Camping Kitchen Setup: Gear, Tips, & Ideas

Camping Kitchen Setup: Gear, Tips, & Ideas

This post is for anyone thinking about building a camping kitchen setup—whether you're off-grid full time, a weekend camper, or somewhere in between. I’m breaking down what works, what I’m still figuring out, and a few wishlist items that might convince even the most reluctant cooks (like me) to step outside and make something edible.

Anyone who knows me knows I hate cooking. I hate it so much, I’d rather eat toast every day for the rest of my life, avocado toast that is. But I do love being outside, and I’m trying to put together a camping kitchen setup that might—just might—make me hate it a little less. Both my RV and van have full kitchens, but I want something outdoors that’s simple, functional, and doesn’t make me dread dinner. What follows is a mix of gear I use, stuff I’m researching, and a few ideas I haven’t ruled out (yet).

Camping Kitchen Essentials for Van Life

Here’s what I consider the non-negotiables—at least if you want to make something more than a granola bar:

• A heat source (grill, griddle, solar, fire… or rage)
  

• Cookware that won’t drive me nuts (cast iron = yes, 12-piece nesting sets = no thanks, ok maybe in the Motorhome)
  

• A prep surface that’s not my lap
  

• A place to store food that isn’t constantly melting
  

• Fuel or power I can count on
  

• A cleanup system that doesn’t make me cry

And since we're talking spring setups, let’s not forget the little annoyances that come with warmer weather. I’ve tested a mosquito repellent for camping that actually works without coating yourself in DEET, and if you’re parked anywhere rural, you’ll want to read my tips on how to repel rats and mice before they discover your snack stash.

Portable Grills for Off-Grid Cooking

Confession: I don’t BBQ. I’ve never liked lighting them, I assume something will explode, and I always overcook everything. But after trying food made on a friend’s grill during a weekend campout, I’m reconsidering. Maybe.

Grills I’m Researching:

• Charcoal Grills: Great flavour, but slow and messy. And I will definitely burn something.
  

• Propane Grills: Way faster, less chance of fireball drama. More my speed.
  

• Portable Tabletop Grills: Compact and cute. Might be flimsy, might be perfect.

I’m looking for something small, easy to clean, and not heavy enough to require its own trailer.

Outdoor Griddles: Are They Worth It?

People rave about griddles. I haven’t used one yet, but if it can make bacon, pancakes, and eggs all at once without three pans and a swear jar, I’m listening.

Ones I’m Eyeing:

• Blackstone: The fan favorite. Also weighs roughly a small boulder.
  

• Camp Chef: Smart layout, propane hookup, but big.
  

• Blue Rhino Razor: Has a towel hook. Why is that so appealing?
  

• Royal Gourmet: Small, cheap, maybe just good enough.

I want something that works and doesn’t take up half my storage.

Pizza Ovens: Why Not?

Do I need a pizza oven? No. Do I want one? Weirdly, yes. I’ve watched enough YouTube vanlifers bake artisan pies in the woods that I feel like I deserve one just for effort.

Models on My Wishlist:

• Gas-Powered: Fast, reliable, low learning curve. Frigidaire and Infood are on my radar.
  

• Wood-Fired: Great flavor, more hassle. Pizzello seems doable.
  

• Multi-Fuel: Ooni and Roccbox offer options depending on your energy level (and fuel supply).

I probably won’t use it more than twice, but it might make me feel like an off-grid gourmet.

Wrapping It Up (Before I Burn Something)

So that’s where I’m at: trying to build a camping kitchen setup I’ll actually use without losing my mind. If you’re someone who loves cooking, you probably already have this all figured out. If you're like me—reluctant, annoyed, but stubbornly hopeful—maybe this helps you piece together something that works.

I’ll update this as I test new gear and figure out what’s worth keeping, what’s getting returned, and what actually makes me want to cook outside.

And if you're going to be scrubbing down your gear or your rig once spring dust (or mud) season kicks in, don't miss my post on the best waterless car wash for off-grid life—it’s been a game changer for cleanup days.

Getting my kitchen dialed in is just one piece of the puzzle. A little planning now means fewer meltdowns later—mine and the chocolate's.