Camp Kitchen Checklist
Headed out for a camping trip soon? Cooking and eating food are a huge part of a having a good time camping. Here are the essentials you will need for cooking “in the wild”, while still making delicious, savory meals! Let’s get started with your camp kitchen checklist.
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1. Stove
When considering a stove for your outdoor cooking needs, think about how many people you will typically be cooking for, and how ‘fancy’ your meals are going to be. Also consider if you want to go ‘light & slim,’ or if you have the ability to carry and store more items. We like to travel on the lighter side, so this single burner stove works great for us. We also have a compact hiking stove that works as a second burner if we want to boil water or have a second burner going. If you know you like your separate dishes, and/or you are cooking for a larger group, definitely consider a two-burner cook stove like this one from Coleman.
2. Cast Iron Skillet
A must have for your camp kitchen checklist is a cast iron skillet. The cast iron skillet can be placed right on top of the grille, or can be used on a stove top, making it multi-functional. Again, group size matters when considering which skillet to buy, but a 12″ Cast Iron Skillet is a standard size that will meet most of your cooking needs.
3. Cooking Pot
Pots and pans are nice for boiling water, making pasta or soups, or for mixing things. This cooking pot is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, and was made for the outdoors in mind.
4. Cooking and Eating Utensils
Just like at home, there are different utensils that make cooking a smoother process. Absolute must haves are a spatula and cutting knife. Tongs, a rubber scraper, and a can opener are nice to have along, but you can get by without them if you’re low on space.
Don’t forget forks and spoons to eat with! You can grab utensils anywhere or save on space with these fork and spoon combo’s. If you’re hiking in to camp, these compact 4-in-1 Utensils work amazing.
5. Dinnerware
When camping, it’s important to have plates, bowls, and cups that are easy to clean and durable. We have this 16 piece enamel set in blue. It is pretty, durable, and cleans very well. If you’re party is less than four, these Stainless Steel Dish Sets are available in one person or two person settings.
6. Small Cutting Board
You can’t forget something to chop on, and no, the picnic table will not do. Any lightweight, small cutting mat will get the job and can be picked up at the dollar store. If you love splicing and dicing in the outdoors, get a size that you know you won’t loose food on. These flexible cutting boards are great for packing and storing.
7. French Press Coffee Maker
What is camping without coffee? I don’t know, I’ve never tried it! Coffee has always been a huge part of my life, so even when I’m out in the woods, I find a way to make my coffee. This single brew, multi-purpose, french press cup is perfect for a lightweight option. If you are a heavyweight drinker, or are brewing for the spouse and friends, make sure you get a 34 oz. French Press to ensure there’s plenty to go around. I love this Polivar French Press because it is practical and beautiful.
8. Washing Station
After cooking and eating, clean up has got to happen at some time. Don’t sweat it, it can be quite simple. Grab two basins (can also be used for packing/storing), fill one with soap water and the other with rinse water. Make sure dishes get scraped off as good as possible so your soap water doesn’t get dirty too fast. Scrub, rinse, dry.
9. Cooler
Keeping your food cold while camping is essential! A “cold one” is extremely refreshing at the end of an adventure day, but you also need to keep meat, dairy, and produce cold. Running after ice day and night can get really annoying, so consider a cooler that will keep your food cold! Reviews rate Yeti coolers as the highest quality out there, but they do come with a price tag. According to reviews, Igloo Coolers were said to be the best bang for their buck.
10. Water Storage
Not only do you need adequate drinking water, but you also need to ensure you have adequate water for washing and food prep. Depending on your campsite, you may have access to running water, but if not, consider your other options. A water thermos is a great option for drinking water, especially if the kids like to help themselves. Water tanks are another popular option for camping. Similar to the water thermos, but the rectangular shape with a single handle makes it easy to pack and haul.
11. Small Containers or Rezip Bags
You don’t need to go crazy with these, but having a few around the campsite are helpful for multiple things. If you prep any food before leaving the house (especially for weekend trips), you can store smaller amounts or prepared foods. Stack-able storage containers are compact, and can be used for leftovers, or for when you need an extra space for cooking or eating. These stainless steel containers are awesome for the campsite because they won’t break. Of course use them at home too when not out in nature.
Another option that is even more compact are Rezip bags. Multi-purpose, reusable, food safe, and BPA-free, these rezip bags can be used for almost anything. Store food or toothbrushes, or pack snacks or small toys, these bags are perfect for on the go.
12. Trash Care
Trash can be as easy as a grocery bag tied around a tree branch. But sometimes that just doesn’t cut it. This collapsible recycle bin packs so easy, and makes clean up on the campsite a breeze! Of course I’m all about products that are multi-purpose, and this bin can also be used for storage, as a tote, or how about a basketball net or Frisbee golf for the kids?
Fun Extras
Dutch Oven
Your skillet and cooking pot will certainly get the job done, but if you really want to explore with some campfire meals, then a Dutch Oven is something you’ll want to add to your list. Dutch ovens are perfect for cooking for large groups, as they hold larger portions of food than a regular skillet. Cook with a dutch oven by hanging it on a tripod over a fire, setting it on a grille, or putting it right on top of hot coals.
Portable Grille
If your campsite doesn’t have a grille, or if the appearance of public grilles don’t agree with your stomach, than bringing along your own portable grille is the way to go. Of course these are perfect for lake days and park days too.
Utensil Set Organizer
This Camp Kitchen Utensil Set has all the pieces in one place, neatly organized! Don’t worry about grabbing the cutting board, or forgetting your hot pads, this kit has everything you need! Scissors, bottle opener, tongs, peeler, ladle, and more, you’ll have what you need right in front of you as soon as you unzip the bag.
What are you waiting for? You now have your camp kitchen checklist so pack up, get your groceries, grab the kids, and let’s go camping!
Get out, go adventure!