Many outdoor enthusiasts make the mistake of thinking print catalogs are dead. You might even find yourself scrolling endlessly through cluttered websites when you should be flipping through carefully curated print guides that arrive right at your doorstep.
To find the best free camping RV and outdoor catalogs effectively, you need to know which companies still ship physical copies, then fill out their simple request forms while avoiding the digital-only traps that waste your time.
Here’s a real example. You’re planning a cross-country RV trip and need to research campgrounds, compare gear prices, and get inspired for your setup.
Don’t just bookmark fifty websites and never look at them again. This approach creates digital clutter and you’ll forget half of what you found.
Avoid only shopping on Amazon without comparing options. This comes across as rushed, and feels like you’re missing better deals or specialized products.
Instead, try something like requesting the Good Sam Campground Guide and Cabela’s catalog in one afternoon. This approach will give you tangible references because you can dog-ear pages, compare specs side-by-side at your kitchen table, and share discoveries with your travel partner without fighting over a single screen.
You’ll notice these catalogs keep arriving seasonally until you contact the company to stop them, or they help you explore gear categories you didn’t know existed and spark genuine excitement for your next adventure.
This simple strategy provides you with a curated shopping experience. I recommend building a small collection of these best free camping RV and outdoor catalogs regularly because it will improve your purchase decisions and trip planning without costing a penny.
The Complete List of Free Camping and RV Catalogs
1. Cabela’s Outdoor Catalog
Cabela’s continues to mail one of the most comprehensive outdoor catalogs available in 2026. You’ll find hundreds of pages covering camping gear, RV accessories, outdoor cooking equipment, and seasonal clothing.
The catalog features detailed product specifications, comparison charts, and regular clearance sections that can save you serious money.
Request your free copy through their website by entering your mailing address. The catalog typically arrives within 2-4 weeks and gets updated quarterly with seasonal offerings.
Cabela’s catalog works particularly well for visualizing how products look in real-world settings, thanks to their high-quality photography and outdoor lifestyle spreads.
Time to receive: 2-4 weeks
Update frequency: Quarterly
Best for: General outdoor and camping gear
Request your Cabela’s catalog here and start planning your next adventure with exclusive member deals.
2. Good Sam North American Campground Guide
The 2026 edition marks 60 years of the Good Sam Campground Guide, featuring detailed listings for over 12,000 RV parks and campgrounds across North America. This isn’t just a catalog in the traditional sense, it’s a comprehensive directory that includes ratings, amenities, hookup details, pet policies, and member discount information for each location.
You can request a free print copy through Good Sam’s website or the Camping World site. The guide gets published annually with updated information verified by the camping community.
Many RVers keep this guide in their vehicle year-round as their go-to resource for finding overnight stops and planning routes.
The physical book format makes it perfect for reviewing options when you don’t have reliable internet access in remote areas.
Time to receive: 3-4 weeks
Update frequency: Annually
Best for: RV travelers planning cross-country trips
3. Camping World Gear Catalog
Camping World ships a rotating catalog that focuses heavily on RV accessories, camping furniture, outdoor electronics, and travel essentials. Their catalog tends to feature the latest innovations in camping technology alongside tried-and-true classics.
The request process takes about two minutes on their website. You’ll get seasonal editions that align with peak camping seasons, typically spring and fall.
The catalog includes installation guides for RV modifications and helpful comparison sections for big-ticket items like generators and awnings.
Time to receive: 2-3 weeks
Update frequency: 2-3 times per year
Best for: RV owners looking for upgrades and accessories
Shop Camping World’s current deals while you wait for your catalog to arrive.
4. RV Toy Store Catalog
This specialized catalog focuses on exactly what the name suggests: toys and accessories for RV enthusiasts. You’ll find bike racks, outdoor games, portable power solutions, and recreational equipment designed specifically for the RV lifestyle.
The catalog runs about 50 pages but packs in dense product information.
Request your copy through their online form. The catalog arrives within three weeks typically and caters to those who use their RV as a base camp for active adventures as opposed to just transportation.
Time to receive: 3 weeks
Update frequency: Seasonally
Best for: Active RVers and toy hauler owners
5. Frost River Waxed Canvas Catalog
Frost River produces a beautiful catalog showcasing their handcrafted waxed canvas and leather outdoor goods. While not exclusively focused on camping, their durable packs, bags, and gear appeal strongly to campers who value quality over disposability.
