FORGET BULKY, HARD-TO-MANAGE GRILLS that belong on a backyard patio. A great camping grill is a master of portability, heating power, and user-friendly design. Just as capable at the campsite as the tailgate. Today, we’re exploring some of the top contenders for the best portable grill for camping, and hopefully elevating your outdoor cooking game in the process.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right grill depends on your preferences. There is no “best grill for camping” that suits everyone’s needs. Prioritize what’s most important to you.
- Fuel types vary. The biggest decision you need to make is which type of fuel source you prefer: gas, charcoal, electric, or pellet.
- Many grills now include unique features. Whether you find a grill/griddle combo, multiple cooking zones, or tables to store things, each grill has at least one surprise.
How To Choose Your Perfect Grill
Consider these factors to find the best grill that matches your camping style.
- Portability: How much space can you spare? Look for folding legs, locking lids, and manageable weight. Your back will thank you later.
- Cooking Area: Are you cooking for one or for a crowd? A larger surface is great for groups, but a smaller one is more fuel-efficient and heats up faster for solo meals.
- Fuel Source: This is the classic debate. Propane offers speed and convenience with push-button starts and precise temperature control. Charcoal is all about the ritual and that unbeatable smoky flavor, but it requires more time and cleanup.
- Durability: Camping gear takes a beating. Look for sturdy materials, such as stainless steel or porcelain-coated grates, that can withstand being packed, unpacked, and exposed to the elements.
Top Grill Picks for Campsite Chefs
We’ve selected a variety of camping grills that cater to different camping styles, from solo travelers to family feast-makers. Choose from a variety of sizes, styles, and fuel types below.
Charcoal Grills
For campers who believe that classic, smoky flavor is non-negotiable, these charcoal grills deliver that authentic experience in a portable form.
Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
For the camper who loves the authentic flavor of charcoal and demands precise control, the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler is an exceptional choice. This is a larger grill for more substantial camping situations.
Built with heavy-duty steel, this tabletop grill is designed to withstand the rigors of travel and deliver exceptional cooking performance. Its standout feature is the height-adjustable charcoal tray, which allows you to raise or lower the coals to get the perfect sear on a steak or slow-cook more delicate foods. Combined with large air dampers for fine-tuning airflow, this grill offers a level of temperature control rarely found in portable models.
- Cooking Surface: 218 square inches
- Dimensions: 26.8″ H x 19.5″ W x 21.8″ D
- Key Features: Heavy-duty steel construction, cast-iron grates for superior searing, and a height-adjustable charcoal tray for precise temperature control.
Royal Gourmet Portable Charcoal Grill
For a smaller, more portable camping grill, consider the Royal Gourmet 2-Side Charcoal Grill. Why settle for one cooking style when you can have two? The Royal Gourmet Portable Charcoal Grill is ingeniously designed for the camper who loves variety.
Its main attraction is a divided cooking chamber with two separate charcoal pans, allowing you to create two distinct heat zones. This means you can sear burgers over high heat on one side while gently grilling vegetables on the other. It’s perfect for managing different food types or catering to varied dietary preferences. With folding legs and a locking lid, it packs up securely for easy transport and storage.
- Cooking Surface: 280 square inches
- Dimensions: 22.8″ L x 14.6″ W x 14.4″ H
- Key Features: Dual cooking zones with separate charcoal pans, porcelain-coated grates, and folding legs, along with a locking lid for added portability.
While these two models are excellent starting points, the world of charcoal grilling has even more to offer.
Gas Grills
For campers who prioritize speed, convenience, and precise temperature control, these gas grills offer push-button simplicity for a perfect meal anywhere.
Weber Q1200
Don’t let its portable size fool you; the Weber Q 1200 brings serious grilling power to any campsite. This grill is for the camper who values high-quality construction and consistent performance with propane. Its porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grates are excellent for retaining heat and creating a perfect, even sear on steaks and chops.
With practical features like folding side tables for prep space and a built-in lid thermometer to monitor temperature, it combines Weber’s well-known performance with the grab-and-go convenience that camping requires.
