Last Updated on June 10, 2025 by Jeremy

If you’re someone who loves rolling up to a scenic campsite, cracking open a cold drink, and getting cozy around a campfire, then campfire cooking just might be your favorite part of the RV experience. I know I can’t resist the sound of food sizzling over an open flame; there’s just something magic about it. But campfire cooking isn’t as easy as tossing a few hot dogs on a stick and calling it dinner. It takes a bit of knowhow, the right gear, and a little practice to turn your RV campsite into a fullblown outdoor kitchen.

So I’ve put together a total breakdown of my rating for RV campfire cooking gear before getting into the details. If you’ve ever wondered what you need (and what’s actually worth bringing), you’re in the right place.

Guide Name: The Ultimate Guide to RV Campfire Cooking Gear
Where to Buy: Specialty camping stores, Amazon, and brandspecific sites
Top Brands: Blackstone, FireMaple, Pit Boss
Best For: RVers and anyone who loves outdoor cooking
Community: Over 4 million RVers sharing recipes and reviews online
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Portability: 5/5
Versatility: 4.8/5

Free Resource: Use my camping meal generator!

Modern campfire cooking gear has come a long way from the old, rusty grate your grandpa used. Today’s options are versatile, super portable, and just plain fun to use. Whether you dream of perfect pancakes on a griddle, steak with real flame sear marks, or a fresh percolator coffee at sunrise, there’s gear for every taste and budget.

Having the right campfire cooking setup means you can actually enjoy good food outside, instead of toughing it out with basic snacks or storebought meals. Upgrading your gear also saves you time and hassle, so you can just enjoy camp life. So if you’re still just bringing marshmallow sticks, you might want to see what’s possible with the gear I cover here.

---

Core Gear: Building Your Campfire Cooking Kit

Deciding which campfire cooking tools are the best for your RV adventures depends a lot on your style. I’m talking about the BIG pieces; the backbone of your setup. These are the items you’ll reach for every time you set up at a new site. I’ll give firsthand experience, point out what works, and drop a few product recs that are actually worth buying.

• Portable Grills & Griddles
• Stoves and Burners
• Cast Iron Cookware
• Tripods, Grates, and Suspended Gear
• Basic Accessories & Utensils

Every item here is personally tested, and I’ve watched other RVers love them too; plus I’ll talk about pros, cons, and where things can go wrong.

Portable Grills and Griddles

Nothing gets more buzz at the campground than someone flipping pancakes on a Blackstone. Blackstone griddles are probably the most popular right now for RVers.

Blackstone Tabletop 17″ Griddle

• Runs on a small propane tank, but you can adapt it to larger tanks
• Nonstick, super even heating, and big enough for burgers, eggs, or a full breakfast
• Grease management system makes cleanup easy

Pros: Heats up fast, holds temps well, and gives you lots of space for cooking. The whole thing breaks down small, which is pretty handy for RV trips where storage is tight.

Cons: Some folks complain about the weight and cleanup if you’re used to onepan meals, and you do have to season it occasionally. I don’t mind; seasoned camp griddles get better with age.

Where to Buy & Learn More: Blackstone Griddles Resource Page

Pit Boss Portable Grill

If you’re more into grilling steaks or classic flamegrilled burgers, the Pit Boss Portable Series brings real grill flavor out on the road. These pelletpowered or propane grills deliver nice sear marks, which a griddle can’t always do.

• Heavyduty build; lid locks for easy moving
• Grill surface is good for 34 people at once
• Good flavor from wood pellets or standard grill taste from propane models

Pros: Pellet grills smoke and sear, so you get restaurantstyle results. There’s a builtin thermometer, which really helps with juicy chicken and pork.

Cons: Pellet models can need access to power for the auger, which means you’ll want a small generator or to camp with electric hookups.

Learn More: Pit Boss Grills & Smokers Guide

Stoves and Burners: When Campfire Isn’t An Option

Sometimes there’s a fire ban, or you just want a quick coffee before sunrise without lighting a full campfire. That’s where a portable stove comes into play. I’ve used a few over the years, but my goto lately is gear from FireMaple.

FireMaple Backpacking Stove & Cook Set

• Compact and crazy light; barely takes up space in an RV kitchen
• Boils water super fast (great for coffee, oatmeal, or soups)
• Nests together for easy storage

Pros: These stoves are ready in 20 seconds. The adjustable flame works well for simmering, which isn’t true for every backpacking stove. The included cook set is nice for quick meals when you don’t need fancy grill setups.

Cons: Tiny pot sizes mean it’s more for solo cooking or couples. If you’ve got a big family, you’ll need a bigger stove or use this just for sides and coffee.

