Snuggling up around the campfire and enjoying a hot and hearty barbecue is one of the many joys of camping. To help you enjoy a delicious grilled dinner after a day of camping fun, we’ve rounded up nine of the best camping BBQs.
When purchasing your camping grill, it pays to think about your group size; the type of food you want to grill; how to transport your camping grill (distance to the car etc.) and whether you prefer to cook with gas or charcoal.
With this in mind, we have put together nine camping grills with different weights, functions and price ranges so that you can find a suitable grill for your preferred camping kitchen. All of the camping grills in our list are raised so they don’t scorch the ground. So put the rice in the cooking bag aside and upgrade your camping cooking experience!
Looking for some hot tips? Check out our open fire cooking tips: what to cook and how to get the best flavor.
The best camping grills for 2022
Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill
For a compact camping grill that won’t weigh you down, try this model from Snow Peak. The ingenious collapsible contraption can be taken apart and laid flat like flat-pack furniture. There’s even a handy carrying case. So if you have a short hike between the car and the campsite, this camping grill should be light enough to carry, just throw it over your shoulder. The model is made of stainless steel and you can use newspaper and kindling to start your fire.
After your meal, remove the grill bridge and enjoy an open campfire – perfect for toasting marshmallows.
Buy the Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill now on Amazon (RRP £343)
Primus Kuchoma Portable Gas Camping Grill
A stylish camping gas grill that folds into a neat briefcase design for easy portability. This Primus design is all about making your cooking experience as straightforward as possible. Connect your gas cartridge and press the ignition button to get started. The cleaning process should also be fairly easy as there is a removable non-stick ceramic cooking grate. You can even pop it in the dishwasher when you get home, ready for your next camping adventure.
In terms of looks, it’s essentially a shrunken grill you would have for your backyard. The foldable legs allow you to place this design on a table, eliminating the need to bend down to turn your steaks.
Roben’s Wayne Grill
A very similar design to the first model in our list, but at a much lower price. Same principles – this camping grill folds up and packs away in a handy carry bag. However, there is no base plate on this one, so this could be a deal breaker if you want a tray to catch the ashes. You can use charcoal or wood and simply remove the griddle when you feel like an open fire.
Outwell Cazal Fire Pit
Whether you’re staying warm after a day of kayaking or want to enjoy veggie kebabs for dinner, this rotary grill with fire pit is sure to come in handy. The fire bowl folds flat and no assembly is required, making it an easy choice. You can grill on a simple grate and huddle around the fire pit after dinner. A good choice if you are looking for a cozy camping atmosphere!
Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill
Weber is the go-to place for many BBQ enthusiasts, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s Go-Anywhere charcoal grill has proved popular with campers. Designed to fit in the boot of a car, this camping grill has a neat design – it measures approximately 53 x 37cm – so you should still have plenty of room for your sleeping bags, rain gear and tents.
It’s cleverly designed and packed with nifty features. The pivoting legs double as lid locks to keep everything securely in place on the go, and there’s plenty of room on the triple-plated cooking grate (holds six burgers, according to Weber), so this design would work well for a group trip. There are also vents in the lid to improve airflow, so consider it if you’re a grilling pro and want the real deal while away from your backyard. A practical choice for a trip to the beach too!
Buy the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill now on Amazon (RRP €109.99)
Easy Camp Adventure Grill BBQ
There are some fun, colorful camping grills out there if you want to opt for a more flashy camping accessory. This green model from Easy Camp is particularly light at only 2.4 kg. Another folding leg design and you don’t need any tools to get started so it’s great if you want to put the sausages on right after building the base.
Take advantage of the adjustable vent for professional grilling, and for added security, there’s a heat-resistant handle.
Valiant folding camping grill – BarBeeCue
A cheerful color that will brighten up any camping party! The Valiant Yellow Camping Grill is a breeze as it converts into a compact briefcase so you can carry it in one hand while balancing roll mats and food supplies in the other. With a cooking area of 23 x 32 cm, this option would work well for two hungry campers.
As an added bonus, you get a free pack of bee-friendly wildflower seeds with your purchase, as this camping grill was developed in partnership with the British Bee-Keepers Association, hence the quirky name ‘BarBeeCue’.
Cadac Safari Chef gas camping grill
Tired of burgers and fancy a campsite stir fry instead? The Cadac camping grill is all about versatility, as you can choose from a range of cooking plates. There’s a wok – just throw in some veggies and fresh pasta – and a non-stick ribbed griddle for fried eggs and grilled specialties. You can also cook on the gas burner so you can get your morning brew too.
You can use refillable gas bottles and gas cartridges with this model – just make sure you have the correct hose and regulator.
The choice of cooking styles coupled with its satisfyingly compact build makes it a desirable camping accessory, especially if you’re going camping for a week or traveling in a caravan and want a more varied and exciting menu for the week.
Kamado Joe Portable Charcoal Grill
Our final camping BBQ on the list might not be the most practical when hopping from campsite to campsite, as it weighs a whopping 70lbs (make sure you’re parked nice and close, and you’ve got a friend to put an end to it ! ), but if you’ve set up camp for the week and are serious about grilling, it’s worth considering.
The rather funky, egg-like Kamado Joe portable grill lets you control the temperature as there is a vent and a built-in temperature gauge. Depending on how hungry your fellow campers are, opt for high and fast (grilled peppers?) or low and slow – ideal for cuts of meat. You can even smoke your food if you want to impress. Expect impressive heat retention thanks to the ceramic design and a durable design that you can use for years to come.
With such a high price tag it’s an investment, but its decent size (apparently room for two whole chickens) and aesthetically pleasing design means you can use it as a garden grill during the summer months as well.
Looking for new grilling recipes? Treat your camping crew to grilled plaice with fennel seeds, chili, aubergines and tomatoes.