Camp Kitchen Essentials Checklist
grills, campfire, cookpots, and utensils for group cooking while camping
May 14th, 2024
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A great camp kitchen is the equivalent of fresh powder on a snow day; you can make do with the basics, but it’s more fun when it’s full and fresh.
I spent nearly 8 years of my life as a river and backpacking guide, and nearly 20 years camping; I know firsthand how a great meal at camp can make or break your experience, whether that be cooking dinner on the banks of the Salmon River in an Idaho summer rainstorm after a full day of rafting or making breakfast for 6 in the red dirt of Utah while car camping for the weekend.
A well-rounded camp kitchen will kick your pre-made granola’s butt, and have your fellow campers inviting you on every trip after.
Related: Ultimate Camping Gear List
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Checklist
| CATEGORY | WHAT WE LIKE | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC COOKING EQUIPMENT | ||
| PORTABLE CAMPFIRE SET UP | Solo Stove Bonfire with Cast Iron Grill | |
| PORTABLE CAMP GRILL | Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style portable Propane Tabletop | |
| FUEL | Ignik Refillable Gas Growler | |
| CAMPING COOKWARE | GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset |
Why you need a well-equipped camp kitchen
What makes or breaks a camping trip? It’s not the weather, the views, or the wildlife — it’s the food. A hot, fresh meal that’s easy to cook (and easy to clean) can turn a cold, rainy night into a holiday feast, and a reliable kitchen set-up is key to producing that delicious meal.
Basic cooking equipment
Car camping gives your group the ability to pack more and worry less about the weight. Cooking equipment and food can add up, which makes car camping even more luxurious thanks to the options. While some outdoor-specific cooking equipment isn’t always necessary when car-camping (cast iron pans and pots from home work just as well as lightweight and nesting titanium sets), but when it comes to packability and ease of use, there are camp cooking pieces that are worth their weight in gold.
Portable stove or campfire setup
What to look for: Ease of use, durable materials like stainless steel
Our choice: Solo Stove Bonfire with Cast Iron Grill
What we liked: Self-contained campfire and grill option, uses wood, charcoal and pellets
What we didn't like: Heavy cast iron top, takes up space in a trunk
Camping stoves can run the gamut from pocket-sized, like the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (our winner for best backpacking stove) to a full fire pit like the Solo Stove Bonfire (our winner for best portable camping grill combo).
Depending on your available space in the car or group size and campsite layout, a smaller or larger stove might suit your needs better. If you've got the room, though, we recommend the Solo Stove Bonfire. It's a self-contained campfire (no fire pit required) and has a grill that does a good job cooking dinner. It uses wood, charcoal, or pellets.
For smaller, more portable stoves, check out our Best Backpacking Stoves story. For full-sized stoves and grills, check out our Best Portable Camping Grills guide.
Portable camping grill
What to look for: Portability, easy cleaning, cooks evenly
Our choice: Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style portable Propane Tabletop
What we liked: Heats up quickly, easy to clean, sleek and durable stainless steel, packs up nicely, cooks evenly, propane
What we didn't like: Can burn a little too hot if you’re not watching
When you’re looking for a more traditional grilling experience without the hassle of a table-sized piece of equipment, a portable grill is a great intermediate choice. Our testers loved the packability, the ease of cleaning, and steady cooking temperatures of the Cuisinart Chef’s Style Portable Propane Tabletop grill.
Whether transporting between backyards or to roadside campsites on the tailgate of a truck, this portable propane grill was great for burgers, grilled veggies, and cast-iron sauces wherever our testers cooked. (The locking lid and large handle made for easy transportation, too.) For more of our testers’ favorite grilling options, check out our Best Portable Camping Grills story.
Fuel for cooking
Make sure the fuel you choose is compatible with your cooking system! If you have a white gas fuel canister to attach to a propane-fed grill, it won’t be a happy mealtime. We are fond of the Ignik Refillable Gas Growler as an eco-friendly way to ditch the green propane tanks. It was featured in our Gift Guide for Campers as one of our favorite pieces of gear we've used.
