Camp Kitchen Checklist

What you bring for your camp kitchen will, of course, vary depending on what kind of trip you're planning and your culinary preferences. If you fancy yourself a campground gourmet, setting up your personal camp kitchen might just be one of the highlights of your trip. (Looking for recipe ideas? Check out our recipe section of Uncommon Path.)Whether you're a newbie or experienced camper, it's always a good idea to remind yourself of some basic food-handling rules. Read Food Handling and Storage for Campers and Backpackers to learn about the do's and don'ts of managing your food in the outdoors.Use this comprehensive checklist as a starting point—then you can customize it to match your style and your trip. (If you're going minimalist, or this just looks overwhelming, see the "backcountry kitchen" section of our backpacking checklist for a more streamlined list of the essentials.)Printer-Friendly Version (PDF)Cooking and PrepCamping stove and fuelMatches/lighter/firestarterCook pot(s) and lid(s)Frying pan(s)Pot holders and/or pot lifterCooking utensils (large spoon, spatula, tongs, whisk)Bottle opener, can opener, corkscrew (or multi-tool)Sharp knifeCutting boardOptional:Camp grill and fuelGrill rackGriddleDutch oven and lid lifterCharcoalFirewood, sourced near the campsiteSaw/axeAluminum foilPortable coffee/tea makerMixing bowlsMeasuring spoonsMeasuring cup(s)Marshmallows/hot-dog-roasting forksRolling ice cream makerHand-crank blenderCamp table(s) or kitchen organizer unitSetting the Camp TablePlates/bowls (at least 1 per person)Mugs/cups (at least 1 per person)Eating utensils (forks, knives, spoons)NapkinsWater bottlesTablecloth (and clips)Lantern/lightingCamp Kitchen StorageCooler(s)Ice or ice substitutesBear- and/or rodent-resistant food containersEgg holder(s)Small food containers (for leftovers)Resealable bagsLarge bins or bags (to transport and store kitchen gear)Camp Kitchen CleanupCamp sink or wash bin(s)Large refillable water jugBiodegradable soapPot scrubber/sponge(s)Trash/recycling bagsQuick-dry towelsPaper towelsDish-drying rackClothesline with clipsCommon Camping Food BasicsConsider keeping some slow-to-perish items in your camping food bin to use throughout the camping season, supplementing with other perishable ingredients as needed—don't forget the marshmallows! Here are just a few suggestions to get you started, but adapt the list to fit your needs.Salt & pepperSpicesCooking oil/nonstick sprayCoffee/tea/hot chocolateSweeteners (sugar, honey, sugar substitute)OatmealPancake mixSyrupRiceDried pastaCanned foods (soup, chili, etc.)Dried foods (fruit, jerky, etc.)Energy foods (bars, gels, trail mix)Peanut butterJelly/jamRelated ArticlesFood Handling and Storage for Campers and BackpackersCamping ChecklistCamping for Beginners