Best Camping Grills and Griddles for Outdoor Cooking

The best camping grill for most car campers is the Camp Chef Everest 2X—a 40 000‑BTU two‑burner stove that sears, simmers, and packs smaller than a carry‑on. If your menu centers on pancakes, eggs, and smashed patties, the Blackstone 17″ Tabletop Griddle is the top flat‑top tool. Below we line up the best camp grills and griddles across budget, performance, and cooking style so you can stop shopping and start cooking.

At a Glance

• Best Overall: Camp Chef Everest 2X – high‑output two‑burner control in a 12‑pound trunk‑friendly box.
• Best Budget: Coleman RoadTrip 225 – simple propane grilling for small groups at a low price.
• Premium Pick: Weber Traveler – one‑hand setup, large grates, and the durability you expect from Weber.
• Best Griddle: Blackstone 17″ Tabletop Griddle – flat‑top versatility that gives you a pro‑style griddle surface anywhere.
• Best Value Combo: Camp Chef Pro 60X with Flat Top – two monstrous burners plus a swappable griddle for feeding a crowd.

Comparison Table

Grill / Griddle	Type	BTU (approx.)	Cooking Area	Weight	Price Range	Best For
Camp Chef Everest 2X	Propane stove/grill	40 000 total	Two burners, fits 10–12″ pans	12 lb	$$	Fast, versatile car‑camp meals
Coleman RoadTrip 225	Tabletop propane grill	11 500	225 sq in	24 lb	$	Small‑group grilling on a budget
Weber Traveler	Portable gas grill	13 000	320 sq in	49 lb	$$$	Large‑area grilling with premium build
Blackstone 17″ Tabletop	Propane griddle	12 500	268 sq in	21 lb	$$	Breakfast, smashburgers, stir‑fries
Camp Chef Pro 60X + Flat Top	Stove + griddle combo	60 000 total	Large flat top (accessory)	36 lb	$$–$$$	Crowd‑size cooking with one rig

Price indications: $ under $150, $$ $150–$300, $$$ $300+. Prices vary; check current offers at major outdoor retailers.

What to Look For Before You Buy

Fuel and Heat Output

Propane is the camp‑cooking standard—fast lighting, clean, and available almost everywhere. Raw BTU numbers matter less than burner design. A unit that can sear at 20 000 BTU or above but still hold a low simmer will save you from burnt pancakes and under‑seared steak. Look for burners that spread heat evenly across the whole plate or grate, not just a hot ring in the center.

Cooking Surface Type

Match the surface to your menu. Open grates are better for steaks, chops, and anything you want grill marks on. A solid flat top handles breakfast foods, smashed burgers, and delicate items that would fall through grates. Several stoves accept swappable griddle plates or grill boxes, so you can have both without hauling two devices.

Portability and Setup

Car campers can carry more weight, but bulk still kills a trip’s rhythm. Folding legs, a locking lid, and a weight under 40 pounds make one‑person loading realistic. If setup takes more than two minutes or requires small parts that can roll into the dirt, you’ll be frustrated before the first meal.

Cleanup and Grease Management

Griddles need a built‑in rear grease channel; grills need removable drip trays you can line with foil. Any model that pools grease near the burner or has hard‑to‑reach crevices will punish you later. Aim for a system you can wipe down in under five minutes—otherwise it won’t get done after a long day.

When These Grills Don’t Make Sense

Every grill and griddle on this list is designed for car camping, tailgating, or base‑camp cooking with bulk propane—none belongs in a backpack. If you need a cook system you can carry for miles, stop here and look at canister‑top stoves in the 2‑ounce range. Fire‑ban rules vary; some jurisdictions allow propane devices with an on/off control knob even when solid‑fuel fires are banned, others forbid any flame outright. Check the specific land‑management agency before you pack anything with a burner. Saltwater coast, damp basements, or humid truck beds also change the equation: unsealed steel griddle plates rust fast unless you dry and oil them religiously after every trip. In those environments, a porcelain‑enameled grill grate may be safer.