Lighter/matches
Lighters are great and mostly waterproof, but make sure they’re filled with lighter fluid before you leave home. Zip up your matches in a sandwich baggie to make sure they stay dry in case of rain!
Lightweight cookware (pots, pans, and pot handles/pot holders)
What to look for: Packability/nestable, tough, large enough to feed multiple people, easy to clean
Our choice: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
What we liked:designed to nest with each other, folding handles, very compact, everything for 4 people included
What we didn't like: weight
Could you use your home kitchen pots and pans in a pinch? You could, but not all pots and pans are meant to be clanged over an open grate or tossed into a campfire. (Or cleaned in a river.) While we love a cast iron pan for cooking, their weight can preclude them from a grab-and-go kitchen set.
Through our testing, we found that packable nesting pots and pans make for the easiest cookware to store, and give you a range of sizes to make a full feast no matter the size of your crew. (Think — multiple pans for pancakes, so no one’s left waiting with a rumbling stomach waiting for the next batch.)
We loved that the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset came with the necessary extras like pot- and pan-holders to keep your hands safe, but throwing in an extra potholder, like the GSI Outdoors Microgripper, never hurts either. It's a winner in our Best Cookpots guide for camping groups.
Cooking utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs)
What to look for: Compact, durable, easy to clean, heat resistant
Our choice: OXO Outdoor 4-Piece Camp Stove Cooking Set
What we liked: Full set complete with pot scrubber and silicone pot holder, lightweight, stainless steel and silicone
What we didn't like: pricey
The three most commonly used cooking utensils—besides knives—are spatulas, ladles or spoons, and tongs. This set provides a set of stainless steel tongs, a silicone spatula and a silicone spoon, plus a silicone “tool mat” or pot holder to keep your utensils together with a bungee latch when you’re not whipping up a masterpiece. Each utensil is designed to withstand high heat (but don’t let your spatula sit in a hot pan, it can still melt!) and wash up easily, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying nature.
Can opener or multi-tool
Grabbing a simple can opener can save you an hour of trying to break into some green beans. Whether you snag one from your kitchen drawer or keep your Swiss Army Knife handy, make sure you have one on hand just in case.
Cutting board and knife
What to look for: Easy to pack, easy to clean, stores sharps together safely
Our choice: GSI Rakau Knifeset
What we liked: excellent quality of knives, safely stores sharp knives in a fully-enclosed sleek and narrow pouch, includes all cleaning equipment
What we didn't like: pricey
Cutting boards can serve as impromptu plates, serving dishes, charcuterie boards, and even knee-top tables when you’re out in nature. Since most recipes require some amount of prepping ingredients (even if it’s just cutting slices from your store-bought cake, we won’t tell), keeping a prep knife and cutting board in your kitchen kit just makes sense.
We like the GSI Rakau Knifeset because it is a fully contained set that has all the knives of different sizes that you may need. It includes the cleaning equipment and a storage space for the cutting board, too. The knives are high quality. One tester said, "These are nicer than the knives we have at home."
Camping coffee/tea maker
What to look for: Easy to pack, easy to clean, makes a lot with little effort
Our choice: GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator
What we liked: makes a lot, price, can put over a campfire or a stovetop, fun to use, no filter
What we didn't like: a pain to clean, not small or light, coffee doesn't taste as good as single-cup options
Coffee is non-negotiable in our camping circles, but the ability to make several cups of Java at once is key. Our testers loved testing the GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator for our Best Camping Coffeemakers — there’s a reason it won our Best Camping Coffee Maker for Groups. It’s also easy to clean, easy to switch to tea, and great to use in a campfire, on a stove, or over a grill.
Camp table setup
What’s the most underrated equipment in your campsite kitchen? The ever-helpful camp table. Save your back from bending over making meals or stooped over your tent floor playing cards on a rain-filled evening with an elevated — get it? — experience at a camp table.
Truly, a camp table has made the difference between efficient, tasty meals sans ants and dirt, and grumpy, hungry campers. While run-of-the-mill folding tables can work, they’re usually heavy and harder to transport in a tightly-packed car. Camping tables, on the other hand, pack up neatly, carry easily, and are built to handle grit and grime.
