Free Donation Pickups for Camping & Outdoor Gear
DonateYourStuff.ca provides free scheduled donation pickup for qualifying camping and outdoor gear across the GTA and select surrounding communities. We accept tents, sleeping bags, folding chairs, coolers, hiking equipment, fishing gear and qualifying hunting accessories.
Outdoor gear should be clean, dry, complete and safe to use. Keep important parts such as tent poles, storage bags, pumps, chargers, cases and matching accessories with the correct equipment.
Submit a pickup request with your location, the approximate number of items, bags, boxes or containers and a general description of what you have. We will review your request and contact you by email about pickup availability.
Camping & Outdoor Donations We Accept
Camping and outdoor donations can include shelter, sleeping, cooking, hiking, fishing and hunting equipment. Some items are simple to check, while others include poles, pumps, cords, hooks, cases or other parts that need to remain together or be packed safely.
The sections below explain the types of camping and outdoor gear we accept and the important details to check for each one before adding it to your pickup request.
Why Condition Matters
Camping and outdoor equipment can only continue to be used when it is clean, dry, complete and safe.
Tents should include the poles, fly, pegs and other essential parts required for proper setup. Sleeping bags, mats, outdoor clothing and fabric equipment must be free from mould, mildew, pests and strong odours.
Folding chairs, tables, lanterns, coolers and other equipment should function properly and remain manageable for one person to carry.
Fishing hooks, knives and other sharp items must be secured so they cannot injure anyone handling the donation.
We reserve the right to decline outdoor equipment at pickup if it is damaged, contaminated, incomplete, unsafe, excessively heavy or significantly different from what was described.
Tents, Tarps & Camping Shelters
We accept qualifying:
- Family camping tents
- Dome tents
- Backpacking tents
- Children’s tents
- Pop-up tents
- Screen shelters of manageable size
- Tent flies
- Camping tarps
- Ground sheets
- Tent footprints
- Tent poles
- Tent pegs
- Guy lines
- Tent repair kits
- Tent storage bags
- Compact privacy shelters
- Other manageable camping shelters
Tents and shelters should be clean, dry and complete enough to set up properly.
Check that the poles, clips, zippers, screens, fly, pegs and guy lines are included and functional.
Small repaired areas may be acceptable when the tent remains weather-resistant and safe to use.
We cannot accept tents affected by mould, mildew, pests, severe water damage, badly torn fabric or broken structural parts.
Pack each tent with its matching poles, pegs, fly and storage bag whenever possible.
Sleeping Bags & Camping Bedding
We accept qualifying:
- Adult sleeping bags
- Children’s sleeping bags
- Mummy-style sleeping bags
- Rectangular sleeping bags
- Double sleeping bags
- Sleeping-bag liners
- Camping blankets
- Packable outdoor blankets
- Camping pillows
- Inflatable camping pillows
- Clean travel pillows
- Sleeping-bag storage sacks
- Compression bags
- Other clean camping bedding
Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows must be washed or thoroughly cleaned, completely dry and free from mould, pests, heavy staining and strong odours.
Check zippers, drawstrings, snaps and compression straps.
Keep matching storage sacks and compression bags with the correct sleeping gear.
Camping Mats, Pads & Air Mattresses
We accept qualifying:
- Roll-up camping mats
- Folding camping mats
- Self-inflating sleeping pads
- Inflatable sleeping pads
- Compact air mattresses
- Children’s camping mattresses
- Foam sleeping pads
- Camping cots manageable for one person
- Small mattress pumps
- Repair kits
- Storage bags
- Other portable sleeping supports
Inflatable items should hold air without leaking.
Valves, plugs, pumps and repair accessories should remain functional.
Clean and dry every mat before rolling or folding it for pickup.
Large cots, oversized mattresses and equipment requiring more than one person to carry cannot be accepted through regular pickup.
