Image: MomJunction Design Team
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.
Top Picks
13 Best Camping Towels
1. Best Fast-Drying:Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Image: Rainleaf 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 17,382 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
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.
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
"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."
Do remember2. Best Compact: Bagail Basics Microfiber Towel
Image: Bagali Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 548 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
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.
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
"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
Image: Zumi 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.
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
"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 | |||
| Reviews | 17,382 | 548 | 23 |
| Price | $11.99 | $10.99 | $32.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Mildew-Resistant: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.
Pros
- Quick-drying and absorbent
- Mildew- and odor-resistant
- Easy to fold and pack
- Top-notch quality
Cons
- Color may fade
"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."
Did you know?5. Best Luxurious: JML Microfiber Bath Towel
Image: Jml 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.
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
"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
Image: Wise Owl Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 466 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
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.
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
"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
Image: Scorched Earth 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.
Pros
- Super absorbent yet lightweight
- Available in different sizes and colors
- Multifunctional
- Dries up easily
Cons
- Color may fade
"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."
Do remember8. Best Absorbent: 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.
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
"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
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.
Pros
- Super soft, portable, and hygienic
- Easy to use and store
- Convenient for traveling
- Multipurpose, small, and lightweight
Cons
- Cannot be reused
"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
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.
Pros
- Stylish and attractive
- Quick-drying
- Include a storage bag
- Soft and comfortable
Cons
- May not be machine-washable
"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
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.
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
"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
Image: 4monster 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.
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
"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
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.
Pros
- Bright and stylish
- Made of sand-resistant microfiber
- Compact and foldable
- Quick-drying
Cons
- May not be highly absorbent
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Illustration: Momjunction 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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