Camp table
What to look for: Packability, height adjustability, durable materials, heat-resistant
Our choice: REI Co-op Camp Prep Table
What we liked: Adjustable individual legs, aluminum slat top, foldable, durable, big enough for 4 people, cookstove compatible
What we didn't like: tendency to bow upward (bridge) in the middle, larger to store when packed up, heavier than many other camp tables we tested
Our Overall winner of the Best Camping Tables stole our hearts (and saved our backs) with the four individual adjustable legs — perfect for uneven terrain in any campsite. The REI Co-op Camp Prep Table features aluminum slats across the tabletop, which are heat-resistant (helpful when grilling or cooking or setting hot pots on top) and easily drains water if lunch gets caught out in the rain. The included carrying case made packing up easy, and kept the table in good shape in between camping trips.
Camping chairs
What to look for: comfort, packability, weight, weight capacity, easily transportable
Our choice: Kelty Low Loveseat
What we liked: comfort for two people, cupholders, low design makes sitting around a campfire easy, sturdy, fun colors
What we didn't like: weight, too tall for concert restrictions
A loveseat for your campsite with cupholders? Yes please. While we tested many camp chairs and loved solo options, this two-seater was one of the most beloved by reviewers as an outdoor loveseat option.
Our testers appreciated the adjustable armrest straps to accommodate different heights on either side, a slightly reclined backrest for comfort, a steel frame for significant support, and 42 inches of cushioned and insulated bench seat that supports up to 500 pounds. It’s transportability is fantastic (roll it up and throw the backpack strap over your shoulder), and although it’s heavy, it’s worth to curl up next to friends, family, or your pooch.
Plates and bowls
What to look for: Durable, packable, easy to clean, enough for groups of 2+
Our choice: Ozark Trail 4 Person Table Set with Plastic Plates and Flatware, and Silicone Cups, 21 Pieces
What we liked: Compact, durable, easy to wash, full set for 4 people including silverware and cups, kid-friendly, affordable
What we didn't like: Not high-heat resistant (don’t leave these plates next to the stove!)
The last thing we want to worry about while camping is handling our dishware carefully. Camping introduces all sorts of rough terrain (and rough surfaces) for our dishes, so we want them to be hardy. The Ozark Trail 4 Person Table Set is affordable (full sets for 4 people under $20!), easy for kids and adults to handle, and is easy to pack and stow away when the meal’s over thanks to collapsible cups and a mesh carrying bag. We also appreciated that the plates can double as bowls with just enough depth to keep stews and soups in place.
Cups and mugs
What to look for: Insulation to retain heat or ice, easy to clean, doesn’t retain the taste of your last beverage
Our choice: Hydro Flask Mug 12 oz
What we liked: Easy to wash, handle, stainless steel interior, good insulation
What we didn't like: pricey
The overwhelming amount of positive reviews reminded us that a classic insulated mug used just for beverages just can’t be beaten, which is why we chose the popular Hydro Flask Mug 12 oz. You can switch from keeping your coffee hot all morning to keeping your margarita cold all evening in the same mug, and never taste the previous beverage after a quick rinse.
Full set of eating utensils (forks, knives, spoons)
What to look for: lightweight, easily storable, easy to clean, includes knife
Our choice: Reusable Wheat Straw Cutlery
What we liked: Full set of cutlery plus carrying case, dishwasher safe, affordable
What we didn't like: serrated knife not the sharpest
We’ve all been caught without utensils and scrounging to make chopsticks from twigs. (It doesn’t work well for soups, sadly.) Rather relying on single-use plastic utensils, or bringing your good silverware from home, invest in a set of camping silverware that you can toss in your camp kitchen bag. We like this simple set of reusable plastic silverware that’s easy to clean, stores in its own carrying case, and can be tossed in the dishwasher at the end of a camping trip.
