The great outdoors are calling to tell you that it’s time to go camping. As you gather your gear for your trip, don’t forget about cookware! When you’re out in nature, you’ll still want to make sure that you’re able to have delicious meals to help keep you energized and ready for adventure.
There are a wide variety of camping cookware sets available, including ones in stainless steel or cast iron, so we put together a list of the 10 best ones to help you select the best set for your camping needs. Our number one choice is the GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set because it comes with essential nonstick cookware and color-coded dishware, all of which are both easy to store and clean. Keep reading on to see the rest of our selections, along with our helpful buying guide reviewed by an outdoor guide.
Quick List - Top Camping Cookware Sets
My name is 박 (Pak). I am a first-generation Korean American who has worked in the outdoors for 6 years as a guide. Now I'm enjoying traveling around with my bicycle and spending time outdoors with my dog Gaara.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Here is our helpful guide to help you select the best cookware set for your camping adventures, with input from an experienced outdoor guide and cyclist.
It's important to keep in mind how many people you will be camping with. The product listings will often state the size of the items, along with an approximate on how many people the sets serve. Are you going on a solo trip, a duo trip, or do you need to accommodate a larger number of people?
If you regularly go camping or hiking with your friends or family members, you might want to opt for a big cookware set. For a group of three to four people, two or three-liter pots should suffice. If you are going alone, a one-liter pot should be more than enough.
You may also see measurements in quarts or ounces, but you can choose the equivalent size that you need. Additionally, you'll probably want to bring other items, like utensils and plates. Some sets have color codes, so that everyone can have their own set.
A two-person cooking kit might be a good idea for those who go camping with a partner or friend, as well as for those folks who tend to eat a lot when they are super active outdoors or go camping. A two-liter pot is a pretty good size for this.
Don't forget to check the weight of the camping cookware set! If you’re using your car, you’ll be able to bring a larger quantity of items. However, if you're hiking by foot or bike, you'll want to minimize the weight on your back. You don't want the weight to hold you back on long trips.
When purchasing a cookware set, find a set where everything is easily collapsible into the pot so you can adjust accordingly depending on how many people are going and how many utensils and extra bowls you'll need for the trip.
Many people choose to cook over a campfire, but some also bring a gas camping stove or portable grill. Some materials are versatile and can be used with both gas and fire. The weight, durability, and heat conductivity will vary between materials. Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, cast iron, and silicone are some that we'll discuss here.
Titanium is the camper's dream material. It's incredibly lightweight as well as durable. Its non-stick surface makes it easy to cook with, and it doesn't transfer flavors. Additionally, it's scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Unfortunately, while titanium heats up quickly, it doesn't guarantee even heat distribution. That's why you need to keep a close eye on your food to make sure it doesn't burn. It's also on the more expensive side of cookware materials.
Aluminum is lightweight and conducts heat well. However, it's not as durable as stainless steel and it tends to dent easily. Unfortunately, it can also be reactive with certain foods, such as those with high acidity levels like vinegar and citrus fruits. Hard-anodized aluminum has an extra layer of coating that prevents the metal from oxidizing.
For a non-stick option, look for ceramic or PTFE-based coating, like Teflon. While they prevent food from getting stuck, they shouldn't be used over high heat for a prolonged time, as they can emit toxic fumes. They can also be scratched by metal utensils.
Still, aluminum is a good option for cooking temperature-sensitive foods, since it retains heat. Thus, it can even help you save on gas!
Stainless steel is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. It can withstand high heat and doesn't transfer any flavors to your food. These things make the material a solid choice, especially for those who do a lot of camping.
The main downside of stainless steel is that it's heavy, so if you like to go on long hikes, you might look at other options. Since low-quality stainless steel is more likely to warp or pit, opt for a high-quality cookware set to make sure it lasts.
Stainless steel cooking sets are a solid choice for those who also like to cook using a fire. If you are looking for a material that you'll only need to buy once, stainless steel would be your best bet as it is super durable and will last a lifetime, with proper care.
Cast iron will last you a lifetime if properly taken care of and it remains popular thanks to its durability. It's also naturally non-stick, thus easy to cook with. And it has efficient and even heat conductivity. On the downside, cast iron requires special care, such as needing to be re-seasoned. It may also be better suited for campers who travel in a car, since it's so heavy.
You won't be able to use silicone on an open fire, but it makes a good base material for other cookware items such as cups and plates. Since it's flexible, it won't break easily and can last you a long time. You can also find collapsible silicone items, making them space-saving as well as lightweight.
Clean-up is part of the act of cooking, so you'll want to consider that when looking for a camping cookware set. Non-stick coatings are easier to clean and will therefore be more convenient to take camping. They also require less oil while cooking.
However, you should avoid using metal utensils with any products with non-stick coating because the surface can be easily scratched. No one wants to have flakes of coating in their food! Heat-resistant silicone utensils are great to use with cookware that has non-stick coatings.
Another important factor you may want to consider is the ability to save space and stay organized. Check if the cookware is easy to transport. For example, look for nesting sets, where all the items can fit inside the largest one. Other sets have items with collapsible sides, which can flatten when not in use. Some sets also come with a storage bag to keep everything organized.
