If you’re a full-time camper or someone who loves exploring the great outdoors, then this article is just for you. In “14 Camping Kitchen Hacks for Delicious Meals on the Road,” you’ll discover a variety of ingenious hacks that will help you cook mouthwatering meals while on the road or at campgrounds. From homemade pot coozies to stackable silicone bowls, automotive microfiber towels to anti-skid dish separators, this article has got you covered. Learn how to use a strainer as a grill and steamer, bring a cast aluminum waffle iron for breakfast delights, and even use French press coffee instead of electric coffee makers. With these hacks, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare scrumptious meals during your camping adventures. So grab your camping gear and let’s get cooking!

Camping Kitchen Hacks

Camping trips are a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. However, when it comes to cooking meals in the wilderness, it can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, full-time campers have come up with some ingenious hacks to make your camping kitchen experience easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we will discuss 14 camping kitchen hacks that will help you cook delicious meals while on the road or at campgrounds.


1. Homemade Pot Coozies


1.1 Materials Needed

To make your own pot coozies, you will need the following materials:

  • Reflective insulation material
  • Scissors
  • Duct tape

1.2 Steps to Make a Pot Coozie

  • Measure the circumference of your pot and cut a piece of reflective insulation material accordingly.
  • Cut a strip of duct tape, long enough to wrap around the pot.
  • Attach the duct tape to the edges of the insulation material, creating a sleeve that fits snugly around the pot.
  • Slip the pot coozie onto your pot, and it will keep your food warm for longer.

2. Stackable Silicone Bowls

Silicone bowls are a fantastic addition to any camping kitchen. They are lightweight, durable, and easily stackable, making them perfect for saving space in your backpack or RV.

2.1 Benefits of Stackable Silicone Bowls

  • Space-saving: Stackable silicone bowls take up less room in your bag or storage compartment, allowing you to bring more essentials.
  • Versatility: These bowls can be used for mixing ingredients, serving food, or even as storage containers.
  • Easy to clean: Silicone bowls are non-stick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

2.2 Innovative Uses of Stackable Silicone Bowls

  • Watermelon serving bowl: Cut a watermelon in half, remove the fruit, and hollow out both halves. Place one half upside down inside a stackable silicone bowl to create a beautiful serving bowl for fruits or salads.
  • Ice cream holder: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream into a stackable silicone bowl and freeze it. The flexible material makes it easy to remove the frozen treat.

3. Automotive Microfiber Towels

When it comes to kitchen cleanup, automotive microfiber towels are a game-changer. These highly absorbent and lint-free towels are designed to remove dirt and grime from your vehicle, but they work just as well in the kitchen.

3.1 Why Use Automotive Microfiber Towels

  • High absorbency: Automotive microfiber towels can soak up a significant amount of liquid, making them ideal for cleaning up spills or drying dishes.
  • Lint-free: Unlike traditional kitchen towels, microfiber towels won’t leave behind lint or streaks on your dishes.
  • Quick-drying: Microfiber towels dry quickly, which is essential when you’re camping and need to pack up your kitchen quickly.

3.2 How to Use Automotive Microfiber Towels in the Kitchen

  • Cleaning surfaces: Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe down countertops, tables, and cooking surfaces. The tiny fibers will pick up dust and dirt effortlessly.
  • Drying dishes: Microfiber towels are excellent for drying dishes since they absorb water quickly. They can also be used to polish glassware and cutlery, leaving them spotless.

4. Anti-Skid Dish Separators

One of the biggest challenges of camping is keeping your dishes safe and secure during transportation. That’s where anti-skid dish separators come in handy.

4.1 Advantages of Using Anti-Skid Dish Separators

  • Added protection: Anti-skid dish separators prevent dishes from shifting and clanging against each other, reducing the risk of breakage.
  • Space-saving: These separators come in various sizes, allowing you to stack dishes tightly together without worrying about them slipping and breaking.
  • Lightweight: Made from lightweight materials, anti-skid dish separators won’t add significant weight to your camping gear.

