Cooking while camping can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! We rely on a pretty simple camp kitchen setup that gets the job done without overwhelming us with “stuff”. See below for our recommendations for camp kitchen essentials. I think they make for the perfect camp kitchen setup!

You can also use this list as a camp kitchen packing list. Have fun, leave no trace, and enjoy your next camping trip! 

Some of my favorite easy-to-make camping meals include pasta and marinara sauce (I also cook up zucchini and vegetarian sausage if I’m feeling fancy); chili (make at home, freeze, and defrost over the stove at camp) and Frittos, oatmeal or cereal for breakfast; instant pudding for dessert. 

Camp kitchen essentials

Below are our camp kitchen essentials, almost all of which you probably have around your home. If you don’t already own these items, they can be picked up at your local REI!

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Water and cleaning supplies for camping

Washing dishes and hands and getting fresh water are the most tedious part of camping. Below are my product recommendations to make this process easier.

• Dometic water jug – The 3 gallon capacity is way easier to carry than a full 5 gallon jug. It’s pricey, but we’ve owned our jug for YEARS so I think it’s worth it!
• Rechargeable Dometic water faucet – pair great with the water jug, but not necessary! 
• Collapsible wash bucket – great for washing hands and doing dishes, plus can double as a storage container
• Sponge – we just use one from home, but you can also get a camping-specific set (linked) 
• Environmentally friendly soap – Dr. Bronner’s is my go-to for home AND camping
• Rags or paper towels for drying dishes

Cooking supplies for camping 

You don’t actually need that much to successfully cook in the backcountry. Below are our camp kitchen essentials for cooking.

• Stainless steel nesting pots and pan from OXO – non-toxic, should last a lifetime! We also use these in our truck camper for everyday cooking. They’re fantastic!
• Tea kettle – great for coffee and tea at camp
• Cutting board – We bring ours from home, but I’ve heard good things about the linked set
• Chef’s Knife
• Spatula and serving spoon
• Can and bottle opener 
• Portable camp stove
• Ignik Taprack for refillable propane bottles
• Cooler (we like this big one from YETI, and this smaller one from REI)

Camp kitchen essentials: cutlery, plates, and eating

I recommend insulated metal because it won’t burn your hands (like uninsulated metal), lasts forever, and is easier to clean than plastic. But you do you!

• Hydro Flask insulated bowls
• Hydro Flask insulated plate
• Hydro Flask insulated mug
• Sea to summit cutlery (also great for backpacking!)

Camp kitchen storage: 

We use Gregory gear bins or Costco plastic totes. Even an IKEA blue bag works in a pinch! No need to spend a ton of money here. 

That’s it! Of course, sometimes we bring specialized items for activities like roasting marshmallows… but honestly, we try to keep our camp kitchen essentials list pretty minimal. It’s helps me to reduce camping overwhelm, and makes packing up way easier!

Let me know in the comments if there are camp kitchen items YOU love, or if you have any questions!