The ultimate car camping kitchen
Car camping is an incredible way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Whether you’re travelling in a car, SUV, or camper, having a well-equipped kitchen setup can make all the difference in your camping experience.
From cooking meals to enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the morning, having the right camp kitchen gear can help you make the most of your adventure.
When my partner and I were living in our van, we knew we needed to keep our kitchen setup simple due to space constraints.
However, as we continued to go on more camping trips and space became less of an issue, we began to realise that there were certain items that we could add to our setup to make our camping experience even more enjoyable.
While it’s certainly possible to make do with just a portable stove and a cooler, having a well-rounded kitchen setup can help you prepare a wider variety of meals and make your camping experience more enjoyable.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you my ultimate car camping kitchen list, including both the basic essentials and some luxury items that will take your camping experience to the next level.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, read on to discover the must-have items for your car camping kitchen setup.
A word on car camping kitchens
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a camping trip and think that you need to purchase all the latest and greatest gear to have a successful trip. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
While having a well-equipped camping kitchen can certainly make your trip more comfortable, you don’t need to break the bank to make it happen.
If you’re new to camping or just trying to keep things simple, all you really need is a camping stove, some fuel, a pan, and some utensils. With those basic items, you can whip up a wide range of meals and enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. In fact, you may already have some of these items in your kitchen at home!
Of course, if you find that you enjoy camping and want to make it a regular part of your outdoor adventures, you can gradually build up your camping kitchen over time.
Instead of feeling like you need to buy everything at once, you can add to your setup as you go, starting with the basics and working your way up to more specialized gear.
One great way to save money on camping gear is to shop at discount stores like the dollar store or Ikea. You can find many of the essentials you need at these stores for a fraction of the cost of speciality camping stores.
Why spend $20 on a fancy spork when you can get a set of utensils for four people for less than that at the dollar store?
By being savvy with your shopping, you can save money without sacrificing quality.
When it comes to car camping, weight and bulkiness are less of an issue than they are when backpacking.
That means you can opt for more budget-friendly, durable items that may not be as lightweight as their more expensive counterparts.
Save the ultralight gear for your backpacking trips and focus on building a car camping kitchen setup that is both functional and affordable so you can focus on having a fun experience in the outdoors!
Why building a DIY camp kitchen is worth it
If you’re a keen camper, you’re probably familiar with the struggle of trying to cram all of your groceries and cooking supplies into your car before a trip.
Often, this results in a chaotic mess, forgotten items and issues when it comes to trying to find things at the campsite.
Luckily, this can be solved by taking the time to build a camping kitchen set up which is something we did while living in our van, and living in Canada for 6 years. Our weekends were often spent camping and thanks to our camp kitchen, we were able to simplify the packing and unpacking process and our cooking experience.
Here are just some of the benefits of having a DIY camp kitchen setup.
Easier to pack the car
One of the main benefits of building a camp kitchen is that it makes packing your car before a trip that much easier.
Instead of trying to fit multiple grocery bags and a pile of cookware into your trunk, you can use a few storage containers that contain everything you need. If you’re smart, you don’t even have to pack these every time since they’ll be good to go!
This not only frees up more space in your car but also ensures that fragile items won’t get crushed or damaged during the trip.
Use it time and time again
Perhaps one of the best benefits of building your own camp kitchen is that it can be used over and over again.
Once you have a setup that works well for you, you can continue to use it on all of your camping trips without having to constantly reinvent the wheel. This not only saves you time and effort but also ensures that you always have a reliable camping kitchen cooking setup on hand.
Helps you bring only what you need
When you have a dedicated camp kitchen, you can easily sort through your supplies and bring only what you need. This means you’ll avoid bringing duplicates and extra items that will only clutter up your space and your car.
The organisation makes it easy to find things
Building a camp kitchen makes it easier to always be able to find what you need.
Rather than rummaging through multiple bags or containers to find the aluminium foil, for example, everything will have its place.