Backpacks, Hiking Packs & Camping Storage
We accept qualifying:
- Daypacks
- Hiking backpacks
- Camping backpacks
- Internal-frame packs
- External-frame packs of manageable size
- Hydration packs without used filters
- Children’s hiking packs
- Dry bags
- Stuff sacks
- Compression sacks
- Equipment bags
- Gear organizers
- Small waterproof containers
- Camping storage bins
- Packing cubes
- Other portable outdoor storage
Backpacks and bags should be emptied, cleaned and checked for personal belongings.
Zippers, buckles, straps, clips, frames and adjustment systems should remain functional.
Remove identification, medication, keys, electronics, documents and other personal items before packing.
Folding Chairs, Stools & Compact Camping Furniture
We accept qualifying:
- Folding camping chairs
- Children’s camping chairs
- Compact outdoor chairs
- Folding stools
- Tripod stools
- Portable stadium seats
- Folding camp tables manageable for one person
- Small roll-top camp tables
- Portable side tables
- Chair storage bags
- Table storage bags
- Other compact camping furniture
Chairs, stools and tables should open, close and lock properly.
Frames should be stable and free from severe rust, sharp edges and bent structural parts.
Seats and fabric panels should be clean and free from large tears, mould and heavy staining.
Large outdoor furniture, oversized camp kitchens and furniture requiring more than one person to carry cannot be accepted.
Coolers, Water Containers & Hydration Gear
We accept qualifying:
- Hard-sided coolers of manageable size
- Soft-sided coolers
- Insulated lunch coolers
- Cooler bags
- Beverage coolers
- Portable water containers
- Reusable water jugs
- Hydration reservoirs that have been cleaned
- Reusable water bottles
- Insulated bottles
- Thermoses
- Bottle carriers
- Cooler accessories
- Other reusable hydration equipment
Coolers and containers must be emptied, washed and completely dry.
Lids, handles, drains, hinges, latches and seals should remain functional.
Remove all food, beverages, ice, liquids and personal belongings before pickup.
We cannot accept coolers or water containers with mould, strong odours, damaged interiors or persistent leaks.
Camp Cookware & Reusable Dining Gear
We accept qualifying:
- Camping pots
- Camping pans
- Mess kits
- Camping kettles
- Enamel cookware
- Lightweight cookware sets
- Reusable camping plates
- Reusable camping bowls
- Reusable cups and mugs
- Reusable cutlery
- Cooking utensils
- Small cutting boards
- Storage containers
- Portable coffee makers
- Camping percolators
- Insulated food containers
- Other clean camping kitchen equipment
All cooking and dining items should be washed, dry and free from heavy grease, food residue, mould and rust.
Keep cookware sets and matching lids together.
Pack sharp kitchen tools securely.
Fuel, propane, gas canisters, lighter fluid and other flammable materials cannot be included.
Lanterns, Flashlights & Outdoor Lighting
We accept qualifying working:
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Rechargeable lanterns
- LED lanterns
- Flashlights
- Headlamps
- Clip-on lights
- Tent lights
- Camping string lights
- Emergency lights
- Compatible charging cables
- Compatible power adapters
- Protective cases
- Other portable outdoor lighting
Every light should turn on and perform its main functions properly.
Battery compartments should be clean and free from corrosion.
Remove leaking, swollen or damaged batteries.
Keep compatible chargers, cords and battery covers with the correct item.
Fuel-burning lanterns, liquid fuel and gas canisters cannot be accepted.
Hiking & Outdoor Accessories
We accept qualifying:
- Trekking poles
- Hiking poles
- Walking staffs
- Gaiters
- Compact binoculars
- Compasses
- Map cases
- Dry bags
- Waterproof phone pouches
- Rain covers
- Pack covers
- Portable seat pads
- Small first-aid bags without expired medication
- Whistles
- Carabiners intended for gear organization
- Outdoor towels
- Compact umbrellas
- Other manageable hiking accessories
Trekking poles should extend, collapse and lock properly.
Binoculars should provide a clear image and include lens caps or cases whenever available.