Food storage and organization
Besides keeping food away from critters and not spoiling in the sun, food organization is key to a successful camping trip. Rather than spend five minutes digging at the bottom of a melty cooler for soggy deli cheese, or ransacking through everyone’s bags for Zip-top bags, having an organized kitchen will keep your mealtimes efficient, which means less time doing chores and more time enjoying nature.
Camping cooler
What to look for: Ice retention, durability, spacious interior, portability
Our choice: Yeti Tundra
What we liked: ice retention, near-indestructible construction, rubber latch design, bear-proof (with lock), tie down and non-slip for functional use
What we didn't like: price
Yeti has become the standard for ice-retaining, durable, and fashionable coolers — their roto-molded coolers retain ice (and we mean ice, slightly melted but still visibly ice) for up to 10 days, which means you’re saving money from ice packs. Beyond the name, in our testing, it performed the best out of nearly a dozen camping coolers.
The Yeti Tundra also differentiates itself with a dry-goods rack to keep your deli meats and other items non-soggy, built-in handles and drain plugs, and freezer-quality gaskets to keep warm air from entering and cold from escaping.
We also appreciate that, with non-included locks, the Yeti Tundra has been certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee as a bear-resistant food container when used with 2 padlocks. Check out our Best Coolers for Camping story for more tips on keeping your cooler cold. Looking for something more easily portable? Check out our Best Soft Coolers story, too.
Gear Storage Box
What to look for: Lid stays in place, not crushable, easy to wash, stacks well, leakproof, durability
Our choice: Gregory Alpaca Storage Box
What we liked: dual hinges open from both sides so you can store in your vehicle in any direction and still access, durability, lifetime warrantee, leakproof, dimensions
What we didn't like:price
A storage box (aka camp box) is a place to keep kitchen utensils and food when you're not actively camping. It saves you from having to pack and repack. It means just get up and go.
We've used everything from Rubbermaid closet organizer boxes to literal cardboard boxes as our camp box–and the Gregory Alpaca 45 is leagues above the competition. Durability is the big issue with any camp boxes. Something about temperature extremes, getting stacked with other gear, and the moving in-and-out of a vehicle seems to destroy them. The Alpaca comes with a lifetime warranty and it's designed for camping while still being relatively light.
With a FlipFlop hinged lid designed so you can open it from any direction, it anticipates a common problem with gear boxes–it got put in the trunk with the hinge facing the wrong direction.
Ice packs
What to look for: Non-leak, non-toxic, long-lasting
Ice packs are super helpful to keep your food cold when you don’t want to risk soggy food from bags of ice.
Small containers for leftovers
What to look for: Durable, packable
Don’t waste food when you’re camping! Save those extra pancakes or that helping of potatoes for a snack later on; keep a few containers for leftovers handy.
Bear-resistant food containers
What to look for: Rated for bear resistance, durable, lockable
If bear-resistant food containers are required where you’re camping (make sure to always check the area’s regulations), that’s not a suggestion. Keep Yogi out of your picnic with a bear-proof canister, or a bear-hang, if allowed. Many campgrounds come with bear lockers or recommend you keep your food in a hard sided vehicle. Check with your campground before you go.
Zip-top bags
What to look for: Affordable, disposable, freezer-quality for durability
These are handy for everything from keeping cell phones dry while canoeing to saving the little bit of leftover rice.
Dry storage containers for non-perishables
What to look for: Packable, durable, water-tight
There’s nothing worse than soggy granola or mushy rice when you’re ready for a meal. Keep your dry good dry; you can double these as leftover containers if you plan ahead, too!
Essential ingredients
No matter how you like to plan your meals, there are a few essentials that will keep your meals hearty and cover you in an emergency situation. Keep a stash of non-perishable supplies in your camping kit and make sure everyone’s stomachs are full.
Non-perishable staples (rice, pasta, beans)
What to look for: Long shelf life, ease of cooking
Easy to cook, hearty sides are always a benefit, whether they serve as backups for a flopped pizza or a hearty addition to a soup.
