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Top Cooking Gear for Car Camping Adventures

Michael Boone05 mins

Outdoor Cooking Gear for Car Camping

Camping season is here, and that means whether you’re pitching a tent in the backyard or driving the family out to a nearby state or national park, you need to fuel the fun. Instead of throwing together a few sandwiches and chips, why not get a little more creative and enjoy meals outdoors?

With the right outdoor cooking gear, you can prepare meals that are as inventive and delicious as home-cooked favorites, enhanced by the delightful elements of woodsmoke, birdsong, and fresh air. Even campground classics like roasted hot dogs and popcorn can be elevated by some simple upgrades to your camping kit, ensuring plenty of room for your tent, sleeping bags, and charcoal.

Essential Outdoor Cooking Gear

IceMule's dry-bag style backpack coolers come in a variety of sizes for solo treks or group adventures
IceMule’s dry-bag style backpack coolers come in a variety of sizes for solo treks or group adventures © Meghan O’Dea / iBestTravel
  • IceMule Cooler
    If you’ve banged your shins against a bulky box cooler, consider transitioning to a backpack cooler. Ideal for beach days or park picnics, IceMule’s rugged coolers provide dry bag-style construction that preserves coldness and keeps out dirt. IceMule Pro X-Large, 33 liter capacity, $129.95; Ice Mule.
  • Camp Chef Popcorn Popper
    Transform popcorn kernels into fluffy snacks over a campfire with this classic popper. 3.5 quart capacity, from $24.49; Amazon.com
  • Lodge Cast Iron Cook-It-All
    Cast iron cookware excels in outdoor cooking, functional on gas stoves or open flames. Grill, skillet, Dutch oven, or pizza stone, this versatile Cook-It-All is essential for any camping kitchen. 14 inches, $119.95; Lodge Cast Iron
Focus on grass on cliff and blurred image of traveler pressing aeropress on metal mug on cliff at lake, brewing alternative coffee at camping
Making a hot drink at picnic outdoors © Bogdan Kurylo / Getty Images
  • AeroPress Coffee Maker
    The AeroPress is adored by coffee enthusiasts for its portability and flavor. At just 11.2 ounces, it’s easy to pack, making it a perfect companion for your camping adventures. AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press, $31.95; Amazon.
  • Camp Chef Everest Stove
    This two-burner camping stove is highly rated, featuring 20,000 BTU burners, built-in ignitors, wind screens, and an easy-clean drip tray. Camp Chef Everest Two Burner Camping Cooking System, $148.00; Camp Chef.
  • Marshmallow and Hot Dog Roasting Forks
    The quintessential campfire experience requires a reliable way to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. These telescoping forks ensure you get it just right every time. Rollaroaster, set of 2, $16.89; Amazon.
Destination 24_HighRes.jpg
Give your regular kitchen utensils a night off with this camping-ready set © courtesy of GSI Outdoors
  • GSI Outdoors Gourmet Kitchen Set
    With eleven essential utensils packed into a handy nylon case, this kitchen set includes a spoon, spatula, whisk, spice shaker, condiment containers, and more. Ideal for a well-rounded camping kitchen. GSI Outdoors Gourmet Kitchen Set, 1.1 pounds, $42.95; Amazon.
  • Field Barista Set
    Perfect for coffee lovers, this set includes a kettle, grinder, and all necessary tools in sleek stainless steel. For larger groups, consider the Car Camping Coffee Set, featuring a larger kettle and mugs. Snowpeak Field Barista Set, 33oz, $260; Snowpeak.
  • Reliance Aqua-Tainer
    A favorite amongst car campers, this innovative water jug simplifies dispensing with a front spigot. Reliance Aqua-Tainer, 7 gallons, $18.95; REI.
  • Snowpeak Takibi Fire Grill
    Essential for gathering around a fire, this portable grill enables cooking anywhere, promoting environmentally friendly practices. Snowpeak Takibi Fire Grill, 31.5 pounds, $319.95; Snowpeak.

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