Remove medication, expired products and personal documents from first-aid bags before donation.
We cannot accept used climbing equipment or safety gear whose history and reliability cannot be confirmed.
Fishing Rods & Reels
We accept qualifying:
- Spinning rods
- Casting rods
- Ice-fishing rods
- Children’s fishing rods
- Rod-and-reel combinations
- Spinning reels
- Baitcasting reels
- Closed-face reels
- Fly reels
- Reel covers
- Rod sleeves
- Rod cases
- Small rod holders
- Other manageable fishing rods and reels
Fishing rods should be straight and free from major cracks or broken sections.
Guides, reel seats, handles and tips should remain attached and functional.
Reels should turn smoothly enough for continued use. Handles, spools, bail arms and drag controls should remain present.
Keep matching rods and reels together whenever possible.
Secure rods so they cannot bend or snap during transportation.
Tackle Boxes, Lures & Fishing Accessories
We accept qualifying:
- Tackle boxes
- Fishing bags
- Organized fishing lures
- Bobbers
- Sinkers
- Swivels
- Leaders
- Fishing line
- Spools
- Small fishing tools
- Landing nets
- Bait containers that have been thoroughly cleaned
- Fish rulers
- Rod holders
- Reel covers
- Fishing gloves
- Fishing hats
- Other organized fishing accessories
Hooks and lures must be secured inside closed tackle boxes, protective covers or rigid containers.
Do not place loose hooks, exposed lures or uncovered sharp tools inside bags or open boxes.
Remove live bait, food, liquids and organic material before pickup.
Tackle boxes and fishing bags should be clean, dry and free from strong odours.
Fishing Clothing & Waders
We accept qualifying:
- Fishing jackets
- Fishing vests
- Rain jackets
- Fishing pants
- Waders
- Wading boots in clean condition
- Fishing gloves
- Sun hats
- Insulated fishing clothing
- Fishing bags
- Other clean fishing apparel
All clothing must be washed or thoroughly cleaned, dry and ready to wear.
Waders should be free from major leaks, mould and damaged straps.
Boots should be cleaned of mud, plant material and debris before packing.
Hunting Clothing & Field Accessories
We accept qualifying:
- Hunting jackets
- Hunting pants
- Insulated hunting clothing
- Camouflage clothing
- Blaze-orange safety vests
- Blaze-orange hats
- Hunting gloves
- Hunting boots in clean condition
- Hunting backpacks
- Field bags
- Game bags that have been thoroughly cleaned
- Binoculars
- Rangefinders in working condition
- Hunting calls
- Small decoys
- Seat cushions
- Compact ground seats
- Small portable blinds manageable for one person
- Other clean and manageable hunting accessories
All clothing and fabric items should be cleaned, dry and free from blood, animal residue, mould, pests and strong odours.
Binoculars and rangefinders should work properly and include their cases or covers whenever available.
Calls, decoys, bags and field accessories should be clean and complete.
Do not include animal remains, bait, food, liquids or biological material.
Hunting Knives
We accept qualifying:
- Hunting knives with protective sheaths
- Field knives with protective sheaths
- Folding hunting knives with working locks
- Small outdoor knives with protective cases
- Knife storage cases
- Sharpening tools in safe condition
Every knife must be legal to possess, clean and enclosed inside a secure sheath or protective case.
Folding knives must remain closed during pickup.
Place secured knives inside a rigid container and clearly identify the container as holding sharp items.
We cannot accept loose knives, knives without safe protective covers, damaged locking mechanisms or blades packed where they could injure someone.
Bows, Crossbows & Archery Equipment
We accept qualifying:
- Compound bows
- Recurve bows
- Longbows
- Youth bows
- Crossbows of manageable size
- Bow and crossbow cases
- Quivers
- Arrows
- Crossbow bolts
- Bow sights
- Arrow rests
- Release aids
- Stabilizers
- Bow strings
- String wax
- Arm guards
- Finger tabs
- Archery gloves
- Cocking ropes
- Crossbow slings
- Archery targets of manageable size
- Target bags
- Archery equipment bags
- Other manageable archery accessories
Bows and crossbows should be complete, structurally sound and in usable condition.