This makes it much easier to stay organised and find what you need quickly, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your camping experience.
Simpler clean up
When your cooking tools are scattered around and loose items don’t have a proper home, clean-up can be a frustrating experience. But, with your dedicated camp kitchen, you can avoid this problem altogether.
By having an organized space for each item, you can easily keep track of everything and spend less time washing and drying.
If you’re ready to build your own camp kitchen, the first step is to take a look at what outdoor retailers like REI, MEC, and Go Outdoors are selling. Other good places to look include your local Dollar or Pound store, supermarkets and Amazon.
From there, you can customise your own setup to suit your specific needs and preferences. With a little time and effort, you can create a space that makes cooking while camping a breeze.
Essentials for the best camp kitchen setup
If you’re short on space, travelling on a budget, or aren’t too fussed about luxuries while out camping then stick to the basics.
This list is based on what we had in our camping kitchen while living in our van for five months as we travelled across the USA. And not that I mean to brag, but we had some pretty mean feasts during that time!
Storage bin(s)
You’re going to need somewhere to keep your camp kitchen essentials.
In our van, we had a couple of wooden crates that slide in and out of some shelving.
However, a big box, or some smaller little ones, would work just as well (probably better). Another advantage of having a big box to store your camp kitchen in is that it’s easy to carry out of your car after your trip.
You can then just wash everything at home and repack it so that the next time you go camping you and your campsite kitchen are ready to go!
Water storage
We have a couple of big water containers to hold our water in. We use it both when we’re going on a long road trip as well as when we’re camping.
They’re great to have since it saves you trips back and forth to the tap at your campsite. And, if there’s no tap at the campsite, that won’t matter since you’ll have plenty of water.
A cooler or cool box
When it comes to car camping, the cooler can be one of the most important items you bring along. Not only does it allow you to enjoy fresh foods and cold drinks, but it also helps to prevent food spoilage.
Here are some questions to consider when choosing a cooler for your next camping trip.
- Will you be camping by your car or at a walk-in site? If you’re camping with your car, you can opt for a larger and heavier cooler that can keep ice frozen for days. However, if you’re carrying in your gear, you may want to look for a cooler with wheels and a handle that can be easily pulled to your site.
- How long will you be camping, and is there a store nearby? The length of your trip and access to nearby stores are also important things to think about. For a weekend trip, you won’t need as large a cooler as you would for a week-long trip. Additionally, if there’s a store nearby or at the campground, you can bring just what you need for the first few days and restock later on.
- How many cold items do you typically bring when camping? If you tend to eat the same way at camp as you do at home, you’ll likely need a larger cooler to accommodate all the cold items you need to pack. However, if you prefer simpler foods like sandwiches, pasta, and trail mix, you may be able to get away with a smaller cooler.
- What types of items are you packing in your cooler? Depending on the types of foods you’re bringing, you may want to consider using multiple coolers. For example, you might want one for drinks and another for food. This can be particularly important if you’re camping in warmer weather and need to keep your food at a safe temperature.
Coolers vary massively in quality, size and cost so it’s up to you how much you think you’ll use it, and how much the questions above apply to you.
One of the best coolers in the market is a Yeti cooler. They’re expensive but come in lots of different sizes, are renowned for keeping food cool for a long time and have some great features like some with wheels, and others with drainage holes.
Don’t forget to pack some ice in your cooler for the weekend!
Camping stove
You’re going to need something to cook on out there! Whilst backcountry campers are going to have to make do with something tiny like an MSR Pocket Rocket, car campers can get something a bit bigger.
Our 2-burner stove hasn’t ever let us down and it’s great being able to have two pans on the go when we want to cook something up.
We use a 2-burner stove like this which can fold away and is pretty easy to attach gas to. The sides and the back help prevent splashing and burning other things and this one has its own ignitor too.
