9 Best Camping Towels (2024 Reviews and Guide)

Camping towels are an essential item for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Picking the best camping towel can be challenging, especially if you are unsure what to look for.

Finding a towel that will meet your unique needs and preferences can be difficult. You’ll want a soft, absorbent towel that dries quickly.

If you have trouble deciding which camping towels are right for you, we’ve got some tips on choosing the best one.

This article will review some of the most popular types of camping towels and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll also discuss how they compare in weight, absorbency, drying time, and price.

If you want to save some time, here are the top picks:

Best Camping Towels

It’s not always easy to find the perfect camping towel. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a durable, lightweight camping towel that is both absorbent and quick-drying.

Let’s get started!

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

Sale
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports &Camping Towel.Fast Drying - Super Absorbent - Ultra Compact.Suitable for Backpacking,Gym,Beach,Swimming,Yoga
  • FAST DRYING - much comfortable for next use & convenient to pack. BEAUTIFUL COLOR -...
  • SKIN FRIENDLY - remarkable soft suede like feel on your skin and face.SUPER...
  • ULTRA COMPACT & LIGHT WEIGHT - easy to carry and space saving. HANG SNAP LOOP -...
  • With all the features of Rainleaf microfiber towel listed above, they can do their...
  • Pocket:Only XXL larger towel(40*72 inches) has the poacket in one of the corner.

The compact Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is lightweight and compact. It slips easily into a pack or duffle bag, leaving more space for other camping essentials. The handy hang loop on this towel makes drying a breeze.

Not only does it come in a beautiful selection of ten colors, but this super soft towel can be used repeatedly without sacrificing its nice suede-like feel or drying ability.

The towel has an easy hang loop on the backside, making it easy to dry. The towel also conveniently tucks inside the reusable carry bag.

Perfect for camping, backpacking, or your next outdoor experience, the Rainleaf Microfiber towel is a lightweight, quick-drying option.

Soft and waterproof, they dry quickly and are easy to wash. In addition, the microfibers capture less dirt than other textiles, so you don’t have any worries about bad smells left behind.

Fold it inside the carry bag when you’re done with it for quick access. The Rainleaf microfiber towel is ultra-compact, lightweight, fast-drying, and a cinch to launder because it’s machine washable.

This towel dries very quickly and never seems to smell like anything, which means mildew and germs don’t linger on this towel.

PROS

Fast drying
Very absorbent
Lightweight
Hang loops for easy drying

CONS

Too thin for some people
The bag is not the best

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel

Sale
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel Ultra Soft Compact Quick Dry Microfiber - Great for Fitness, Hiking, Yoga, Travel, Sports, Backpacking & The Gym - Free Bonus Hand Towel 24x48 MB
  • Multipurpose: Whether you're backpacking through the mountains or going to yoga...
  • Compact: Lightweight and convenient, our camp towel packs down super small into the...
  • Super Soft: Our fast-drying backpacking towel leaves an ultra-soft, suede feel on...
  • Durable: Built to last, our absorbent camping towels feature interlocking stitching...
  • Colorful: With 4 vibrant colors to choose from - marine blue, royal blue, orange, and...

Don’t get too hung up on those “roughing it” jokes because you no longer have to leave home without towels. The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel is a stylish, multipurpose towel perfect for camping.

This super soft and durable microfiber towel wicks away sweat from your skin without drying out your skin and packs down tightly when not in use.

It has a hanging loop and stores quickly without too much space.

The Wise Owl Outfitters Towel is made from extra-large microfiber loops for maximum absorbency, fast drying time, and lightweight. Microfiber is perfect for camping towels because they hold more moisture than traditional fabrics.

One of the best features of this towel is that you can use it as a bath, pool, gym, or even a beach towel, and they are quick to dry.

This makes them perfect for camping because once you’re done with your shower, you can lay it out to dry and move on to other activities.

Wise Owl Outfitters created this unique towel to be lightweight and convenient for traveling, backpacking trips, or camping.

Durable and lightweight, these travel camp towels pack into their pouch so quickly that you can take them anywhere.

And don’t worry about color coordination because these vibrant colors are perfect for throwing in any backpack, whether red, green, yellow, or navy blue–whatever suits your mood.

