I'll never forget the moment I realized how much an outdoor kitchen could transform the RV experience. It was my third year of RVing, and we were camped at a gorgeous lakeside spot in Michigan. I was cooking salmon inside my travel trailer, feeling isolated from my family who were enjoying the sunset by the water. By the time dinner was ready, the entire RV reeked of fish, the windows were fogged from condensation, and I'd missed the spectacular sunset everyone was raving about.
That night, I made a promise to myself: never again would I miss out on the camping experience because I was stuck inside cooking. The next morning, I sketched out plans for my first outdoor kitchen setup on the back of a paper plate. Fifteen years and countless meals later, I can honestly say that creating an outdoor cooking space was one of the best RV decisions I've ever made.
In this guide, I'll share what I've learned through years of trial and error (emphasis on the error—like the time my "weatherproof" tablecloth caught fire on my portable grill). Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, these ideas will help you create an outdoor kitchen that enhances your camping experience without breaking the bank or requiring a PhD in outdoor cooking.
If I could only choose one piece of equipment for my outdoor kitchen, it would be this versatile cooking station. It combines a grill and griddle in one compact unit, giving you the flexibility to cook virtually anything outdoors.
I still remember the looks of disbelief when I was simultaneously grilling burgers on one side while making pancakes on the griddle at a group campsite in Yellowstone. "You made all that on ONE appliance?" became the question of the morning. From breakfast to dinner, this workhorse has transformed our camping meals.
What Makes It Special:
After trying several portable cooking stations that felt flimsy or underpowered, I settled on the Greystone because of its sturdy construction and versatility. Being able to cook different foods simultaneously on the grill and griddle feels like a luxury that transforms the entire experience from "roughing it" to "living well outdoors."
Buy Greystone HFP-1B2 Outdoor Grill And Griddle Combo
For those who need a complete outdoor kitchen solution, this folding portable kitchen provides ample prep space, storage, and organization. I added this to my setup after one too many incidents of balancing cutting boards on cooler lids and watching spice containers roll under the RV.
Why It Earned a Permanent Spot in My Setup:
I've found this particularly useful when camping with family, as it provides enough space for multiple people to help with meal preparation. My teenage son can chop vegetables while I manage the grill, creating those rare moments of family cooperation that camping somehow magically inspires.
Buy Camp Cuisine Portable Kitchen
This aluminum folding table has revolutionized my outdoor kitchen setup. Before finding this gem, I used a plastic folding table that was either too high or too low, depending on the task at hand.
Why It's Essential:
I particularly appreciate the adjustable legs, which have saved countless meals from disaster on uneven campground surfaces. Before adding this table to my setup, I once watched in horror as my entire dinner slowly slid off a tilted table at a mountain campsite—a tragedy that could have been prevented with this simple feature.
Buy Charcoal Camco Folding Table
After years of dealing with ice that melted too quickly and coolers that couldn't maintain temperature, I invested in this high-performance cooler and have never looked back.
What Makes It Worth Every Penny:
The durability of this cooler is impressive—after three years of regular use in all weather conditions, from desert heat to mountain snow, it still performs like new. The long-term value has proven my grandfather's saying right: "I'm too poor to buy cheap things."
Buy Lippert 2021099915 Adventure Pro Cooler
This collapsible picnic basket combines style and function in a way that few camping products manage to achieve. I was initially skeptical about adding what seemed like a "luxury" item to our setup, but it's proven its worth on countless trips.
Why It's More Than Just Good Looks:
I've found this basket particularly useful for transporting prepared food from our indoor kitchen to our outdoor dining area. It's also perfect for picnics away from the campsite—we often pack lunch in it for hiking or beach days during our trips.
Buy Camp Casual CC-010SSB Collapsible Picnic Basket
Before I dive into specific products and setups, let me share why an outdoor kitchen is worth every penny and minute you'll invest:
Remember that salmon disaster I mentioned? That was just the beginning. The smell lingered for three days despite opening every window and door.
My wife threatened to make me sleep outside if I ever cooked fish indoors again. An outdoor kitchen keeps those cooking odors where they belong—outside with the chipmunks and pine trees.
Our first RV was a modest 24-foot travel trailer that felt downright claustrophobic when all four of us were inside. The moment we set up our outdoor kitchen, our living space effectively doubled.
Suddenly, we weren't tripping over each other while one person tried to cook and another attempted to set the table. The cook became part of the social experience rather than being exiled to the indoor kitchen.
During a sweltering July trip through Arizona, I made the mistake of baking lasagna inside our RV. The air conditioner worked overtime for hours, our battery drained quickly, and we were all uncomfortably warm.
Cooking that same meal outside the following night kept our RV cool and comfortable—and saved precious battery power for more important things (like my wife's hair straightener, which apparently is essential camping equipment).
On our trip through the Pacific Northwest, we experienced all four seasons in a single week. Having both indoor and outdoor cooking options meant we could adapt to whatever Mother Nature threw at us—from sunny breakfasts outside to rainy dinners prepared in our cozy interior kitchen.
After experimenting with different setups over the years, I've found that the most successful RV outdoor kitchens balance portability with functionality. You want equipment that won't take up your entire storage bay but is robust enough to handle everything from morning pancakes to evening steaks.
