By Cheri Sicard
It’s that time of year again! Costco’s camping and outdoor section is back in stores, and everyone is wondering what deals are worth grabbing. In the video below, Jason Epperson of RV Miles checks out the bargains, compares prices to other retailers, and sees how things have changed from last year. Keep in mind that it’s still early in the season, so more gear is expected to arrive as the weather warms up.
The best Costco RV gear for 2025
Tents and canopies
- Core 13×13 Canopy: With its silver coating, this canopy is designed to reflect the sun. It has self-adjusting feet, which is great for uneven ground. Plus, it’s easy to set up thanks to the center handle. At Costco, it’s selling for $159. That’s $10 more than last year. But don’t worry, most other stores sell it for around $199, so it’s still a solid deal.
- Core tents: When it comes to tents, remember that sizes can be misleading. A “6-person” tent usually fits four people comfortably. Let’s look at the two Core tents available:
- Core 6-Person Lighted Tent: Priced at $99.99. This one seems to be a Costco exclusive, so it’s hard to compare prices.
- Core Jumbo 10-Person Tent: This tent costs $264. Like the 6-person tent, it’s a Costco exclusive. However, the 10-person tent has a few drawbacks. It’s huge, and may not fit on many campground pads. Also, the half rainfly doesn’t fully cover the windows. It might be better suited as a picnic shelter than a sleeping space.
Seating: Camp chairs
The camp chair selection might be a bit disappointing this year. But here are a few options worth considering:
- Max Sports double camp chair: This chair sits at a normal seating height, unlike some of those low beach chairs. It can hold up to 450 lbs. and has mesh pockets, cup holders, and even wine glass holders. Costco’s price is $42.99, while Walmart sells it for around $65.
- Timber Ridge director’s chair: The Timber Ridge director’s chair is back, but the price has gone up to $54.99. This type of chair is known for being durable, though it doesn’t fold up as small as some of the cheaper options. It features a wide seat, a 300 lb. capacity, and a fold-out side table with a place for your drink and phone. It’s another Costco exclusive, but similar models from Timber Ridge go for about $85 on Amazon and Walmart. Keep in mind that those models usually have a higher weight rating (400 lbs.).
- RIO swinging hammock chair: This chair is selling for $51.99, which is a slight increase from last year. The cheapest price found online was $78 on Amazon. However, this style of chair might not be for everyone. The sides can hit your elbows, and the swinging motion can be a bit sudden. I like mine though.
- Cascade Mountain Tech flex height sling chair: If space is a concern, this chair is a good option. It’s great for car or van campers because it folds down really small. It’s comfortable, but very light—so watch it on windy days. Some assembly is required each time you use it. This Costco exclusive is priced at $39.79.
Tables: Lifetime folding tables
- Lifetime 4×2 adjustable height table: This table is a great option for camping. It can be used as a low coffee table or adjusted to picnic table height. The price is still $39.99, which is about $45 cheaper than most other stores.
- Folding Lifetime 6-foot table: The 6-foot folding table is also holding steady at $59.99. Other retailers are selling it for around the same price. Lifetime tables are known for being durable.
Outdoor gear
- Cascade Mountain Tech carbon fiber trekking poles: These trekking poles are lightweight, strong, and adjustable. They come with different tips for different terrains. A set costs $38.49 at Costco. Amazon has them for about $4 more. Most other places sell them for around $50.
- SOG Ultimate camping kit: This kit includes a field knife, camp axe, flint, and an entrenching tool. While it has a lot of useful items, it’s pretty heavy for backpacking. Also, those mini camp axes aren’t always the most useful.
- Flame Pro mini propane patio heater: This mini patio heater could be nice to have at the campground. It’s a Costco exclusive, priced at $40. It runs on an external propane tank (not included).
Lighting and flashlights
- 48-ft. LED string lights: These string lights are durable, and the plastic LED bulbs can be removed and replaced if needed. They’re great for decorating a porch, events, or a campsite. They need a standard 120-volt outlet. Last year, they were the same price ($29.99), but that was a temporary sale. Now, it’s the regular price.
- Infiniti X1 5,000-lumen flashlight: Costco has a good flashlight option this year. The Infiniti X1 flashlight puts out 5,000 lumens for just $29.99. Most other retailers sell it for $45. It can be recharged or use disposable batteries. It also has a sturdy metal housing and a USBC port for charging your phone.
- Duracell 3-pack of 1200 lumen flashlights: This pack includes three flashlights for $19.99. They have a metal housing and can be recharged or use disposable batteries. However, there are better flashlight options with built-in rechargeable batteries.
Outdoor essentials and options
- Deep Woods Off Dry bug spray (3-pack): This bug spray is now priced at $17.99. It’s cheaper than last year’s price of $18.99. The packaging can be a little deceptive, as it includes two 6 oz. cans and one 4 oz. can. Prices have gone up at other retailers, so Costco has the best price right now.
- Max sports collapsible wagon: Collapsible wagons are great for hauling gear. This one has a back that opens up for longer items. It can hold up to 350 lbs. and has brakes to keep it steady. It’s priced at $93, but there’s a $20 instant discount, bringing the price down to $73. Elsewhere, these wagons tend to cost around $120.
- Body Glove inflatable stand-up paddleboard: This 11-foot paddleboard kit includes a backpack, paddle, and electric pump for $319.99. It’s way cheaper than last year’s price of $399. The retail price from Body Glove is $1,000. Similar versions sell for $599 on Amazon.
- Tommy Bahama inflatable stand-up paddleboard: This paddleboard includes an electric pump and paddle. It also has a seat and footrest that can be attached to turn it into a kayak. The price is $439.99. Similar products range from $800 to $1,000 at other retailers.
- East Point axe throw set: Axe throwing is a fun activity for the campsite. This set includes a steel frame, eight soft axes, and eight throwing stars. It’s priced at $70, but there’s a $15 instant discount. Walmart sells it for $80.
- Allwood regulation size cornhole set: Cornhole, also known as bags, is a classic lawn game. This set has increased to $119.99 this year. But it’s made of real wood, not fiberboard, which can get damaged by moisture. Regulation boards usually start around $130, but similar models can be found for $80 elsewhere.
Outdoor cooking and sound
- Bose SoundLink Flex SE Bluetooth speaker: This Bluetooth speaker sounds great and can get surprisingly loud. It has a hanging strap, 12-hour battery life, and it’s waterproof. Costco sells it for $99.99. Target, Walmart, and Amazon all sell it for $130.
- Blackstone 22-inch griddle with hood: If you like to cook outdoors, this griddle is a good choice. The built-in hood is a great feature. It’s priced at $169.99. Although it typically retails for $200, sometimes you can find it for $150.
- Blackstone 6-piece griddle tool kit: This kit includes stainless steel spatulas, a griddle scraper, and sauce bottles. It’s priced at $19.99, but there’s a $5 manufacturer rebate available.
- NXR portable stainless steel gas grill: This grill has 312 square inches of cooking area and latches to keep it closed during travel. It’s gone up in price to $125, but prices have increased everywhere. You probably won’t find it for less than $200 elsewhere.
- Camp Chef Tundra three-burner stove: This is a beast of a stove that folds down for travel. It comes with a griddle top. The price has increased slightly to $235. It’s a Costco exclusive, and similar bundles sell for around $350 elsewhere.
Food and drinks
- Thermos Flask 40 oz. bottles (2-pack): This is a great deal at $19.99. You’d be hard-pressed to find one bottle for that price anywhere else.
- Hydro Flask hydration set: This set includes a 40 oz. tumbler and a 32 oz. wide-mouth bottle. It’s currently $40, but the price will go up once the rebate ends.
- Ninja portable blender kit: This kit includes a rechargeable blender base and two 28 oz. cups for $79.99. Walmart sells a version with one cup for $50.
- Titan 36-can backpack cooler: This cooler is like a modern picnic basket. It has an integrated ice pack system, and Costco sells replacement ice packs. The side compartments are big enough for water bottles or a bottle of wine. It’s a Costco exclusive priced at $40.
- Igloo’s Lux Collection wine bottle carrying cooler: This stylish wine bottle cooler is a Costco exclusive for $19.99.
- 20 lb. bags of ice: At under $3, Costco’s 20 lb. bags of ice are hard to beat.
Food suggestions
Here’s a quick list of Costco favorites:
- Kinder’s Seasonings (especially The Blend): $5.99 for a jumbo jar.
- Japanese BBQ Sauce: Great for the grill.
- Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix: Just add water.
- Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars: Hiking snack.
- True Bar Plant Protein Bars: Hiking snack.
- Mega Omega Trail Mix: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried mango, dried cranberries.
- Kirkland Signature Trail Mix: Peanuts, M&M’s, raisins, almonds, cashews.
Power: Generators and jump starters
- Firman 3200 running-watt inverter generator: This generator is a good option for powering an RV. It should handle the air conditioner. It’s set up for RVs with a 30-amp RV outlet. It has an electric start, a 1.8-gallon gas tank, and can run on propane. It’s priced at $799, but there’s currently a $150 discount.
- Caterpillar 1750-amp jump starter: This jump starter also acts as a portable power station with a 250W inverter and USBA/USBC outlets. It has a built-in air pump. It’s primarily a jump starter and air compressor. The price is $129.99, but wait for a $30 discount.
- Gasoline: Costco gasoline is often cheaper than other stations, especially if you need premium. However, Costco usually doesn’t sell mid-grade gasoline, and most don’t sell diesel. Be careful navigating Costco gas stations with an RV, as the turns can be tight. Costco parking lots are usually large enough for RVs, and some allow overnight parking (ask permission first). (But if you do buy Costco gas, good news for you—they’ve extended their fuel station hours.)
Have you found other good Costco RV gear items? Be sure to share in the comments below.
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No links or pictures?
I guess not, Bugsy, although the items are pictured in the video. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you for calling attention to the video and summarizing it, Cheri! Have a great week and safe travels!
It would be a great article if I didn’t have to keep looking up each item. Add links please! And most prices are incorrect.
Rarely shop at Costco At least in our area, parking is a nightmare, guess you can order on line if you wish. They crack me up,I think even their toilet paper is “organic”.
To each his own I suppose.