PROS

Very soft
Versatile camping towel
Loops for hanging to dry
Carry pouch

CONS

Could use a sturdier carry bag
Edge stitching can unravel

OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towels

Sale
OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel - 3 Size Pack of Lightweight Microfiber Travel Towels w/Bag - Fast Drying Towel Set for Camping, Beach, Gym, Backpacking, Sports, Yoga & Swim Use (GREY)
  • COMPACT DESIGN - This sports towel set is packable for the gym, beach, and anywhere...
  • FAST DRYING - Made with fibers that are much thinner than a standard microfiber...
  • MULTIPURPOSE - Each set includes 3 lightweight travel towels in the sizes 50"x30",...
  • HIGH QUALITY - Every microfiber travel towel is made with premium material that...
  • SOFT - If you're looking for a packable beach towel or swim towel, give this one a...

The Olimpiafit Microfiber Towels are quick to dry and are made of premium material that feels soft, dries fast, and won’t smell. Plus, with three convenient sizes, there’s sure to be the perfect camping towel for your needs.

Because the fabric is much thinner than other microfiber products, you can quickly wrap yourself in this lightweight camping towel and go.

Don’t worry about packing a huge bulky towel when you can keep all three sizes in one pack, which is super convenient.

The premium material benefits from a more oversized, thicker towel without the bulk: fast-drying fibers and softness, but it dries much better than other towels.

With three different sizes to choose from (including petite hand towels) and colors and patterns. Every adventurer will love their new packable friend on their next camping trip.

The OlimpiaFit Microfiber Towels are compact, quick-dry towels that you can use when camping or backpacking. They’re soft and don’t take up a lot of space in your bag, making them fantastic for solo travelers who may not want to carry the weight of extras on their trip.

Plus, since they’re fast-drying, these towels will snag every drop after a refreshing swim at camp while providing a superior feel. Finally, if you have any worries about odor retention, the microfiber material is breathable and resistant to odors.

PROS

3 sizes included
Mesh bag
Variety of color options
Slip-resistant surface

CONS

No snap loop
Color can bleed during the first wash

4Monster 4 Pack Microfiber Bath Towel Camping Towel

4Monster 4 Pack Microfiber Camping Towel Quick Dry,Super Absorbent Travel Towel Portable Swimming Towel with Waterproof Towel Bag, Lightweight Boat Towel for RV Sport Gym Beach Pool Family Trip
  • 【Special Designed Family Pack】Awesome water resistant bag includes 4 towel and 1...
  • 【Cotton Feeling Towel】Long microfiber provides soft and gentle feeling touch, It...
  • 【Strong Water Absorption and Quick Drying】This is the most absorbent of all...
  • 【Professional Manufacturer】Natural plant dyes, say no to chemical dyes; 100%...
  • We want to make sure you have an amazing experience with us. 30 day no hassle returns...

4Monster microfiber bath towels are a great addition to your camping trip. This pack includes four towels, each with a different color seam.

This four-pack of towels is perfect for any family-size group, with specialty-colored seams to help track each person’s towel. The colors are very bright, and the towels are easy to distinguish.

These camping travel towels help save space in your backpack since they are thin but highly absorbent and chemical-free. So forget about those chemical scents. These camping towels are all-natural.

You’ll also find loops along the edge to clip one side for hanging up by your campsite.

Don’t let these little beauties fool you… they’re not just for camping! These small travel towels can be used for more than just a trip outdoors and into the wild.

You can take them on a backpacking trip, a day at the beach, or even just a little outing to the park for some fun in the sun. They are machine washable but in cold water on a gentle cycle.

The 4Monster microfiber camping towel provides a high level of absorbency and is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact towel.

PROS

Comes as a 4-pack
Includes easy to carry pouch
Soft to the touch
Absorbent

CONS

Dirt and debris can stick to it if you drop them on the ground
Difficult to refold to fit them in the bag

Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Camping Towel

Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel Fast Drying Lightweight - Quick Dry Towel for Camping, Beach, Backpacking, Hiking, & Sport
  • PACK FOR ANY SITUATION: Youphoria all-purpose travel towels come in three convenient...
  • SUPER ABSORBENT and FAST DRYING MICROFIBER: Our quick dry travel towel can hold up to...
  • EASY PACKING and HANGING: Each travel towel comes with a convenient carry bag for...
  • ULTRA-SOFT FEEL: Youphoria fast drying, multi-use towels use the finest blend of...
  • THE YOUPHORIA EXPERIENCE: We believe every customer’s experience should be a great...

The Youphoria microfiber towels are great for campers that want something lightweight, packable, and quick drying. In addition, these travel towels come with a convenient carry bag so you can easily store them in your backpacks while camping.

They dry five times faster than terry cloth or cotton towels and hold up to five times their weight in water. With three different size options, there’s a perfect fit for every camper.

