Cooking is one of the most important aspects of camping, especially when you’ll be outdoors for multiple days at a time. While it is not quite as easy to cook at the campsite as it is at home, it is actually pretty simple if you are properly prepared. To cook up hot nutritious meals, it is a great idea to invest in a high-quality camping cookware set.
Short of the camping stove and ingredients, a good cookware set includes everything that you need to cook outdoors. Typically, these kits include a pot, pan, plates, cups, and utensils, but many other kits also come with additional accessories.
The only thing we love more than camping is eating good food! When we’re cooking at the campsite, these are our favorite cooking kits to bring along. So fire up that grill, it’s about to get hot in here!
The 5 Best Camping Cookware Sets
1. Stanley Adventure Base 4X Camp Cook Set
The Stanley Adventure Base 4X Camping Cookware Set is our absolute favorite cooking set to bring along on camping trips. While many similar sets are made from aluminum, this set is high-quality stainless steel, which is strong, durable, and holds up for a very long time. The stainless steel is also scratch-resistant and rustproof.
The 19 piece set really includes everything you need to cook up a hot meal — no matter where you are. It comes with a large pot, frying pan, vented lid, spatula, serving spoon, four plates, four bowls, utensils, cutting board, and a dish drying rack. With a capacity of 3.5L, the large pot can hold enough food to feed about four people.
For portability and storage, all of the pieces fit perfectly inside of the large pot. The locking lid keeps the pieces inside and provides a convenient handle. It’s also pretty lightweight and is very easy to carry while camping or backpacking.
Included Pieces
- (1) 3.5 liter (3.7 quart) pot.
- (1) Frying pan.
- (1) Vented lid that fits the pot and the frying pan.
- (4) Plates.
- (4) Bowls.
- (4) Spork utensils.
- (1) Spatula.
- (1) Serving spoon.
- (1) Cutting board.
- (1) Dish drying rack.
- (1) Trivet.
- (1) Locking bungee.
Pros
- Using a nesting system, all of the pieces fit inside the large pot for portability.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Very lightweight, the entire kit weighs just 13.9 ounces.
- Can be used on both camp stoves and grills.
- Multipurpose, locking handle is great for cooking and easy transport.
- Comes with a firm grip that acts as reliable closure when locked.
- Made from 18/8 stainless steel as well as rust and BPA free.
- Includes a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Stanley outdoor cookware is a bit expensive.
2. GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set
The Pinnacle Cooking Set from GSI Outdoors is another one of our favorite sets for camping. It’s made from aluminium, which is super lightweight and portable. Additionally, the kit’s clever design allows all 23 pieces to fit inside of each other, which makes carrying and storing very convenient. For ultralight backpacking, several smaller versions of the set are also available with varying 11 piece combinations.
On top of the aluminum is a teflon coating that prevents food from sticking to the surface, making the cleaning process much simpler.
This 23 piece set is capable of preparing a meal for four people simultaneously. The color-coded sipping lids are one of our favorite features. The lids attach to the bowls and mugs to keep your food and drinks warm, but still provide a small hole for sipping.
Included Pieces
- (1) 3 Liter pot.
- (1) 2 Liter pot.
- (2) Strainer lids.
- (1) 9” Frying pan.
- (4) Bowls.
- (4) Plates.
- (4) Insulated mugs.
- (4) “Sip-it” tops.
- (1) Folding Pot Gripper.
- (1) Welded sink.
Pros
- Great cooking performance and space efficiency.
- Lightweight and compact, weighing only 3.6 lbs.
- Teflon coating prevents food from sticking to the surfaces.
- Includes two straining pot lids, which is great for cooking in two pots simultaneously.
- Comes with lids and mugs, unlike many similar sets.
- Removable handle.
- Durable and well-built.
- Includes a warranty.
Cons
- The plates and bowls are relatively small.
