WHAT KITCHEN GEAR TO PACK FOR CAMPING: My Car Camping Kitchen Essentials

One of my favorite parts of a camping trip is getting to cook outdoors! In this video, I show you what kitchen gear to pack for camping. If you want to make some of the camp meals you see in my videos, this is the car camping kitchen essentials that I always pack! Keep in mind that you likely already have a lot of this gear in your kitchen at home. If you're just getting started, I would buy a camp stove and cast iron pan first. If you have any questions, make sure to comment below the video.
► Check out the blog post for even more info about each item: amandaoutside.com/car-camping...
► OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
◦ Car Camping Tips and Hacks: • Camping Tips
◦ Car Camping Meal Ideas & Recipes: • Camping Food Ideas
◦ What I Eat in a Day CAMPING (example meal plan): • What I Eat In A Day CA...
► CAMP KITCHEN GEAR IN THIS VIDEO:
1. Stove: amzn.to/3r9mhCf
2. Fuel
3. Cast Iron Pan: amzn.to/3RevBPQ
4. Cast Iron Dutch Oven (4 Qt.): amzn.to/43kujFb
5. Cutting Board
6. Sharp Knife
7. Spatula
8. Metal Tongs
9. Wooden Spoon
10. Yeti Cooler: amzn.to/46kg45C
11. Water Jug
12. Pot Scrapper: amzn.to/2RHrTz5
13. Enamel Plates and Bowls: bit.ly/3s0R4RH
14. Primus Campfire Cookset: amzn.to/43zI9DY
16. Forks and spoons to eat with
17. Coffee Setup: amzn.to/2u3nE7T
18. Kettle for boiling water
19. Insulated Coffee Mugs
20. Bottle Opener & Can Opener
► LET'S CONNECT
Blog: amandaoutside.com
Instagram: / amandaoutside
Pinterest: / amandaoutside
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
DISCLAIMER: This video description contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you click on the items mentioned. You are under NO obligation to do so. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support of my channel!

[@ariyaelle]

You should do a video of how you load your car with car camping stuff. We tend to over pack, and sometimes cannot fit everything in the car. Appreciate it!

[@tamekaconley9753]

Containers.. large bins

[@pinkeangst]

I have an overpacking problem too!

[@Kerry6691]

​@@pinkeangstditto

[@pinkeangst]

Hi Amanda, can you please show how you wash dishes while camping? I love your channel - beautiful filming and useful content!

[@steve4628]

I use stainless pans and pots from Stanley. Check them out, love them. Lighter than cast iron. Little bit of a learning curve cooking with them. Use them at home first to figure it out. Cleaning is easy. Put some water in it and bring to a boil, then put in some Dawn Platinum and boil for a few more minutes depending if how much ,if any food has stuck to the pan. Rinse thoroughly and wipe out.

[@flutey28]

I've always done something simple too, using a giant pot filled up with water, as our "sink"

[@MultiZamza]

Pine leaves and water work pretty well

[@felishiarae332]

I would love to see that as well! Bringing a cast iron to camp sounds scary to me so I'd really love to know how she washes her pans while car camping.

[@annalaemmle6010]

I very very rarely IF EVER comment on KZbin videos, but I just have to say that I love your channel and was an instant subscriber after just two videos!! My family used to camp so much when I was younger and I never really learned how to do much on my own since I am the youngest and my dad and older sister were always more experienced and I wasn’t expected to do much while we were out camping. But as I get older and into my adult life my dad wants to help my sister and I create our own camping bins/kits and even though this is a familiar topic for me, I am learning many new things from your videos! So far I have only seen your 7 camping tips video and this one, but I will be binging your channel today!! Thank you, and it is so SO nice to see you sharing something you really love and are passionate about! Stay safe out there in the wilderness and keep doing what you’re doing! ❤️

[@profmiller3524]

Thanks - I just discovered you and this is helpful! I really like the collapsing water jug idea. One thing we've found - when we cook in foil, we use pie-tins. Put the vegetables in first, the meat on top (so it doesn't burn), and a few coals on top to even out the heat. When you're done, you've got a built-in plate for eating.

[@dianelombard899]

Taking our grandkids camping for the first time. They’re excited! 7&8 yrs old. Thanks for your video - just in time!

[@davidwade4443]

My wife and I like to do the same type of camping that you do. Thanks for sharing great camping ideas. We used some of your suggestions for food on our recent trip to Colorado. Keep camping!

[@annwilkens2066]

I just discovered your videos today and they are exactly what I needed! I'm 51 and decided to try camping this summer for the first time. I love the outdoors and hiking but have always been hesitant to camp. Now I'm so excited and can hardly wait. I've been researching and making lists and talking to friends. Luckily, I can borrow a lot of stuff from them. The part that worries me the most is vault toilets and not showering! I'll be in northern Wisconsin.

