stores have the best Labor Day camping deals?
Several outdoor retailers are running fall sales for Labor Day weekend, including REI, Amazon, Backcountry, RTIC and Stanley. Selection varies by category, so it's worth comparing prices across retailers before purchasing.
What's worth buying during Labor Day sales?
It depends on what you need! I recommend taking inventory of your outdoor gear before shopping.
Popular Labor Day deals include camping chairs, coolers, tents, portable fans and chargers, hiking footwear and insulated drinkware. These are also often among the most heavily discounted categories during Labor Day events.
When do Labor Day camping sales end?
Many Labor Day promotions end shortly after the holiday weekend, though exact end dates vary by retailer and product.
USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: My favorite Labor Day camping deals start at under $20
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