Be sure to have something to scrub your cookware, whether that's a small sponge or pot scraper. Also, when looking for a cooking set, try to avoid handles that have some plastic wrapped around them. These melt easily and make it so your pot can't be used in a campfire for cooking.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set | ![]() | Color-Coded, Nonstick, Nesting Set | |
2 | Stanley Adventure All-in-One 2 Bowl Cook Set | ![]() | For the Minimalist Backpacker | |
3 | Stanley Base Camp Cook Set | ![]() | A Sturdy Set for a Group of 4 | |
4 | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker | ![]() | A Versatile Cast Iron Set | |
5 | Kelly Kettle Ultimate Base Camp Kit | ![]() | A Kit With a Stove | |
6 | MSR Trail Lite Duo System Cook Set | ![]() | A Colorful Set for Two Adventurers | |
7 | GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper (Small) | ![]() | Easy to Clean, Simple to Store | |
8 | MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit (2 Liter) | ![]() | A Lightweight Kit for Solo Trips | |
9 | Sea to Summit X-Set 32 | ![]() | Collapsible Silicone Saves Space | |
10 | Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset | ![]() | An Ultralight Titanium Set for Two |
This camping cookware set comes in a mix of colors and is ideal for a group of two to four people. Since they are color-coded, everyone can easily find their own set of dishware.
The set includes a two and three-liter pot, a straining lid, and a frying pan; all of these have a Teflon coating, which allows for easy clean-up. The set comes with a storage bag that also doubles as a washbasin!
Overall, the reviewers really liked the set. Many praised it for being compact enough to take camping. They also said it was lightweight, and thus easy to carry. Some highlighted that it was durable, too. In general, it was very useful!
This simple kit gets the job done. It includes a stainless steel cooker and two nesting cups. It’s ideal for boiling water efficiently, making small hot meals, and preparing that much-needed hot cup of coffee. The set is a great choice for a backpacker looking to carry a lighter load.
A few reviewers noted that the kettle was a bit unstable and could topple over if hit by a gust of wind. It's still usable, but you'll want to keep an eye on it when cooking. On the other hand, many reviewers were pleased with the set. They loved how compact, sturdy, and well-made it was and thought it was a great staple item for their trips.
This 21-piece cookware set was designed for four people, although you can use it to cook for fewer. It includes durable stainless steel cookware and four sets of plates, bowls, and sporks. It also comes with other little things that might come in handy, like a serving spoon and dish drying rack.
The reception for this set was overwhelmingly positive. While the set is a little heavy, most reviewers said it was ideal for camping with the family. They highlighted that it was compact and easy to transport.
This basic cookware set comes with a deep skillet and a shallow fryer that doubles as a lid. Together they create a makeshift Dutch oven. That makes the set extremely versatile. The cast iron is pre-seasoned and should last you a long time.
This set worked fantastically over a campfire, according to reviewers. Many also liked how durable the skillets were. While they were heavy, most agreed that it was a good choice for experienced campers.
This set is notable for its stove that uses natural fuel like twigs and dry grass, which allows you to save space because you don’t have to pack additional fuel. It also comes with a storage bag that can hold all the items. While the kettle is big enough for a group, the set only includes two plates and cups, so it is best for two people.
Reviewers were impressed with how quickly the stove was able to boil water. Several added that the set was very compact and packed up small. Overall, they said the set was great for camping.
This set is ideal for two travelers with its two-liter pot and two color-coordinated sets of double-wall insulated mugs and deep dish bowls. Its nesting capability makes it convenient for storage. Also, it's very lightweight!
One reviewer noted that the pot lid was not that heat-resistant, and recommended being careful with it. But overall, many reviewers loved how the kit nested together and said it was very portable. They recommended it for camping and backpacking.
This simple set nests together into the included storage bag. The Teflon coating means that the pots and pan are nonstick, allowing for an easy clean-up process. The set also includes a removable folding pot handle, strainer lids, and a cutting board.
A handful of reviewers said the handle was very heat sensitive, and it was best to take it off the pot or pan while the food cooked. Meanwhile, many said the set was great for camping. They appreciated that it was easy to pack and easy to use.
This compact kit comes with the essentials needed by a solo traveler. It includes a pot, pan, spork, and more use useful accessories. They all fit together to form a small bundle that's easy to transport in the included drawstring travel bag.
Several reviewers were enthused about how lightweight and handy this kit was. They said it was great for long treks and hikes, and proved durable as well. Some added that the kit worked well for scout camping, too.
This special set features a pan and pots with aluminum bases, but silicone bodies so that they can be collapsed. This makes the set versatile. The aluminum is good for cooking, while silicone is flexible and lightweight. The set should only be used with camping stoves, though, and not with open flames.
A few reviewers noted that the lids weren't durable and had to be replaced. However, the majority loved how packable and lightweight the set was. They said it was must-have gear for camping.
This four-piece titanium set was designed with two people in mind. It includes two pots and two pans, the latter of which double as lids. The set is both compact and lightweight, making it ideal for long treks and hikes. The handles are foldable.
Reviewers note that the items in the set are small, but overall, they're pleased with them. The kit packs small and is ultra-lightweight, making it a good choice for camping.
If you want an all-in-one cook set for car camping and in the backcountry, be sure to check out the Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset. It is an 11-piece cook set that has everything you need from pots, pans, utensils, and cookware. All of this fits in the main pot for easy storage!
Although cookware is super important for camping, you'll also need other gear to get you settled in. Check out these other articles for more great equipment ideas!
No. 1: GSI Outdoors|Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set
No. 2: Stanley|Adventure All-in-One 2 Bowl Cook Set
No. 3: Stanley|Base Camp Cook Set
No. 4: Lodge|Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker
No. 5: Kelly Kettle|Ultimate Base Camp Kit
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