However, it’s always a good idea to bring matches or an ignitor
Gas
Camping gas is an essential component of any car camping kitchen setup, as it fuels the camp stove that allows you to cook meals and boil water.
Gas canisters can be easily transported and stored, and they tend to last a long time, making them a reliable choice for extended camping trips.
Before buying, just make sure it’s the right connection for whatever camping stove you’ve opted for!
Lighter/ignitor
You’ll also want a lighter if your camp stove doesn’t have a built-in ignitor. Even if it does, it’s a good idea to have a backup!
Cookware
You could go all out here with different size pots and pans but one saucepan and one frying pan will be plenty for most people.
The one thing to bear in mind is whether you’ll be cooking over your gas stove or a campfire more often.
If you’ll be cooking on a campfire you might want to spend a bit more money and get cast iron cookware.
Cooking utensils & tableware
Cooking utensils don’t have to cost a fortune. You just need something that gets the job done which means you can pick them up super cheap from your local supermarket or Dollar/Pound store.
While you can just use whatever you use at home, I would suggest getting cooking utensils and cutlery just for camping as that way you can store it in your big storage bin and you’re always ready to go!
In your car camping kitchen setup, you’ll want to include the following
- Camping cooking utensils
- Foil
- Can opener
- Corkscrew
- Chopping Board
- Set of camping knives
- Plates, mugs and bowls for camping: I like enamel ones since they don’t break!
- Eating utensils
- Table cloth
- Cooking spray – easier than oil since it won’t leak
You can also get a set that includes pretty much all the above cooking utensils plus a few extras like scissors and salt and pepper shakers which saves you time sourcing all the individual parts.
A camping table
A foldable camping table is a must-have for any camp kitchen setup.
While many campgrounds provide picnic tables, they may not be the best option for cooking and food preparation.
Picnic tables can be difficult to cook around since you have to lean out over the bench so having a small, lightweight, and foldable table that can be easily stored is ideal for placing your stove on and for laying out food items or chopping vegetables.
This way, you can leave the picnic table for meal times and have a dedicated space for cooking and food prep.
Camping chairs
This outdoor rocking chair is a great addition to any camping trip. It has a drink holder and phone pocket and it can both sit still in one place or be used as a rocking chair!
It’s easy to fold out and comes with a carry strap too.
This portable folding chair is a great choice for those who want comfort and convenience while enjoying the great outdoors.
Yeti rambler mug
The Yeti Rambler mug is perfect for camping thanks to its durable stainless steel construction and excellent insulation. It keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours!
Reusable water bottle
For when you venture out of your campsite for some adventuring and just useful to have around.
I love my Nalgene water bottle which also doubles as a hot water bottle if you fill it with hot water.
Coffee
You can go all out with coffee in your camp kitchen setup or you can keep it super, super simple.
Since I’m a coffee addict bringing coffee with me when camping is definitely a necessity. We use an Aeropress most of the time these days, but sometimes I’ll also bring some fancier instant coffee too.
Aeropress
An Aeropress is an excellent addition to any camping kitchen setup.
It’s a compact and lightweight coffee maker that uses a simple manual brewing process to produce a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.
Because it doesn’t require electricity or batteries, it’s easy to use in any camping environment. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, and its compact size makes it easy to pack and transport.
Kuju instant coffee
Kuju Instant Coffee is a convenient and high-quality option for camping or any outdoor adventure.
These single-serve packets of instant coffee are made with ethically sourced beans and brew directly into your cup for a delicious and flavorful cup of coffee in seconds.
Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to pack, making it perfect for travel. I love packing it as a treat for road trips when we’re camping as we travel.
Spices and dried goods
When it comes to car camping, it can be challenging to keep all of your dry goods organized and prevent them from taking over your car. However, creating 1-2 dry goods storage containers can help keep things in order.
Choose a see-through container for easy visibility and organisation. You can use storage bins to keep non-crushable items in and a separate one for those that’ll get squished like chips, bread, or fresh fruit.