The 40-page catalog features stunning product photography and the story behind their Minnesota-made craftsmanship. Request a free copy on their website and expect delivery in 2-3 weeks.
This catalog feels more like a lookbook than a traditional sales catalog, making it enjoyable to browse even if you’re not ready to purchase.
Time to receive: 2-3 weeks
Update frequency: Annually
Best for: Gear enthusiasts who prioritize durability and style
6. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Catalog
Bass Pro Shops maintains a robust catalog program covering camping, fishing, hiking, and outdoor recreation. Their catalogs typically run over 100 pages and include everything from tents and sleeping bags to outdoor cooking equipment and trail cameras.
Sign up for their catalog mailing list online. Catalogs arrive quarterly with seasonal focus areas.
The spring edition typically emphasizes camping and hiking gear, while fall editions lean toward hunting and cold-weather equipment.
The catalog includes helpful how-to sections and gear guides for beginners.
Time to receive: 2-4 weeks
Update frequency: Quarterly
Best for: All-around outdoor enthusiasts
7. Military Living RV, Camping & Cabins Guide
This 400+ page guide specifically serves military families, veterans, and retirees by detailing recreational facilities at military installations worldwide. The portable 6×9 format covers over 350 locations with RV sites, camping areas, and cabin rentals available to eligible users.
Request your copy through the Military Living website. While there may be a small shipping fee depending on your location, the guide itself is free for military-affiliated people.
This resource can save military families hundreds or thousands of dollars on camping costs when traveling near bases.
Time to receive: 3-4 weeks
Update frequency: Annually
Best for: Military families and veterans
8. RailRiders Adventure Clothing Catalog
RailRiders specializes in durable, functional outdoor clothing designed for serious adventurers. Their catalog showcases technical pants, shirts, and jackets that hold up to camping, hiking, and rugged outdoor use.
Request your catalog through their website. Note that they typically only ship to U.S. addresses.
The catalog arrives in about two weeks and focuses heavily on fabric technology, mobility features, and real-world testing stories.
If you need camping clothes that can handle tough conditions, this catalog provides detailed comparisons you won’t find in general outdoor catalogs.
Time to receive: 2 weeks
Update frequency: Seasonally
Best for: Serious hikers and campers needing technical clothing
Gear up with RailRiders adventure clothing built to last for years of outdoor use.
9. L.L.Bean Outdoor Catalog
L.L.Bean still maintains their classic catalog tradition, featuring outdoor clothing, camping gear, and recreational equipment backed by their famous satisfaction guarantee. The catalog typically runs 80-100 pages with a mix of timeless outdoor staples and new seasonal items.
Sign up for their mailing list to receive catalogs throughout the year. L.L.Bean tends to send more catalogs than most outdoor retailers, so you’ll have regular fresh inspiration arriving.
The catalog quality remains high with detailed product descriptions and sizing information.
Time to receive: 2-3 weeks
Update frequency: Monthly
Best for: Traditional outdoor gear with reliable quality
10. KOA Directory and Road Atlas
Kampgrounds of America publishes a free directory listing all KOA campground locations across North America. The directory includes maps, facility details, and information about amenities at each location.
You’ll also find travel tips and suggested routes for RV travelers.
Request your free directory through the KOA website. The directory gets published annually and includes a road atlas section that many campers find invaluable for trip planning.
KOA locations tend to offer more amenities than primitive campgrounds, making this directory particularly useful for families and first-time RV travelers.
Time to receive: 2-3 weeks
Update frequency: Annually
Best for: Family-friendly campground planning
11. Sportsman’s Guide Catalog
Sportsman’s Guide offers a comprehensive catalog covering camping equipment, outdoor clothing, military surplus, and survival gear. Their catalogs typically run 60-80 pages and feature competitive pricing on both name brands and their house-brand products.
Sign up on their website to receive regular catalogs. They send out different editions throughout the year focusing on seasonal needs. The catalog stands out for offering bulk purchase options and frequent clearance sections with significant discounts.
Time to receive: 3-4 weeks
Update frequency: Monthly
Best for: Budget-conscious campers and bulk buyers
Browse current Sportsman’s Guide deals for camping gear at wholesale prices.
12. Gander Outdoors Catalog
Gander Outdoors (formerly Gander Mountain) continues to produce catalogs featuring camping gear, outdoor recreation equipment, and seasonal outdoor clothing. Their catalogs typically emphasize family camping and accessible outdoor activities.