Made from lightweight microfibers, this camping towel is essential if you’re headed to the great outdoors. Simply hang the towel on a tree branch for a little while, and let it dry so you can use it again later.

The Youphoria camping towel is the perfect lightweight and compact travel towel for your next camping adventure. It provides all the dryness you need to stay fresh on the go with its quick-dry, super-absorbent microfiber weave.

Fully lint-free, the entire towel can be washed on cold, then immediately popped in the dryer or left out in the sun for 20 minutes, and it’s ready to use. It dries quickly, which means less time waiting around and more time enjoying the outdoors.

PROS

Hanging loop for easy drying
Very absorbent
Available in a variety of colors and sizes

CONS

Needs to be washed before the first use

Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel

Sea to Summit Drylite Towel, Lightweight Camping and Travel Towel, X-Large/Beach Towel, Cobalt Blue
  • Lightweight, packable towel is ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, boating, and...
  • Made from luxuriously soft, super-absorbent microfiber fabric with an ultra-suede...
  • Dries in a flash; microfiber has a surface area around 40 times that of a regular...
  • A press-stud tab attaches towel to a pack or clothesline; includes a mesh-faced...
  • X-Large / Beach Towel measures 30 x 60 inches, packs to 7.5 x 7.5 x 1.25 inches, and...

Fantastic for the backpacker, camper, traveler, and everywhere in between, the Sea to Summit’s DryLite Towel is a medium-weight towel with an ultra-suede-like finish. It has 30% Nylon Microfiber, so it dries quickly. It is available in XS size or M/L size.

Sea to Summit’s Towels is designed to keep you dry when you need it most. With Sea to Summit’s Dry Lite Travel Towel, you can stay dry longer on your backpacking trip. The microfiber material quickly absorbs water and locks it away for fast drying.

A mesh, velcro-closed pouch is included so you can stow the towel easily in your backpack, along with everything else that matters. Our ultra-suede towel is perfect for camping or outdoor adventures where space is paramount. The lightweight fabric dries off quickly without compromising comfort.

This Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel is highly absorbent, quick-drying, and compact. It has a suede-like feel and comes with three other features: a mesh, Velcro closed pouch for storage, a hanging loop secured by a press stud on the corner of each towel, and sewn edges. You can’t go wrong with these.

Its lightweight, quick-drying, and compact size make it perfect for traveling and camping. The soft microfiber material wipes off dirt and dries quickly with its moisture-wicking properties. Hang it over a railing or tree branch while camping for easy drying.

PROS

Lightweight and easy to pack
Available in multiple colors
Press-stud tab, great for hanging
Various sizes available

CONS

Drying time is a little slow
Some users complain of a musty smell

Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Sea to Summit Tek Towel, Plush Camping and Travel Towel, X-Large/Beach Towel, Grey
  • Ultra-plush beach towel is ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, boating, and...
  • Made from thick, soft, super-absorbent microfiber fabric with a terrycloth handfeel
  • Dries in a flash; microfiber has a surface area around 40 times that of a regular...
  • A press-stud tab attaches towel to a pack or clothesline; includes a molded EVA case...
  • X-Large / Beach Towel measures 30 x 60 inches, packs to 10 x 5.75 x 3.5 inches, and...

This is the ultimate towel for light and fast packing! Though it may seem much thinner than your average terrycloth, the Sea to Summit Tek Towel features a unique microfiber body that provides excellent absorbency.

The microfiber towel has a plush terrycloth feel, is excellent for camping, and can double as the heavy-duty towel you need to go anywhere. These towels are machine washable and quick drying. In addition, they come with an oval-shaped zippered mesh pouch for easy transport.

And after all, this lightweight towel can’t be beat as a camping or general-purpose bath towel because its size allows you to dry off and pack up in no time. In addition, the mesh bag will ensure it stays neat and dry even when packed away.

This towel is perfect for when you are backpacking or camping. It absorbs water like a traditional bath towel but dries quickly too.

The best part about this towel is that it feels like a standard bath towel and absorbs water effectively, unlike most camp towels that spread moisture around. You can easily wring it out or hang it up on your backpack overnight for quick drying within an hour.

PROS

Multiple sizes to choose from
Includes EVA case
Easy to hang up to dry
Machine washable

CONS

More expensive than other models

PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel

PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel for Camping, Yoga, and Sports
  • Quick-drying microfiber towel for camp, beach, sport, and travel
  • Super absorbent fabric soaks up four times its weight in water; wrings out easily
  • Dries nearly 70 percent faster, and is much more compact than comparable cotton...
  • Polygiene keeps towel fresh, even during extended use
  • Body towel measures 25 x 54 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces; hang loop and zippered...

