Camp Kitchen Set Up Made Easy: A Guide to the Best Equipment

Camp set up with Napoleon grill, Joolca Hottap sink, and Outland Living propane fire pit.

Choosing the Right Camp Kitchen Equipment

Cooking outdoors can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to go beyond basic grilling. Having camping alternatives to the tools you take for granted at home - a sink with hot water, a pizza oven, a grill and a stove burner - can make cooking outdoors feel a lot more doable, and give you the freedom to experiment and have fun with your food.

Below are our top recommendations for the two main aspects of a camp kitchen: cooking and cleaning. As you are choose your own setup, take the following into account.

Quick Tips for Selecting Equipment

• Choose equipment and tools that allow you to streamline your outdoor kitchen. G ear that serves multiple functions cuts down on packing and setup time
• Think through how much space you have in your car or trailer. R emember, compact and lightweight is the name of the game.
• Don't compromise on tech-friendly features. Camp kitchen equipment that can connect, charge, or run off batteries (especially if you can recharge with solar) will allow you to stay out longer.
• Concentrate on practicality over novelty - your camping stove should suit your cooking style and your cooler should fit your food storage needs.

Look for ways to strike the right balance between getting innovative camp kitchen equipment that will improve your overall experience and purchasing items you will actually use.

Essential Camp Kitchen Equipment

A well-equipped camp kitchen can be the difference between an okay mealtime and a memorable one that takes your trip to the next level. Remember, it's not about packing your entire home kitchen, it's about choosing the right gear that is essential, versatile, and easy to use.

Camp Kitchen Basics

• Jetboil HalfGen Stove: Portable yet powerful enough to cook a variety of meals without needing to turn on the whole grill. Use with a skillet to reheat food or brown meats, with a larger pot to boil water for pasta, or with this collapsible kettle for warm drinks like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Helpful tip: boil a full kettle of water, put the water in a 46oz Yeti Rumbler and enjoy warm drinks all morning long.
• Napoleon Gas Grill: Great for many of your camp cooking needs; use different grill plates to increase flexibility. Drip trays make clean up a breeze.
• Cookware Set : Lightweight, non-stick pans and pots that nest together to save space. This set is comprehensive and long-lasting.
• Cooking Utensil Set : A simplified set of the tools is a camp kitchen must-have. Consider a knife set (or you can also bring kitchen knives from home as needed, just pack them carefully). We also love this cooking utensil hanging organizer.
• Cutlery: Using real knives, spoons, and forks is better for the environment and makes you feel like you're eating a real meal.
• Cutting Board: Choose a compact one that can easily be cleaned.
• Plates, Bowls, and Mugs: These Hydro Flask insulated plates and bowls keep your food warmer longer. These stackable mugs are easy to store and clean.
• Spice Kit: Bring variety to your meals with a stackable spice container.

Upgrades to Camp Kitchen Basics

Here are basic items that you canupgrade to significantly improve your camp kitchen experience:

• Cooler --> Dometic Powered Cooler camping fridge: Having a camp fridge means no more ice runs and food stored a more consistent temperature, which also gives you more meal options. Make sure to get the accompanying Dometic portable lithium battery which we have found lasts through a full weekend without needing to be recharged. If the weather is really hot it might draw more power so keep an eye on the levels and connect it to solar as needed.
• Water Purifier Tablets --> Water Filtration System: For clean drinking and cooking water. This Berkey gravity filter is easy to use (though a little bulky) or you can place filtered water in this BruMate Backtap Water Cooler.
• Collapsible Sink --> Joolca Hottap Nomad Kit sink system: Washing dishes is significantly easier with hot water and knowing you're not going to have to stick your hands in a sink full of cold water on a cold evening can make all the difference when you're choosing which meal to prepare.
• Campground spigot --> Dometic GO Hydration Water Jug and Faucet makes it so easy to have water directly at camp for quick hand washing, tooth brushing, etc.
• Campground fire ring --> Outland Living Fire Bowl propane fire pit: For easy, clean, smoke-free warmth and ambiance. Depending on the fire hazard levels, some campgrounds seasonally won't allow the burning of wood fire but will allow the use of a propane fire pit (always check with the campground host or ranger to confirm)

Beyond the Basics: Camp Kitchen Items We Love

• Egg Holder/Container: this little container makes packing eggs so easy, keeping them safe in any cooler or portable fridge.
• Frother: because whisking your hot chocolate or milk makes it feel more special and kinda tastes better. That is all.
• Meat Thermometer: great way to avoid overcooking your food or, more importantly, undercooking it and getting ill.
• Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven: we love pizza and it tastes even better at camp. Prep your toppings and extra flour in advance, bring your pizza and let it sit outside for a couple of hours before stretching it out (always supervise food, especially if in bear country!). Don't forget your pizza turning and cutting tools (we love these pizza scissors from King Arthur).

Keeping Things Clean + Organized

Food Storage and Organization

Organize food and kitchen supplies in their own dedicated containers to keep everything clean and in its place. If you're bringing a lot of food, consider having food for meals in one bin and snacks in another for easier access. When at camp, store food following campground policies (i.e. bear boxes, etc.)

Create a Google Doc checklist with food staples and kitchen supply packing list so you refer to it before each trip and know you have what you need. Organizing by full meals (i.e. everything you need to make pancakes; everything you need to make dinner on the first night, etc.) will decrease the chances that you leave an ingredient behind.

Cleaning Supplies

Looking for cleaning supplies for your camping kitchen? Opt for biodegradable soap, simple scrubbers and quick drying towels.

If not using an all-in-one system like the Joolca, bring a collapsible sink (this can also be great inside a Joolca sink, making it easier to drain the water) and consider pairing it with a collapsible drying rack. You'll have your camp kitchen spotless in no time.

Tips for Setting Up an Efficient Camp Kitchen

Simplifying your setup lies at the heart of a functional camp kitchen. Ditch the hassle by investing in lightweight, collapsible tables and chairs that offer a convenient setup and pack up. We love Helinox tables and chairs; they’re pricey but if you’re ready to save space and not wrestle to open and close your camp furniture, these are for you.

When setting up your kitchen items, think through the flow. Place the stove near your food prep area, with cookware within easy reach. This setup mimics the convenience of home kitchens, making cooking outdoors feel more familiar and efficient.

Don't forget vertical space opportunities. Hang utensils or baskets with your most-used items from a rope or a portable camp kitchen organizer. This solution frees up space on the picnic table and is perfect for smaller camp sites.

Meal Planning and Prepping

Satisfying bellies and hearts at the campsite requires meal planning. Keep it simple, focusing on easy-to-prepare meals that can be made using your camping gear and don’t require a ton of pots and pans. Plan on high-energy foods for hiking days, pizzas for fun nights, and some pre-made items for when you just want to relax. A well-thought-out meal plan ensures everyone's well-fed throughout the camping trip.

Packing and Transporting the Equipment

Stepping up your packing game will keep all your camping equipment safe and easy to find. Pack your items carefully, heavier items on the bottom and arranged to minimize sliding or tipping over while you’re driving.

Label your containers and use clear storage bins, allowing for a quick and hassle-free access to your items. To prevent furrowed brows once you arrive at your campsite, designate a specific place for each item during packing, making sure the items you’ll need first are easily accessible. Quick tip: If you plan on arriving to camp right at meal time, consider picking up something ready-to-eat along the way.

Food can be such a joyful and memorable part of a camping trip. Choosing the right camp kitchen equipment can help you level up your outdoor cooking experience without adding a lot of extra work. Here’s to many happy meals in the great outdoors! Happy Camping!