3. Odoland Camping Cookware Mess Kit
The Odoland Camping Cookware Set is another one of our favorites and is a great option for cooking hot meals on the campsite. The set includes 10 pieces and is a great option for solo backpackers or a couple.
Each piece of the set features a non-stick Teflon coating for quick and easy cleaning. The pot and frying pan feature foldable handles that are really convenient for storage and transportation. Additionally, both handles are anti-slip and heat resistant to prevent any accidents or burns while cooking.
With the included carry bag and carabiner, you can easily attach the set to your backpack and carry it with you. The kit also features a nesting system, where all of the pieces fit perfectly inside of each other.
Included Pieces
- (1) Large pot.
- (1) Frying pan.
- (1) Kettle.
- (2) Cups.
- (1) Spoon.
- (1) Fork.
- (1) Knife.
- (1) Carabiner.
- (1) Carry bag.
Pros
- Utilizes a nesting system for portability and storage.
- Includes a very convenient mesh carry bag.
- Excellent build-up quality.
- Includes a set of utensils.
- Very compact design.
- Foldable handles extend when you need them and retract for storage and transport.
Cons
- Does not include any plates or bowls..
4. Bulin Camping Cookware Mess Kit
The Bulin Cookware Mess Kit is a fantastic option for hikers, campers, and backpackers. The set is available in five different sizes: 27, 13, 11, 8, and 3 pieces. The 27 piece set is awesome. It includes two large pots with lids, one frying pan, four bowls, two plates, and a whole lot more. There’s even a kettle for coffee and tea, and a cleaning sponge to wipe down the set after cooking.
For most people, we recommend the 13 piece set. It includes all of the same pieces as the larger kit, with the exception of a few additional plates and bowls. However, the price difference between the two sizes is only about $20, so you can always purchase the larger set and leave any excess pieces at home. According to Bulin, the 13-piece set is ideal for groups of 2-4, while the 27-piece set is recommended for groups of 6-7.
Like many other high-quality kits, this set features a nesting design for portability and storage. Additionally, a mesh carry bag is also included. Regardless of the size you select, the entire set is very lightweight and portable.
For efficient cooking, the cookware is made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is corrosion-resistant and able to withstand very high temperatures. This kit is built to last. In addition, the pots and pans feature a non-stick coating and heat-resistant handles.
Included Pieces (13 Piece Set)
- (2) Large pots.
- (1) Frying pan.
- (1) Kettle.
- (4) Bowls.
- (2) Plates.
- (1) Soup spoon.
- (1) Rice ladle.
- (1) Cleaning sponge.
- (1) Carry bag.
The 27 piece version of the set includes additional plates in varying sizes, as well as additional bowls.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight.
- Entire set is BPA free.
- Includes a cleaning sponge, regardless of the kit size you choose.
- Available in different sizes to suit the size of your camping group.
- Foldable handles make it easy to pack.
Cons
- Utensils are not included.
5. Winterial Camping Cookware
This Camping Cookware and Pot Set from Winterial is one of the best options for backpackers and hikers. At only 1.5 pounds, the lightweight 10 piece set is ideal for carrying on your adventures. It’s so lightweight, you will quickly forget that you’re even carrying it.
Made of high-quality aluminum oxide, the set is durable, resistant to high temperatures, and great for efficient cooking. In addition, each piece is coated with non-stick Teflon to make cleaning easier and to prevent scratching.
Similar to other high-quality cookware sets, the Winterial utilizes a convenient nesting system where all of the pieces fit inside of the large pot. Once nested, simply put the large pot inside the included carrying bag, and you are all set!
Included Pieces
- (1) 2 Quart pot.
- (1) Lid.
- (1) Frying pan.
- (1) Kettle.
- (1) Serving ladle.
- (2) Bowls.
- (1) Multipurpose serving spoon and spatula.
- (1) Cleaning sponge.
- (1) Multipurpose plate and cutting board.
- (1) Carry bag.
Pros
- Non-stick teflon coating makes cleaning quick and easy.