The problem with cotton is that it doesn’t dry quickly and takes up so much space in your backpack. Enter PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towels.

These towels feel amazing on your skin and are incredibly absorbent, and they soak up four times their weight in water, making quick work of any task.

They also have Polygiene™ technology, which helps neutralize odor over time by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi inside a fiber’s surface matrix.

PackTowl’s microfiber camping towels give you the best of both worlds–they’re super absorbing, dry quickly, and compact so that you can take them on trips without any hassle.

The towels are designed for beach-goers or outdoor enthusiasts who need to dry off after a day spent exploring and swimming.

The PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel is perfect for camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities. This towel makes it super easy to dry off.

The fabric wrings out quickly, so you’ll have a drier towel in no time. Also included are a hang loop and zippered storage pouch.

PROS

Lots of colors and sizes are available
Odor control material
Fast drying
Absorbs 4x it’s weight in water

CONS

Edge threading unravels sometimes
It’s a bit rough after air drying

Nomadix Towel State Flag Collection

Nomadix Original Towel - Perfect for Beach, Pool, Travel, Camping, Yoga - Made with Recycled Materials - Super Absorbent - Sand Resistant - Arizona State Flag - 72.5x30
  • Made With Post-Consumer Recycled Materials: We aren't using virgin plastic to make...
  • Super Absorbent MicroTerry Fabric: Our MicroTerry Fiber is made with small loops,...
  • Designed To Resist Odor: Our towels are meant to go anywhere so they are designed to...
  • Sand Resistant & Incredible Versatility: There is a reason why we call it the only...
  • Colors That Won't Bleed: We always print our designs, never using dyes. Dyes bleed,...

Nomadix towels are lightweight, versatile, and practical. Nomadix towels work for every activity, from camping and backpacking to travel. You don’t have to sacrifice performance because you’re on a budget. These eco-friendly towels are inexpensive without compromising on quality.

This towel feels soft and luxurious while being highly absorbent and quick drying. It’s also lightweight, making it perfect for camping or backpacking. The towels are very environmentally friendly and are made from recycled material.

These versatile microfiber towels have countless uses–from lining your pack or gear bag to camping and traveling. The quick-drying fabric features a terrycloth texture for easy drying in any situation.

They’re available in many styles, including the unique state flag collection.

The microfiber camping towel is excellent for all activities, from outdoor excursions to gym trips. This towel is lightweight, making it perfect for travel. In addition, it’s small and doesn’t take up much room in your bag or pack.

It absorbs a lot of water quickly and dries fast, so you don’t have to carry a wet towel all day.

The microfiber camping towel is fantastic! This camping towel is soft and comfortable against your skin but still very durable.

It also dries fast, so it won’t be damp like some cotton towels tend to be, especially if you’re using it after swimming in a lake or river. It’s an all-around excellent camping towel at a great price.

PROS

State flag-themed
Made from recycled materials
No silicone dots
Versatile uses

CONS

Only one size is available

How to Choose the Best Camping Towel

Choosing the best camping towel isn’t super complicated. But, there are several aspects you should take into account, including the material, size, absorbency, and comfort. We will discuss each one of these in a bit more detail below.

Types of Camping Towels

Cotton

Cotton is a popular material for camping towels. Cotton is inexpensive and absorbent, but it’s also heavy, slow to dry, and takes up a lot of space in your backpack.

Cotton camping towels are inconvenient because they’re heavy and take forever to dry out after use. They’re also pretty bulky, so you won’t be able to fit them in your bag or backpack comfortably.

Microfiber

Microfiber towels are made of a blend of polyester and nylon. They create a large surface area that makes them absorbent yet dry faster than cotton towels.

Most of these towels are made from a blend of polyester and polyamide or nylon microfiber. The fibers create an increased surface area that is absorbent yet allows the towel to dry faster than cotton. Microfiber is often composed of a blend of polyester, polyamide, or nylon.

Just because the material is more absorbent doesn’t mean it will take up a lot of space in your bag. Due to their low weight, incredible absorbency, and quick-drying ability, microfiber camping towels are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for camping and backpacking trips.

Linen

Linen is a plant-based fiber harvested from the stem of the flax plant. It absorbs a lot of moisture and stays cool in hot climates.

