A fresh, hot meal is usually out of the question when it comes to camping or hiking in the wilderness. Most people usually munch on trail mix, sandwiches, or beef jerky for sustained, carb-fueled energy. But what if we told you that foods like fire-roasted hot dogs, seared smoky steaks, and even spaghetti with meatballs are all possible to cook in the great outdoors? Well, thanks to the magic of camp cooking gear, you're able to cook almost any type of food just about anywhere these days. These are our top picks for the best mobile camp kitchens that all guarantee the potential for a gourmet meal for your next camping adventure.
Coleman's Pack-Away Portable Kitchen
Coleman’s Pack-Away Portable Kitchen weighs in at just under 14 pounds and measures 31 x 11 x 4 inches when collapsed down into its metal case. Perfect for those who enjoy simplicity, this mobile camp kitchen is compact and easy to set up for quick meals. It also provides a stable base, and the mesh shelf beneath the countertop can be used to store items like seasonings, produce, and utensils.
And if you need a place to hang your pots and pans, there are several overhead hooks for this, too. There's also plenty of room for a portable camp stove, as well as for food prep purposes, like chopping fruits and vegetables. Did we mention it's just $85?
Cabela's Deluxe Camp Kitchen
If you're looking for a portable camp kitchen that's a tad fancier, check out the Deluxe Camp Kitchen by Cabela's. This unit has two countertops, a removable sink/dishwashing basin, and of course, an area to actually cook your food. If it's a windy day, the swing-out windscreen will help to control your camping or lightweight backpacking stove flames.
You can also organize your food/kitchen supplies using the spice rack, towel rack (above the sink/dishwashing basin), and overhead hooks. If that's not enough, there's also a zippered food pantry to prevent animals and pests from munching on your dry goods.
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station Portable Camp Kitchen
You'll get plenty of counter space with this portable camp kitchen by GCI Outdoor, which features a heat-resistant countertop and easy folding mechanisms. Kitchen and food items can be placed on one of three fold-out side tables, as well as the black wire rack on the bottom of this unit. It's perfect for those who need lots of space for food prep, cooking, and storage.
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
If the Master Cook Station above is overkill for your camp setup, this other mobile camp kitchen from GCI is a great alternative. It's made with alloy steel and aluminum, so it shines when it comes to durable camping gear.
The four plastic fold-out side tables are perfect for those who need extra space for food ingredients, which can also be stored above the wire rack on the bottom. This one-piece, powder-coated steel frame also folds and unfolds with ease, which makes setup a snap.
Nomad Kitchen Company Original Nomad Kitchen
If you've always wanted to use the trunk of your vehicle to whip up a meal, then this clever camp kitchen by Nomad Kitchen Company should be the first thing on your camping list. Measuring a compact 25 x 20 x 14 inches, this ultra-compact mobile solution will fit into the trunks of SUVs, minivans, wagons, hatchbacks, and plenty more. Installation is a snap, and you'll be surprised to find a fully-functional mini kitchen thanks to the twin nesting sliding drawers.
The smaller drawer contains a two-burner propane stove, while the larger has both a sink basin and a wire basket, which can be used to dry things like dishes and vegetables. How's that for a jack-of-all-trades kitchen-on-the-go?
Trail Kitchens Camp Kitchen with Stove
If you've got money to burn, this camp kitchen & stove unit by Trail Kitchens is sure to draw envious eyes toward your campsite. The built-in stove features 40,000 BTU/hour, as well as over 14 square feet of storage space.
This unit is also designed with aircraft-grade aluminum, which means it shines in the durability department. Sure it's hefty at just over 50 pounds, but at least it's got beefy all-terrain tires to make mobility a breeze. Just add a good wheeled cooler, and you're good to go!
Camp Chef Sherpa Camp Table & Organizer
Those who place a strong emphasis on utility, simplicity, and organization will love this portable camp table & kitchen organizer by Camp Chef. It serves as both a food prep station and a cooktop since it's designed with a roll-out aluminum topper, as well as telescoping aluminum legs.
There are also four color-coded bags for picture-perfect organization of your cooking supplies and goods. And, if that's not enough, this unit is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry since it can collapse down to a small size (and features padded handles for comfort).
Camco Olympian Deluxe Portable Grill Table
Camco is a favorite among hardcore RVers for its simple, affordable campsite essentials. Its Olympian Deluxe Portable Grill Table is a great example of why. When you're ready to prep your next meal in the wild, the minimalist design easily wrangles all your kitchen essentials, including food, tools, and accessories.
The top shelf is even beefy enough to set up cooking appliances that weigh up to 100 pounds. It's not built for overnight storage (like, say, the Sherpa above), but that also means it's lightweight and packs down incredibly small for easy transport when you're ready to break camp.
Mobile camp kitchens have evolved a long way in the last decade or so. It's easier now than ever to pack all your most essential kitchen tools, gadgets, and accessories for a weekend in the woods. All of which makes cooking in the wild a snap, no matter how fancy you like to get with your camp cuisine.