Check the limbs, strings, cables, cams, stocks, triggers, safeties, sights and adjustment hardware where applicable.
Keep cases, quivers, sights, releases and other matching accessories with the correct bow or crossbow.
Arrows and bolts must be secured inside a closed quiver, rigid case or strong container. All points must be fully covered so they cannot injure anyone handling the donation.
We cannot accept cracked limbs, badly frayed strings, broken stocks, damaged trigger mechanisms, missing essential parts or equipment that is unsafe to handle.
Other Hunting & Field Equipment
We accept qualifying:
- Hunting backpacks
- Field bags
- Range bags without firearms or ammunition
- Binoculars
- Rangefinders in working condition
- Trail cameras in working condition
- Game cameras
- Hunting calls
- Call sets
- Small decoys
- Decoy bags
- Scent-free storage bags
- Seat cushions
- Portable hunting stools
- Compact ground seats
- Small portable ground blinds manageable for one person
- Blind chairs
- Bow hangers
- Gear hooks
- Equipment straps
- Hunting flashlights
- Headlamps
- Hand warmers without fuel
- Field-dressing kits with all blades safely covered
- Hunting and outdoor reference books
- Other clean and manageable hunting accessories
Electronic equipment should turn on and include the required battery covers, chargers or power cords when applicable.
Calls, decoys, bags, cameras and field accessories should be clean, complete and functional.
Do not include firearms, ammunition, loose blades, exposed arrowheads, fuel, animal remains, bait or biological material.
Camping & Outdoor Gear Donations We Cannot Accept
We cannot accept outdoor equipment that is damaged, unsafe, contaminated, incomplete, excessively large or improperly packed.
Please do not donate:
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Flares
- Flare guns
- Bear spray
- Pepper spray
- Fuel
- Propane tanks
- Gas canisters
- Lighter fluid
- Opened chemicals
- Loose knives
- Knives without secure sheaths or cases
- Loose fishing hooks
- Exposed fishing lures
- Live bait
- Animal remains
- Uncleaned game bags
- Tents affected by mould or mildew
- Tents missing essential structural components
- Sleeping bags affected by mould, pests or strong odours
- Air mattresses with leaks
- Broken camping chairs
- Unstable folding tables
- Coolers with mould or persistent odours
- Water containers that leak
- Fuel-burning lanterns
- Fuel-burning equipment containing fuel
- Corroded battery compartments
- Damaged climbing ropes
- Used climbing harnesses
- Damaged safety equipment
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Large paddleboards
- Large rooftop cargo boxes
- Oversized camping furniture
- Large permanent hunting blinds
- Equipment requiring more than one person to carry
- Items mixed with garbage
- Equipment packed in wet or collapsing boxes
- Containers that are too heavy to lift safely
- Items that have not been prepared for pickup
Items that do not meet our donation standards may be declined at pickup.
How Much Camping & Outdoor Gear is Needed for a Pickup?
Our pickup service is intended for donations large enough to reasonably justify sending a vehicle to your location.
One flashlight, one fishing reel or one small camping accessory will usually not qualify for pickup on its own.
A donation is more likely to qualify when it includes several tents, sleeping bags, chairs, coolers, backpacks, fishing rods or multiple boxes and bags of organized outdoor equipment.
A smaller outdoor donation may also qualify when combined with other accepted household donation categories.
Larger donations from families, outdoor groups, businesses, moving projects, downsizing or estate cleanouts may also qualify.
You do not need to count every tent peg, lure or small accessory. Provide your best estimate of the number of tents, sleeping bags, chairs, coolers, fishing rods, bags and boxes included.
The overall donation volume, condition, location and current pickup routes will determine whether pickup is available.
