The Camping Kitchen Essentials

Blog
17 Aug, 2021
Posted By: Patrick Long

Camping in the great outdoors takes a fair level of preparation. There are plenty of things to do while out at the campsite, but do you have everything you need for cooking dinner? It only takes a few key items to make the difference between a nice meal and a cold sandwich from a cooler.

I can still remember one of my first camping trips alone where I was trying to light wet wood on fire and cook ramen noodles over a propane stove. I quickly realized that I was severely unprepared! Not to mention my car battery died from trying to blow up an air mattress. Anyway! Let’s take a look at everything you are going to need to have a complete kitchen while in the outdoors.

A Stove & Fuel

To prepare warm meals, you need some kind of cooking apparatus. Of course, you could use the fire to cook over. If you plan on doing that, you could bring a grate to lay over the fire to warm food. For a more controlled experience, you can pick up a propane stove with a few eyes for relatively cheap.

A Pot & Pan

Another essential item is some sort of cooking surface. I always recommend bringing a good pan, although it is also nice to have a pot with a lid. Just a basic pot and pan kit from Walmart is enough to cook just about anything you want.

Water

Water is very important while camping. Not only can you cook with it, but you can also drink it and wash with it. I personally bring two five-gallon jerry cans with me, which is always enough to cook and clean up anything we need. I don’t usually drink the water from these cans, but it is always an option.

Cooler

A cooler helps make perishable items last longer. A good size cooler is a must for things like meats, milk, cheese, and anything else that needs to be cold. I always bring a cooler with a drain plug, which keeps the melted water from soiling any food. You may want to bring a separate cooler for any adult beverages you plan on bringing.

Cutting Board

If you plan on cooking something that is not super basic, having a good cutting board is going to be useful. I always like to bring a smaller cutting board that is easy to pack. That way if I do need it, I will always have it and it is a sterile surface to cut on.

A Few Good Knives

A good knife is the backbone of any kitchen! I always bring a few knives with me that can be used for just about anything. I do not recommend using the super cheap flimsy knives though. I use a few knives that are around $10 each. They are sturdy and made of a good basic steel. It’s nothing fancy, but they are way better than the $1-$2 knives.

Utensils

You always need something to eat with! You have a few options in this department. If you look in the camping section of your local store, there are a few cool-looking reusable and foldable utensils that you could get. Although I just use plastic utensils from home and throw them away when I am done. Alternatively, you can bring some metal utensils from home.

Metal Tongs

Metal tongs are a catch-all while camping. They can be used for a lot of things! One thing I use them for is to cook potatoes in the fire. I wrap the potatoes up in aluminum foil and then place them around the edges of the fire. Metal tongs are great for getting them in and out. You can do the same thing with corn!

Plates & Cups

With a nearly complete list, you just need to have something to put your meal on. Again, there are some fancy and cool options in the camping department, but I just use paper plates and plastic cups from home. Although typically my drink comes in an aluminum can.

Coffee Setup

Some campers can absolutely not go without their coffee! If you want a happy camp, you should definitely get some sort of coffee setup. Now there are dozens of ways to make coffee, so you will just have to get the one you like best, that is also easy to make while camping. Just make sure you don’t forget the coffee!

Soap & Cleanup

Lastly, you need to bring everything for clean up. Things like soap, rags, napkins, and trash bags are a must. Cleanup is very important while camping. We never want to leave anything behind or litter. I also encourage you not to burn your trash if you bring paper or plastic items. Many campsites will have trash cans close by so always clean up your campsite and take your trash to the designated areas!

Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.

We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.