8 Best Camping Grills (2025) Proven Go-To Guide for Buyers
For carnivores who love the great outdoors, nothing beats a quality grill.
Over the last seven years, I've tested the best camping grills on the market and narrowed the list to my top eight options for different types of trips, from family getaways to car camping adventures.
The Best Camping Grills
- Best Overall Camping Grill: Weber Gas Grill
- Cheapest Camping Grill: UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Grill and Fire Pit
- Best Value for Outdoor Cooking: Camp Chef Pellet Grill
- Premier Portable Wood-Fired Camping Grill: Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill
- Leading Dual-Burner Campsite Grill: Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill
- High-Quality Camp Cooking Grill: Magma Double Box Crossover
- Sturdiest Heavy-Duty Camping Grill: Coleman RoadTrip Portable Grill
- Best High-Temperature Wood Pellet Camping Grill: Green Mountain Grills
Top 8 Camping Grills
1 - Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill (Best Overall)
- Built-in side table x2
- Catch pan for easy cleanup
- Electronic ignition system
- Easy to set up
- Requires a separate adapter to attach a 20lb propane tank
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Outdoor enthusiasts needing a portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a large grilling area
Final Verdict
Compact and portable, ideal for small outdoor activities. For larger grilling areas, consider other models.
The Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill doesn't compromise on quality despite its compact size. This lightweight, reliable grill features 189 square-inch porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates providing even heat distribution and superior retention.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 189 sq in
- Dimensions : 15.5” x 40.9" x 16.5"
- Material : Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Fuel type : Liquid Propane
"Innovation is woven throughout Weber's culture -- it's a vital principle our founder George Stephen instilled in our brand."
- Weber Grills
2 - Camp Chef Pursuit Pellet Grill (Best Value)
- Technology to control smoke levels
- The slider moves from direct to indirect heat
- Ash cleanout system makes cleanup easy
- Has to be flipped over to extend the legs
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing a versatile, portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those who dislike complex maintenance
Final Verdict
Suitable for various grilling needs and easy to carry, but requires regular maintenance and cleaning.
The Camp Chef Pursuit Pellet Grill is an excellent option for people looking to enjoy the flavor of a wood fire while camping.
This grill has an electronic auto-start ignition system, digital temperature control, and a pellet hopper that holds up to 10 pounds of wood pellets.
This allows you to get consistent heat for hours without having to add fuel constantly.
The grill also has an easy-to-read LED display that provides information like the internal temperature of your food and the amount of time left on your timer.
Additionally, the Camp Chef Pursuit Pellet Grill features an ash cleanout system that makes it easy to empty the ashes from your grill.
I appreciate the ability to pull a single grill knob to shift from indirect fire to direct flame grilling. This makes it easy to move from low and slow smoking to quick searing.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 501 sq in
- Dimensions : 38” x 18.5” x 21”
- Material : Porcelain Coated Steel
- Fuel type : Wood Pellets
3 - Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill (Premier Portable Grill)
- Digital Arc Controller
- Meat probe to monitor food's internal temperature
- Keep warm mode for serving later
- Side latches can get hot
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those who prefer precise temperature control
Who is it not for?
- Those needing large grilling capacity
Final Verdict
Offers precise temperature control and portability, suitable for small outdoor gatherings. For larger capacity, consider other models.
The Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill is a solid choice for campers who want all the power of Traeger's signature wood-fired flavor while on the go.
This portable grill has a latching lid for transport and porcelain-coated cooking grates that can hold up to 6 burgers or a dozen hot dogs at once.
Also included is the Digital Arc Controller that helps you maintain an accurate cooking temperature and smoke level.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 184 sq in
- Dimensions : 121” x 20" x 13"
- Material : Porcelain Coated Steel
- Fuel type : Wood Pellets
4 - Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill (Leading Dual-Burner)
- Integrated lid latch and briefcase-style handle for portability
- Twist-start ignition system
- 15,000 BTUs in a small area
- A small drip tray makes it hard to clean the grease out of the bottom
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small families or couples needing a portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those needing extensive cooking space
Final Verdict
Compact and efficient dual-burner, ideal for small gatherings or camping. May be insufficient for larger groups.
The Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill is a lightweight option providing 15,000 BTUs over 145 square inches of cooking space. Features briefcase-style handle and weighs only 13.5 lbs for easy transport.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 145 sq in
- Dimensions : 17.6” x 18.6” x 11.8”
- Material : Porcelain-enameled cooking grate
- Fuel type : Gas
5 - Magma Double Box Crossover (High-Quality Grill)
- Built-in wind deflector
- Side fold-out tables
- Front panel ventilation keeps controls cool
- A higher-priced grill
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- High-end users looking for a durable, versatile grill
Who is it not for?
- Those on a budget or needing simple setups
Final Verdict
High-quality construction and versatile use, perfect for serious grillers. Not the best choice for those seeking budget-friendly options.
The Magma Double Box Crossover is a premium stainless steel construction designed for RV parks and campgrounds. Features two heat zones with combined 30,000 BTU output and innovative altitude adjustment system.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 448 sq in
- Dimensions : 144” x 22" x 10"
- Material : Stainless steel
- Fuel type : Gas
6 - Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Tabletop Propane Grill (Heavy-Duty Grill)
- Easy clean up
- Heavy-duty construction
- Designed to prevent flare-ups
- No thermometer on the lid
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Campers and tailgaters needing a robust, portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a lightweight, ultra-portable option
Final Verdict
Durable and powerful, ideal for heavy use in various outdoor settings. May be overkill for casual users.
