13 Best Camping Towels To Use In Your Outdoor Trips In 2024

Reviewed by Daniel Espada, Adventurer Daniel Espada Daniel EspadaAdventurer twitter_iconinsta_icon Specialty: Outdoor adventures, Project Management, EngineeringExperience: 5 years
Written by Poulami Nag Poulami Nag
Edited by Shreya Vishwanathan Shreya Vishwanathan
Fact-checked by Wedetso Chirhah Wedetso Chirhah
Last Updated on
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It can be quite a hassle to carry bulky wet towels back from a camping trip. And when you are out on an adventure trip, it is not practical to wait for the thick towels to dry before packing them. It would be wise to invest in the best camping towel for such situations. These towels are compact, fast-drying, and highly absorbent. These towels are not bulky and are perfect for carrying on outdoor trips, be it the beach or a river.

This article will help you decide on the right camping towel to take on your next outdoor adventure. We have also included a buying guide based on various factors, such as comfort, design, price, size, material, and packing.

13 Best Camping Towels

1. Best Fast-Drying:Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 17,382 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

The microfiber towel from Rainleaf is a perfect fit for camping, backpacking, gymming, swimming, yoga, and beach hopping. It is available in multiple colors and sizes, including 12x24in, 16x32in, 20x40inc, 24x48in, 30x60in, and 40x72in.

The super-soft towel can absorb five times more water than its weight and dries incredibly fast. It is treated with Silvadur antimicrobial technology to keep it odor-free for a long time and comes in a mesh carry bag with a convenient hand snap loop. Check out this review video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of the time-tested product.

Material: Microfiber | Color: Blue | Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎48 x 24 x 0.04 inches | Item Weight: ‎6 Ounces

Pros

  • Fast-drying and super absorbent
  • Has a hanging loop
  • Comes with a carry bag
  • Lightweight and ultra-compact

Cons

  • Could be a bit rough for some

Our Reviewer's Experience

"After using this microfiber towel on various adventures, I've found it to be a versatile option. It is fast-drying, super absorbent, and portable. The ventilated storage bag makes it even more convenient to use."


protip_icon Do remember
Wash the microfiber towel before using it for the first time to remove any loose fibers from factory production.

2. Best Compact: Bagail Basics Microfiber Towel

4.6

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 548 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

This high-quality camping towel by Bagail Basics can be used for various purposes. The comfortable towel is suitable for sports, travel, beach, gym, swimming, camping, and backpacking.

The superior absorbency camping towel, loved by several reviewers, is made of eco-friendly and high-quality suede microfiber fabric, and it dries quickly. This microfiber towel can hold water up to four times its weight and dry ten times faster than regular cotton bath towels. Also, you will find this packable towel ultra-soft, ultra-compact, and durable.

Material: Microfiber | Color: Green | Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎32 x 16 x 0.04 inches | Item Weight: ‎0.09 Kilograms | Shape: ‎Rectangular

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic camping towel
  • Includes a zippered pocket to store your belongings
  • Skin-safe and free of harmful additives
  • Saves space while packing
  • Odorless
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Available in eight size options
  • Affordable camping towel

Cons

  • Clasp may not be highly durable
  • Texture might be rough for some

Our Reviewer's Experience

"I am impressed by the generous size of this towel, which is comfortable as a wrap-around despite my size. It dries quickly, and the lightweight design makes it a good option for traveling or camping."


3. Best Odor-Free: Zumi 100% Cotton Camping Travel Towel

4.5

Zumi 100% cotton camping travel towel is made of 100% Aegean combed Turkish cotton, which makes it among the softest and most skin-friendly towels available. The generous full-sized towel can be folded into a small, compact pack that is easy to carry.

It is an ultra-absorbent camping towel that is fast-drying and non-abrasive on the skin. This tried-and-trusted quick-dry towel is available in three colors and is perfect for use when traveling, camping, boating, etc.

Material: Cotton | Color: Dark Grey | Product Dimensions: 59 x 29 x 0.04 inches | Weight: 11.36 Ounces.

Pros

  • Does not shed
  • Safe and natural cotton fiber
  • Ultra-light
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Odor-resistant camping towel

Cons

  • Might fray after a few washes
  • Might fade after continuous use

Our Reviewer's Experience

"After using this towel for various purposes, from gym visits to camping trips, I found its cotton material soft and absorbent. Though slightly bulkier than expected, it dries quickly and is comfortable on my skin."


Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Best Fast-Drying
Bagail Basics Microfiber Towel
Best Compact
Zumi 100% Cotton Camping Travel Towel
Best Odor-Free
Material Microfiber Microfiber Cotton
Color Blue Green Dark Grey
Dimensions LxWxH ‎48 x 24 x 0.04 inches ‎32 x 16 x 0.04 inches-
Weight ‎6 Ounces ‎0.09 Kilograms-
Shape- ‎Rectangular-
Dimensions-- 59 x 29 x 0.04 inches
Weight-- 11.36 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews17,38254823
Price$11.99$10.99$32.99

4. Best Mildew-Resistant:Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Travel Towel

4.6
Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Travel Towel Image: Youphoria

If you are planning a camping trip, you can consider buying this lightweight towel from Youphoria. Made of good-quality microfiber fabric, it is available in different colors and in three sizes—20x40in, 28x56in, and 32x72in. With its impressive absorbency, the body towel can hold up to five times more water than its weight and can be used for multiple purposes, such as camping, bathing, workouts, and sunbathing on the beaches. You can even roll your wet clothes up in this body towel to absorb the water from the clothes. The bag has a sewn-in hanging loop, which adds to the convenience when storing and drying. Go ahead and check out this reviewer’s video for more details about this antibacterial camping towel.

Material: Microfiber | Color: Mint/Gray | Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎56 x 28 x 0.2 inches | Item Weight: ‎0.26 Kilograms | Shape: ‎Rectangular

Pros

  • Quick-drying and absorbent
  • Mildew- and odor-resistant
  • Easy to fold and pack
  • Top-notch quality

Cons

  • Color may fade

Our Reviewer's Experience

"Its quick-drying nature has been a real asset for me, making it ideal for various outdoor activities. It is pretty absorbent, compact, and lightweight enough to carry with me when I travel, and the hanging loop helps me air it easily."


protip_icon Did you know?
Microfiber cloths last longer than cotton and dries faster, making it hard for bacteria to grow on it.

5. Best Luxurious: JML Microfiber Bath Towel

JML’s microfiber bath towel comes in a pack of two and measures 30 x 60 inches. The tried-and-tested versatile camping towel is suitable for outdoor camping, sports, yoga, travel holidays, or a beach bath.

This quick-dry, comfortable towel can absorb seven times more water than its weight, making it a good alternative to regular bath towels. Further, this high-quality camping towel can be washed and reused multiple times. Made of the finest materials with a thread count of 400gsm, it is luxuriously soft.

Item Weight: 1.94 Pounds | Shape: Rectangular | Product Dimensions: 60"L x 30"W | Material: Microfiber | Color: - Grey.

Pros

  • Stitched hem for durability
  • Hanging loop for easy storage
  • Machine-washable
  • Occupies less storage space
  • Odor-free
  • Available in multiple colors and prints

Cons

  • Might not be as absorbent as expected
  • Color may vary
Our Reviewer's Experience

"Their softness and absorbency stand out to me, and they're also quick to dry, which has been great for poolside use. It took me some time to get used to their texture, but they seem pretty durable, and I'm happy with my purchase."

6. Best With Rolling Band: Wise Owl Outfitters Beach Towel

4.2
Wise Owl Outfitters Beach Towel Image: Wise Owl

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 466 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

Wise Owl Outfitters beach towel will keep you fresh and clean while heading to the gym, yoga class, camping, or a beach trip. It is available in two and four packs and is perfect for outdoor workouts.

Made of high-quality microfiber fabric, this quick-dry towel absorbs up to seven times its weight, wicking away water and sand and instantly leaving you dry and warm. The extra-long, lightweight towel can also be placed on your yoga mat for additional support.

Item Weight: 3 Ounces | Shape: Rectangular | Product Dimensions: 12.5"L x 3"W | Material: Microfiber | Color: Green.

Pros

  • Folds compactly
  • Comes with an elastic rolling band for easy storage
  • Features a convenient hang-dry strap
  • Odorless

Cons

  • Stitching might fray after washing
Our Reviewer's Experience

"I've been using this towel for travel and outdoor activities, and I'm quite happy with it. I've even used it as a makeshift blanket once. Its quick-drying properties and lightweight and compact design make it especially useful for beach days."

7. Best Lightweight:ScorchedEarth Microfiber Travel Towel Set

4.5

The best-selling set from ScorchedEarth includes big and small microfiber towels that are soft, compact, and easily absorb more water than regular bath towel. These travel-friendly camping towels are not bulky and can be used for various purposes, such as swimming at the beach, traveling with limited luggage, attending hot yoga sessions, hitting the gym, running a marathon, or setting up camp after a long hike. They come in a travel case that makes it super easy to carry.

Item Weight: 3.2 ounces | Shape: Rectangular, Square | Number of Items: 3 | Product Dimensions: 39"L x 19.5"W | Material: Microfiber | Color: True Navy.

