Camp Kitchen Kit List

There’s something magical about cooking in nature. The sound of birds chirping, the smell of fresh air, and the satisfaction of creating a meal with minimal resources make outdoor cooking an experience like no other. However, without proper preparation, it can quickly become a challenge. That’s where a well-thought-out camp kitchen kit comes into play.

A good camp kitchen setup is not just about convenience; it’s about safety, efficiency, and sustainability. From the right cooking gear to food storage solutions, every item in your kit plays a role in ensuring a successful camping trip.

Cooking meals on the campfire and is one of the best things about camping, and is a really easy family activity if you’re well prepared. Having a well-stocked camp kitchen set-up to bring with you every time will make sure you’ve always got everything you need to rustle up delicious meals for the whole family while you’re sleeping under the stars. Here’s our camp kitchen kit list to get you started, but you can always add or take away items depending on what you think you'll need.

The centre of any camp kitchen, your stove is fundamental to cooking hearty hot meals after a day’s exploring. The size of stove you choose will naturally depend on how many you’re cooking for, and remember to bring enough fuel to last your trip, too. This ensures that you can maintain a consistent cooking schedule without interruptions.

We also recommend always having three forms of ignition with you, such as a lighter, fire striker, and waterproof matches, to make sure you can always get a fire going. This redundancy is crucial in case one method fails due to weather conditions or mechanical issues.

Additionally, consider the type of stove that suits your camping style - whether it's a compact backpacking stove for solo trips or a larger camp stove for group outings. Both options offer different advantages in terms of portability and cooking capacity.

When preparing for a camping trip, it's a good idea to bring your pots from home or maintain a separate, less precious set specifically for camping use. This approach helps prevent damage to your everyday cookware and ensures that you have a dedicated set for outdoor adventures. Having a variety of pot sizes is essential, as it guarantees you'll always have enough capacity for different meals. Don't forget to bring lids for your pots, as they significantly speed up the boiling process by retaining heat.

In addition to pots, consider bringing heat mats to protect your camping table from hot pans. If you don't have a table, these mats can also safeguard your pans from direct contact with the ground, preventing damage and making cleanup easier. It's also crucial to have a tool for lifting pots off the stove, such as tongs or a pot lifter, to prevent burns. This equipment will help you manage your camp kitchen efficiently and safely.

For a more luxurious camping experience, you might also consider investing in specialised camping cookware like cast iron skillets or Dutch ovens, which are ideal for open-fire cooking. These items can add a rustic charm to your meals while providing durable performance. Additionally, utensils such as tongs, spatulas, and a quality camping knife are indispensable for handling and preparing food in the camp kitchen. A cutting board and mixing bowls can further enhance your cooking experience by providing a clean and organised workspace.

When assembling camp kitchen gear, it’s a good idea to prioritise a dedicated set of outdoor-specific utensils and tools to avoid damaging or losing essentials from home. A camping multi-tool with features like a corkscrew, can opener, and bottle opener is invaluable for its versatility and space-saving design. Additionally, consider packing heat-resistant silicone utensils, such as spatulas and ladles, which are durable and safe to use near flames. Collapsible measuring cups are also a great addition for compact storage, while a lightweight strainer can be useful for draining pasta or rinsing produce.

For safety, include a gas lighter with child locks or waterproof matches to ensure you’re prepared for any weather. A compact cutting board is another essential, offering a clean surface for meal prep without taking up too much space. Finally, reusable silicone bags are perfect for storing leftovers or ingredients while reducing waste, aligning with eco-friendly camping practices.

A camping eating set typically includes a plate, bowl, cup, and a knife, fork, and spoon. We recommend having at least one set per person, though bringing a second set can be a game-changer, reducing the need for constant washing - especially on multi-day trips or during group meals. Colour-coded sets are a practical choice, helping to avoid confusion during chaotic campfire dinners. Assigning specific colors to each person, such as neon green for kids or red for the coffee enthusiast, can make mealtimes more organised.