[@seanadean424]

How did it go?

[@naps3386]

How did it go? I'm betting she has not gone.

[@annwilkens2066]

@@seanadean424 Oops just seeing this now. it went great! Ended up going my first time in october. it got down to 35 degrees at night but I was warm! Heard owls and coyotes.

[@annwilkens2066]

@@naps3386 I did go!

[@annwilkens2066]

really fun being by myself out in the woods.

[@haroldgc1140]

Fantastic Video, simple and short...thank you for the great headups.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Amanda, thank you for sharing another informative video. You are certainly well organized. All the best of good things for you. Please stay healthy. 🤗

[@trishaepan]

Thanks so much for sharing your list and also for the written list with links!!

[@johnwilliams640]

Sure did enjoy ya video. First time seeing you. Sure did make the rest of my day. GREAT JOB. Thanks

[@tommieboi707]

Nice setup!! You should do a 1 hour vlog on what you do from morning til night while you camp. I would absolutely watch that. I know a lot of people will also. Thanks for the vid!

[@hammondhikes7784]

Excellent video. Love some dutch oven peach cobbler. The smell that wafts in the air when its almost done is amazing. They make parchment paper liners for dutch ovens that make cleanup a snap. No scraping or scrubbing of stuck-on food.

[@amanda.outside]

YES I love some dutch oven peach cobbler too!

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

I like that you are using the Coleman stove. There are fancier models, but it is just bomb proof and I like how compact it is. If the O-ring seals ever fail and you get a flair-up, they are easy to replace. I also saw a video on lubricating the seals to improve flame control, as they can be a bit finicky, especially trying to get the flame down low for simmering.

[@juangsantos]

Im going camping for the 2nd time in my life, and your videos ahve been super helpful thank you!

[@davecavanaugh3300]

Very helpful, thank you. Looking forward to our first attempt at camping this summer. Your KZbin channel will definitely help.

[@amanda.outside]

That's awesome!! I have tons of resources for you here on this channel! 😁

[@chainsawcabinetshop492]

Thanks for your video. I use Stainless Steel Stove Burner covers as plates. As of this post, 4 of them are $12.97 at Wal-mart. I got that idea from Brian at the "Adventure Van Man" channel on you tube. . I also bought 4 covers for about $8.00 at Dollar general, but there are much lighter weight and will bend easily. Also $1.00 pie plates from Dollar Tree work well also.

[@linabing9181]

Thank you for an absolutly great video. Im smack in the middle of fixing kitchen gear for a long roadtrip this summer and this was really inspiring.

[@NoviceDIYerNoel]

I can't wait to try my new chuck box... in my backyard. 😊

[@jadeeliasson5718]

This is my second video of yours today and I am genuinely hooked haha. Thanks for all of these! I am an avid camper and backpacker but it's still great to get someone else's take on what's useful and essential. Cheers!

[@a.phillips6892]

Thank you SO much! Very informative! I will be solo camping for the first time soon. Just got a fire box for heating hot water, soup, beans. Don’t have any experience with starting/ maintaining a fire.

[@coloradoklutch8005]

I'm in the process of gearing up for overlanding and just discovered your channel. Very nice! I appreciate that you are informative without any hype. I like that your gear appears to be functional and not gold-plated luxury items. I look forward to seeing more. And yeah, sure, I'll subscribe.

[@amanda.outside]

Welcome to the channel! Thanks for watching!

[@hikingtrailheads1340]

Soooooo helpful! Thank you for the tips!

[@joethegeographer]

Nachos? Brilliant! Thanks for sharing :)

[@farmgirlnycom]

Thanks!! Oh so helpful for our Honda Element travels!

[@TheJalapeno2010]

Great video!! Thank you!!

[@PinkMooJuice]

So helpful thank you!!

[@MarkDouglasOutside]

Great video! Excellent tips, especially the collapsible water jug! The background is pretty epic too!!

[@amanda.outside]

Thanks Mark! I loved this filming spot too!

[@robertmcewin8581]

what can I say, LOVE YOUR CHANNEL I have been camping with the boy scouts for over 44 yrs cooking being my passion seen it all, you my dear are a breath of fresh air

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you! This makes me so happy to hear!

[@lindapasaribu7066]

Thanks 4 ur info about kitchen gear essential 4 camping

[@thirstymercfan]

Awesome video Amanda some great ideas in here 😊

[@amanda.outside]

Thank you! 🤗

[@Nathaliespjalle]

Really good tips! Thank u❤

[@mytravelcookware8381]

Good advice an great video.