Now that we've covered the essential components, let's explore some creative setups that combine these elements effectively. These are configurations I've either used personally or seen successfully implemented by fellow RVers.
This compact setup can be stored in a single storage compartment yet provides everything needed for cooking complete meals outdoors:
I used this minimalist approach during my first two years of RVing, and it served me well for weekend trips. The entire setup took less than 10 minutes to deploy and required minimal storage space—crucial for our small travel trailer.
The magnetic spice tins were a game-changer, allowing me to bring a full complement of seasonings without dedicating precious storage space. They attached directly to the metal exterior of our RV, creating an instant spice rack within arm's reach of the cooking station.
For those who love to cook elaborate meals while camping:
I upgraded to this setup after five years of RVing and have never regretted the investment. Being able to prepare restaurant-quality meals in the wilderness is truly special. The dual cooking surfaces of the Greystone grill/griddle combo provide flexibility for any recipe.
The portable power station was a later addition that opened up new culinary possibilities. Being able to use a blender for morning smoothies or an electric kettle for quick hot water elevated our camping meals to a new level. It's particularly useful when camping without hookups, as it allows for small appliance use without draining the RV batteries.
Designed for families or groups who enjoy cooking together:
This arrangement creates a cooking "zone" where multiple people can participate in meal preparation simultaneously. I've used this setup for family reunions and group camping trips, where cooking becomes a social activity rather than a chore assigned to one person.
The L-shaped arrangement creates a natural workflow, with prep happening on one table and cooking on the other. The string lights aren't just decorative—they provide essential task lighting for evening meal preparation and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that draws people into the cooking area.
After years of refining my outdoor kitchen setup, I've learned several valuable lessons—most of them the hard way:
I once used a plastic-backed "weatherproof" tablecloth on my cooking table, thinking it would be easier to clean. During a momentary distraction (a chipmunk stealing a hot dog bun), the tablecloth edge contacted my grill and immediately caught fire. The resulting flame was impressive but short-lived, thanks to quick action with a water bottle.
Lesson learned: Invest in quality equipment designed for outdoor cooking. I now use only heat-resistant surfaces near cooking equipment and keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
After a wonderful evening meal, I made the rookie mistake of not properly securing my outdoor kitchen storage. At 2 AM, I was awakened by what sounded like a small army ransacking our campsite. A family of raccoons had discovered our outdoor kitchen and was having a midnight feast at our expense.
Lesson learned: Always secure food and cooking equipment at night, even if you're in a developed campground. I now store all food items in the Lippert Adventure Pro Cooler (which is animal-resistant) or inside the RV, and I never leave dirty dishes or cooking equipment outside overnight.
During a trip to the Great Plains, I set up my cooking station without considering wind direction. Halfway through preparing dinner, a gust of wind created a perfect wind tunnel effect that extinguished my flame and sent lightweight items flying across the campground.
Lesson learned: Always check wind direction before setting up your outdoor kitchen. Position your cooking station with the wind at your back or side, never facing into the wind. The Camp Cuisine Portable Kitchen's windscreen has been invaluable for managing this issue.
On a remote boondocking trip in Utah, I realized I had forgotten to pack a can opener—after I had already planned three meals that required canned ingredients. The nearest store was over an hour away.
Lesson learned: Create a dedicated outdoor kitchen kit that stays packed and ready to go. I now keep a complete set of essential tools and utensils in a container that goes directly from storage to outdoor kitchen without repacking for each trip. This has eliminated the "did we pack the...?" questions that used to plague our departure days.
One of the joys of RVing is experiencing diverse camping environments, but each presents unique challenges for outdoor cooking.
Here's how I've adapted my setup for different settings:
When camping in places like Arizona or Nevada, heat management becomes crucial. I've found these adaptations helpful:
High-altitude cooking presents unique challenges, from longer cooking times to dramatic temperature drops after sunset:
Coastal environments can be tough on equipment due to sand and salt exposure:
Forested settings require additional precautions:
An outdoor kitchen isn't just about cooking—it's about creating a gathering place where memories are made. Some of my family's most treasured camping moments have happened around our outdoor kitchen: teaching my son to flip his first pancake, my daughter perfecting her campfire hot chocolate recipe, and friends sharing stories as we prepare meals together under the stars.
The products highlighted here—from the Greystone HFP-1B2 Outdoor Grill And Griddle Combo to the Camp Casual CC-010SSB Collapsible Picnic Basket—represent solutions I've found for common outdoor cooking challenges. Each addresses a specific aspect of outdoor cooking, and together they create a comprehensive system for enjoying meals in the great outdoors.
Remember that the best outdoor kitchen is one that works with your specific camping style and needs. Take time to assess how you use your RV and what types of meals you typically prepare before investing in equipment. The goal is to create a cooking space that enhances your camping experience, not complicates it.
With these products and strategies, you're well on your way to creating an outdoor kitchen that will transform your RV experience. You'll spend less time cooped up inside and more time enjoying the beautiful settings that inspired you to go RVing in the first place.
Whether you're grilling steaks under the stars, brewing morning coffee as the sun rises, or preparing a feast for fellow campers, your outdoor kitchen will become the heart of your camping experience—a place where memories are made and shared over good food in the great outdoors.
And unlike my early days of RVing, you won't miss the sunset because you're stuck inside cooking fish!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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