The 10 Best Camp Kitchens
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in January of 2019. Al fresco dining is one of the most enjoyable aspects of camping, but nature doesn't provide much in the way of countertops. If you'll be spending time in the great outdoors with friends or family, it's a good idea to invest in a portable kitchen. One of these relatively lightweight models will give you all the workspace you need to serve up a gourmet meal in the woods. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Giantex 2-Tier
2. KingCamp Quick-Up
3. Grub Hub Mesa 1
Editor's Notes
July 27, 2020:
To accommodate all types of campers, we've kept both simple and more complex models, ultimately removing the Coleman Pack-Away Deluxe. The metal may have some sharp spots, which means this one is not the best choice for users who are clumsy or who have inquisitive kids at their campsite. But the newly-added Giantex 2-Tier has rounded corners designed to keep little ones safe, which is part of why we chose it. It also offers a lot of prep room, zippered storage, and a wind screen, making it a good value for those who want the bells and whistles. Other top picks with ample features still include the KingCamp Quick-Up and the Grub Hub Mesa 1. We especially appreciate that they pack up compactly, despite how much space they offer.
For a simpler option, take a look at the Alpine Mountain Gear Roll-Top or the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold. These fold-out tables don't have spice racks, wind guards, or any other "fancy" pluses, but if you just need somewhere to lay out your sandwich making supplies, they should do the trick.
Finally, we added one camp sink that doubles as a table, the Outsunny Portable Sink. It requires a water hookup, so it may not help you much when you're dry camping; however, if you're on a fishing trip and have the access, it's a big help.
January 15, 2019:
Camping is fun, but living on nuts and beef jerky for five days straight is not. If you're determined to spend some quality time outside, one of these folding camp kitchens should definitely be on your list. The HappyBuy provides more storage space than most of the rest, and it's protected by relatively strong polyester. The Lifetime Tailgate is a pretty barebones option, which makes it awfully easy to wipe or spray down after use. The Oasis Raptor II offers just enough cooking space, and easily accommodates small groups — because eating dinner on the hard ground isn't always the most comfortable. We really like the Camp Chef Sherpa due to its top-quality construction, exceptional durability, and near-endless functionality. Plus, one of its modular compartments is an insulated cooler. It's hard to go wrong with Coleman, and the KingCamp Quick-Up is similarly useful. The Alpine Mountain Gear Roll-Top is another extremely straightforward model. Of course, if you demand the best, you really can't top the Grub Hub Mesa 1, as long as you're immune to sticker shock — because it sure costs a lot.
Special Honors
Trail Kitchens Van Kitchen If you're looking to get away from it all and live that #vanlife, you're going to need a way to cook while you're on the road. The Trail Kitchens Van Kitchen gives you just that, with everything you need for meal prep, including a 14-gallon water system and a portable sink-stove unit. An optional water heater will help you complete the package. trailkitchens.com
The Camp Champ Kitchen When we say that The Camp Champ Kitchen is expensive, we mean it — it goes for more than some decent used cars. But its clever fold-out design and handsome styling make it more than worth it for those with the budget. That is, as long as you can haul it, as it's heavy at over 70 pounds, to boot. shop.campchamp.at
iKamper Aioks The iKamper Aioks bills itself as an all-in-one kitchen system, which makes sense, as it has a stove, food prep area, and seating area built right in. You'll need to provide your own chairs, but when you consider that this compact little box is portable at only 20 pounds, you should have plenty of room to tote accessories, too. ikamper.com
4. Camp Chef Sherpa
5. Alpine Mountain Gear Roll-Top
6. Oasis Raptor II
7. GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold
8. Outsunny Portable Sink
9. Ozark Trail Steel
10. Lifetime Tailgate
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.