Confirm Propane Connections and Vehicle Fit

Before you buy, verify the propane connection you plan to use. Most portable grills and griddles thread directly onto a 1‑pound disposable cylinder. If you want to run the grill from a standard 20‑pound tank, you’ll need an adapter hose—confirm the grill’s regulator inlet matches before ordering. Folded dimensions matter just as much. The Weber Traveler folds to roughly 43″ × 23″ × 14″, while the Camp Chef Everest 2X collapses to about 23″ × 13″ × 5″. Measure your trunk or truck bed with other gear stacked in, so you aren’t surprised at the trailhead.

The Grills and Griddles We Recommend

Best Overall: Camp Chef Everest 2X

Type: 2‑burner propane stove/grill

Two 20 000‑BTU burners sit in a 12‑pound package with matchless ignition and full‑width windscreens. The control knobs rotate through a fine‑tuned range, letting you sear a ribeye on high while keeping a saucepan of beans at a low bubble on the other burner. The burners sit close to the surface, so a 10‑inch cast‑iron skillet heats in under two minutes. It slips into a trunk even when the car is packed full.

Pros

• Wide flame control from searing to true simmer
• Light enough to carry with one hand
• Integrated windscreens and locking lid

Cons

• Grate spacing is wide; small foods like shrimp or asparagus can fall through
• Piezo igniter may fail when wet—always bring a lighter as backup

Because the burners are close together, two 12‑inch skillets can share the surface, but a 14‑inch griddle will overhang the edges and block airflow. In a cross‑wind, position the grill so the wind blows parallel to the windscreens—a gust directly through the side gaps can still push the flame around. Available at REI and major outdoor retailers.

Best Budget: Coleman RoadTrip 225

Type: Tabletop propane grill

The RoadTrip 225 delivers 225 square inches of grate space from a single 11 500‑BTU U‑shaped burner. Legs fold out in seconds, and a water pan underneath catches drips, cutting flare‑ups without a separate drip tray. It’s the grill to grab when you need a hot grate for burgers and dogs on a beach day or a quick family campout.

Pros

• Straightforward assembly, easy to rinse clean
• Water‑pan grease management works even in moderate wind
• Price hovers around half the cost of larger RoadTrip models

Cons

• Single burner means no two‑zone cooking; you’ll time everything to one temperature
• Lid clearance is low—a whole chicken will touch the lid before closing

The U‑shaped burner leaves a cooler middle in the grate center, so load food toward the perimeter for the highest heat. In strong gusts, the gap between the lid and body lets heat escape; bring a windbreak or tuck it behind a vehicle. Find it at department stores and online outdoor shops.

Premium Pick: Weber Traveler

Type: Portable gas grill with cart

Weber engineered the Traveler to unfold into a full‑height cart in one motion—no clunky separate legs. A 13 000‑BTU burner heats 320 square inches of porcelain‑enameled cast‑iron grates, and a built‑in lid thermometer helps you manage temperature without lifting the hood. It collapses into a wheeled cart that rolls across pavement and packed dirt.

Pros

• One‑hand setup with scissor‑leg frame
• Thick grates retain heat and mark food cleanly
• Reliable ignition and sturdy lid with accurate dome thermometer

Cons

• At 49 pounds, lifting it into a tall truck bed requires two people or a ramp
• Premium price reflects lifetime‑grade materials

The cart needs nearly level ground—the legs lock in place but don’t adjust for slope, so a soft shoulder can tilt the grease tray and cause drips to bypass the catch pan. The aluminum tray sits directly under the burner; if you forget to line it with foil or empty it, pooled grease can ignite on the next heat‑up. Always check the tray before lighting. Available through Weber’s site and specialty grill retailers.

Best Griddle: Blackstone 17″ Tabletop Griddle

Type: Portable propane griddle

The 17‑inch Blackstone runs a 12 500‑BTU H‑shaped burner under a cold‑rolled steel plate with 268 square inches of cooking space. A rear grease channel drains into a small cup. The surface can handle a dozen pancakes, four burgers, or a pile of stir‑fried vegetables all at once. Season it properly and it becomes naturally non‑stick, requiring only a thin coat of oil after cleaning.

