Your guide to this review today is by product expert
Published February 25, 2021
CONTENTS
Best Camping Cookware for Family Trips
Any time you're going to spend more than a weekend out camping, or even for shorter trips where you feel like making it a special occasion, it's important to bring along the right gear to cook at your campsite. While it's definitely possible to get by on sandwiches, dry goods and other non-perishables, there is just nothing quite like a magnificent meal out in the wild. Plus, there's something special about food you've cooked yourself over the fire.
However, if you don't want your meal to turn into a disaster, you've got to get the right tools. In this case, you should be looking for the best camping cookware for family to use. You might be wondering how you can tell which set is right for you. If so, you are definitely in the right place.
Down below, you'll find a list featuring our 10 favorite family-sized camping cooking sets. There's a variety of different choices, so you should hopefully find one that suits your needs somewhere along the list. Make sure to consider how many people you need to feed and cross-reference that with the size of the kit you buy. That can help make sure you get the right fit!
Once you're done with our list, you'll find our buying guide down near the bottom of the page. There we'll provide you with a few parting pieces of advice that could help you out leading up to and during your next family trip! Take care, good luck finding the best cookware set, and make sure to leave a comment below if you have anything to share with us!
10 Best Camping Cookware for Family
If you ask us, this is pound for pound the best camping cookware for family trips. With it, you'll get three incredible cast iron cooking vessels, each one large enough to provide a nice meal for a family. Few materials work as well over a fire as cast iron does, and you'll be able to make a huge variety of meals with the included frying pan, chicken fryer and dutch oven. Also found in this set is a heat-resistant handle and a fire poker. While it's not everything you'll need to cook a fantastic meal while camping, you will certainly be well on your way. Plus, it's all for sale at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Key Features:
Cast Iron Excellence
Imparts Flavor and Stays Warm Longer
Simple to Clean
Great for Cooking Over an Open Flame
Specification:
Brand: Stansport
Model: 16903
Weight: 24.9 lbs.
Are you willing to spend extra for a large set with high-quality cooking and storing materials? This is probably the option for you. If you buy this set, you'll gain access to anodized aluminum pots and frying pain with a non-stick coating that makes them easy to cook in and clean. Plus, you'll have a strainer, plates, cups, utensils and more ready to go. Everything including in this set is made from high quality materials, and should hold up on many camping trips to come. If you are searching for a kit that includes just about everything you'll need apart from the food, this is probably your best camping cookware for family.
Key Features:
Includes Combination Carrying Bag/Wash Basin
Non-Stick Set
Comes with Plates, Bowls and Insulated Mugs
Recommended for 2 to 4 People
Specification:
Brand: GSI Outdoors
Model: 50181
Weight: 3.6 lbs.
If you're on a tight budget, which is understandable with how much gear there is to buy for a trip, we've got a cooking set that should work for you. This option from Gutsdoor is available for right around $30, and it includes all the essentials you'll need to get a great meal made while camping. You'll find a large non-stick pot and pan duo, as well as a kettle, cleaning supplies and more. It's very light and easy to carry around, especially because it all fits in the simple carrying bag. This isn't a bad choice for any camper, let alone someone looking to save some money.
Key Features:
Non-Stick Adonized Aluminum
Packs Up Easily
Super Lightweight
Includes Sponge Scrub, Bamboo Spoon and Three Small Bowls
Specification:
Brand: Gutsdoor
Model: B07DB4J5H8
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Our next set likely won't be enough to feed the whole family. However, if you're looking to add a piece to your already-existing cooking set, this is a phenomenal pick. It's a 12-inch pre-seasoned cast iron skillet designed for the scouts to use in the outdoors. There's nothing more complicated than that! It was made right here in the United States, and you'll be able to rely on it to cook a huge variety of meals. It's a great addition to any camper's collection.
Key Features:
Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
Excellent Heat Distribution
Cooks Over Fire, On Stove and In Oven
Made in the United States of America
Specification:
Brand: Lodge
Model: L10SK3BS
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Our next recommendation is an 18-piece lightweight kit that most families should find very useful while camping. The set includes one pot, one pan, a kettle, and two sets of plates, utensils, etc. Because of that, you'll still have to bring along some supplies for the rest of your family. Nonetheless, it's a pretty good start! You will be able to fit all the pieces together tightly, allowing you to easily store it in your vehicle. Additionally, it should offer plenty enough cooking space to get a nice meal going for everyone!
Key Features:
Includes Two Sets of Eating Utensils
Fits Together Compactly
Non-Stick
Heat-Resistant Grip Handles
Specification:
Brand: G4Free
Model: B08LGCNZHR
Weight: N/A
The next pick on our list is another single item, but it's definitely one that will add a new spin to many of your campfire meals. Everybody loves to see those classic grill lines on their steaks and burgers, and it actually imparts a whole different flavor onto the meat. You don't have to stop with meat, either, as plenty of other things will cook great in this grill pan. It heats up quick, and the handle folds in allowing it to fit in backpacks and other small spaces. Plus, it is made with a strong carbon steel that gets hot quick and cooks great.