Find the Best Models: FireMaple Gear for RVers

Cast Iron Cookware: The Classic Camp Kitchen Hero

I don’t hit the road without at least one cast iron skillet. There’s a reason why this is THE gold standard for outdoor cooking. These pans hold heat like nothing else, work on open flames and stoves, and keep getting better with each use.

Lodge 10.25″ Cast Iron Skillet

• Super common and easy to buy anywhere
• Works for frying, baking (think biscuits or cobbler), and can go straight into the campfire
• Hold up for decades as long as you keep them seasoned

Pros: Lasts forever, resists warping and cracking, and makes everything taste better. Perfect for everything from breakfast to fried chicken to latenight desserts.

Cons: Can get heavy; if you’re backpacking or really counting ounces, you’ll want a lighter option. Cast iron needs to stay dry and oiled or you’ll get rust.

Best Accessories for Cast Iron:

• Handle cover or mitt
• Chainmail scrubber for cleaning
• Seasoning spray or a bottle of oil in your RV kit

Dutch Oven Cooking

An enameled Dutch oven is a winner for stews, chilis, and even baking bread over coals. Most models (from brands like Lodge or Camp Chef) come in 6 or 8quart sizes; feed a crowd with these easy. I especially love tossing in a cobbler or peach dump cake for dessert.

Tripods, Grates, and Suspended Cooking Gear

If your site has a fire ring, you’ll want something to hold your pots and pans over the flames. Tripods and adjustable grates are oldschool, easy to set up, and work with pretty much anything.

• Camp Chef Campfire Grill/Grate: A sturdy standup grate or grill that adjusts in height for the perfect sear or slow simmer.
• Stansport Cast Iron Tripod: A classic for swinging pots over the fire; folds down for packing.
• DIY Rebar Grates: If you like rugged, custom setups, make your own grate from rebar or buy a welded grill surface online.

Pros: These tools are basic and bombproof. Even new RVers will feel like pro campers using them. No gas, no electronics, nothing to break.

Cons: Bulky compared to ultralight stoves. Won’t work well if your site bans open fires or only offers a small grill base.

Accessories & Utensils for RV Campfire Cooking

The big stuff is only half the adventure; you’ll also want quality utensils and a few campingspecific accessories to make cooking smoother and less messy.

• LongHandled Spatulas and Tongs: Avoid burned knuckles! Get ones made for campfire use.
• Roasting Sticks: For hot dogs and marshmallows, collapsible is best for saving space.
• Silicone or Stainless Bowls: Won’t melt or burn if they touch a little heat.
• Pie Irons: Makes toasted sandwiches, pies, and even breakfast burritos in the flames.
• Cowboy Coffee Percolator: Sturdy steel, works on direct coals or the griddle.
• HeatResistant Gloves: For shuffling pans, lifting Dutch ovens, or handling grates.
• Reusable Cleaning Cloths: For speedy cleanup in the wild.

My personal take; don’t cheap out on spatulas and tongs. Flimsy handles equal burned fingers. Investing in a real percolator means you always get actual coffee (instead of gritty instant). Pie irons are a camping favorite for families; worth the weight even if you think you won’t use them that much.

---

Expert Tips: Get Restaurant-Quality Meals Outdoors

Mastering RV campfire cooking is about more than gear; technique counts, too. After a few seasons of campground fails (burned potatoes, cold coffee, the usual), I picked up a few strategies that make outdoor cooking a breeze.

• Prechop veggies and marinate meats at home to save onsite time
• Use heavyduty foil to keep meals moist and messfree (especially for fish or potatoes)
• Bring two lighters; even windproof ones get cranky sometimes
• Always pack extra fuel for stoves (propane or isobutane)
• If using a griddle like Blackstone, coat with a bit of oil and let it preheat fully before adding food. That’s how you get a nice sear.

Don’t forget about safety. Always watch out for flareups, never toss water onto grease fires, and have a safe spot to let hot pans cool down. A small fire extinguisher isn’t glamorous, but you’ll be glad to have it.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Setup

• Faster meal prep after travel days
• Better flavor; open fire and griddles beat microwaved meals every time
• More variety: from pancakes to fajitas to baked bread
• Campground friends; great food attracts a crowd!
• Easier cleanup if you’ve got proper grease management and good utensils

---

Campfire Cooking Recipes: Reader Favorites

Gear is half the fun, but tasty campfire recipes are what turn your RV into the social hub of any site. I’m always trading ideas around the fire, so I’ve collected a few goto recipes that work on most griddles, grills, or even open campfire setups:

Breakfast Skillet Hash

• 1 pack breakfast sausage, crumbled
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Half an onion, chopped
• 2 cups hash browns or diced potatoes
• 6 eggs
• Salt, pepper, oil

Cook sausage on a preheated griddle or in your skillet. Add veggies and potatoes, cook until tender. Make a few wells and crack eggs right into the pan. Cover briefly to steam the eggs, then serve hot off the fire.