4.2 Tips for Using Anti-Skid Dish Separators Effectively

  • Choose the right size: Select separators that fit your dish sizes snugly. This will ensure optimal protection during transportation.
  • Secure dish stacks: After stacking your dishes with separators, secure them in place with adjustable straps or bungee cords.

5. Strainer as Grill and Steamer

When you’re camping, it’s essential to make the most of the limited space and equipment you have. Using a strainer as a grill and steamer is a simple and effective way to cook a variety of meals.

5.1 How to Use a Strainer as a Grill

  • Place the strainer over a campfire or portable stove.
  • Lay your food, such as vegetables or fish, on top of the strainer.
  • Flip the food occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5.2 How to Use a Strainer as a Steamer

  • Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
  • Place the strainer over the pot, ensuring that it doesn’t touch the water.
  • Add vegetables or other foods to the strainer and cover with a lid.
  • Steam until the food is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.

6. Cast Aluminum Waffle Iron

A delicious breakfast is the perfect way to start the day while camping. A cast aluminum waffle iron allows you to enjoy homemade waffles with ease.

6.1 Why Choose a Cast Aluminum Waffle Iron

  • Durability: Cast aluminum is known for its excellent heat distribution and resistance to warping, ensuring your waffles cook evenly.
  • Lightweight: Unlike cast iron waffle irons, the aluminum version is lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Non-stick surface: A cast aluminum waffle iron typically comes with a non-stick coating, making it easy to remove waffles without a mess.

6.2 Cooking Tips with a Cast Aluminum Waffle Iron

  • Preheat the waffle iron before pouring the batter. This ensures that the waffles cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
  • Oil the surfaces of the waffle iron lightly before pouring the batter to prevent sticking.

7. French Press Coffee

Start your mornings off right with a nice cup of coffee brewed with a French press. It’s a simple and convenient way to enjoy a rich and flavorful cup of coffee while camping.

7.1 Benefits of French Press Coffee

  • Full-bodied taste: French press coffee is known for its robust and full-bodied flavor. The immersion brewing method allows more of the coffee’s natural oils and flavors to be extracted.
  • Portability: French presses are compact and easy to transport, making them perfect for camping.
  • No need for electricity: Unlike electric coffee makers, French presses don’t require electricity, allowing you to enjoy freshly brewed coffee even in remote locations.

7.2 Steps to Make French Press Coffee

  • Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency.
  • Add the desired amount of coffee grounds to the bottom of the French press.
  • Pour hot water over the grounds and let them steep for about four minutes.
  • Slowly press down the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.
  • Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy!

8. Banks Fry Bake

The Banks Fry Bake is a versatile and essential tool for every camping kitchen. It combines the functions of a fry pan, baking dish, and dutch oven in one compact device.

8.1 Introduction to Banks Fry Bake

  • Heat distribution: The Banks Fry Bake is made of cast aluminum, which ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots.
  • Multi-purpose: This versatile tool can be used for frying, baking, roasting, or simmering a variety of dishes.
  • Compact design: The Banks Fry Bake is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry during your camping adventures.

8.2 Cooking Techniques with Banks Fry Bake

  • Frying: Use the flat bottom of the Banks Fry Bake as a frying pan to cook delicious meals like bacon, eggs, or pancakes.
  • Baking: The deep sides of the Fry Bake make it ideal for baking bread, cakes, or even casseroles.
  • Roasting: Place a rack in the Fry Bake and use it to roast meats or vegetables over a campfire or portable stove.

Throughout your camping journey, you’ll likely need to store and organize various spices. Spice holders are an excellent solution to keep your spices readily accessible and protected.

9.1 Advantages of Using Spice Holders

  • Organization: Spice holders help you keep your spices in one place, allowing for easy access during meal preparation.
  • Protection: By storing your spices in airtight containers, you can protect them from moisture, insects, and other contaminants.
  • Space-saving: Spice holders are typically compact and stackable, making them perfect for conserving space in your camping kitchen.

