How to Make a Camp Kitchen

Cody Mummau: sxc.hu

Camping is a great way to get out and see the country without spending a lot of money. In fact, a well planned camping trip not only saves you big bucks on food and lodging, it can potentially save you money on fuel costs, as well. Especially, if you choose a campsite that is not far from home. If you camp often, a well organized camp kitchen can become a necessity. Stocking it with foods that are easy to prepare and making sure that you have equipped it with all of the items that you will need to make it functional can really set the tone for your entire camping trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Preparations

Things You’ll Need:

Food shopping list Kitchen items Cooking supplies Cleaning items Folding tables Tarps Shop light or Battery-powered lantern
Food shopping list
Kitchen items
Cooking supplies
Cleaning items
Folding tables
Tarps
Shop light or
Battery-powered lantern

Step 1

Come up with a meal plan. Most of the items that you gather for your camp kitchen will be dependent on the type of cooking that you plan to do. For instance, if you will be living on cereal for your entire camping trip, you will probably just need a few bowls, some spoons, cereal and a cooler with ice to put your milk in to keep it cold. However, if you will be making eggs in the morning and hot dogs for dinner you will probably need a skillet and a hot dog fork.

Step 2

Grab a pen and paper and jot down the items that you will need to gather together to create a functional camp kitchen. You will need to take the list to the food store and purchase the items that you will need to complete your meals. You may need to purchase pots, pans, dishes, bowls, utensils and a propane stove, if necessary. Additional items may be condiments, a tablecloth, paper towels, napkins and beverages.

Step 3

Gather your cleanup items. Every kitchen needs a sponge and some dish soap, even if you will be eating off paper plates. Chances are you will need to wash a pot or coffee cup so it is a good idea to stock your camp kitchen with a few cleaning items. You may also want to include a dish rack to dry your washed items.

Step 4

Visualize how you would like your camp kitchen to look. Maybe you would like to use a few folding tables to hold the contents of your kitchen. If so, you will not only have to obtain the tables if you do not already own them, but also figure out if you have the means to transport them. Remember, you will also need to bring your regular camping equipment and all of your other camp kitchen contents, too.

Step 5

Think sun, but plan for rain. There may be times when the weather may not cooperate with your dinner plans. Therefore, if you do not have some kind of roof on your camp kitchen, your dinner might be a wash out. You may want to invest in a few tarps that you can tie from tree to tree, to protect you from the elements when you are cooking in your camp kitchen. It is also a good idea to have an extra tarp on hand that you can hang as a wind shield on days when the wind keeps blowing out your cooking flames.

Putting it all Together

Step 1

Scout out your campsite and try to find one that has a few trees in it. The trees will not only offer shade, but also give you something to tie your tarps to. If your site has a water spigot, try to set up your camp kitchen as close to the spigot as possible. This way you will not have to carry your pots of water very far.

Step 2

Set up your tables as if they were your kitchen counter tops. Arrange your camp kitchen items on the tables just as you would the counter tops in your kitchen. Keep in mind that you will need to leave some empty space for food preparation; just like at home.

Step 3

Line your coolers up under the tables. If you are using coolers to keep your food and beverages cold, sliding them under the tables will keep them out of the way, yet accessible when you need them.

Step 4

Hang a battery-powered shop light from one of the trees in your camp kitchen. There are no lights out in the wilderness. So, if you get the munchies in the middle of the night you may need a light source to see what you are cooking.

Tips & Warnings

There are usually no sinks in the forest, so you will need to bring along some kind of wash basin to clean your cooking utensils. A large plastic tub works great, and you can boil water over your campfire, and fill the basin with the hot water and some dish soap to soak your kitchen items. Consider bringing a crock-pot or Dutch oven on your trip. This way, dinner can be cooking in your camp kitchen while you are out on your hike. It is a good idea to bring extra Tupperware containers to keep in your camp kitchen. Plastic containers are a great way to store leftovers, and they can be placed right in the cooler to keep until you are ready to eat the contents.

Consider bringing a crock-pot or Dutch oven on your trip. This way, dinner can be cooking in your camp kitchen while you are out on your hike.

It is a good idea to bring extra Tupperware containers to keep in your camp kitchen. Plastic containers are a great way to store leftovers, and they can be placed right in the cooler to keep until you are ready to eat the contents.

Don't forget your knives. You'll probably need a good kitchen knife to cut up food when you are away on your camping trip. But it is important that you transport your knives safely. Place the knives in a plastic container that closes tightly and securely, and then pack them with your other kitchen items. Never leave food out in your camp kitchen when you go out on a hike or go to bed for the night. You could wake up to find a large animal eating what you left out. This is not only dangerous, but also frowned upon by the camping community.

Never leave food out in your camp kitchen when you go out on a hike or go to bed for the night. You could wake up to find a large animal eating what you left out. This is not only dangerous, but also frowned upon by the camping community.

Resources

Camping USA

Article Written By Eleanor Jewell

Eleanor Jewell started writing in 2007. She also has a background as a licensed cosmetologist and certified skin-care specialist. Jewell is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in education and a teacher certification.

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