Food is essential for the success of your camping trip. And in this post, we will reveal all the camping kitchen essentials that you might actually need in your next adventure. Read on!
A Quick Overview
Camping is not just about enjoying the scenery. Part of the fun is being able to relish sumptuous meals outdoors. In fact, cooking at the campsite is one of the things that many campers want to look forward to. If done correctly, cooking while camping adds to the overall flavor of the trip.
But we all know that this task is not that straightforward. It could only get easier if you bring pre-made food to the campsite and just eat them whenever you want to. However, many campers don't want the easy way. And, of course, we recommend that you try to cook every time you camp--regardless of the duration. As mentioned, it adds to the experience.
Similar to other aspects of camping and outdoor adventures, preparation is the key to a successful camping cookout. Having the kitchen essentials, as well as tested-and-tried recipes, will let you enjoy different delicacies at the campsite. At the same time, proper food preparation and storage techniques will ensure that your meals remain edible, tasty, and spoil-free.
Camping Kitchen Checklist
Before we go to the nitty-gritty of food storage and preparation for camping, we will first give you what you are after here: a comprehensive checklist of the camping kitchen, which includes cookware, utensils, and other similar amenities.
Food Preparation
- Stove and fuel
- Firestarter, lighter, and other ignition systems
- Frying pans
- Cooking pots
- Spatula, tongs, and other cooking utensils
- Can openers and bottle openers
- Cooking knife (you could use a survival knife or bushcraft knife if a standard kitchen knife isn't available)
- Cutting board
- Griddles
- Pot holders
- Food thermometer
Optional Campsite Cooking Amenities
Eating Utensils
- Bowls and plates (one per each camper)
- Cups and mugs (one per each camper)
- Spoons, forks, and knives
- Water bottles
- Napkin and tablecloth (optional)
Food Storage
Cleaning
- Portable washing bins and sinks
- Water jugs
- Soap and dishwashers (preferably biodegradable)
- Clean towels
- Paper towels
- Recycling bags or disposable bags
- Sponge and scrubbers
Basics For Food Handling And Storage
Now, there are specific ways you should store and handle your food while camping. Compared to your home's kitchen, the outdoor kitchen is exposed to various elements. For instance, if you expose your ingredients to air or dirt, spoiling could take place. But that's not the worst-case scenario. It might also lead to food poisoning, which is potentially lethal if not treated properly.
So as a camper, you wouldn't want any of these things to happen to you. At the very least, you should learn basic food handling and storage whenever you are camping. Here are some of the things that you should do.
General Storage Practices
You need to keep your food in secure containers if you aren't going to cook or eat them. Aside from keeping out the dirt, it also prevents animals from smelling the scent, causing them to get attracted to your campsite. If you are in bear country, the one you could attract might be a lethal creature.
- Aside from that, don't leave any food items and other items with scents inside your tent. Keep them outside, in a spot that is distant from your tent.
- But at the same time, they don't leave them open and unattended. Even in broad daylight, animals like squirrels can steal the food that you have just-chopped.
- Speaking of, make sure that your food and ingredients are stored in secure coolers during the morning, especially if you are planning to leave your campsite for some walks or hikes.
- At night, any food should be placed in a bear container or any container that can't easily be pried open. If your car or RV is near you, they could also serve as perfect storage options for your food. If you are planning to leave your containers in the open, we recommend that you lock them. Alternatively, you can hang them on trees or place them in secure bear canisters.
General Food Handling Guidelines
It's not a secret that food poisoning, diarrhea, and food-related intestinal problems suck. And believe it or not, you could easily get any of these inconveniences if you don't properly handle your food while camping.
There are several risk factors that you have to take into account here.
- First is the possible or likely transmission of pathogens to your mouth via your hands. For example, if you have left the bathroom without washing your hands, this could really happen.
- Not securing your cooler enough. Food can still get spoiled in the cooler if it is not closed properly or if the ice runs out.
- Poor handling of raw ingredients, such as meat. Bacteria and pathogens can easily attach themselves to these food items.
To avoid these problems, you should do the following things.
- Wash your hands properly before you handle any food. Use soap or alcohol to sanitize your hands, especially if you just come from the bathroom. When washing your hands, make sure that it is away from any freshwater bodies or sources.
- Only dry your hands using a separate towel. Don't use the towel that you use for wiping dishes and plates.
- If there are no soaps, use sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizers instead.
Proper Cooler Usage
As mentioned, having coolers doesn't guarantee that your raw goods won't spoil. Ingredients such as meat and eggs should be stored at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent them from spoiling.
- We highly suggest that you pre-chill the cooler you are using with ice blocks for at least one hour before you put any ingredients inside it.
- There's also a technique of filling polycarbonate water bottles with liquids, such as water. Freeze them and put them on top of the cooler. That would extend the coolness inside the container.
- When storing meat and perishable, we suggest that you put them in double bags. Otherwise, they would leak and contaminate other ingredients inside the cooler.
- Organize the food placement, as well. The food items that you are going to eat first should be placed on top. Meanwhile, frozen raw meat should be on the bottom layer. It is where the temperature is the lowest.
- It would also be great if you could use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the food.
Proper Handling Of Raw Meat
There are a lot of camping delicacies involving meat! That's why they are always a good addition to your cooler. Of course, there are the most sensitive among all the perishable ingredients that you can bring to the camp. Hence, it is essential that you can handle this particular food item properly.
- Choose fresh meat. Don’t bring something that has been stored in your freezer for several days already.
- Prepare the meat in advance. If possible, cut or slice them in your home. After that, free the meat. You can do the same with other perishable ingredients, such as veggies.
- If you are going to prepare the meat at the campsite, make sure that you wash all your utensils first. After preparing the meat, you should also wash all the tools you used with soap and water. Do this before your hands touch other objects.
- We recommend that you don't cut other ingredients on surfaces where there are meat residues.
Other Essential Camping Kitchen Tips
- Downsize your utensils and cookware - While we listed a comprehensive checklist, not all of those items will serve you on every camping trip you have. Select which one you are going to use based on the recipe, number of people, and duration of your stay.
- Test your equipment - It is also essential that you test your camping stove to see if it is working; all the equipment that you are going to use in the cookout should be tested before the trip.
- Bring extra fuels - Who knows? You might cook more than what you have planned.
- Cover the food while cooking - It is essential that your cooking pans and pots have covers. In this way, dirt and dust will not be accidentally mixed into whatever you are preparing.
- Wash your hands - Don't forget to clean your hands before and after you eat, especially if you are the one who is preparing the food for your group. Keep in mind that cleaning your hands can prevent a multitude of foodborne diseases.
Check other checklists and other camping guides that we have prepared for you:
