When it comes to camping, having a portable BBQ is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, having a reliable and efficient portable BBQ can make all the difference in your camping experience. A portable BBQ is not only convenient but it can also provide a great way to cook your meals and enjoy the outdoors.
When searching for the best portable BBQ for camping, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you want to look for a BBQ that is lightweight and easy to transport, like a portable grill for RVing. Second, you want to make sure that the BBQ is durable and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, such as a large portable charcoal grill. Finally, you want to look for a BBQ that is easy to set up and use, like a portable flat-top grill, so you can spend more time enjoying your camping trip and less time fussing with your equipment.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various portable BBQs, including portable pellet grills and portable wood pellet grills, to identify the best ones for camping. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out, whether they are stainless steel or designed for indoor use. Whether you’re a solo camper or traveling with a group, or even looking for a portable campfire grill, we’ve got you covered.
Best Portable BBQs for Camping
We know that camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, and what better way to do that than with a delicious BBQ? Whether you’re camping with friends, family, or solo, having a portable BBQ can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best portable BBQs for camping. These BBQs are compact, easy to transport, and perfect for cooking up a storm while you’re out in the wilderness. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best portable BBQs for camping.
Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill for camping, tailgating, or outdoor cooking, the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is a great option.
Pros
- The unique folding design makes it easy to set up and saves space.
- With a surface of over 166 sq. inches, you’ll easily be able to grill for a party of four or more.
- The sturdy stainless steel construction is durable, won’t rust, and can even be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Cons
- The grill doesn’t come with a lid to cover while cooking.
- The charcoal grate is a bit small, so you may need to add more charcoal during longer cooking sessions.
- The legs can be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces.
We recently used the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The folding design made it easy to pack and transport, and setting it up was a breeze. We were able to grill enough food for our group of four without any issues, and the even heat distribution ensured that everything cooked evenly.
The stainless steel construction felt sturdy and durable, and we appreciated that it was easy to clean. However, we did wish that the grill came with a lid to cover while cooking to help retain heat and smoke. Additionally, we found that the charcoal grate was a bit small, so we needed to add more charcoal during longer cooking sessions.
Overall, we would recommend the Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker for anyone looking for a compact and portable charcoal grill for outdoor cooking. It’s easy to use, durable, and provides a great grilling experience.
VEVOR 23 inch Portable Charcoal Grill
If you are looking for a compact and portable charcoal grill for your camping trips, the VEVOR 23 inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a great option.
Pros
- The foldable design makes it easy to carry and store.
- The grilling surface is large enough to cook for a party of four or more.
- The included food trays provide extra space for ingredients and condiments.
Cons
- The legs are a bit weak and may need extra support.
- The paint may peel off from the heat.
- The warranty description is unknown.
We used this grill on our recent camping trip and it was a great addition to our gear. The foldable design made it easy to pack and transport, and we were able to set it up quickly without any tools. The grilling surface was large enough to cook burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables for our group of six, and the included food trays were a nice touch that kept everything organized and within reach.
The grill was easy to clean thanks to the split design, and the premium carbon steel construction and food-grade stainless steel grilling net were durable and heat-resistant. We did notice that the legs were a bit weak, so we added some extra support to make sure the grill was stable. Also, after a few uses, we did notice some peeling of the paint due to the heat.
Overall, if you are looking for a portable and compact charcoal grill for your camping trips, the VEVOR 23 inch Portable Charcoal Grill is a great option.
AGM Charcoal Grill
If you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill that’s perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics, then the AGM Charcoal Grill is a great option.
Pros
- It’s made of premium stainless steel, which is resistant to abrasions, scratches, and rust.
- The grill is easy to assemble and doesn’t require any screws.
- The compact design makes it easy to store and carry around.
Cons
- The grill may not be as durable as some other options on the market.
- The lack of a lid may make it difficult to control the temperature and cook certain foods.
- The grill may not be suitable for larger groups or families.
We recently tested out the AGM Charcoal Grill on a camping trip and were impressed by its portability and ease of use. The grill was easy to assemble, and we didn’t need any tools or screws to put it together. The grill also features a removable grill and mess-free ash catcher, which made cleaning up a breeze.
One of the standout features of this grill is its compact design. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for camping and other outdoor activities. The grill is also small enough to store in your trunk or small kitchen when not in use.
While we enjoyed using the AGM Charcoal Grill, there were a few drawbacks. For one, the lack of a lid made it difficult to control the temperature and cook certain foods. Additionally, the grill may not be suitable for larger groups or families, as it’s on the smaller side.