Try to use recycled containers where possible by using old tubs from takeouts, or even old spice jars.
Don’t leave small items like tea bags, candies, or garlic bulbs loose; put them in a bag or container to prevent them from ripping and falling apart or getting lost somewhere in your car.
If you want the easy way out, you can get a kit like this with various containers you can use to put spices in.
Sink & cleanup
Our van, Elvis, has a sink in him so we didn’t need to purchase anything extra.
If you’re staying at a campsite some of them will have a wash-up area too.
Honestly, though you don’t really need a big basin to do your washing in. Just grab a water bottle slosh a little water on and scrub away the dirt. Then another quick slosh of water rinses it off. Minimal water usage and little fuss.
But, if you’re camping for a while, then you might want something a bit more substantial for your camp kitchen setup when it comes to washing up. For that, I’ve got you covered.
Some of the car camping kitchen essentials for your dish washing station include:
- Trash/rubbish bags
- A sponge
- A kitchen towel for drying
- Hand sanitiser
Camping sinks areas
Washing dishes while camping can be a major hassle and a source of stress. It’s hard to get dishes as clean as at home, rinse off all the soap suds, and prevent them from getting sticky, dusty, or dirty again while drying.
Luckily, there are several options for a simple camp sink that can make the process easier. The best option for you will depend on how you plan to use it, the duration of your camping trip, and how much bulk you’re willing to carry for convenience when it comes to washing up.
These kitchen sinks are a great option for your washing up. It’s got handles so you can carry it easily when it’s full of water, and they collapse so they don’t take up too much space in your car.
Simply fill it up with water available from taps at most campsites (or a river or stream) and then when you’re done pour the grey water down a drain for that purpose, or on the ground, away from a water source.
Biodegradable soap
Soap is essential for maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness in your car camping kitchen. Using a biodegradable soap is best to minimise your environmental impact and this one can also be used as shampoo, hand soap and body wash.
Luxury items for your car camping kitchen essentials
When you want to up-the-ante and make your camping trip even more fun these luxury kitchen items will do the trick!
Ice cream ball
I used to think making your own ice cream was a laborious task but that’s not true with this ice cream ball that I’ve been seeing in every outdoor shop!
Just add cream, sugar and your choice of flavourings with ice and rock salt and then play ball for 25 minutes and you’ll have yourself a pint of homemade ice cream!
Dutch oven
Dutch oven
You can make bread, cakes and more while out in the backcountry.
Check out this post on the best dutch ovens for camping.
Sticks for smores
I’m not even sure this counts as a luxury since toasting marshmallows on the campfire has to be done!
While you can, and I have many a time, just used sticks from nearby to toast my marshmallows. These reusable smores sticks are a bit more robust and would be great for roasting hot dogs or vegetables too.
Egg case
You can very easily store your eggs in the box they come in but this gives you a little extra security. Smashed eggs are a pain to clean up!
Camp popcorn maker
Because fresh popcorn and a sunset view are pretty idyllic.
Put this camping popcorn maker over a roaring fire and watch the theatre as your kernels transform into the popcorn we know and love.
Popup camping kitchens
If you’re looking for a better camping cooking system, you may have come across all-in-one camp kitchen kits.
While they can offer convenience, they’re not always the best solution for every camping situation.
I’m a big fan of creating your own system as it allows you to bring only what you need and have items that work best for you.
When considering a camp kitchen kit, make sure the folding table or counter can accommodate your stove or grill.
A lantern hook is useful for cooking in the dark, but built-in sink faucets aren’t always effective for cleaning. It’s better to opt for a separate sink system instead.
Overall, while camp kitchen kits can be a good starting point, it’s still important to personalise your camp kitchen setup to suit your individual needs and preferences for the best camp cooking experience.
Here are my favourite camp kitchens that are ready to go. They’re great as they have a simple and functional design that you can build off of and there are minimal things that’ll break.