How to Prepare Camping & Outdoor Gear for a Donation Pickup
Please prepare all camping and outdoor equipment before your scheduled pickup.
Clean every item: Remove dirt, mud, food residue, leaves and loose debris from tents, chairs, coolers, bags and equipment.
Dry all fabric equipment: Make sure tents, sleeping bags, clothing, backpacks and tarps are completely dry before packing.
Check tents: Confirm that poles, pegs, fly sheets, guy lines and storage bags are included.
Keep tent parts together: Place poles, pegs and accessories inside the correct tent bag or a clearly labelled container.
Clean sleeping bags: Wash or thoroughly clean sleeping bags, blankets and pillows before donation.
Test inflatable equipment: Confirm that air mattresses and sleeping pads hold air without leaking.
Inspect chairs and tables: Make sure folding furniture opens, closes and locks properly.
Empty coolers: Remove all food, drinks, ice, liquids and personal belongings.
Wash hydration equipment: Clean and dry water containers, bottles and hydration reservoirs.
Test lighting: Confirm that flashlights, headlamps and battery-powered lanterns work properly.
Remove damaged batteries: Do not include leaking, swollen or corroded batteries.
Secure fishing rods: Bundle rods carefully or use rod sleeves and cases to prevent breakage.
Organize fishing equipment: Pack reels, line, bobbers and accessories inside tackle boxes or closed containers.
Cover all hooks: Hooks and lures must be secured so no sharp points remain exposed.
Clean hunting equipment: Remove mud, blood, animal residue, bait and organic material from clothing, bags and accessories.
Secure hunting knives: Place every accepted knife inside a protective sheath or case, then place it inside a rigid, clearly identified container.
Remove prohibited items: Do not include firearms, ammunition, fuel, propane, gas canisters, bear spray, pepper spray, flares or chemicals.
Empty all bags: Check backpacks, fishing bags, hunting packs and equipment cases for identification, medication, keys and personal belongings.
Use manageable containers: Use several strong boxes or bags instead of one container that is too heavy to lift safely.
Label every container: Use labels such as Camping Gear, Sleeping Bags, Fishing Gear, Hunting Accessories, Outdoor Clothing or Sharp Items.
Protect everything from weather: Store prepared outdoor equipment indoors, in a dry garage or in another protected location until pickup.
For complete instructions, review our how to prepare your donations page before pickup.
How Camping & Outdoor Gear Donation Pickup Works
Step 1: Submit your pickup request: Complete the online form and provide your location, approximate number of tents, sleeping bags, chairs, coolers, fishing rods, bags and boxes. Describe the main equipment included and mention hunting knives or other sharp items separately.
Step 2: We review your donation: We review your location, estimated donation volume, equipment types, condition, size, weight, how everything is packed, other accepted items included, available vehicle space and current route availability. We may request photographs or additional information by email.
Step 3: Receive email confirmation: Your pickup is only scheduled after you receive confirmation by email. Preferred dates and times submitted through the form are requests and are not automatically secured.
Step 4: Prepare and stage your equipment: Clean and pack all approved outdoor gear. Keep complete sets together, secure fishing hooks, safely contain knives and remove all prohibited materials.
Step 5: We collect the approved items: Once your pickup is confirmed, our team collects the approved camping and outdoor gear. Items that are contaminated, unsafe, incomplete, improperly packed or significantly different from what was described may be declined.
How Your Donations Help
Donating camping and outdoor gear does more than clear space from a garage, basement, storage room or equipment closet.
It helps:
- Keep reusable camping and outdoor equipment in circulation
- Give tents, sleeping bags and hiking gear another opportunity to be used
- Keep fishing equipment and qualifying hunting accessories in use
- Reduce waste from unwanted and surplus outdoor equipment
- Create local work connected to pickup, sorting, preparation and distribution
- Support the continued expansion of the Thrift Society reuse network
- Support the Family Relief Program through a portion of the value created
- Build a stronger culture of reuse in Canadian communities
Camping & Outdoor Gear Donation Pickup Areas
Schedule Your Free Camping & Outdoor Gear Pickup
Have several tents, sleeping bags, chairs, coolers, fishing rods or boxes of outdoor equipment ready to donate?