Overall, we would recommend the AGM Charcoal Grill to anyone looking for a portable and easy-to-use option for camping and other outdoor activities. Just be aware of its limitations and make sure it’s the right fit for your needs.
Outvita Portable Charcoal Grill
If you’re looking for a durable and portable charcoal grill for your outdoor cooking needs, the Outvita Portable Charcoal Grill is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The large cooking area of 39.37 x 12.2 x 27.95in is perfect for barbecue parties with 10-15 people.
- The foldable design makes it easy to carry and store, and it can save space when not in use.
- The durable and rust-resistant stainless steel construction ensures stability and safety during grilling.
Cons
- The grill is relatively heavy at 10.14 pounds, which may be a drawback for those looking for a more lightweight option.
- Some users have reported difficulty with assembly, although this seems to be a minor issue overall.
- The price point is slightly higher than some other portable grills on the market.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Outvita Portable Charcoal Grill, and we were impressed with its overall performance. The large cooking area was perfect for our group of friends, and we appreciated the extra shelf for storing condiments and grilling tools. The frying pan and flavoring plate also made it easy to fetch food while grilling.
The foldable design was a major plus for us, as we were able to easily transport the grill to our camping site without taking up too much space in our car. The anti-scalding handles on both sides made it easy to move the grill around, and we were able to assemble it without any tools.
One minor drawback we noticed was the weight of the grill, which may be a consideration for those looking for a more lightweight option. Additionally, some users have reported difficulty with assembly, although we did not experience any major issues ourselves.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Outvita Portable Charcoal Grill for anyone in need of a durable and portable option for their outdoor cooking needs.
Moclever Portable Charcoal Grill
If you’re looking for a compact and portable charcoal grill for camping or outdoor activities, Moclever Portable Charcoal Grill could be a great option.
Pros
- Large grilling area
- Unique folding design for easy setup and storage
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
Cons
- The grate may warp when heated
- Paint may peel off after using it for a while
- Ventilation could be better
We used the Moclever Portable Charcoal Grill on a camping trip and were impressed by its large grilling area. The 180 square inches of chrome-plated cooking grate is enough for two people, and the 7-inch depth makes it deep enough for charcoal. The unique folding design makes it easy to set up and store, and it forms a triangular support on the ground to stay stable during use.
The grill is made of high heat resistant painted food-grade stainless steel, which hardly gets rusty. There is no need for screws to assemble it, and there are eight vents designed at each side to enhance air flow and charcoal burning efficiency. It’s foldable to super slim and lightweight, making it convenient to take it to the park, camping, or a party. When finished grilling, both pieces fit nicely inside the folded grill for a quick and easy clean-up.
However, we did notice a few downsides to the grill. The grate may warp when heated, and the paint may peel off after using it for a while. The ventilation could be better, which may cause the charcoal to burn out quickly. Overall, if you’re looking for a portable charcoal grill for camping or outdoor activities, the Moclever Portable Charcoal Grill is a great option to consider.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best portable BBQ for camping, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Size and Weight
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a portable BBQ is its size and weight. You want a BBQ that is compact and lightweight enough to carry with you on camping trips, but also large enough to cook for your group. Look for a BBQ that is easy to transport and store, but also has enough cooking space to meet your needs.
Fuel Type
Another important consideration is the type of fuel the BBQ uses. There are several options to choose from, including propane, charcoal, and wood. Propane is convenient and easy to use, but may not provide the same flavor as charcoal or wood. Charcoal and wood can be more challenging to use, but offer a unique smoky flavor that many people prefer.
Cooking Features
When it comes to cooking features, there are several things to consider. Look for a BBQ with adjustable heat settings, so you can cook a variety of foods at different temperatures. A built-in thermometer can also be helpful for monitoring the temperature of your food. Additionally, look for a BBQ with a lid to help trap heat and smoke, and a drip tray to catch excess grease.
Durability
Finally, consider the durability of the BBQ. Look for a model made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of camping trips. Stainless steel is a popular choice for portable BBQs, as it is durable and easy to clean. Additionally, look for a BBQ with a sturdy base and legs to ensure stability while cooking.
Cameron Harrison is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with a love for all things grilled. With years of experience exploring the world of portable grilling, he's become a seasoned expert in selecting the perfect grill for any adventure. When he's not testing and reviewing grills, you can find him out in the wild, savoring delicious barbecued creations and sharing his expertise through his writing. Cameron is dedicated to helping readers make the most of their outdoor cooking experiences.