Weekend car campers
You can bring a bit more weight, so a two-burner stove, a full cookset and a proper esky make sense.
Your Camping Cooking Setup, Sorted
A good camp kitchen makes every meal easier, from the first coffee to a slow dinner as the light fades. Here is how we set one up for car and campground camping.
What does a camp kitchen need?
Six pieces of the puzzle, in the order we would pack them.
COOK
Gas burners and portable barbecues for proper camp meals.
What to prioritise
Heat source
Camp Stoves & Portable BBQs
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COOKWARE
Cooksets, kettles, mugs and cutlery for meals at camp.
What to prioritise
Pots to plates
Camping Cookware & Utensils
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KEEP IT COLD
Eskies and soft coolers to keep food and drinks cold.
What to prioritise
Fresh food
Cooler Backpacks & Esky Coolers
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PREP SPACE
Folding tables and kitchen units for a tidy prep area.
What to prioritise
Bench space
Camping Tables & Portable Cupboards
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WATER
Bottles and flasks for water, tea and morning coffee.
What to prioritise
Drinks sorted
Isothermal Bottles & Insulated Flasks
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COOK COMPACT
Compact mess kits and cooksets, plus stoves, in one place.
What to prioritise
All-in-one cooking
Cooking Sets & Mess Kits
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A stove that suits how you cook
A two-burner or cassette stove lets you boil water and fry at the same time, which matters when you're feeding a group. If you mostly boil water for one or two, a single burner is lighter and simpler. Check which gas type it uses and that refills are easy to find near where you camp.
Cookware sized for your crew
Pick a cookset with enough pot volume for the number of people you feed. Nesting pots save space in the car, and folding handles make them easier to store. A non-stick pan is kinder for eggs and pancakes.
Cold storage that lasts the trip
Bigger, thicker-walled coolers hold their temperature longer, but they also take more room. Think about how many days you need food to stay cold and whether you can top up ice along the way. A smaller second cooler for drinks means the food one gets opened less.
A stable, comfortable prep height
Cooking on the ground is hard on your back and on hygiene. A folding table at bench height gives you a clean spot to chop and serve. Units with shelves or a windshield keep the stove and kit organised in one place.
Who this setup suits
Families at the campground
Bigger pots, a sturdy table and plenty of plates and mugs keep mealtimes calm when everyone is hungry at once.
Couples on short trips
A compact stove, a two-person cookset and a soft cooler cover most meals without filling the boot.
Your camp kitchen checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Stove and fuel | Your main heat source for hot meals and drinks | Pack a spare canister and a lighter as backup |
| Pots, pan and kettle | Covers boiling, frying and that first brew | Nesting sets save space in the car |
| Esky or cooler | Keeps fresh food safe to eat | Pre-chill it at home before loading |
| Folding table | A clean, steady surface to prep and cook | Set it on level ground away from the tent |
| Plates, mugs and cutlery | Everyone eats without juggling | Give each person their own colour |
| Drinking water | Cooking, drinking and washing up | Carry more than you think you need |
| Washing-up kit | Keeps the kitchen clean and critters away | A basin, sponge and tea towel are enough |
| Head torch or lantern | Safer cooking and cleaning after dark | Hang a lantern above the prep area |
Keep your kit in good shape
- Wipe the stove down once it has cooled, and check hoses and seals before each trip.
- Dry pots and pans fully before packing them away so they don't rust or smell.
- Empty and air your cooler after every trip, then store it with the lid slightly open.
- Store gas canisters upright in a cool, shaded spot, never inside the tent.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best camping cooking setup for beginners?
Start simple: a gas stove, one cookset, an esky, a folding table and enough plates and mugs for everyone. That covers almost every campground meal. Once you know how you like to cook outdoors, you can add extras such as a second burner, a grill plate or a kitchen unit with shelves.
Is it safe to use a gas stove in my tent or annexe?
No. Always cook outside in a well-ventilated area, because stoves can produce carbon monoxide and pose a fire risk in enclosed spaces. Set the stove on a stable, level surface away from tent walls and anything flammable. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your stove and canister.
Can I cook on a stove or BBQ during a fire ban?
It depends on where you are. Fire rules vary between states, parks and campgrounds, and on total fire ban days even some gas appliances may be restricted. Check with the park, campground or your local fire service before you light anything, and keep water close by whenever you cook.
How do I keep food cold for a whole weekend?
Pre-chill your cooler and food at home, pack it tightly and keep it in the shade. Use a separate cooler for drinks so the food one gets opened less. Drain meltwater regularly, keep raw meat sealed and low in the cooler, and throw out anything that has warmed up.
How should I wash up at a campsite?
Scrape plates into a rubbish bag first, then wash in a basin rather than in a creek or lake. Use a small amount of biodegradable soap, tip grey water well away from waterways if the campground allows it, and take all food scraps home. A tidy kitchen also keeps possums and birds out of your supplies.
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Ready to cook at camp?
Set up once, then enjoy easy meals every trip. Find everything else for your next adventure in our outdoor range.
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