Campfire Quesadillas (Griddle or Pie Iron)

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Precooked chicken or beans
• Diced tomatoes, onions, whatever you like inside!

Stuff tortillas and toast a few minutes, flipping once, until melted. Pie irons or cast iron both work. Serve with salsa for a quick dinner or snack.

Classic Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

• 2 cans sliced peaches, with juice
• 1 box cake mix (yellow or white)
• 1/2 cup butter

Pour peaches in the Dutch oven, sprinkle cake mix over top, dot with butter, and cover. Set on hot coals or over the fire. Bake 2530 minutes, rotating occasionally. You’ll make friends instantly!

Smoky Grilled Veggies (Pit Boss or Camp Grate)

• Assorted veggies: zucchini, peppers, mushrooms
• Olive oil, herbs, and a pinch of salt

Toss veggies in oil and seasonings, grill on open fire or pellet grill until nicely marked and just tender. Serve as sides or load up in wraps for a light meal.

---

Choosing the Right Campfire Cooking Gear

With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. Here’s how I narrow things down; and what I recommend to other RVers:

• Consider Storage: Go for collapsible or nesting gear to make the most of small RV cabinets.
• Fuel Access: Will you be staying at sites with hookups, or boondocking? Pellet grills need some power, while propane stoves work anywhere.
• Group Size: Solo or couple? A FireMaple set is enough. Family or group? Tableside Blackstone or a big grill will save you tons of time and effort.
• Durability: Gear takes a beating when traveling. Stick with brands others trust, and always check reviews for longterm performance.

Don’t fall for the “ultralight only” myth; if you mainly RV and drive site to site, a couple of heavier pieces are worth hauling. I’ve wrecked thin, offbrand fry pans in a single season. Spending a bit more up front means you’ll get years of good meals.

---

Where to Find the Best RV Campfire Cooking Gear

• Camping specialty stores like REI or Cabela’s (helpful staff and handson demos)
• Online; for deepdives into buyer reviews and latest models. Don’t miss guides like my Blackstone, FireMaple, and Pit Boss resource pages for hands-on insights.
• Local hardware stores; sometimes the best Dutch ovens and accessories are in the garden or grill section, not the camping aisle!

When you shop online, check return policies so you’re not stuck with anything that doesn’t fit your needs. The brands listed here all have solid customer support, which is important if you have questions about hoses, adapters, or spare parts. Find all my favorite picks and where to buy them at:

• Blackstone Griddles Resource
• FireMaple Gear Guide
• Pit Boss Grills & Smokers for RVers

---

Community: RVers Sharing Their Best Campfire Cooking Tips

The RV community is packed with friendly folks ready to swap tips, share recipes, or troubleshoot tricky meals. On popular forums and groups like RVillage, iRV2, and Reddit’s r/GoRVing, you’ll get suggestions that you won’t find in manuals; real stories from the road, quick gear hacks, and favorite recipes that have been passed around for years.

I always ask for campfire recipe favorites when I park at a new site; everyone seems to have one. From Texas BBQ to New England chowders, you’ll find inspiration for your own outdoor feasts. Don’t hesitate to pop a question about what works in your climate or with your rig. Most RVers are happy to show off their setup or demo a gadget they love.

• Learn what gear lasts on long trips versus weekend stays
• Get honest takes on what’s actually useful or overpriced “gimmick” gear
• Pick up meal ideas that save you time and hassle
• Get advice for cleaning and storing gear so it lasts longer

There’s nothing more rewarding than showing someone a new recipe or gadget and seeing it become part of their camping tradition. If you’re shy, just join a big table at group events or sign up for a potluck; campers are an easygoing bunch.

---

Storing and Maintaining Your RV Campfire Gear

Keeping gear clean and organized is key to an easy setup the next time you pull into camp. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Always dry cast iron and griddles thoroughly. Moisture = rust. I wipe down pans, add a dab of oil, and store them in soft bags or towels.
• Use storage bins with snap-on lids to keep grime and ash away from your pots and utensils.
• Label fuel bottles and store in ventilated areas. Never keep propane or butane tanks inside your rig’s living area for safety.
• Check griddles and stoves for bugs or critter nests before use; something you only learn the hard way!

Some RVers swear by colorcoding bins; cooking, coffee, and cleanup all have their own totes at my place, so I never have to dig for tongs or spatulas. Makes spontaneous meal times a breeze, too.

---

Budget, MidRange, and Premium Gear: What’s Worth the Price?