- At 1.5 lbs, it is very lightweight and perfect for backpacking and hiking.
- Includes a nesting system as well as a carrying bag.
Cons
- Does not include utensils.
- Includes only 1 plate, so it may not be ideal for a group.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Good Cookware Set for Camping
When looking for a high-quality cookware set to bring camping, these are a few of the important factors that you should consider.
Size
To determine what size cookware set you need, think about who you intend to cook for on the campsite. Will you be cooking for a large group of people? Or just yourself? To cook for a few people or less, one pot and several sets of plates and utensils should be more than enough. However, if you will be cooking for a larger group, it may be a good idea to choose a set with more than one large pot, as well as additional plates, bowls, and cups.
Weight
It is important to consider the weight of the set, especially if you plan to bring it on backpacking or hiking trips. Carrying a heavy set for a long distance will quickly tire you out. On the other hand, if you are car camping or don’t have to walk too far to the campsite, then the weight of the set shouldn’t be too much of a concern for you.
Material
Most camping pans and pots are made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Both materials are strong, durable, and long-lasting. Aluminum is typically cheaper and weighs much less. Because it is so lightweight, aluminum cookware sets are ideal for backpacking and hiking.
Stainless steel is extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures. If properly taken care of, stainless steel cookware sets can last a lifetime. However, steel kits are heavier and more expensive. They are a great option for families who enjoy car camping and picnics.
Portability
Portability is extremely important when it comes to choosing a cookware set for camping. Be sure to choose a set with a nesting design. Nesting is when all of the pieces fit inside of one large pot, which takes up a lot less space. In some kits, the large pot will have a carry handle attached to it for easy transport. Alternatively, some cookware kits include a carry bag. If the set is light enough, you can simply attach the carry bag to your backpack using a carabiner.
Camping Cookware FAQs
How do you clean camping cookware?
Cleaning cookware is a fairly easy process. For a pot or pan with a non-stick coating, you should rinse it with warm water and then wipe the surface with a paper towel. On the other hand, if the cookware is not non-stick, you should use soap, warm water, and a soft sponge that won’t scratch the surface. If your camping cookware set is steel, you can use a steel wool pad to thoroughly clean it and remove any dirt and residue from the bottom of the pots and pans.
How many cookware pieces do you need for camping?
The amount of pots, pans, and cookware you need for camping depends on the number of people you are going to feed at your campsite. If the amount exceeds three adults, then big pots and pans are necessary. It is also important to make sure that you have a plate, mug, and utensils for each camper to eat with.
What should be included in my cookware set?
To determine what pieces you need in a cookware set, you should think about how many people you are going to cook for, as well as the type of meals you are going to prepare. Each person needs to have a plate, utensils, and a cup or mug. If you are cooking for a group, you should definitely invest in larger pots and pans so you can cook enough for everyone at the same time.
Additionally, to cook some types of camping food you’ll need a pot, while others will require a pan. Since your go-to camping recipes can change over time, we recommend choosing a cookware set that includes both a pot and a frying pan, as well as plates, utensils, and cups.
Although they may be sold separately, you should also consider what cookware pieces you will need for food preparation and storage. For preparation, a few common options are cutting boards, sharp knives, spatulas, and large stirring spoons. For storage, it is a good idea to pack varying sizes of Tupperware containers, Ziploc bags, and a cooler.
Final Verdict
Hungry yet? We sure are. As long as you have the proper equipment, cooking is one of the best parts of camping. Choosing a high quality cookware set is crucial for preparing hot, delicious, and healthy meals. We recommend the Stanley Adventure Base 4X Camping Cookware Set. It comes with 19 stainless steel pieces that fit inside of each other for convenience and portability. The kit includes a pot, pan, utensils, plates, cups, and much more.
Now get out there, fire up that stove and grill, and start cookin’!
Happy Camping!
Is there another cookware set that you love to bring on camping or backpacking trips? We’d love to try it out! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