Request your catalog through their website. You’ll receive seasonal editions that align with camping season preparation.
The catalog includes helpful buying guides for tent selection, sleeping bag ratings, and camping checklist sections for beginners.
Time to receive: 2-4 weeks
Update frequency: Seasonally
Best for: Family camping and beginner-friendly gear
Final Thoughts
After reviewing all these options, the Cabela’s catalog edges out as the top pick for most campers because of its comprehensive coverage, frequent updates, and mix of entry-level and premium gear. The photography and product descriptions provide enough detail to make informed decisions, and the seasonal editions keep content fresh and relevant.
That said, the Good Sam Campground Guide deserves a spot on every RVer’s dashboard. No digital app fully replaces the convenience of a physical directory when you’re driving through areas with spotty cell service and need to find a campground quickly.
Request at least three to five catalogs today to build your reference collection. Start with Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops for general gear, add the Good Sam Guide if you have an RV, and pick one specialty catalog that matches your specific interests whether that’s Frost River for premium gear, Military Living for base access, or RailRiders for technical clothing.
The request process takes less than 15 minutes total for many catalogs, and you’ll have tangible planning resources arriving over the next month. These catalogs cost nothing but can save you hundreds of dollars through comparison shopping, exclusive catalog deals, and avoiding impulse purchases of gear that doesn’t fit your actual needs.
Start your gear collection with top-rated camping equipment while you wait for your free catalogs to arrive.
Fill out those request forms this week. Your mailbox will thank you, and your next camping trip will be better planned because of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive free camping catalogs by mail?
Most free camping and RV catalogs arrive within 2-4 weeks of requesting them. Some companies like RailRiders ship faster at around two weeks, while others like the Good Sam Guide may take up to four weeks during busy seasons.
If you haven’t received your catalog within six weeks, contact the company’s customer service to verify your mailing address was entered correctly.
Can I request these catalogs if I live outside the United States?
Most of these catalog programs only ship to U.S. addresses because international shipping costs make free catalog distribution financially unsustainable for retailers. RailRiders specifically mentions U.S.-only shipping in their terms.
If you live in Canada, some companies like Good Sam offer separate Canadian editions and mailing programs.
International readers should check each company’s shipping policy before requesting.
Will requesting catalogs put me on spam mailing lists?
Legitimate outdoor retailers typically respect opt-in preferences and allow you to control mail frequency through your account settings. Companies like Cabela’s and L.L.Bean let you choose which types of catalogs you want to receive and how often.
Avoid providing your email address if you’re only interested in print catalogs, as that can trigger separate email marketing.
You can always call customer service to adjust mailing preferences or stop catalogs entirely.
Are the prices in print catalogs the same as online prices?
Prices can vary between print catalogs and websites. Many catalogs feature exclusive “catalog-only” deals that require calling to order or entering a special code online.
However, online prices may be lower in some cases because of flash sales or clearance items not yet reflected in the printed edition.
Use the catalog for product research and comparison, then check the company’s website before purchasing to confirm you’re getting the best current price.
Do these catalogs include coupons or special offers?
Yes, most outdoor and RV catalogs include promotional codes, coupons, or special offers. Look for percentage-off codes typically printed on the back cover or on insert cards.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops regularly include seasonal coupons ranging from 10-25% off specific categories.
The Good Sam guides include information about member discounts at listed campgrounds. Save the catalog covers and inserts until you’re ready to make a purchase.
Can I request catalogs for someone else as a gift?
Absolutely. You can enter anyone’s mailing address when requesting catalogs, making them a thoughtful zero-cost gift for camping enthusiasts.
This works particularly well for new RV owners who need to build their knowledge base, or for family members planning their first camping trip who could use inspiration and guidance.
Just be courteous and let the recipient know catalogs will be arriving so they don’t think it’s junk mail.
How often will I receive new catalogs after my initial request?
Frequency varies by retailer. L.L.Bean sends catalogs monthly, while others like Frost River only publish annually.
Most outdoor retailers fall somewhere in between with quarterly or seasonal mailings.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops typically send four major catalogs per year plus smaller specialty catalogs. You can usually adjust frequency through your online account or by calling customer service.
If you only want the annual edition of something like the Good Sam Guide, note that preference when requesting.