Spices and condiments
What to look for: Easily storable, water-tight containers, easy to open
There’s nothing better than a well-spiced dinner! Keep some basics on hand in your camp kitchen so you’re not robbing your own kitchen every time.
Cooking oil or spray
What to look for: Small, packable bottles, shatterproof containers
Don’t forget the non-stick elements!
Fresh produce suitable for camping
What to look for: Hardy produce (avoid easily bruisable items), decent shelf life, can be used in multiple dishes
Fresh produce adds a wonderful substance to camping meals. Make sure you bring produce that won’t bruise easily, like carrots, onions, and peppers.
Hydration
Hydration is key, even if you’re just hanging around a campsite. Make sure your campsite is a hub for hydration — the more accessible it is, the more folks will be willing to fill up their water bottles. Nothing ruins a camping trip quite like a dehydration headache.
Water containers
What to look for: Easy to carry, holds several gallons, easy to clean, easy to pour
Our choice: Water Storage Cube
What we liked: Affordable, holds over 5 gallons, easy to carry, easy to clean
What we didn't like: spout can leak, can be punctured
There are several hydration station options that can work, from full Gatorage dispensers to store-bought 5-gallon jugs. Our testers like the affordable, refillable Water Storage Cube option for big groups — it’s easy to refill at a spigot or running water source, easily cleaned, and easy to pack away at the end of a trip.
Water purification methods
What to look for: Larger quantities of water, packable, efficient
Our choice: Platypus Gravityworks 4L
What we liked: low effort, great for groups
What we didn't like: price and heavy weight
The Platypus GravityWorks 4L won our Best Water Filtration System for Groups award for a reason — it involves the least amount of work among all the water filtration systems we tested. Just fill the “Dirty” bag, hang it higher than the “Clean” bag, and open up the line to send a liter per minute into the “Clean” bag below. It’s that simple.
Hydration packs or water bottles
What to look for: Capacity, ease of access
Our choice: Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
What we liked: price, durability, dishwasher safe, variety of colors, designs, sizes, and lids, leakproof
What we didn't like: Nothing! (Except it does hold onto tastes from strong beverages, like OJ)
Whether you like a water bottle to keep your liquids handy all day, or prefer a hydration pack to take on the go, make sure your water is easily accessible and easy to refill. Our testers like the Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle that’s easy to fill under a spigot or in a creek, and easy to drink from, too. It's the overall winner in our Best Water Bottle for Hiking guide and we think it's great for camping, rafting, climbing, and pretty much everything else, too.
Beverages suitable for camping (tea, coffee, etc.)
What to look for: Water-tight container, fully-contained system, easily disposable
Bring along your favorite beverages to make sure you’re sipping — whether that’s tea, coffee, lemonade, or flavored water. Avoid too much caffeine, as it will dehydrate you, too.
Cleanup and waste management
Biodegradable soap and sponge
What to look for: Biodegradable, packable, doesn’t leave residue
Our choice: Dr. Bronner’s
What we liked: available in sizes from travel sized to bulk so you can refill your own bottles, organic, affordable, many different scents
What we didn't like: don’t use too much, a little goes a long way
Although even biodegradable soaps shouldn’t be used in direct water sources (see the LNT principle here), organic soaps are preferable while out in nature. Bringing a sponge with both a soft and rough side will help to get food bits off of your dishes.
Dishwashing basin or collapsible sink
What to look for: Collapsible, easy to carry, sturdy
Our choice: SOL Flat Pack Collapsible Sink - 16 Liters
What we liked: Large capacity, collapsible, lightweight, handles
What we didn't like: would like to see a drain
A large, collapsible basin to wash your dishes in will come in handy — especially one that doubles as a carrying container in between dish sessions! The SOL Flat Pack Collapsible Sink holds up to 16 liters of water to wash the whole group’s dishes, and packs up easily afterwards.
Quick-dry towels
What to look for: Quick-dry materials, reusable, loop to hang up to dry
Great alternatives to cotton towels that hold onto moisture for extended periods of time, quick-dry towels stash easily, fold up small, and (you guessed it) dry quickly. They make for a great “kitchen towel” for anyone washing their hands, or their dishes.