Campfire cooking gear isn’t onesizefitsall. There’s something out there for every price point, from $10 roasting sticks to $500 portable pellet grills. Here’s how to pick what’s right for you:

Budget Gear (Entry Level)

• Basic tripod and grate sets
• Stainless or aluminum pots and pans (lighter, simple, but not as durable as cast iron)
• Reusable utensils and collapsible bowls

These work for occasional campers. You’ll notice more sticking and less even heating, but they’ll get the job done.

MidRange Gear (Campers Who Cook Often)

• Blackstone 17″ or 22″ griddle (propane)
• Lodge or Camp Chef cast iron skillet/Dutch oven
• Higher quality stoves from FireMaple or Jetboil
• Solid spatulas, percolators, and pie irons

This setup lasts for years, packs easy, and makes any site feel like a full kitchen. If you love cooking outdoors; and your campsite meals get more attention than your RV; this category is worth investing in.

Premium Gear (Frequent RV Travelers or Outdoor Foodies)

• Pit Boss portable pellet grill or Camp Chef Explorer dualburner stove
• Full cast iron set (skillet, Dutch oven, reversible griddle/grill plate)
• Highend utensils, heavyduty tripods, and specialty items like pizza ovens for camp use

You can serve gourmet meals (even woodfired pizza and smoked brisket) right at your campsite. Go this route if outdoor meals are a highlight of your travel and you want gear that handles heavy use.

---

Comparing Top RV Campfire Cooking Brands

I’ve cooked on everything from “brand X” camp stoves to premium Blackstone griddles and can say some brands really deliver for RVers. Here’s my quick take:

Blackstone

• Best for folks who love cooking a lot of different meals; breakfast, stir fry, smashburgers; on one surface.
• Super easy grease control, even surface, and reliable every trip. It’s a camp staple for a reason.
• Learn all about Blackstone Griddles.

FireMaple

• Compact, extremely efficient, and perfect for quick coffee or fast, onepot meals. Awesome for “leavenotrace” campers who want to minimize cleanup.
• Check out FireMaple portable stoves.

Pit Boss

• Best for slowsmoked flavors or authentic woodfired cooking; pizzas, briskets, and roasts. A bit bigger and needs some power, but the results are worth it if you want true BBQ on the go.
• See Pit Boss smoker & grill options.

Each of these has products for both rookies and experienced outdoor cooks, with clear instructions and solid support.

---

Real-World Experiences: What Works in the Field

Talking to other RVers is usually where you get the *real* scoop. Here’s what frequent campground cooks notice after dozens (sometimes hundreds) of uses:

• Heat control is super important for even pancakes. Griddles with good controls (Blackstone, for example) make a huge difference
• Cast iron gets better as it ages, but only if you clean and season it each trip
• Campfire grates and tripods take a beating. Spend a little more, and they’ll last seasons instead of just one trip
• Portable stoves are great for backup, but you’ll always end up back at the fire when it’s allowed; flavor and fun!
• Packing cleaning wipes and proper scrapers makes nextmorning breakfast totally doable; no stuckon food to dread
• Keep extra propane bottles or canisters just in case. A surprise empty bottle is a quick way to miss a hot meal

---

How to Upgrade or Replace Your RV Campfire Gear

If you’ve got old, rusty, or just plain annoying pieces in your setup, it’s easy to upgrade without blowing your budget. I swap out one item every trip or two, using reviews, fellow campers’ feedback, and pretty thorough comparison shopping. Here’s how you can do the same:

• Make a “pack list” and rotate out anything you never actually use
• Set aside a gear bin for “maybes,” so you’re not carrying extra weight
• Test borrowed or demo gear at group campouts to find your favorites
• Follow online deals or sign up for alerts at brands you like; sales pop up all the time

No need to drop hundreds of dollars right away. Start simple, see what you actually reach for, and improve a little each season. Fancy gear doesn’t make the food better; practice does! The only mistake is not having enough coffee or forgetting marshmallows, trust me.

---

Getting Started: Your First RV Campfire Cooking Adventure

If you’re new to campfire cooking, don’t sweat it. Start with basics; eggs, bacon, and pancakes on a griddle; or try a pot of chili in a Dutch oven. Inviting friends or meeting neighbors over a meal is one of the best things about RV life. Every meal is a chance to gather, slow down, and make memories by the fire.

• Download my simple RV Campfire Cooking Checklist for what to pack
• Join online camping groups and swap ideas or troubleshoot meals
• Check out my Blackstone, FireMaple, and Pit Boss guides for more cool tips

Trust me, with just a few key pieces of gear and a little patience, you’ll go from instant noodles to campsite feasts in no time. If you’ve got questions or want product recommendations, just drop a comment below or ping me on social media; always happy to help you take up your campfire game.

PS. Got your own campfire cooking tips? Share your favorite gear or recipe with the community below; I’ll update this guide with the best crowdsourced advice!

Happy camping, and even happier eating!