Eating well in the backcountry is one of the great pleasures of overlanding. You do not have to live on gas station food and energy bars. A simple, well-organized camp kitchen setup lets you cook real meals at camp for surprisingly little money.

The Core Kitchen Setup

Stove

A two-burner propane camp stove is the most versatile option for vehicle-based camping. The Coleman Classic 2-Burner has been a standard for decades and costs around $50. It runs on 1-lb propane canisters or connects to a larger tank with an adapter. Two burners let you cook a main dish and boil water simultaneously.

For a more compact setup, a single-burner backpacking stove (MSR, Jetboil, or Olicamp) costs $30 to $80 and is hard to beat for boiling water quickly.

Cookware

A cast-iron skillet is the best value in camp cookware. It is nearly indestructible, distributes heat well, and gets better with use. A 10-inch Lodge skillet costs $20. Pair it with a lightweight stainless pot ($15 to $25) for boiling pasta, making coffee, or heating soup.

Avoid nonstick camp cookware. The coatings wear quickly with metal utensils and camp use. Cast iron and stainless hold up for years.

Cutting Board and Knives

A flexible plastic cutting mat costs $5 and rolls up easily. A single quality chef’s knife handles most camp prep. Keep it in a blade guard and store it separate from loose items.

Utensils and Accessories

Buy a set of camp utensils (spatula, ladle, tongs) for under $15. Add a can opener, a corkscrew, and a small whisk. A collapsible silicone bowl and cup set saves space and weighs almost nothing.

Food Storage

A quality cooler is the biggest variable in camp kitchen cost. A Coleman 70-qt steel belted cooler holds ice for 3 to 4 days and costs around $75. Dedicated overland fridges (ARB, Dometic) are excellent but cost $500 or more. Start with the cooler.

For dry goods, use a plastic bin with a locking lid. Keep all food sealed and stored away from your sleeping area to discourage wildlife.

Water for Cooking

Carry more water than you think you need. A gallon per person per day is the minimum for drinking and cooking. Add another half gallon for washing dishes. A small collapsible wash basin ($10) and biodegradable soap (pack out gray water or use at least 200 feet from water sources) keeps dishes manageable.

Sample Budget Camp Kitchen Cost

Item Cost
Coleman 2-burner stove $50
Cast iron skillet (10”) $20
Stainless pot $20
Utensil set $15
Cutting mat and knife $20
Coleman cooler (70 qt) $75
Dry goods bin $15
Collapsible basin and soap $15
Total $230

For $230 you have a complete kitchen that cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the trail. That is better eating than most campground neighbors who paid triple for branded overland kitchen systems.

Cook what you enjoy at home. Bring the ingredients. Eat well out there.