Trash bags and recycling options
What to look for: Durable material, odor-resistance
Trash bags are helpful for everything from emergency waterproofing (throw one in or over your backpack!) to helping divvy up wet clothes at the end of a trip. However, they are also useful for sorting your trash, compostables, and recyclables on a camping trip.
Paper towels
What to look for: Super absorbency
From makeshift plates to easy clean ups, paper towels come in handy just as much at the campsite as they do at home.
Camping meals planning tips
Preparing simple and quick recipes
Camping shouldn’t involve a 6-hour, 4-course feast (unless you want it to): save your time to explore the outdoors and come prepared with simple, quick recipes that will leave all campers with a full belly and a quick wash-up.
Consider campers' dietary restrictions and preferences
Don’t leave your buddies out of the planning—a good camp host makes sure to plan ahead for dietary restrictions and food allergies to avoid an emergency trip back to civilization. However, preferences should also be considered—if your friend despises red pasta sauce and you planned on lasagna, spaghetti, and ziti for all three meals, they might not go camping with you again.
Plan varied and balanced meals
Dehydrated meals or deli meat sandwiches are great for some meals, but make sure to balance out your diet for two reasons: for the sake of your taste buds and the sake of your gut. Fruits, veggies, and fiber are good to keep the digestive system regular while camping, but mouth-watering meals with different spices or culinary spins will leave campers happy and full.
Tips for efficient packing
Organize items in compact storage bins
We love organization. If you have the ability to keep your camping kitchen in one bin, you’ve done well. A tote bin works well for corralling small items like utensils or spices, but can also serve as a great bin if you want to pile all the dirty dishes in to wash or take home.
There are kitchen systems that work well with camp tables and shelves, like the Camp Chef Sherpa Table, with zip-up storage and organization cubes that work wonders for a messy chef. It won our award for best camp table for storage because of its clever storage design.
Utilize multi-functional items
Multi-purpose equipment wins us over every time. Have a bin you’ve used as storage? Convert it to a dish pit or a trash can! Do you have a mug that also serves as a bowl? Plan your meals around using that one dish! There are multiple ways to condense the amount of equipment you bring, it just takes a little creativity and gumption.
Prioritize your essentials based on the length of your trip
Make sure to plan ahead for how long you plan on your trip to take — then add extra! Just kidding, although emergency rations are no joke. If you’ll be out camping for 3 days, you may have the freedom to load up whatever you want to take. However, if you’re planning a week-or-longer trip, you need to prioritize space for essentials like food, whether dry goods or fresh produce or both. Plan out every meal and what equipment you’ll need to make that meal to ensure a seamless and smooth camp kitchen every time you leave the city.
About the author/why you should trust us
I spent nearly 8 years of my life as a river and backpacking guide, and nearly 25 camping. I know that a well-cooked meal can make or break an outdoor adventure, whether that be cooking dinner on the banks of the Arkansas River after a summer deluge and a full day of rafting or making breakfast for 10 in Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Camp kitchens are a gathering place, where stories are traded and jokes cracked; and a well set up kitchen can make even a tough trip amazing.
In my time as a backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting guide in Alaska and Colorado, I’ve prepped and served meals for Boyscout Troops of 20, and made steaks on the banks of the Colorado River for two. Cooking after a long day of backcountry skiing or hiking over 13,000 foot mountain passes rank as my top life experiences. Even living out of the back of my ‘95 Tacoma on four cross-continent roadtrips from Maine to Colorado to Alaska and back again was drastically improved with the whipping up of a piping hot meal.
My gear expertise stems from 6 years of gear reviews for Backpacker Magazine, 8 years of guiding, 20 years of camping adventures, and a plethora of gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for NRS’s Duct Tape Diaries, REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine, and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.)
Let it be known: no one in my family (including myself) is sponsored, an ambassador, or an employee of any of the companies mentioned here. Our reviews are unbiased, and we do this to help you find the best product for the price. Treeline Review doesn’t accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews.
You can see all of Josette's articles on her author page.