- Cooking Surface: 189 square inches
- BTU Rating: 8,500 (single burner)
- Key Feature: Two folding side tables provide valuable extra space for tools and food prep
Royal Gourmet Grill & Griddle Combo
For the camper who hosts the entire group, this Royal Gourmet combo is less of a grill and more of a complete outdoor kitchen. It eliminates the need to choose between sizzling bacon on a griddle and searing steaks on a grill—you can do both at the same time.
With four independently controlled burners, you have the power and precision to cook a massive breakfast spread and a full dinner feast. While its size makes it best suited for a long-term basecamp or a large family site, it offers unmatched versatility for the serious campsite chef.
- Cooking Surface: 584 square inches
- BTU Rating: 48,000 (total from four burners)
- Key Features: Dual-surface design with a grill and griddle, four independently controlled burners, electronic ignition, and two large side tables for prep space.
Explore even more portable gas grills that are perfect for camping.
Pellet Grills
For campers who crave the rich, smoky flavor of a backyard barbecue with set-it-and-forget-it convenience, pellet grills offer the best of both worlds.
Pit Boss Tabletop Wood Pellet Grill
Ever wish you could have the rich, smoky flavor of a true wood-fired barbecue at your campsite? The Pit Boss Tabletop Pellet Grill makes it possible. This portable powerhouse combines the versatility of an 8-in-1 smoker with a compact design, enabling you to smoke, bake, roast, and sear with authentic wood flavor.
The dial-in digital control board manages the temperature for you, so you can set it and focus on your adventure while it does the hard work. With a locking lid and convenient handles, it’s built to travel wherever you do.
- Cooking Surface: 256 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 5 pounds
- Key Features: Digital temperature control, 8-in-1 cooking versatility (including grill, smoke, bake, etc.), and a locking lid for added portability.
Louisiana Grills Portable Wood Pellet Grill
What if your portable pellet grill could do more than just smoke? The Louisiana Grills 300SL revolutionizes the grilling experience with its innovative SearTech
technology, enabling you to seamlessly transition from slow-and-low smoking to direct-flame searing with the simple pull of a lever.
This brings true backyard versatility to the campsite, giving you the power to smoke ribs for hours and then perfectly sear a steak. With sturdy folding legs and a locking lid, it’s designed to deliver premium barbecue performance wherever your adventure takes you.
- Cooking Surface: 331 square inches
- Hopper Capacity: 7 pounds
- Key Features: SearTech technology for direct flame searing, digital control board, and folding legs for easy transportation.
Looking for other pellet options? You’re in luck. Check out the full list below.
Electric Camping Grills
Ideal for campsites with fire restrictions or campers seeking maximum simplicity, electric grills provide a clean, flame-free way to cook outdoors with just an outlet.
Char-Broil Bistro Pro Tabletop Electric Grill
Grilling at a campsite with fire restrictions, or just want the ultimate plug-and-play convenience? The Char-Broil Bistro Pro is the answer. This electric grill uses a powerful TRU-Infrared cooking system to deliver incredibly even heat without flare-ups, ensuring your food stays juicy every time. It provides the authentic high-heat grilling experience you want, without the need for charcoal or propane. With a precision temperature dial and a generous cooking surface, it’s a surprisingly capable grill for any camper with access to an outlet.
- Cooking Surface: 240 square inches (plus an 80 square inch warming rack)
- Power: 1,750 Watts
- Key Features: TRU-Infrared cooking technology for even heating and juicy results, precision temperature control, and porcelain-coated grates for easy cleaning.
Looking for more electric options?
Your Adventure, Your Grill
Ultimately, the best camping grill is the one that seamlessly fits into your unique style of adventure. It’s not just about BTUs and square inches; it’s about what helps you create those perfect outdoor memories, whether a no-fuss meal or a slow, smoky experience under the stars.
Lastly, consider the space in your vehicle and the number of people you typically cook for. The right choice will feel less like a piece of equipment and more like an essential part of your setup. Happy grilling!
Looking for more ways to enjoy cooking outdoors? Check out the following resources:
- Explore RV Kitchen Essentials
- Looking for Meals for RV Cooking
What’s your go-to camping grill, or what do you look for when choosing one? Share your tips and favorite campfire meals in the comments below!
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