[@j12barron]

Perfect just what I wanted to hear. Now I can take my little stove on my next hike to Eaton Canyon.

[@expressivepets1]

I agree with cooking in cast iron. I have a cast iron wok; bought off of amazon...i love cooking in that thing. Food just taste so much better.

[@Tttttttttttttttt2]

Love your channel very helpful!!

[@lovinglife3954]

Thanks for such great detailed videos.

[@eunicesakay6116]

New subscriber here! Thanks for having a detailed video for camping kitchen gears! Really helpful.

[@devinbraun1852]

Thanks for the video. My family and I are avid campers (both car and backpack) and it’s always nice to see what other folks include in their kit. Ditto on almost everything you included, but I’ll also throw in a few nuggets of wisdom. For our camp stove, we’ve quit the throw away fuel cans and now bring a refillable 5 lb. propane cylinder. It usually lasts us 2-3 weeks cooking for 6 people. Takes up a little more room, but way more convenient and eco friendly (I still carry a small canister as an emergency backup). The setup does require a hose & regulator conversion you can buy at most hardware stores. As a coffee lover, I 100% agree that a manual grinder and whole beans is the way to go. However, I now only use the pop-up pour over funnel when backpacking. When car camping, I use a Colletti (sp?) stainless steel percolating coffee pot; so worth including in the camp kitchen. It’s also handy when just needing to boil water. For water storage and transport, I’ve used about everything, but now swear by Aqua Brick’s 3 gallon containers with a spigot cap. Perfect manageable size with great molded in handles. We pack more or less containers depending on length of trip and availability of water at destination. Happy camping!

[@devinbraun1852]

After posting above, I read through some of the other comments in thread and see you have already made the switch to small propane tank option! Cheers.

[@crcsalim]

Good tips! Thanks

[@mandyinseattle]

Oh I see you even listed all the items and where to get them. Thank you! That collapsible coffee filter is genius Do you carry the Dutch oven and frying pan when you're backpacking camping? They're heavy.

[@migke777]

Great video thanks for sharing!

[@GamerKidEdits]

Thanks so much for sharing, loving all the tips and tricks. Organizing my gear now and putting everything in storage bins so my son and I can hit the road to camping at a moment’s notice. Also really enjoying all the desert camping. I went to school at Fort Lewis College and Utah was our weekend backyard. Keep the vids coming, especially the car camping cooking videos, they really inspire and are synonymous to multi-day canoe trips. Cheers!!

[@amanda.outside]

I organize everything in bins too! It makes it so much easier. The bins are always ready and we just put them in the car and go! Thanks for commenting!

[@hellobritt2484]

I think you read my mind lol I was just wondering what I should bring . Thank you for the video

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful! 🤗

[@roneykaithpalmaria]

Awesome video! You should do a vlog of your setup, clean up and take down! I find that cooking always becomes so much effort, wondering if there’s a more efficient way to do it

[@amanda.outside]

Thanks for the video suggestion! I will add it to my list. I have a "camping hacks" video coming out soon that shows how I stay organized when I camp, and that might be helpful too!

[@OMGiGi]

amandaoutside ohh is your camping hacks video? Also do you have any videos on things to do while camping? New here :)

[@dianelombard899]

Pre-prep your food. Much easier!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

I was glad to see another video. Thanks.

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome!

[@lingxiao7285]

Very helpful. I love the way you present :)

[@amanda.outside]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrellmccain9041]

Great ideas.

[@omgnoi]

This was SOOO helpful

[@Widows-out-wandering]

Love the collapsible coffe filter and water jug

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Very good kitchen gear and ware. Good advice on keeping a kettle just for water. I would hate to have my morning mocha coffee taste like beef chili Mac. Too funny. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@amanda.outside]

Yea it's definitely nice to have a hot water kettle - especially for the amount of coffee that I make 😂

[@djmelotte8220]

Awesome video!!! Thank you!!!!! 💖

[@fire58372001]

When I was in Bosnia, the corkscrew on my Swiss Army knife was the most used item. :)

[@gummybear41283]

yes you drunk

[@julesinthewild5769]

Love this!! Can't wait to see your nacho video!

[@amanda.outside]

The plan is to upload it next week! I just have to finish the editing! 🤗

[@kevinh5853]

Love video first time seeing you You did 🤗

[@DanielA-nl9nv]

I use basic double layer leather work gloves as my oven mitts. They work in most cases, very versatile.

[@virginia-yan]

Hey Amanda! I love all your videos :) Can you go over how to clean/take care of your cast iron at camp?

