Best of 1980s Camping: The Ultimate Throwback to the ‘80s Outdoors

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If you could hop into a time machine and take your next camping trip back a few decades, would you? According to a recent Campspot survey, that’s not even a question for most, with 88% of campers wishing they could escape today’s world for a simpler time. Their #1 decade of choice to return to? The 1980s.

From the road maps to the fanny packs, camping in the 1980s was a little grittier, a lot more colorful, and full of unforgettable charm and discovery. Take a stroll down memory lane and dive into everything that made a 1980s camping trip like no other—gear, fashion, movies, and all.

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1980s Camping Gear

Camping in the 1980s was a total vibe, with gear that was as colorful and bold as the era itself. Think:

Red and White Coolers

These iconic coolers (especially the Coleman or Igloo brands) were an absolute staple, keeping bologna sandwiches and sodas chilled under the summer sun.

Source: eBay – TownsendVintage

Colorful Sleeping Bags

You’d likely see campers with their trusty, bright orange sleeping bags, often synthetic and warm as they were scratchy. You might’ve caught a sleeping pad or two for some extra padding, as well.

Source: YouTube – Steps by Kaatje

Bright Tents

Tents took on loud hues too. Brands like Eureka! also made family-sized, pop-up tents that were a sea of greens, yellows, and blues. 

Source: BC Family French Camp

Lanterns and Flashlights

For lighting, the vintage Coleman lantern, fueled by white gas, glowed into the night with a steady hum, while pocket-sized Maglite flashlights were the go-to tool for midnight bathroom trips.

Source: eBay – Attic Basement and More

Source: eBay – Vintage Original Print Ads Store

Classic Camp Stove

Let’s not forget the trusty Coleman camp stove, serving up meals and heating up what was more or less coffee to fuel those early morning hikes. 

Source: Reddit

Plastic Lawn Chair

Remember the plastic tubing lawn chairs that would leave marks all over your body? The seating of choice for most ‘80s campers.

Source: Etsy – ElRitmoRetro

1980s Camping Mixtape With all the Hits

Source: The ‘80s’ Technology Journal

Camping in the 1980s wasn’t complete without the ultimate mixtape, powered by none other than the trusty Sony Walkman. With batteries packed and headphones ready, you were ready to rock on your ‘80s camping stay or road trip with a playlist that had to include:

• “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush for those introspective stargazing moments
• “Africa” by Toto to really capture the wild, outdoorsy vibe 
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor for those campfire hype tracks
• “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson and “Every Breath You Take” by The Police for quieter fireside moments
• “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, obviously

Recreate this playlist and go back in time on your next trip outdoors.

1980s Camping Fashion

Camping fashion in the 1980s was all about bold colors, big hair, and practical layers. Picture tops and windbreakers in every shade from electric blue to shocking pink, paired with shorts and thick, cozy socks poking out from high-top hiking boots. 

Source: Pinterest

Source: Aesthetics Wiki – CowboyLikeHardy

Fanny packs were essential gear—not just for holding snacks and maps, but as a key part of the look. 

Source: Amazon

And of course, aviator sunglasses were a must-have, perfectly paired with a mesh-back trucker cap or bandana tied just right. 

Link: Reddit – fleetfoxinsox

1980s Camping Movies

The 1980s delivered some classic adventure flicks that sparked countless outdoor dreams, making camping cool and a little edgy. Consider playing one of these films on your ‘80s-themed camping trip.

The Great Outdoors (1988) set the scene for lakeside shenanigans—from bear encounters to classic family antics—making us all crave a cabin by the lake.

Source: IMDb

Meanwhile, Stand by Me (1986) gave us that unforgettable coming-of-age vibe, where the open woods became a playground for discovery and friendship (and maybe a few minor scares). 

Source: IMDb

Then there was National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), the Griswold family’s epic misadventures turned road trips and camping into hilarious, if slightly chaotic, must-do adventures. 

Source: IMDb

And who could forget Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)? Though not strictly camping, Indy made every kid want to explore mysterious canyons and caves. 

Source: IMDb

These films had it all: bonfires, tents, epic fails, and unforgettable bonding moments, capturing the era’s spirit of outdoor adventure perfectly.

The 1980s, Campers’ Favorite Decade

Camping in the 1980s was more than a getaway; it was a full-on adventure. There was no Wi-Fi, no GPS—just a map, a cooler full of snacks, and a whole lot of heart. Looking back, it’s easy to see why the ’80s camping vibe left such an impression. 

Check out our 2025 Camping Trend Outlook: The (Re)creation Vacation to see how other campers are reminiscing about the ‘80s, and how they plan to recreate these nostalgic times moving forward.

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