9.2 Tips for Using Spice Holders Effectively

  • Label your spice holders: To avoid confusion, label each spice holder with the name of the spice. This will make it easier to find the right ingredient.
  • Choose stackable containers: Opt for spice holders that can be stacked on top of each other to maximize space in your camping kitchen.

10. Viva Paper Towels

When it comes to paper towels, Viva paper towels are a camper’s best friend. Their unique texture and strength make them ideal for a multitude of tasks in the camping kitchen.

10.1 Benefits of Viva Paper Towels

  • Absorbency: Viva paper towels are designed to absorb more liquid compared to other brands, making them perfect for cleaning up spills and messes.
  • Durability: These paper towels are strong and won’t easily tear or disintegrate, allowing you to tackle tough cleaning jobs without worry.
  • Multipurpose: Apart from cleaning, Viva paper towels can also be used as napkins, makeshift plates, or even as kindling for starting a campfire.

11. Kitchen Sink Tubs

Conserving water while camping is essential, and using kitchen sink tubs can help you do just that. These collapsible tubs provide a practical solution for washing dishes and vegetables without wasting water.

11.1 Benefits of Kitchen Sink Tubs

  • Water conservation: By using a sink tub, you can collect and reuse the water used for washing dishes, reducing water waste.
  • Space-saving: Kitchen sink tubs can be collapsed and stored easily when not in use, saving valuable space in your camping gear.
  • Versatility: These tubs can also be used for organizing and washing fruits and vegetables, making your camping kitchen more efficient.

12. Convertible Measuring Cups and Spoons

When space is limited in your camping kitchen, consolidated tools are a lifesaver. Convertible measuring cups and spoons offer the convenience of multiple measurements in a single tool.

12.1 How Convertible Measuring Cups and Spoons Work

  • Measuring cups: These tools typically come with interchangeable inserts that allow you to adjust the volume measurement. For example, a 1-cup measuring cup can also be converted to ½ cup or ¾ cup.
  • Measuring spoons: Similar to measuring cups, these spoons have removable sections that allow you to switch between different measurements, such as a tablespoon, teaspoon, or half-teaspoon.

13. 5 Liter Water Jug

Staying hydrated while camping is crucial, and having a reliable water source is essential. A 5-liter water jug is the perfect container to bring along on your camping adventures.

13.1 Why Choose a 5 Liter Water Jug

  • Higher capacity: Compared to smaller water bottles, a 5-liter jug allows you to carry a larger amount of water, reducing the need for frequent refills.
  • Space-saving: A 5-liter jug is more compact than carrying multiple smaller water bottles, freeing up space in your backpack or cooler.
  • Durability: Look for a water jug made from sturdy materials to ensure it can withstand the rigors of camping trips.

14. Bulk Mustard Container for Grey Water

When camping in areas where there is no access to sewage pipes or drains, disposing of grey water can be a challenge. Using a bulk mustard container is a clever and eco-friendly solution.

14.1 Why Use a Bulk Mustard Container

  • Recyclable and disposable: Bulk mustard containers are often made from recyclable materials. After using them to store grey water, you can dispose of them responsibly to prevent environmental impact.
  • Secure and leak-proof: These containers typically come with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring that your grey water remains contained and doesn’t spill or leak.

14.2 Steps to Use a Bulk Mustard Container for Grey Water

  • Empty and clean out an empty, large-sized mustard container.
  • Collect your grey water from dishes, cooking, or cleaning activities.
  • Pour the grey water into the mustard container and secure the lid tightly.
  • Dispose of the container in an appropriate waste disposal area, following local regulations.

With these 14 camping kitchen hacks, your camping kitchen experience will be more enjoyable, efficient, and delicious. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, using a portable stove, or utilizing a small RV kitchen, these hacks will help you make the most of your camping adventures. Happy cooking and happy camping!