Submit a pickup request with your location, approximate number of items and a general description of the equipment.
Tell us if the donation includes camping shelters, sleeping gear, backpacks, folding furniture, coolers, hiking accessories, fishing equipment, hunting clothing, hunting knives or other accepted items.
We will review your request and contact you by email regarding availability.
Once approved, clean and dry the equipment, keep complete sets together, secure hooks and knives, remove prohibited materials and prepare everything for collection. We handle the pickup so you do not have to transport all of the camping and outdoor gear to a donation centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate camping and outdoor gear near me?
DonateYourStuff.ca provides scheduled camping gear donation pickup in select Ontario communities.
Check our donation pickup service areas page to confirm whether pickup is available in your city.
Can I drop off camping or outdoor equipment instead of requesting pickup?
DonateYourStuff.ca provides a scheduled pickup service and does not operate a public camping or outdoor equipment drop-off location.
Submit a pickup request with the approximate amount of equipment you have and your location so we can determine whether the donation qualifies.
Do you accept fishing equipment?
Yes. We accept qualifying fishing rods, working reels, tackle boxes, organized fishing accessories, nets, clean fishing clothing and related equipment.
Hooks and lures must be secured inside closed tackle boxes or protective containers with no exposed points.
Do you accept hunting equipment?
We accept a limited range of hunting clothing, binoculars, field bags, calls, small decoys, manageable accessories and hunting knives secured inside proper sheaths or protective cases.
Firearms and ammunition cannot be accepted.
Can I choose where my donated outdoor equipment goes?
No specific recipient, organization or destination can be guaranteed.
Accepted outdoor equipment is directed through the Thrift Society reuse network based on its condition, usefulness and current opportunities for continued use.
What should I do with fuel, ammunition or unsafe equipment you cannot accept?
Do not include fuel, propane, gas canisters, firearms, ammunition, bear spray, pepper spray, flares, chemicals or other hazardous materials with your donation.
Contact the appropriate municipal program or authorized disposal service for instructions that apply to the specific item.
Do you accept camping and outdoor equipment throughout the year?
Pickup requests can be submitted throughout the year.
Approval depends on your location, donation volume, equipment size, condition, available vehicle space and current scheduled routes.
Who We Are
DonateYourStuff.ca is the official donation pickup arm of Thrift Society, a Canadian social reuse initiative that keeps useful goods in circulation while creating local employment, supporting family relief and reducing waste.
Every qualifying camping and outdoor gear donation helps:
- Keep reusable camping, fishing and outdoor equipment in circulation
- Give tents, sleeping bags and outdoor accessories another opportunity to be used
- Create Canadian work connected to pickup, sorting, preparation and distribution
- Reduce waste by keeping reusable outdoor equipment out of landfills
- Support the continued expansion of the Thrift Society reuse network
- Support the Family Relief Program through a portion of the value created by donated items
A portion of the value created through donated items helps support the Family Relief Program and other work connected to the continued growth of the initiative.
Other Donations We Accept
- DVDs & Blu-rays
- VHS Tapes
- Cassette Tapes
- Vinyl Records
- Books & Learning Materials
- Household Items & Small Furniture
- Kitchen & Dining
- Clothing & Accessories
- Baby Items
- Arts, Crafts & Sewing
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Electronics
- Musical Instruments & Audio Gear
- Fitness & Exercise Equipment
- Sporting Goods
- Camping & The Outdoors
- Holiday, Costumes & Seasonal
- Mobility & Medical Aids
- Pet Supplies
- Office & School Supplies
- Jewelry & Accessories
- Collectibles & Memorabilia
- Wall Art & Home Décor
- Bedding, Linens & Textiles