For durability, consider stainless steel utensils, which are rugged and long-lasting, or lightweight aluminum options for backpackers. Nesting designs, where components stack compactly, are excellent for saving space in your gear. A mesh storage bag is also a handy addition, allowing for easy drying and organisation. Families might find collapsible silicone bowls useful for kids, and insulated mugs are perfect for keeping hot drinks warm on chilly mornings. Versatile and well-organised eating sets ensure everyone enjoys their meals comfortably without adding unnecessary clutter to the campsite.

Camping is an escape from most everyday hassles – but washing up isn’t one of them. A collapsible washing up bowl is a great choice as it’s easier to pack and carry, and choose quick-drying microfibre towels to avoid smells and make sure you’ve always got one ready to go.

We all want to protect our outdoors, so make sure you have enough bags to collect all your rubbish throughout the trip and prevent anything being left behind. Separating out the recycling as you go will also make it much easier to dispose of when you get home!

A camp kettle is an indispensable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring hot drinks are always within reach—whether it’s your morning coffee to kickstart the day, a revitalising post-hike tea, or a cosy after-dinner hot chocolate. Beyond its convenience, a camp kettle offers a significant advantage: it boils water faster than relying solely on a stove, making it a time-saver for busy camping days.

Modern camp kettles are designed with efficiency in mind. Materials like aluminium and titanium optimise heat conduction, ensuring rapid boiling times. Aluminum kettles are particularly known for their excellent heat distribution, while titanium models are lightweight, incredibly durable, and retain warmth longer—perfect for extreme conditions. Many kettles are also designed to be lightweight and portable, with some titanium models weighing under 210 grams, making them ideal for backpacking without adding bulk to your gear.

Additionally, camp kettles are highly versatile, often compatible with various hob types, including induction, gas, and electric setups. This adaptability ensures they seamlessly integrate into any campsite cooking arrangement. A reliable camp kettle transforms mealtime prep into a swift and enjoyable ritual, letting you focus on the adventure ahead.

Often overlooked but absolutely essential, your cool box or cool bag acts as your portable fridge, ensuring food stays fresh, milk remains safe to use, and drinks stay chilled. These indispensable items come in a variety of designs to suit different needs, from long camping trips to quick day outings. 

Cool boxes, often known as coolers, are insulated containers designed to keep items cold for extended periods. They are available in two main types:

• Hard-Sided Coolers: These are built for durability and exceptional ice retention, making them ideal for multi-day camping trips or long road journeys. Hard-sided coolers can store larger quantities and are designed to withstand rugged conditions. Many models are known for their heavy-duty features and spacious capacity.
• Soft-Sided Coolers: Lightweight and flexible, these coolers are perfect for shorter trips or situations where portability is key. Popular options offer excellent insulation and are easy to carry, making them great for picnics or beach days.

Cool bags, also known as insulated bags, are a more compact and versatile option. They are perfect for carrying smaller quantities of perishable items, such as lunches or snacks.

• Features: Cool bags often include thermal insulation to maintain cool temperatures and are designed to be leak-proof for easy cleaning. Some models combine portability with high-density insulation for everyday use.
• Uses: Ideal for short trips, work lunches, or school snacks, cool bags are a convenient way to keep essentials fresh without the bulk of a larger cooler.

Whether you’re embarking on a weekend camping trip or simply packing a picnic, a reliable cool box or cool bag ensures your food and drinks remain fresh and enjoyable.

Accidents are all part of the fun and a great learning experience, but being prepared to handle them is essential. A well-stocked camping first aid kit is your first line of defense against minor injuries and unexpected mishaps in the wild. Our camping first aid kit contains everything you need to address common injuries, ensuring you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.

For scrapes and grazes, the kit includes a variety of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, and rolled gauze to cover and protect wounds. To prevent infection, it also comes with antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointments. Essential tools like medical scissors, tweezers (for removing splinters), and non-latex gloves are included to handle injuries hygienically.

Campfires are a staple of camping but can sometimes lead to minor burns. To address this, the kit features instant cold packs to reduce swelling and aloe vera gel or antibiotic creams to soothe burns and prevent infection.

For pain relief, the kit includes aspirin (for adults) or acetaminophen/ibuprofen, as well as Benadryl® for allergic reactions and hydrocortisone cream for rashes or insect bites. Additional emergency tools like a tourniquet, flashlight, and a first aid guide are also part of the kit for more serious situations.