Five Easy Ways to Cook at Camp (That Don't Involve Building a Fire)
When most people think about cooking at camp, images of crackling campfires and roasting marshmallows come to mind. And while there's something nostalgic about cooking over an open flame, building a fire isn't always the most convenient—or even allowed—option. Some campsites prohibit open fires due to local fire bans or safety regulations. And in windy, rainy, or extremely dry conditions, cooking with fire can become more hassle than it's worth.
The good news? You don’t need to strike a match to make an amazing meal outdoors. Whether you're an overlanding enthusiast, RV traveler, or car camper looking for a more efficient way to cook at camp, there are modern, portable, and powerful alternatives.
Below are five excellent ways to cook at camp without needing to build a fire. From compact grill kits to full-fledged outdoor kitchens, these tools make it easy to whip up everything from a quick breakfast to a gourmet dinner wherever your adventures take you.
Cook at Camp with the Ultimate Skottle Grill Kit
If you're looking for a versatile, rugged, and easy-to-use cooking setup, the Ultimate Skottle Grill Kit from TemboTusk is a top-tier choice. It's especially popular among overlanders and serious campers who appreciate a durable, all-in-one solution that doesn't rely on an open flame.
This kit includes everything you need to cook at camp right out of the box: a pre-seasoned Skottle Grill, Kovea burner, gas adapter, adjustable legs, and a carry bag. But what really makes it “ultimate” are the added accessories—like the stainless steel lid, steam tray, wind guard, bamboo leg table, and bonus items such as Buzzy Waxx, a wooden spatula, and a cast iron scraper.
The Skottle itself functions like a large, concave griddle and can cook anything from bacon and eggs to stir fry and quesadillas. Designed and fabricated in the USA, it's built to last and easily transportable. The pre-seasoned cast iron surface provides even heating and excellent heat retention, while the included wind guard ensures your flame stays strong in breezy conditions.
Another major perk? Cleanup is fast. The Skottle’s wide surface allows for easy scraping, and the included scraper tool ensures you won’t spend half your afternoon washing dishes. It’s the kind of kit that transforms your approach to how you cook at camp, blending simplicity with performance.
Cook at Camp Using the Front Runner BBQ
Compact, rugged, and built for convenience, the Front Runner BBQ/Fire Pit is a clever piece of gear for anyone who wants to cook at camp without the hassle of building a traditional fire. Designed to pack flat to just 1.5 inches thick, this BBQ is perfect if you’re tight on space—especially if you're storing your gear in a rooftop box or drawer system.
The BBQ is made from durable 3CR12 stainless steel, so it resists rust and corrosion, which means it can withstand years of use in all kinds of weather. It features a large grill surface that sets up in just 30 seconds, and comes complete with an ember tray/griddle, grid lifting tools, and a base that keeps heat elevated off the ground for safety.
One smart design feature is the built-in windbreak formed by the sidewalls. This helps keep your flame consistent even on breezy days, ensuring you can cook at camp with less frustration. It’s a simple design that works whether you're grilling burgers, heating up foil-wrapped veggies, or making toast.
It's worth noting that while it can double as a fire pit, its true value lies in being a grill that doesn’t require direct contact with the ground. It’s a no-fuss, efficient way to enjoy grilled meals at camp without breaking the rules or risking a wildfire.
Cook at Camp with the Citi Chef 40 Camp Cooker
The Citi Chef 40 Camp Cooker is a sleek, all-in-one solution if you want gourmet results without the mess or complexity of traditional campfire cooking. This gas-powered BBQ is ideal for RV users, but it's also highly portable, making it perfect for tailgating, picnics, and beachside cookouts.
Weighing in at just under 15 pounds, the Citi Chef 40 is easy to move and store. It comes with a pot stand, a BBQ top with CADAC’s proprietary GreenGrill non-stick ceramic coating, a dome with a built-in thermometer, and a carry bag for transport. The ceramic-coated aluminum grid ensures even heating and quick cleanup. Plus, the removable fat pan is dishwasher safe.
Its 2.7 kW output and automatic Piezo ignition make it a powerful and user-friendly way to cook at camp. The dome hooks to the back to serve as a splatter guard and windscreen, a small detail that makes a big difference when cooking in the elements.
Whether you’re frying up eggs, simmering chili, or baking a pizza (yes, there’s an optional pizza stone!), the Citi Chef 40 offers flexibility and ease. It’s an excellent pick for campers who want to cook at camp like they’re still at home—with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Cook at Camp with the Partner Steel 22" 2-Burner Stove
When it comes to high-performance portable stoves, the Partner Steel 22" 2-Burner Stove is a legend in the camping world. This thing is built like a tank and is a favorite among outfitters and hardcore outdoor enthusiasts who need gear that can take a beating and still perform flawlessly.
This American-made stove features two burners spaced 12 inches apart, which easily accommodates large pots and pans. The grates have been tightened to allow smaller items, like coffee mugs, to sit securely without tipping. With a windscreen included as a standard feature, it's ideal for cooking in unpredictable weather conditions.
The all-aluminum construction makes it strong yet relatively lightweight at 17 pounds. It includes a hose and regulator, and optional accessories like a griddle or stand further expand its capabilities. Whether you’re boiling water, cooking steaks, or simmering sauces, this stove provides the kind of reliability you need to cook at camp with confidence.
It’s also easy to maintain and repair, which makes it a long-term investment. While it may not pack down as small as other options, the performance you get more than justifies its size and weight. This is the stove for serious cooks who treat their outdoor meals with the same care as those made at home.
Cook at Camp with the Komodo Camp Kitchen
If your idea of outdoor dining involves more than just reheating canned soup, the Komodo Camp Kitchen by Overland Vehicle Systems is going to change the way you cook at camp. This isn’t just a stove—it’s a complete cooking station.
This camp kitchen is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, so it’s both tough and lightweight. When closed, it’s compact and easy to transport. When opened, it transforms into a massive prep and cooking station, complete with dual propane grills, a griddle, side shelves, and even a Rocket Tower that lets you cook with wood or briquettes when propane isn’t an option.
The Rocket Tower is particularly handy if you're in a remote location or trying to conserve fuel. And the design is incredibly efficient: the grills slide beneath the griddle to boost heat, and all components fold back into the main box for compact storage.
No matter if you’re cooking for two or a small group, this kitchen makes it easy to cook at camp with minimal stress. You get plenty of prep space, multiple fuel options, and a full suite of cooking tools in one rugged, well-thought-out package.
Ready to Cook? We Can Help!
Camp cooking doesn’t have to mean building a fire—and in many cases, it shouldn't. With the right gear, you can enjoy safe, efficient, and delicious meals no matter where your wheels take you. From the simplicity of the Skottle Grill to the expansive capabilities of the Komodo Camp Kitchen, these five tools offer a reliable way to cook at camp without relying on flames and firewood.
Not sure which direction to go for your camp cooking needs? No problem! Our experts can walk you through the pros and cons of all the camp cooking options we have and help you find the perfect addition to your camping kit. We want you to have a better time outdoors—that’s why BTR (pronounced better) is in our name! Come by our headquarters just off I-20 in Abilene, contact us, or call us at 888-323-5902 to get your camp cook on!
