You’ve got the tent pitched, the sleeping bag rolled out, and the safety gear ready to go. Now it’s time to keep the crew fed and happy. A reliable set of camp cooking gear makes all the difference, from flipping bacon for breakfast to dishing up a hearty dinner after a big day outdoors.
Some trips are about quiet time in nature, others about tackling tougher hikes. Either way, good meals keep the energy up. With the right cooking equipment, campsite cooking becomes simple, satisfying, and a whole lot more enjoyable.
Consider Your Camping Style: Minimalist, Family, or Something in Between?
Before you start filling your cart, consider your style and purpose for your camping trip: Are you a minimalist backpacker, a weekend car camper, or are you bringing the whole family for an extended stay?
If you're a minimalist or heading out on a hiking trip, every kilo counts. You'll want the most compact and lightest camping cooking equipment you can find. A small, single-burner gas stove and a set of nesting stainless steel cookware are perfect for this.
For the regular camper who drives to the campsite, you have more flexibility. You can bring more substantial cooking gear, like a larger two-burner stove and a full set of pots and pans. This is where you can start to incorporate heavier, but more versatile, items like a cast iron camp oven for a true camp cooking feast.
OZtrail pick: The 1.5L Stainless Steel Mess Pot is designed for hikers and scouts, offering a lightweight and compact solution for solo campers. Its durable construction is built to last, and the folding handle makes it a breeze to pack.
Choose Your Heat Source: Stoves vs. Campfires
Deciding on your heat source first determines the rest of your camping cooking equipment needs. While many campers love the rustic charm of a campfire, a reliable camping stove gives you unmatched control and convenience.
Camping Stoves
For most trips, a camping stove is your best bet. A well-designed gas stove offers unmatched convenience and control. They are easy to set up, heat up quickly, and provide precise temperature control, making them well-suited for boiling water for coffee to simmering a full meal. Running on bottled gas with secure gas hoses, they offer a safe and stable power source you can rely on.
OZtrail pick: OZtrail's Ranger 2 Burner Stove is a reliable and efficient choice that folds down into a compact case for easy transport. With two individually controlled burners, you can cook multiple dishes at once, and the built-in windshields ensure a stable flame even in windy conditions.
Campfire Cooking
There’s nothing quite like cooking outdoors over a campfire. This is a great option if you have access to a designated fire pit and want to get back to basics. But it's important to ensure you have the right camping cooking equipment and follow all local fire restrictions.
Choose Your Cookware: Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel
The right pots and pans are just as important as the stove they sit on. The material you choose can affecting everything from heat distribution to ease of cleaning and portability.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is a regular camper’s favourite. A cast-iron camp oven can be used over a campfire or on a stove, and it’s built to last a lifetime. Cast iron offers unbeatable heat retention and, with a little seasoning, becomes naturally non-stick. While it’s heavier, its durability and versatility make it a key piece of camping cooking equipment.
OZtrail pick: The Cast Iron Combo Cooker 3.2 Quart is a versatile two-in-one set. The deep pot and skillet lid can be used separately or together, allowing you to fry, bake, stew, or roast with a single piece of gear.
Stainless Steel Cookware
For those on the move or looking for easy packing, stainless steel cookware is a great choice. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. OZtrail offers a great selection of stainless steel cookware that’s for hiking or trips where every ounce counts.
OZtrail pick: The 6pc Stainless Steel Pot Set is designed for durability and space-saving, with all the pots and lids nesting neatly into each other. It’s ideal for a whole family trip where you need a full set without sacrificing space.
Set the Perfect Camp Kitchen
A great camp kitchen keeps meals organised and everything you need within easy reach. Your stove and cookware set the foundation, but the setup goes beyond pots and pans. You’ll want a safe spot to store ingredients, a solid space for food prep, and the right tools for serving and eating.
- Think about the small but essential items: a quality knife for chopping vegetables, a cutting board that can be used on any surface, and a full set of utensils.
- Organisation is key. Consider using a dedicated box or container to store all your cooking gear. This not only makes for easy packing but also ensures you don’t forget anything.
- Bring a separate bin for cleaning supplies, a biodegradable soap, a scrubber, and a drying towel, to prevent cross-contamination.
- For food, use resealable containers or bags to prevent spills and keep your ingredients fresh.
Make a Feast for Your Adventure
The best camping trips are built on simple pleasures, and nothing beats sharing a good meal under the sun or stars. Campfire cooking has its charm, but today there are plenty of easy ways to serve up hearty food that keeps everyone fuelled and happy.
Pick the right cooking gear and every meal becomes part of the adventure. Full bellies, big smiles and good times around the table make the kind of camping memories that last.
Frequently Asked Questions: Choosing the Perfect Camping Cooking Gear
What is the most important piece of camping cooking equipment?
The most important piece of camping cooking equipment is arguably your heat source. While a campfire can be fun, a reliable camping stove (like one of OZtrail’s gas stoves) gives you the control and safety needed for a great cooking experience. This is especially important for boiling water, simmering sauces, or when a fire ban is in place.
Should I bring a camping stove or just cook over a campfire?
For a reliable cooking experience, a camping stove is the way to go. It offers consistent heat and allows you to cook in a wider range of weather conditions. But a campfire offers a rustic cooking outdoors experience that many campers love.
What's the best cookware material for camping?
The best cookware material depends on your camping style. Cast iron cookware is a top choice for a regular camper because it's durable and retains heat, allowing for cooking with an even temperature, but it can be heavy. Stainless steel cookware is a great, lightweight alternative that’s easy to clean, making it a better choice for hiking or trips where easy packing is a priority.
How do I organise my camp kitchen for a trip?
A well-organised camp kitchen starts with getting your meal organised before you leave. Use storage bowls and secure containers to pre-pack ingredients. Invest in a dedicated bin or bag for all your camping cooking equipment. This makes setting up camp faster and ensures you don't forget any essential cooking gear.
Is it safe to use bottled gas for my camping stove?
Yes, using bottled gas is safe as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always check your gas hoses for leaks and ensure your stove is on a stable, flat surface away from your tent. A safe power source is crucial for preventing accidents while cooking.