Pros

  • Super absorbent yet lightweight
  • Available in different sizes and colors
  • Multifunctional
  • Dries up easily

Cons

  • Color may fade

Our Reviewer's Experience

"I'm glad I found these thin yet absorbent towels for my travels. They are lightweight, fold compactly, and come with a carrying bag for added convenience."


protip_icon Do remember
Do not wash microfiber towels with hot water, as it can damage the fibers and reduce their effectiveness at absorbing moisture.

8. Best Absorbent: PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel

4.6
PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel Image: Pack Hacker

PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel can be your go-anywhere companion for adventures like camping, trekking, swimming, beach dipping, and traveling. The towel is made of a super-absorbent fabric that can soak water up to four times its weight.

It’s compact and dries up 70% faster than regular towels. Tested by many reviewers, this microfiber camping towel has Polygiene technology that controls odor and keeps the towel fresh. Additionally, the towel is available in multiple variants and sizes.

Material: Microfiber | Color: Midnight | Item Weight: ‎0.05 Kilograms | Shape: ‎Rectangular | Product Dimensions: ‎36"L x 16.5"W

Pros

  • Features a hang loop for quick-drying
  • Includes a zippered storage pouch
  • Machine-washable
  • Lightweight material

Cons

  • Edges might unravel after a few washes
  • Fabric might be slightly thin
Our Reviewer's Experience

"I've been using it as my swimming towel, and its quick-drying nature has made it a winner. It is also very absorbent and has a soft texture that feels nice on my skin."

9. Best Disposable:KiseerMini Compressed Towels

KiseerMini Compressed Towels

If you are traveling and looking for a disposable set of soft cotton towels, this set of 200 compressed mini towels can be a good choice. All you need to do is put in one to two milliliters of cold or warm water for a few seconds, and the towel will expand. The towels save a lot of space and are super convenient to carry. You can use them for outdoor activities and also in the kitchen, bathroom, and office.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.04 inches | Weight: 14.39 Ounces

Pros

  • Super soft, portable, and hygienic
  • Easy to use and store
  • Convenient for traveling
  • Multipurpose, small, and lightweight

Cons

  • Cannot be reused
Our Reviewer's Experience

"I've been using these compressed towels to freshen up when on the go. These coin-sized tablets bloom with a few drops of water to become a sturdy towel. Though they are a bit thin, they're soft and surprisingly strong and have made travel hygiene simpler."

10. Best Ultra Plush: Hero Microfibre Towel

Hero Microfibre Towel

The compact and lightweight towel by Hero is an ideal travel companion. You can use this soft towel when hiking, backpacking, and camping or during beach trips and after gym sessions. This tried-and-tested camping towel is constructed of microfiber fabric that is gentle ondelicate skin, and it comes with a high absorption capacity, thus soaking up moisture and water effectively.

Item Weight: 6.7 ounces | Shape: Rectangular | Product Dimensions: 48"L x 24"W | Material: Microfiber | Color: Magenta.

Pros

  • Stylish and attractive
  • Quick-drying
  • Include a storage bag
  • Soft and comfortable

Cons

  • May not be machine-washable
Our Reviewer's Experience

"The compact and lightweight design is perfect when I'm on the go. It offers decent absorbency, and the quick-drying nature and carry pouch have made it a practical buy."

11. Best Quality:TravelSnugsLuxury Travel Towels

TravelSnugsLuxury Travel Towels

The super-soft towels set includes one XL camping towel measuring 54x30in and a medium towel measuring 43x22in. These camping towels weigh four times lighter and fold five times smaller than a standard sports towel. The luxury towels can dry ten times faster than regular cotton bath towels and come neatly packed in a mesh bag.

Item Weight: 11.7 ounces | Shape: Rectangular | Product Dimensions: 54"L x 30"W | Material: Microfiber | Color: Navy Blue (White Trim).

Pros

  • Quick–dry and sand-free camping towel
  • Breathable carry pouch
  • Handy hanging straps
  • Lightweight and premium-quality
  • Odor-free pack and breathable case

Cons

  • May not be long-lasting
Our Reviewer's Experience

"Their compact size and good absorption ability have impressed me. Though they take a bit longer to dry than advertised, they still dry quicker than my regular cotton towels. I carry them everywhere, be it the gym, the beach, or even when traveling."

12. Best Fabric:4Monster Microfiber Bath Towel

The trusted water-resistant towel pack includes four towels and one mesh bag. Each towel has a unique color seam and is soft and gentle to the touch. These camping towels are made of 100% sterilized and soft fabric and can be air-dried. The family towel pack can be folded and stored neatly in the bag for portability.

Material: Microfiber | Color: 4-navy | Item Weight: ‎1.27 Kilograms | Shape: ‎Rectangular | Product Dimensions: ‎48"L x 24"W

Pros

  • Light and absorbent
  • Durable material
  • Quick-drying and compact
  • Water-resistant carry bag

Cons

  • May soak debris
  • May stick to the skin for some
Our Reviewer's Experience

"I use these microfiber towels regularly on my RV trips and outdoor excursions. Their compact size and convenient zipper case for storage make them a practical choice, and the hanging loops help keep them dry and hygienic."

