Want to make your family camping trips more memorable?
It’s all about the food. There’s nothing quite like the smell of a hot breakfast sizzling over an open flame as your children wake up in their tents.
Campers arrive to their campsite mostly unprepared. With cheap pots that burn everything, flimsy utensils that break on day one, and cooking gear that makes meal prep a nightmare.
The good news? With the right outdoor cooking gear, making meals at the campground becomes the highlight of the trip. Not the headache.
Let’s Get Into It:
- Why Outdoor Cooking Gear Matters For Family Trips
- Essential Cooking Gear Every Camping Family Needs
- How To Choose The Right Cookware
- Tips For Keeping Your Gear In Top Shape
- The right outdoor cooking setup matters because:
- Food simply tastes better when prepared properly
- Less stress makes for more quality family time
- Good quality gear will last for years of camping trips
- A large soup pot or kettle for boiling water
- A frying pan for breakfast meals
- Lids that work with multiple pieces
- Nesting pieces to save storage space
Why Outdoor Cooking Gear Matters For Family Trips
Camping has been on a sharp rise over the past decade.
Industry data shows that camping participation increased 68% since 2014. Meaning that 28.5 million US households now consider themselves campers.
And what are all these new campers doing by the fire? Cooking.
Statistics show that 65% of campers participate in outdoor cooking activities. The most common form of outdoor meal preparation being barbecue or campfire cooking.
The issue is…
Generic cookware just isn’t made to work for camping. Heavy pots and pans from home are awkward to transport and often damaged by campfire heat. Families need specialized equipment built for the great outdoors.
That’s where purpose-built campfire cooking kits come in handy. These outdoor cooking systems handle everything from boiling morning coffee to whipping up a hearty family dinner.
Simple right?
Essential Cooking Gear Every Camping Family Needs
Not all camping cookware is created equal. Some pieces are essential while other items are just nice to have.
Let’s look at what every camping family should have in their kit…
A Quality Camp Stove
Camp stoves are the base of any outdoor kitchen. It’s where you get consistent heat, something you can’t get from an open fire.
Look for stoves that light easily in all weather, have adjustable flame control, and fold down compact for storage.
Propane stoves work great for family camping because they’re reliable and easy to use. The kids can even help with cooking breakfast without worry.
Durable Cookware Sets
The cookware set is where most families make mistakes. Either bringing heavy cast iron that weighs a ton or cheap aluminum that warps after two trips.
The middle ground? Stainless steel or hard-anodized aluminum cookware made specifically for camping. These materials can handle high heat without warping or reacting and clean up easily at camp.
A good camping cookware set should include:
Cooking Utensils That Last
Plastic spatulas melt. Wooden spoons crack. Metal utensils scratch non-stick surfaces.
The answer? Heat resistant silicone or stainless steel utensils made specifically for outdoor use. They’ll withstand campfire temperatures and not fall apart.
At minimum, have a spatula, large spoon, tongs, and a sharp knife with protective sheath.
Fire Starting Equipment
Even if you’re using a camp stove, families should have reliable fire starting gear. Waterproof matches, a quality lighter, and some fire starters should always be in the kit.
Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than cold food because nobody could get the fire going.
How To Choose The Right Cookware
Picking out outdoor cooking gear can feel overwhelming. There are so many options at every price point.
Here’s how to narrow down the list…
Consider The Family Size
Solo backpackers need different gear than a family of five. Large families need bigger pots and pans. They also need more fuel to account for longer cooking times.
Take a look at what meal sizes are typical before purchasing. Cooking for 4 hungry kids requires a lot more capacity than cooking for 2 adults.
Think About Cooking Style
Some families keep it simple with hot dogs and canned beans. Others want to be able to cook gourmet meals under the stars.
Be honest about your cooking style. It’s no point buying a fancy Dutch oven if nobody in the family knows how to use it. Start with versatile basics and specialty items can be added over time.
Weight Vs. Durability
Lightweight gear is easier to pack and carry. Ultralight options though often sacrifice durability.
For car camping where weight isn’t an issue, heavier and more durable options make sense. For backcountry trips where ounces count, lighter materials become more important.
Budget Considerations
Quality outdoor cooking gear costs more money upfront. But it also lasts significantly longer than its cheaper alternatives.
Think of it as an investment. The initial cost of a quality cookware set that will last for a decade is less per trip than cheap gear replaced after each season.
Tips For Keeping Your Gear In Top Shape
Even the best quality camping cookware and gear needs proper care. A few simple habits will keep things working like new for years.
Clean After Every Use
At the campground, use biodegradable soap and pack out all food waste. When at home, give everything a good wash before storage.
Dry Completely Before Storing
Moisture causes rust and mildew. Make sure all cooking gear is completely dry before packing up.
Store in a dry location with plenty of airflow. Avoid sealing damp gear in plastic containers.
Inspect Before Each Trip
Check all gear for damage before each trip. Loose handles, warped bottoms, and worn coatings can all cause problems at the campsite.
Repair or replace any damaged pieces before they fail during a trip.
Store Properly
Keep cookware nested together to save space. Use soft cloths between each piece to prevent scratching.
Store stoves with fuel lines disconnected. Matches and lighters should be in waterproof containers.
The Bottom Line
Quality outdoor cooking gear will make family camping trips that much better. Instead of struggling to make meals with burnt food and broken equipment, focus can be placed on making memories.
The camping cookware and outdoor cooking gear picked today will be used for years of family adventure. It’s worth taking the time to select versatile, durable items that match your family’s camping style.
Start with the basics. A reliable stove, quality cookware set, and good utensils cover most cooking needs. Specialty items can be added as skills and confidence increases.
The campfire is calling. Time to get geared up and hit the trail!