Pros

• Generous flat‑top surface ideal for breakfast, hibachi‑style meals
• Rear grease management keeps oil out of the flame
• Compact enough to sit on a picnic table

Cons

• Steel plate must be seasoned and dried after every use; rust forms quickly otherwise
• No lid included—you’ll need a separate cover or foil when cooking thick items that benefit from trapping heat

The plate heats hottest directly over the H‑shaped burner, so use the cooler edges to keep food warm while you cook in the center. After washing, dry the surface over low heat and wipe with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust lasting through storage. Sold at general outdoor retailers and online marketplaces.

Best Value Combo: Camp Chef Pro 60X with Flat Top

Type: 2‑burner stove with optional griddle

When you’re feeding a group, the Pro 60X ramps up the power. Two 30 000‑BTU burners sit in a steel frame built to support heavy cast‑iron cookware and oversized pots. An accessory flat‑top griddle (sold separately or in bundles) slides onto the mounting rails, turning the stove into a nearly full‑size griddle. This is the setup to grab for scout troops, beach cookouts, or any meal where a single pan won’t cut it.

Pros

• 60 000 BTU total can boil a 5‑gallon pot or sear multiple steaks easily
• Versatile with swappable cook surfaces and compatible accessories
• Tall windscreen panels and sturdy removable legs

Cons

• The griddle plate adds weight and bulk; stowing it inside the stove body isn’t always tidy
• Burners are powerful enough to warp thin aluminum pans if left on high too long

The griddle fits securely on the built‑in rails but doesn’t trap heat as efficiently as a dedicated griddle plate with a lid. Expect slightly longer cook times for thick burgers, and always season the steel surface before the first use. Sold through Camp Chef’s site and major outdoor cooking retailers.

Bottom Line

For car campers who want the best mix of heat control and portability, the Camp Chef Everest 2X is the clear winner. If your camping menu revolves around pancakes, eggs, and smashed patties, the Blackstone 17″ Tabletop Griddle delivers a diner‑style kitchen in a small footprint. The Weber Traveler earns its higher price when you need a full‑size grill with push‑button setup and a rolling cart, while the Coleman RoadTrip 225 covers basic grilling on a tight budget. For cooks who feed eight or more hungry people, the Camp Chef Pro 60X with a flat‑top griddle offers massive output and the flexibility to swap surfaces on the go. Match the surface to your meals and confirm your propane connection before you head out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a griddle on a regular camp stove?

Yes, many camp stoves accept a griddle plate that spans two burners, but heat distribution will be uneven if the burners aren’t well matched or the plate isn’t thick. A dedicated propane griddle like the Blackstone usually provides more even temperature across the whole surface and simpler grease disposal.

How do you season a camping griddle?

Wash the steel plate with soap and water to remove factory oil, dry it completely over low heat, then apply a thin layer of high‑smoke‑point oil (canola, flaxseed, or grapeseed) across the entire surface. Heat the griddle until the oil smokes and darkens, then let it cool. Repeat two or three times, and re‑season whenever the surface looks dull or food begins to stick.

Is a griddle or a grill better for camping?

It depends on your menu. A grill with open grates gives you high‑heat searing, smoke‑kissed flavor, and grill marks. A griddle offers a solid surface for delicate foods, eggs, and smashed burgers without flare‑ups. Many camp cooks bring both—a grill for proteins and a griddle plate accessory for sides—or pick a stove that accepts a swap‑out cooking surface.

Will a camp grill work in a fire ban?

Varies; verify locally. Many fire bans allow liquid‑ or gas‑fueled stoves and grills that have an on/off control knob because they can be shut down instantly. Some bans prohibit any flame, including propane. Always check the current restrictions with the specific land agency before your trip.

How do I keep a griddle from rusting while camping?

Clean the plate immediately after cooking while it’s still warm, wipe it dry, and apply a very thin coat of oil. Store it in a dry bag or sealed tote, and check it at the end of a trip to re‑oil if any moisture got in. Salt air or humid conditions accelerate rust, so oil the surface more frequently in those environments.