13. Best Stylish:Bright Beach by LudereBeach Towels

Bright Beach by LudereBeach Towels

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The lightweight microfiber beach towels can be a great addition to your camping experience. These come in a pack of four and are super soft to touch. The brightly colored stripes make the packable towels attractive and functional. These time-tested towels can be folded into small sizes and packed in luggage, beach bag, backpack, and yoga bag.

Item Weight: 4.62 pounds | Shape: Rectangular | Number of Items: 4 | Product Dimensions: 78"L x 36"W | Material: Microfiber

Pros

  • Bright and stylish
  • Made of sand-resistant microfiber
  • Compact and foldable
  • Quick-drying

Cons

  • May not be highly absorbent
My Personal Experience

"These brightly colored towels have been great for our beach outings and pool trips. They dry quickly, which is really helpful after a swim, and they've maintained their quality even after several washes."

How To Choose The Right Camping Towel?

Here are a few features you should consider when purchasing a camping towel.

  1. Size: These towels come in varied sizes to suit the preferences of different users. For instance, small towels are suitable for children and serve as hand and face towels. On the other hand,big towels can be chosen for adults and used for multiple purposes. You may even opt for combo packs with different-sized camping towels as per your preferences.
  2. Material and comfort: When traveling to a humid and wet climate, opt for a breathable, durable, and soft microfiber towel. Even linen is a good option, as it is an odor-free fabric, soft to touch, and dries quickly in sunlight. You can also choose synthetic fiber if you want a non-bulky, fast-drying camping towel.
  3. Storage/packing: Camping towels that come with a bag or a case are easy to carry and pack. Even if they are wet, storing the towels becomes more convenient with a mesh bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How should I wash microfiber towels?

You can use warm water and mild fragrance-free detergent to wash your microfiber towels after removing any dry dirt and debris. Avoid washing these towels with other fabrics and softeners as they can clog the towel’s fibers.

2. Why do microfiber towels smell after some time?

Microfiber towels can smell when they are not dried thoroughly or when detergent residue builds up on the fibers. To avoid unpleasant smells, you can use a mild cleanser and air dry the towel after every use.

3. Can a hand towel double as a camping towel?

You can use hand towels for the face or hands. However, they can be too small to use as camping towels.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag is a keen writer and reviewer with expertise in fashion and clothing. She has gone through different trusted websites and scoured through various product parameters to bring you the best camping towels for your comfortable camping experience. She has included detailed information about the material, size, utility, and more for each product. Moreover, you can make the right choice by reading the purchasing guide provided here.

The Bottom Line

You must carry the right things when camping. And choosing a towel that dries quickly and is lightweight and easy to carry around is a must. When choosing one, you should also factor in the size, material, storage, and comfort. Camping towels are pretty versatile and can be used to wipe your bag and tent and even function as a mat, tablecloth, sunshade, or shawl. They can also be used during your gym, swimming, and yoga sessions. We love the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel for its quick-absorbing and odor-free properties. Our other top recommendations are the hypoallergenic and compact Bagail Basics Microfiber Towel and the versatile ScorchedEarth Microfiber Travel Towel Set.

Some multipurpose camping towels can even be used as beach blankets, picnic or yoga mats, wall blankets, tablecloths, sunshades, or shawls. Now that you know how essential it is to own a lightweight, quick-drying, and packable camping towel, get one for yourself soon.

Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Camping Towels?

Camping towels are essential outdoor accessories that provide convenience and functionality during camping trips and outdoor activities. Understanding their features and differences from regular bath towels can help you realize their worth and importance for travel. Explore the infographic below to discover the numerous benefits of camping towels and how they can elevate your camping experience.

Benefits Of Using A Camping Towel (infographic)

Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team

Some camping towels are multipurpose and can even be used as beach blankets, picnic or yoga mats, wall blankets, tablecloths, sunshades, or shawls. Now that you know how essential it is to own a lightweight, packable, quick-drying towel, get on for yourself soon.



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Daniel Espada
Daniel EspadaOutdoor Enthusiast
Daniel Espada is a passionate adventurer and a certified scuba diver. He combines his background in engineering and his love for the outdoors to create inspiring content. Daniel’s father, an experienced mountaineer, taught him the ropes of hiking and camping.

Read full bio of Daniel Espada
Shreya is a gold medalist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from SGT University, Gurugram. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from Amity University, Gwalior. Her interest in human behavior and extensive years of learning and training in psychology has instilled in her the skills to understand the consumer psyche to optimize the reader's experience.

Read full bio of Shreya Vishwanathan