[@Citizen-pg8eu]

Scrape it as she demonstrated. Wipe it out. Use water if you must, but no soap. If you have vegetable oil, afterwards use a tiny amount on a paper towel to coat it, inside first; heating the coated cast iron is better, but not necessary. If you use it regularly, nothing sticks.

[@davidallen4552]

Good girl I was starting to get worried until I saw your cast iron. And I am glad that you know the difference between a dutch oven and a bean pot.

[@omgnoi]

And can you show how to wash dishes!? Thanks

[@WorkLara]

Coleman duel fuel stoves all the way. Far cheaper to run. And I would most definitely add duel fuel lantern as essential. But love your videos!! Great tips and videography.

[@rosemiller646]

My husband & I are getting ourselves camping equipment for Christmas so we can get back into camping. Thank you for your videos and suggestions; you’ve been very helpful and inspiring. I just subscribed! Your gear list and links to where to buy the items is great! I was wondering, though, where you got your cute flannel shirt in this video? 😊 Thanks.

[@ranch3518]

Awesome video. Good Information. Thank you.

[@amanda.outside]

You're welcome! Thank you for commenting!

[@karenmason6002]

Another great video with great information!!! Can you share you got your small cutting board?

[@pamelaklemp5615]

Husband and I enjoy Pasta or Rice as a side dish when camping. A Collapsible Strainer is definitely 👍 an essential in our camp kitchen setup. I was surprised by how much I use it, not just for Pasta or Rice but also berries, steamed veggies, even to drain water from melting ice inside a small cold bag.

[@pamil1923]

You can reuse those mugs!? Wow those are fantastic!👍🏼☮️

[@amanda.outside]

Thanks for watching! 💚A video of those dutch oven nachos I showed is coming soon! 🤤

[@ElsaRhae]

amandaoutside was coming to the comments to ask for this!! 🙌🏼

[@amanda.outside]

haha they are SO good - I just have to edit the video, but I'm hoping to have it up in a week or two! 🤗

[@moses777exodus]

Thanks for sharing. Best wishes, Lord-Jesus-Christ com

[@SunflowerGirlRV]

Yes I've subscribed Need camping recipes

[@brianparent8901]

Can you bring a small sized BBQ, like from Weber? We used to bring a small grill my Dad owned for a day outings. The 3 legs came off. I always bring an extra OXO can opener.

[@paulatalese8945]

Firstsr timer to your channel. Very informative and I’m digging the list. Thanks p.s. you weren’t really out in the nature with that backdrop! 😃

[@amanda.outside]

Welcome to the channel! Isn't the background awesome?!! Southern Utah does not disappoint 😁

[@paulatalese8945]

amandaoutside Did cross country road trip last summer from S. Fla lower states to Settle & upper states back. GORGEOUS beyond words.

[@shinystar1781]

of course you would bring a dutch oven camping 👍😆 i love that you don’t shortcut when it comes to gastronomy. i love cooking on the boat, but hate the cleanup. any hacks for that would be great

[@amanda.outside]

haha I do LOVE the dutch oven! I want to make more car camping videos about how I stay organized, cleaning, etc. I do try to keep things simple when it come to meals and prep stuff at home, so at camp it's more about assembly. That seems to minimize the clean up a bit. Also, you can buy dutch oven liners now, so there's no cleanup for that! 🤗

[@shinystar1781]

amandaoutside great tips, and i await a video about organization 👍 so important when space and supplies are limited

[@gmoutdoorsandmore7731]

Great information

[@dhanashrimate4172]

Nice collection

[@franksom8937]

Thanks for the great video, Amanda! I had a few questions about the water jug. How long have you used it? How has the durability been? And does it impart any plastic taste to the stored water over the duration of your typical camping trip? Thanks again for all the fantastic content! Cheers!

[@amanda.outside]

The water jug is surprisingly durable. I was skeptical at first, but it definitely holds up. I did leave one out on a picnic table once, and I think some animal chewed through it and I had to get a new one, but other than that, it's been great. I haven't noticed any plastic taste in my water either! The one that have is by the brand GSI outdoors. I linked to a different brand in the description though - it had a lot more reviews and looked even better! Hope this helps. Thanks for commenting!

[@nathanchristie6532]

I love your channel and all the information! One question I have is how you travel safely with the propane cylinders. In hot temperatures in the car, is there a risk of the canisters exploding under pressure? Have you ever had to store them in a special way to reduce the risk of a hazard?

[@northwind7409]

That big, collapsible water jug can be used to make two dish pans that will fit in with all your gear, if you have a spare. Just cut it along the molding seam. Smaller sizes also work.

