There’s nothing quite like cooking over a campfire after a day of hiking, fishing, exploring, or simply relaxing outdoors. But if you’ve ever arrived at your campsite only to realize you forgot the tongs, a lighter, or even the salt and pepper, you know how difficult grilling on the go can get.
Planning a camping trip this summer? This ultimate camping BBQ checklist covers everything you’ll need to grill like a pro, including the small but important things that are easy to forget.
Start With the Food
Before you think about equipment, make sure you’ve packed plenty of grilling favorites.
Meat
- Marinated short ribs (the easiest camping meal hack)
- Burgers
- Bratwurst or smoked sausages
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken breasts
- Kabobs
- Bacon
- Breakfast sausage
- Deli meats for lunches
- Pepperoni and jerky for easy snacking
Sides & Vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Salad kits
- Pasta salad
- Fresh fruit
Condiments & Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic seasoning
- BBQ rubs
- Steak seasoning
- Hot sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- BBQ sauce
- Butter
Grilling Equipment
The essentials that make camp cooking possible.
- Portable grill
- Campfire grill grate
- Charcoal
- Firewood (if permitted)
- Propane tank
- Extra propane canister
- Chimney starter
- Fire starters
- Lighter
- Waterproof matches
- Grill brush
- Long-handled tongs
- Spatula
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Aluminum foil
- Foil pans
- Skewers
- Cast iron skillet
- Dutch oven
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
The Stuff Everyone Forgets
The small items can be easy to forget.
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes
- Trash bags
- Ziplock bags
- Food storage containers
- Serving spoons
- Tongs for serving
- Pot holders
- Extra batteries
- Headlamp
- Lantern
- Hand sanitizer
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Tablecloth or picnic blanket
Cooler & Food Storage
Keeping food cold and safe is key during summer camping trips.
- Cooler
- Ice
- Ice packs
- Frozen water bottles
- Extra cooler for drinks
- Reusable water bottles
- Water jug
- Food storage bins
Camp Kitchen Setup
Creating a camp cooking station makes preparing for meals much easier.
- Folding table
- Camp stove
- Fuel for stove
- Pots and pans
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking oil
- Cooking spray
- Kitchen towels
- Dish towels
- Coffee
- Creamer
- Sugar
Plates, Cups & Utensils
You don’t want to be missing these once it’s time to dig in.
- Paper plates
- Paper bowls
- Cups
- Coffee mugs
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Reusable utensils
- Napkins
Campfire Extras
Who doesn’t love a good fire and delicious s’mores?
- Marshmallows
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate bars
- Popcorn for campfire popping
- Hot chocolate mix
Before You Leave
Take a quick inventory the night before your trip:
✓ Meat packed and chilled
✓ Grill fuel packed
✓ Lighter and matches packed
✓ Cooking utensils packed
✓ Seasonings packed
✓ Cooler filled with ice
✓ Paper towels packed
✓ Trash bags packed
✓ Water packed
✓ Meat thermometer packed
Whether you’re grilling marinated short ribs over the fire, cooking smoked bratwursts for an easy lunch, or serving up burgers for the whole campground, having quality ingredients ready to go makes every outdoor meal better.
Stop by Gartner’s before your next camping trip and stock up on camping favorites!