This Camp Kitchen Cooking Gear Is Expert-approved

Camping is a great way to step out of our day-to-day and be present in our surroundings, whether communing with nature or building memories with loved ones. As an avid camper, I’m more than happy to leave technology at home, but I’m much less willing to forgo the pleasure of eating (and sharing) a home-cooked meal on my outdoor adventures. Sure, there’s an undeniable nostalgia of cooking s’mores or hot dogs over an open fire, but camping gear has come a long way since my childhood camping trips. 

When it comes to packing, I’ve managed with just the bare essentials for multi-day backpacking trips when every ounce counts, and I’ve also loaded up a boat full of coolers and provisions to feed seven campers for a long weekend. With any camping trip though, preparation is key. A functional camp kitchen involves a camp stove, cooking equipment, utensils, and storage at a minimum. There’s also ample opportunity to integrate packable, space-saving cooking gear to up your camp culinary experience without overloading your car. Assembling a camp kitchen also means you’ll be ready for impromptu trips without forgetting any essentials. 

Wherever your next adventure takes you, these are the 15 camp kitchen essentials this lifelong camper recommends for enjoying gourmet meals al fresco. 

Coleman Classic 2-Burner Propane Stove

For some, camping is about getting back to the basics. In the same vein, I love the simplicity and classic design of this two-burner camp stove. I can fit a pair of 12- and 10-inch pans (or a sizable griddle) on the cooktop — opening my campsite menu to more elaborate dishes. Equipped with dual 10,000 BTU burners, the Coleman Classic delivers solid heat output, but it’s the precise temperature control that I appreciate most. On simmer, it browned my pan-fried gnocchi to perfection.  

The stove is compatible with the standard 16.4-ounce propane cylinders, which is a breeze to set up. In the words of one happy camper, “It is incredibly simple to use; just pop it open, connect the propane port to the stove, connect the propane tank to the port, turn the dial on the stove to start the propane, and fire it up.”

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

When I’m backpacking, I swap my bulkier two-burner for this lightweight, all-in-one cooking system. Comprising an insulated thermos that doubles as the cookpot, plus a burner, bottom cup that’s both a measuring cup and bowl, stabilizer stand, and butane fuel canister, the packed weight is shy of one pound. It’s capable of boiling one liter of water in 1 minute and 40 seconds. Tacking on the Pot Support makes it compatible with Jetboil’s Summit Skillet, expanding your cooking options beyond dehydrated meals and anything that just requires adding boiling water. 

Since it’s so packable, I also bring it on car and boat camping trips, as it’s adept at boiling water, freeing up a burner on my Coleman stove for more complex cooking tasks. One adventurer emphasized how it’s revolutionized their coffee. “I’ve done dehydrated meals, noodles, and all the standard fare, but my favorite is how it’s elevated my coffee in the field. If you love coffee like I do get the French Press attachment and thank me later.”

Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe

As an avid camper and nature lover, I try to reduce my environmental footprint whenever possible. For frequent campers, investing in a refillable fuel canister can cut down on a ubiquitous form of waste: single-use fuel canisters. After my first time using it, it quickly dawned on me how many green canisters I’ve gone through in 30+ years of camping. I also love the portable and durable design of the storage case. The four-foot connector hose is easy to attach and long enough for flexible kitchen setup. Any extra length can be wrapped around the canister, so it’s safely tucked out of the way. 

As one camper notes, “I just got home from a 5-night beach camping trip. We cooked breakfast and dinner every day, and I still have at least half a tank.” The sustainability perks were noted by many customers. Another camper chimed in: “After going through countless 1-pound canisters, I decided to buy this 5-pound. tank. It cost me $5 to fill it up and has lasted quite a long time.”

Gerber ComplEAT 16-Piece Cookset

Having once relied on a Tupperware bin containing mismatching plates, pots, and pans, I’ve found the streamlined design of this camping cookset does wonders for simplifying my packing list and enhancing meal prep. The entire 16-piece set neatly stacks together for compact storage bag (I’m a big fan of the diagram explaining the order to repack the set). Starting from the bottom, there’s a deep sauté pan, hot pad, and stock pot with an integrated strainer lid — adding versatility and practicality. Moving up, the tableware is another standout for me, as the distinct colors help clearly identify whose plate is whose. I also appreciate the versatility of the mixing bowl and the space saved by the detachable pan handle. 