[@reggaespiritdance]

Thank you!

[@akivanomad2167]

Camp kitchen. You read my mind. Only a few weeks ago, I asked if you had any camping videos. Like 👍

[@amanda.outside]

I remember you asking! Glad you liked it!

[@misstbikini]

Hi great video, how do you lift a full Yeti? and what table to do you use for the stove?

[@rosesanta7372]

Hi I found you by accident but I ❤️ love ❤️ your videos very grateful your new fan

[@ChristianJamesK]

Camping in West (and central) Australia.... mostly no available water... no open fires (or limited)... desert camping.. but frequently on the beach.. Love to go overlanding in the USA!

[@manubisbee1]

Great video. Subscribed

[@amanda.outside]

Thanks for the sub! Welcome to the channel!

[@WayawayAdventures]

Those compressible water jugs are great because as you use the water you can remove the air, eliminating the gurgle slosh racket that will eventually drive you nuts on a long trip.

[@jessechampers4715]

Thanks!

[@jessechampers4715]

Love your videos. Question for you. I am a solo car camper. Don’t have a lot of space. Want to do some cast iron cooking. Is it ok to use my (cast iron) frying pan as a Dutch oven? By using the lid from dutch oven on frying pan. That way I save space.

[@davidcritchley5993]

Hi Amanda, just seeing this a year later. You have excellent tools and I noticed you are using a Griswold skillet. Those are coveted by cast iron aficionados, but I would be reluctant to put it over a campfire.

[@organicgardenmamavictoriab2768]

Do you have video for someone who never cooked outside before ? I should start learning to use a grill perhaps

[@organicgardenmamavictoriab2768]

I've never cooked outside but I really want to. I'm gonna learn how.

[@myopinion9518]

Leatherman Juice-( Blue) one of my favorite tools. Don’t leave home without it! Also.... the Signal for camping.

[@jimini1976]

Not sure if this is an essential for everyone but the MSR Pocket Rocket is a great compact car camping or backpacking stove. My 2 burner Coleman stoves use coleman fuel(liquid), those small green propane tanks are expensive for the amount of propane thats in them. Great vid n Happy Camping 🏕🥓🥞👍

[@amanda.outside]

I agree, those small green canisters are expensive for the amount of fuel you get. Nick got us a slightly larger propane tank with a hose adapter that we get refilled now, so it ends up being a lot cheaper.

[@alpineamanda]

@Frank like a BBQ grill? if so that's what I do or cook over the fire. I def backpack more than I car camp though.

[@erikabyce9009]

Do you have a link for the pot with a spout you use for boiling the coffee water?

[@brejaimecastillo8851]

I found out that at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx in the kitchen and goods section, they have these like seasoned pre prepped soup mixes. Man some dried sausage and vegetables would make awesome quick dinners with just some of that piping hot water she’s talking about and they are souper cheap … y’all get it souper cheap lol

[@jefftatchio6091]

Utah Jeff .... here .... don’t forget the matches or lighters!

[@charlescaprez4322]

Excellent very useful

[@amanda.outside]

Glad to hear that!

[@proudlyindian001]

ALL MINE 😍

[@stephanieleccese675]

This may be a silly question, but how do you clean up dishes at camp? I’ve always been to campgrounds with a dishwashing station.

[@felishiarae332]

I'd love to know that as well! Especially when it comes to that cast iron pan.

[@EvieVermont]

What about hiking/camping gear for the “kitchen”? Lightweight stuff that is essential on a hiking trip where you have no car?

[@jamesryan3844]

Hey From Australia, just discovered your Videos, Could I ask what size your Yeti Cooler is, and does it hold enough for food & Milk Only.

[@vel_p_6547]

Hi Amanda!, thanks for the video, great tips!. What brand of insulated coffee/drink mugs do you recommend? Thanks!!

[@amanda.outside]

I have both a Yeti coffee mug and a Hydroflask coffee mug. I love them both and they keep my coffee nice and hot! I even use them at home now.

[@vel_p_6547]

amandaoutside Thank you!!😊

[@sarahescobar4828]

Hi, would you say we could use a cast iron skillet to cook eggs or bacon over an open fire if we had a spider stand or something like that?

[@georgiakennedy3803]

Hey Amanda! Do you have a specific container/bag that you hold your kitchen essentials in? I’m looking for something that makes my kitchen stuff easy to transport!

[@amanda.outside]

I store everything in 2 bins that have a lid. I have one smaller one for my kitchen gear and then another one for food items that don't need refrigeration. Both of them are good sizes for me to comfortably carry on my own!

[@omgnoi]

What was that can opener Swiss Army knife you have?