Coleman pack-away kitchen
This simple kitchen for camping setup provides a designated area for ingredient organisation and cutting, along with a space for your camp stove or grill.
It also includes a lantern holder and utensil rack, and a storage net underneath without the added bulk of extra shelves.
It conveniently folds up and can be easily tucked away so it’s easy to store when you’re not camping.
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station
The GCI Outdoor Master Cook Portable Folding Camp Kitchen is an ideal pop-up camp kitchen setup, offering lots of counter and storage space for all your camping needs.
It unfolds easily to reveal an aluminium countertop, storage rack, three fold-out side tables, a collapsible sink, and a lantern pole.
The heat-resistant countertop can accommodate a camp stove, while the lower rack provides dry good storage. The collapsible soft-shell sink is perfect for washing dishes which makes it almost the ultimate camp kitchen.
It even folds flat and includes a carry handle for easy transportation to your next camping adventure.
5 Top tips to keep your camp kitchen organised
Plan your camping meals ahead of time
By planning out what meals you’ll be cooking while camping, you can pack only the necessary food and cooking items in the order you will need them.
Put things back at the end of your trip
Once you have organised your camp kitchen setup, ensure that you put everything back where it belongs afterwards. This helps to keep your storage containers organised and you’ll know what needs stocking up too.
Keep a list of things to restock
Speaking of, create a list of items that you need to restock after each camping trip – and actually restock it.
That way you won’t open up one of your containers in the middle of nowhere and realise you’ve run out of something essential.
Keep things simple
Avoid bringing more than what is necessary. If there are only two of you, don’t bring 4 plates and bowls and excess pots and pans.
Keep other items out of your kitchen storage
Keep things tidy by keeping non-kitchen items out of your camp kitchen storage which makes it easier to find things in the long run.
How to keep things clean when camping
- Clean spills up immediately: The longer you wait to clean up a spill, the harder it will be to clean. Whether it’s on the ground or the table, pick up solid spills immediately and dispose of them properly.
- Keep your stove and grill clean: Grease buildup and food particles can quickly accumulate on your stove or grill, leading to unwanted and dangerous flames. Wipe them down after each use.
- Use a tablecloth: A tablecloth is a simple solution to keep your campsite clean, and it can be easily wiped clean after use.
- Don’t reuse grey water: Grey water is wastewater from washing dishes and is not only messy but can be harmful too.
- Wrap the fire grate (if using): A cloth wrapped around your fire grate will keep grease from getting all over your car which can be a pain to clean.
Keep your campsite animal proof
Maintaining a clean campsite is important to avoid attracting animals with food debris and smells.
Cook and store food away from the sleeping area to keep the scent from lingering on clothes and gear.
In bear country, hanging a bear bag or using bear lockers where provided are recommended for all food and scented items like toothpaste and shampoo. A bear canister can also be used as an alternative.
Never bring food or scented items into the tent to avoid attracting animals, especially bears.
It’s not just bears though. Racoons, deer and mice can also cause problems at your campground so make sure you never leave food left out when your campsite is unattended.
FAQs on the best camping kitchen setup
Where to buy camp kitchen items?
How to make a DIY Camp Kitchen?
Final thoughts on a camp kitchen setup
When it comes to how to set up a camp kitchen, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Building a well-organised and efficient camp kitchen setup is an important part of any camping trip.
With the right tools, planning, and organisation, you can create a convenient and functional kitchen that meets your needs and allows you to cook and prepare meals with ease.
Things to think about when building a camp kitchen include selecting the right stove and fuel source, choosing the appropriate cookware and utensils, organising and packing dry goods, and keeping your campsite clean and clear of food debris.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can build a camp kitchen that helps make your camping experience a success.
Want more camping and outdoor packing lists? Check these out:
- What to pack for a day hike
- Best gifts for hikers
- Best travel accessories for backpackers & adventurers
- Ultimate road trip essentials packing list
Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