In their review, one camper emphasized that “the ‘nesting’ feature to minimize space is simply amazing.” Another raves about the functionality and quality construction: “It’s literally everything I need for a camping trip…and is definitely durable to withstand being outdoors.”

Gerber ComplEAT Griddle

From eggs and pancakes to burgers and grilled cheeses, a griddle is a must-have for whipping up campsite comfort food or cooking for a crowd. Measuring 1 foot by 11 inches, this carbon steel griddle is a compatible addition to almost any two-burner stove. Hardly anything sticks to the carbon steel surface, and I love the raised sidewalls, which help keep everything in the pan for less mess and better flavor. 

The griddle handle is the same detachable handle used in the ComplEAT 16-piece cookset. As one camper puts it, “What’s better than preparing an entire breakfast with 1 tool?” adding that the removable handle made it incredibly easy to clean and pack away.  

MSR Folding Utensils

Whether car camping or backpacking, I make space for essential utensils to upgrade my campsite dining experience. This folding utensil set covers the bases with two forks and two spoons. Made from lightweight, BPA-free nylon, they hardly make a dent in my packed weight and avoid the risk of leaching chemicals into camp meals. They measure just 4.5 inches when folded, and 8 inches when unfolded and locked into place. 

With a 4.5-star average rating from over 200 campers, the utensils are a tried-and-true step up from plastic models. As one shopper says: “What I really like best is that they are easy to clean. No grooves or channels to clean and you don’t have to separate the pieces to scrub them.” 

Gerber ComplEAT Cutting Board Set

Cooking outside my home requires a bit more focus and planning. While nature is perfect (to me at least), it rarely provides an ideal kitchen setup, so bringing a quality cutting board is essential for safe and effective meal prep. This cutting board set includes a pair of cutting boards — one bamboo and one polypropylene — alongside two knives and two trays (I actually swap out the inner tray for more storage space). Having a dedicated tray for raw meat and veggies helps divide tasks between sous chefs and adds assurance that I won’t put myself or fellow campers at risk of food poisoning. 

The whole set stacks together securely for compact storage, though the 4-pound weight means I reserve it for car and boat camping trips. The functionality was praised by many customers. As one adventurer puts it, “I was impressed with the well thought out design and concept behind the whole package,” adding that the rubber feet do a great job of holding the board in place during use. 

Radius Outfitters Small Camp Kitchen Organizer

Having all my cooking equipment at the ready helps put me at ease when settling into a new camp kitchen setup. This kitchen organizer provides intuitive storage across a series of utensil sleeves, knife sheath, and see-through pockets for whatever campsite dining requires. Besides knives and cutlery, I typically pack in a bottle opener, corkscrew, lighter, scissors, and spatula, with some room to spare. The durable exterior keeps everything clean and protected from the elements. 

The ability to hang the organizer just about anywhere is a major plus. When the picnic table gets busy (or there isn’t one), I hang it from a nearby tree, which gives the benefit of having all my cooking equipment at eye level. If cooking for a crowd, the large kitchen organizer may be a better choice.

Sea to Summit Frontier Collapsible Pour Over

I do most of my camping these days in New York’s Adirondack Park, and coffee is a must for chilly mornings and an energy boost for my morning paddle. And with no house chores or deadlines to worry about while camping, I have ample time for making a more flavorful cup (or several) of pour-over coffee. This collapsible pour-over system is both convenient and effective at making morning brews. The filter is made with a stainless-steel mesh filter and EU food-grade silicone, ensuring quality and safety. 

The pour-over base can fit virtually any mug or thermos. I love how easy it is to clean and that it folds flat for packing. Weighing just 2 ounces, it’s also a feasible backpacking coffee solution. When camping with larger groups though, I pack this insulated French press to keep up with demand. 

Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug

Since I pack my own reusable water bottle for staying hydrated, any additional drinkware is meant for morning coffee and alcoholic beverages. This insulated mug does the trick for hot and cold drinks alike, helping pare down my packing list. The double-wall vacuum insulation and magnet lid provide excellent temperature retention and leak resistance. In the succinct words of one shopper: “Easy to clean and keeps my drinks hot for a long time.” 

I also appreciate that the short and wide design makes it less prone to tipping over. If it does fall, the stainless-steel material holds up well to wear and tear. For storing at home, I love the stackable design. Simply remove the lid and nest each mug on top of the next.

Collapsible Dish Basin

Having to do dishes is perhaps my least favorite part of camping — and by way of cooking delicious camp meals, I aim to get out of this chore whenever possible. But when camping with just my husband or a smaller group, it’s an inevitable duty that I’m happier to embrace with this user-friendly basin. While cooking, I typically have it set up nearby to pre-soak anything that’ll take more effort to clean later. The removable drain plug opens with a simple twist but is secure enough that it won’t accidentally release. 

Measuring 12 inches by 12 inches by 2.8 inches when collapsed, it neatly tucks in any number of my gear bags. The convenience and space-saving perks have earned it a 4.8-star average rating from over 1,400 shoppers. “Easy to use. Easy to clean. Easy to empty,” said one satisfied camper. 

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Soap

While toiletries and kitchen cleaning products are distinct categories at home, camping (and backpacking especially) require a more strategic approach. This highly concentrated soap can be used for dishes, laundry, and washing up. I mainly use it for dishes and handwashing — and a couple of drops is about all I need to get the job done, even with cold water. The 100 percent biodegradable formula is essential given the outdoor use. 

It comes in a 3.3-ounce bottle, which goes a surprisingly long way while still being TSA-friendly. “We use it for all the things, from cooking to clothes in a pinch,” said one camper, adding that it lasted their family of six on a tour of U.S. National Parks. 

Yeti LoadOut GoBox Gear Case

Alongside my insulated, hard-top Yeti cooler, I rely on this durable gear case to keep my camping provisions and equipment safe and sound. The 30-liter gear box comes with me on multi-day boat and car camping trips. I appreciate how the removable divider and caddy trays help keep gear organized and in place, especially during transit. The divider or trays can be taken out to accommodate larger items as well. 

It’s yet to go overboard on any of my boat trips, but the dust-proof and fully submersible construction has given me the confidence to leave it out during rainstorms without any leaks. According to one reviewer, it’s “very sturdy, very durable, and seems to me it will last a lifetime.” For greater storage needs, note that the LoadOut GoBox is a stackable design that pairs with Yeti’s 60-liter and 15-liter versions.

Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3000

Whereas the LoadOut GoBox holds more durable equipment like my camp stove, this gear box is my go-to for transporting wine, snacks, and more fragile items. It comes with three removable Velcro dividers that can be configured and customized to best suit your storage needs. There’s also Velcro on the bottom to hold the box in place on the floor of your vehicle. I love the convenience of the removable lid for having one-handed access to anything I need while cooking. 

The design blends style and durability. Leather handles add character while providing a secure and comfortable grip. The 1680D Cordura exterior covering can stand up to the elements and handle the wear and tear that comes with outdoor adventure. When not in use, I’m a fan of the ability to disassemble and store flat in my closet. Reassembling takes just a few minutes.

Kelty Noah’s Tarp

Being prepared can help make light of rain and bad weather. This spacious tarp gives somewhere to congregate outside the tent, plus shelter for the camp chef and dining area, and if the weather takes a turn. For those camping in the desert or open areas, the tarp is also well-suited for sun protection. It’s typically the first thing I set up on arrival, as the 12-foot by 12-foot tarp (there’s a 16-foot by 16-foot version, too) protects all my camping gear while I set up the tent and get the lay of the land. 

I’ve always been able to secure the tarp to trees for camp kitchen coverage, thanks in part to the multiple guy-out points. However, it can be set up with poles if needed. As one camper notes, “The 12-foot version easily covers a picnic table [with] room to spare.” Another traveler chimed in that “It’s built to last many seasons of use,” adding that there are tons of options to configure the tarp for camping. 

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