Linen towels are highly absorbent due to their high-fiber content but can be challenging to wash. They do dry quicker than cotton, though.

Because linen camping towels are very absorbent and dry quickly, they won’t collect the large amounts of bacteria that cotton towels have been known for.

The main issue is that they will become highly wrinkled when rolled up in luggage or a backpack. They’ve also been known to become stained and are more difficult to clean.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a fabric that has so many uses in the world. Bamboo is up to four times more absorbent than cotton, dries quickly while still being comfortable against your skin.

This material is super absorbent, dries out quickly, and won’t get as smelly as cotton. It’s also antibacterial, so it will help keep the great outdoors off of you. All of this makes bamboo an excellent material for camping towels.

Absorbent and Quick-Drying

When camping, you want a towel that will absorb moisture and dry out quickly, especially after swimming.

Most of these materials do an excellent job absorbing water without being heavy or taking a long time to dry out.

The best camping towel should have a quick drying time. Microfiber towels are popular because they meet the criteria of being highly absorbent and dries quickly.

Comfort

It kind of goes without saying a camp towel needs to be comfortable. A good camping towel will be soft to the touch. You will be using it to dry yourself after swimming or camping out.

The best towel for you will balance softness, absorbency, and how well they dry out. Check the customer reviews to see how different towels fare.

Size and Weight

The ideal camping towel should be big enough to dry you off and be lightweight to pack easily. Camping towels come in various sizes, from full-size towels to hand towels.

Some towels will come in a small mesh bag with the towel folded into thirds. This is easy to use and lightweight, and the mesh bag is handy for travel.

Smaller towels are usually lighter than larger ones, making them easier to pack and carry. A medium-sized camping towel is suitable for drying off after swimming or showering.

More miniature camping towels are suitable for packing because they can be folded into the size of an iPod or camera lens so that you can easily pack them in your bag. This allows more room to bring other items, specifically warm clothing if your camping trip takes you to cooler climates.

Antimicrobial

When you are looking for the best camping towel, an antimicrobial treatment may be something you want. It is a treatment for the towel that helps prevent stuff like mold, mildew, fungus, etc., from growing on your towel.

This is important because you won’t have to worry about your towel getting stinky if it is not completely dry. In addition, antimicrobial camping towels can last a long time before you need to replace them.

When camping, you don’t have the luxury of doing laundry when you feel the need. So you can get a lot more use out of these towels without washing them as often.

Loop for hanging

Adding a loop to a camping towel is kind of underrated, in my opinion. A loop allows you to hang the towel up to dry without having the towel touch a surface, like a tree branch, which might snag and damage the fabric. It’s nice to hang your towel from a loop and let it air dry.

Color

If you are camping with other people, it’s nice to keep your towels separate and know which towel belongs to which person. You can also designate a different color for different purposes, like one for drying dishes and another for drying your face.

Camping towels are available in various colors and designs, from solid colors to plaid, stripes, and dots. The choice is yours.

Benefits of Using a Camping Towel

Camping towels are great because they are lightweight and easy to pack. If you’re hiking with your camping supplies, you won’t have much room for a regular towel, so a camping towel is a good alternative that is small and easy to carry.

Camping towels also dry quickly and are highly absorbent, making them great for drying yourself off after swimming or staying out too long in the rain.

They are also helpful when you need to do dishes and don’t have access to a sink. You can use your camping towel like a washcloth to do the job.

Antimicrobial camping towels help prevent bacteria from growing on your towel after being used for extended periods, making them more hygienic.

Camping towels are also lightweight and compact, which makes them easy to store when not in use. In addition, they won’t take up much room in your bag so you can bring an extra one if you want to.

How to Wash a Camping Towel

Many camping towels are machine washable, but make sure that is the case when you purchase your towel. Also, read the care instructions before you toss it in the washing machine.

Another option is to use warm water and mild detergent to hand wash your camping towel. Then, let the towel air dry before you pack it away.

Conclusion

Camping towels are an excellent choice for anyone who needs a compact towel that dries quickly. They have four primary materials: microfiber, cotton, bamboo, and linen.

Some also come with antimicrobial treatments to take on the great outdoors. This can help prevent bacteria from growing on your towel after being used for extended periods, making them more hygienic.

The majority of these towels are made of polyester and nylon microfiber. They’re lightweight and quick-drying, so you don’t have to worry about a heavy, wet towel taking forever to dry. You want your towel to be dry and ready for use the next time.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for choosing the best camping towel, but checking out the options available is an excellent place to start.

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