CAMPING GIFTS FOR DADS WHO LOVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Posted by Apex4WD Team on 21st Sep 2026

Finding the perfect gift for Dad can be difficult. Especially when he's the sort of Dad who would rather be out exploring a new trail, sitting around a campfire or planning his next 4x4 adventure than sitting at home.

If Dad loves camping, off-roading, overlanding or simply getting away from it all, we've put together some of our favourite camping gifts for dads who love the great outdoors.

From practical recovery equipment to camping cooking gear, lighting and accessories, these are gifts he'll actually use on his next adventure.

1. Off-Road Traction Boards

If Dad enjoys taking the 4x4 off the beaten track, a set of off-road traction boards is a gift that could genuinely get him out of trouble.

Mud, sand, wet grass and loose gravel can quickly turn a great day out into a recovery job. Traction boards give the tyres something solid to bite into and can be used to help a vehicle regain traction without relying on another vehicle.

Our Apex4WD Recovery Traction Boards are supplied as a pair and are designed for use in mud, sand and snow.

They're lightweight enough to keep in the back of a 4x4 while still being a seriously useful piece of recovery equipment.

Great gift for: Dad who loves green lanes, off-roading and exploring remote places.

2. Portable Camping Gas Stove

There are few things better than a hot meal and a cup of tea after a day outdoors.

A portable camping stove is one of those pieces of equipment that Dad might not realise he needs until he has one — and then he'll wonder how he ever camped without it.

The Apex4WD Portable Camping Gas Stove is compact, lightweight and designed for camping, 4x4 trips, BBQs and outdoor cooking.

It features:

Push-button Piezo ignition
Adjustable heat control
Safety locking system
Compact 1.6 kg design
Carry case
Dual-fuel functionality with the supplied adaptor

Whether Dad is cooking breakfast at a campsite or boiling the kettle halfway through a long day on the trail, a portable stove is a gift that will get plenty of use.

Great gift for: Dad who takes his camping food seriously — or simply likes a proper brew.

3. A Camping Table He Can Actually Use

Every good campsite needs somewhere to put the kettle.

A compact folding table is one of those simple camping accessories that makes a surprisingly big difference. It provides somewhere to prepare food, enjoy breakfast, organise equipment or simply put your mug down.

The Apex4WD 95cm Folding Aluminium Camping Table is lightweight, portable and folds down for easy storage.

With a 95 cm tabletop, it's large enough to be useful without taking up loads of room in the vehicle.

It's ideal for:

Camping
BBQs
4x4 trips
Picnics
Overlanding
Festivals
Garden use

Great gift for: Dad who already seems to have everything — because you can never have too many useful camping tables.

4. 12V Camping Lights

There's a big difference between sitting around camp after dark and trying to find your gear with a phone torch.

Good lighting makes a campsite more comfortable, safer and easier to use.

The Apex4WD 12V LED Camping Light Kit includes two 580 mm LED light bars with both amber and cool white lighting.

The amber setting is ideal for relaxing around camp, while cool white provides brighter illumination when Dad actually needs to see what he's doing.

The kit also features a dimmer, waterproof connectors and an IP67-rated construction, making it well suited to outdoor use.

It's perfect for mounting inside or around:

A pickup canopy
Awning
Roof tent
Tailgate
Camping kitchen
4x4

If Dad spends plenty of time camping, this is one of those gifts he'll appreciate every time the sun goes down.

Great gift for: Dad who likes staying out late around the campfire.

5. A 12V LED Light Bar

If Dad already has plenty of camping equipment, why not upgrade his lighting?

The Apex4WD 60cm Dual Colour 12V LED Light Bar is a versatile addition to almost any camping setup.

The 600 mm light bar can be mounted to an awning, canopy, tailgate, tent or vehicle and features both amber and cool white lighting.

It's also IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it well suited to the unpredictable British weather.

Great gift for: Dad who likes improving his 4x4 setup one accessory at a time.

6. A Camping Fridge

For the Dad who takes camping seriously, a proper 12V fridge can be a game changer.

Forget soggy sandwiches and warm drinks. A portable compressor fridge lets you take fresh food and cold drinks with you while you're away from home.

Apex4WD offers a range of 12V camping fridges and fridge/freezers designed for camping, overlanding and 4x4 adventures.

They're particularly useful for longer trips where keeping food and drinks cold becomes essential.

Great gift for: Dad who spends more time camping than he does at home.

7. Recovery Gear

If Dad's idea of a great weekend involves driving somewhere most people wouldn't even attempt, recovery equipment makes an excellent gift.

A good recovery kit can include equipment such as recovery straps, shackles and traction boards — all designed to help get a vehicle moving again when conditions become difficult.

Check out the Apex4WD recovery gear range for equipment designed for off-road and 4x4 use.

Even experienced off-roaders can get stuck. Having the right equipment in the vehicle means Dad can enjoy his adventures with a little more confidence.

Great gift for: The Dad who is always saying, "Don't worry, it'll make it."

8. A Camping Awning

Give Dad somewhere to escape the British weather with a camping awning.

A good awning creates an instant outdoor living space alongside the 4x4, giving you somewhere to cook, eat, relax or simply stay dry when the weather inevitably changes.

Apex4WD offers a range of 4x4 camping awnings suitable for overlanding and outdoor adventures.

Pair one with the 12V LED lighting above and you've got a seriously useful campsite setup.

Great gift for: Dad who enjoys spending entire weekends outdoors.

9. A 12V Fridge for the 4x4

For Dad's who are serious about overlanding, a 12V fridge is one of those upgrades that quickly becomes indispensable.

The Apex4WD 30L Drawer Fridge is designed to provide convenient refrigerated storage while making efficient use of the vehicle's available space.

A drawer-style fridge can be particularly useful in a pickup, canopy or dedicated overland build where keeping equipment organised is just as important as keeping it cold.

Great gift for: Dad building his ultimate 4x4 camping setup.

The Best Camping Gifts Are the Ones That Get Used

The best gifts for outdoor-loving dads don't necessarily have to be expensive.

Sometimes it's the simple things — a decent camping light, a folding table, a portable stove or a set of recovery boards — that end up getting used on almost every trip.

And if Dad already has the basics, there's always another part of the 4x4 that can be upgraded.

Whether he's into 4x4 off-roading, green laning, overlanding, camping or exploring the UK, Apex4WD has a growing range of parts and outdoor accessories to help make the next adventure even better.

Shop Camping & Outdoor Gear at Apex4WD

Looking for more gift ideas?

Browse the full Apex4WD camping and outdoor range for camping equipment, recovery gear, 12V lighting, fridges, tables, cooking equipment and accessories.

Apex4WD – 4x4 Parts & Outdoor Accessories

Get Dad something he'll actually want to take camping.