Key Features:
High Quality Non-Stick Carbon Steel
Folding Wood Handle for Heat Resistance
Imparts Stunning Grill Marks
Great for Cooking at Campsite
Specification:
Brand: Odoland
Model: B07WP9DGKD
Weight: 1.8 lbs.
If you liked our last suggestion, check out this awesome set from the same manufacturer, Odoland. It's a large 29-piece set that includes two large pots, a frying pan, a kettle, a water basin and much more. It feature plates and utensils for up to four as well, so it could include everything you need depending on the size of your family. This is definitely among the best camping cookware for family adventures, allowing you to make a variety of different meals easily and get everything cleaned up while you're at it. On second thought, maybe leave that last part to whoever doesn't help with the cooking!
Key Features:
Extensive Set Great for Up to 4 People
Stainless Steel Cups, Plates and Utensils
Nests Together for Easy Packing
Two Pots, a Kettle and a Frying Pan
Specification:
Brand: Odoland
Model: B0822LSCRT
Weight: 5.9 lbs.
Next up, we have another small kit that is great for those who wanna keep things light. It's a simple pot and pan combination with a few other important pieces, like a wooden stirring spoon. While you may not be able to put together restaurant quality dishes with this, you'll certainly be able to make sure your family is fed while you're out camping. While this option is on the smaller end of the spectrum in terms of what it includes, that is going to be a plus for many people who pack light.
Key Features:
One Pot, One Pan and More
Great for Small Family Meals
Long Lasting Materials
Lightweight and Simple to Pack
Specification:
Brand: MalloMe
Model: B08G1XCQYQ
Weight: 1 lb.
Looking for a set of simple but reliable stainless steel pots and pans? This kit from Stanley Adventures could be the right one. It features a frying pan, large pot, and multiple bowls, utensils and other tools. You'll even find a spatula in this one! Any time you buy one of these, it is important to think about what kind of food you'll be cooking. With this kit, you'll be able to choose a huge variety of different meals to feed the family. Plus, cooking in these is easy and fun, and you could even get everybody involved!
Key Features:
21 Piece Set
Stainless Steel Pot
Lifetime Warranty
Easy to Keep Clean
Specification:
Brand: Stanley
Model: 10-02479-001
Weight: N/A
Finally, we've got one last item to share: a single five quart cooking pot. With the useful handle, you'll be able to hang this pot right over the fire and get things cooking. It's great for stews, soups, boiling water and anything else you'd need a large pot for! It's high quality and heavy duty without becoming too much of a burden for campers. Because of that, we think it's a very strong pick for families looking for a way to cook some great grub.
Key Features:
Five Quart Cooking Pot
Great for Hanging Over an Open Fire
Lightweight but Large
Resistant to Rust and Corrosion
Specification:
Brand: MyLifeUNIT
Model: 4X-HRJV-PDNN
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Best Camping Cookware for Family Buying Guide
Factors of Focus: Choosing the Right Cooking Set
If you've had a look at just how many cooking sets are available out there, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with choice. That's even before considering that many of those kits may not be up to your standards of quality. If this situation is sounding familiar, have no fear. Campr Click is here to help. Before you go, we want to share with you the factors you want to look for while shopping. These elements are, in our opinion, what separate something like the best camping cookware for family trips from lower-tier options.
Durability: First and foremost, you want to pick out a cooking set that is going to a long time. Many of these kits can be quite expensive, especially if you want high-quality items. Before you buy, take a good look at what materials the items are made out of. Look for materials you can trust, like cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick coated aluminum. The best thing you can do is find a balance between something lightweight with something incredibly tough and long-lasting.
Size: This one is short and sweet, but still very important. Pick out which kit you go with based on the amount of people you need to serve. If you buy one small frying pan, that's not gonna be enough to feed a whole family. Keep that in mind as you shop.
Portability: The best camping cookware for family meals is going to have to be something you can easily pack up and fit in the car. It's always a good idea to pack light, and a cookware set that all fits into one small space together is a good way to go.
Safety: Finally, remember to think about safety as you look for a cookware set. You want something that isn't going to burn the forest down around you, and won't burn you while you're at it. As long as you're buying from a reputable source, it's safe to assume the product meets all required standards. However, that doesn't mean it's a waste of time to consider the safety of each item before you make a final decision.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right equipment is a key part of preparing for any camping trip. If you have the room in your budget for the best camping cookware for family, you will be setting yourself up for success. Just make sure you bring along some great fresh ingredients to use! Your family deserves a delicious meal and you can give it to them!