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is suitable for campers who want the convenience of a portable grill.
This tabletop grill includes two temperature zones controlled by separately adjustable knobs.
The grill has 225 square inches of cooking space, making it large enough to feed the whole family.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 225 sq in
- Dimensions : 29.25” x 18.5” x 15.15”
- Material : Cast Iron
- Fuel type : Propane
7 - UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Grill and Fire Pit (Cheapest Option)
- Sides act as a natural windbreak
- Stable base on this camp stove
- The portable grill is fast and straightforward to set up
- The cooking surface may be too small
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious users and solo campers
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a large cooking surface
Final Verdict
Affordable and ultra-portable, great for solo trips or small gatherings. Limited cooking space may not suffice for larger groups.
The UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Grill and Fire Pit is the best portable charcoal grill for campers who want a grill that can also be used as a fire pit. This dual-purpose device has an adjustable height grate to cook over the flames.
The Flatpack mini camp stove features stainless steel construction and a foldable design that makes it easy to transport. You can use it as a charcoal grill or put wood in the pit and use it as an outdoor cooking space.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 130 sq in
- Dimensions : 13.5” x 10" x 11"
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Fuel type : Charcoal
8 - Green Mountain Grills Trek Wood Pellet (Best High-Temperature Grill)
- WiFi-enabled digital display for heat control
- Fuel is easy to load within the hopper
- Integrated fan reduces flare-ups
- At 65 lbs, best suited for car camping only
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- BBQ enthusiasts needing high-temperature grilling
Who is it not for?
- Those needing ultra-portable or lightweight options
Final Verdict
Excellent temperature control and high-heat capability, perfect for serious BBQ enthusiasts. Not ideal for those seeking portability.
The Green Mountain Grills Trek Wood Pellet Grill is a solid option for campers who want to cook with wood pellets. These portable grills can reach temperatures from 150 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also features a WiFi-enabled integrated digital display that helps you control your heat settings.
This grill comes with a hopper that holds 9 pounds of pellets and an auger for pellet feeding.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 219 sq in
- Dimensions : 24” x 16" x 32"
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Fuel type : Wood Pellets
Buyer’s guide for Camping Grills
When looking for the perfect grill, there are a few key criteria to consider.
1. Portability
Prioritize grills with collapsible legs, locking lids, and manageable weight for easy car or backpack transport.
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2. Cooking Area
Match grill size to group size - small grills for 2-3 people, larger grates for bigger groups cooking multiple items simultaneously.
3. Price
Invest in durable models designed for outdoor conditions rather than choosing cheapest options. Balance affordability with required features.
4. Durability
Choose stainless steel or coated cast iron construction that withstands rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures.
5. Performance & Power
Ensure adequate BTUs for proper cooking without burning. Consider multiple burners for large meals and understand fuel requirements.
Also Read: Best 4-Burner Gas Grills
6. Convenience
Look for built-in thermometers, easy-clean surfaces, drip trays, ignition systems, and adjustable legs for enhanced usability.
7. Fuel Type
Charcoal grills provide more intense heat than BBQs on gas and cook food more quickly. However, a charcoal grill requires more effort in cleaning up after use and refueling between uses.
Propane gas grills heat quickly and are easier to set up and clean up afterward. The best propane grills provide even heat distribution across the cooking surface but may not have the heat retention of a portable charcoal grill.
8. Features & Accessories
Most modern grills come with temperature gauges that allow you to monitor how hot or cold your food is cooking inside.
A grill grate made from cast iron or stainless steel is ideal because that type of metal cooking grate is durable and can withstand high temperatures without warping.
Also Read: Stainless Steel Grill Grates vs Cast Iron: Which to Buy?
9. Safety
Grilling outdoors by an open flame poses certain risks that you should consider before investing in any model; look for models with lids that fit snugly over the appliance so that sparks don't escape during use.
FAQs
What Kind of Grill Is Best for Camping?
The kind of grill best for camping is the one that’s easy to set up and readily portable. Charcoal grills and propane gas grills are the most popular grills due to their convenience, while wood pellet grills provide additional features such as temperature control.
Is a Camping BBQ Worth It?
A camping BBQ is worth it if you are looking for an easy and convenient way to cook while camping. Camping grills tend to be more affordable than most grills, require less effort to set up and clean up and provide a delicious meal on the go.
Can I Use a 20LB Propane Tank on a Camping Grill?
Yes, you can use a 20lb propane tank on most camping grills. However, it is important to ensure that the grill you are using is compatible with this tank size before attempting to connect it. Sometimes these require special adapters.
Is a Griddle or Grill Better for Camping?
Whether a griddle or grill is better for camping depends on what you want to cook. Griddles provide an easy way to cook dishes like eggs and pancakes, while you can use grills for cooking proteins such as steak or chicken. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your cooking preferences and the type of meal you plan.
What Is the #1 Best Camping Grill for You?
The grills I mentioned provide excellent BBQ results in the great outdoors. However, after carefully reviewing their distinct features, I’ve decided to give my vote to the Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill.
This model has all the features I was looking for among camping grills, including a large grilling surface, adjustable temperature controls, easy-to-use push-button ignition to start cooking quickly, and sturdy construction.
User reviews have also been overwhelmingly positive of this best camping grill, citing its collapsible side tables, compact grill design, and the ability to use it with a 1lb propane canister or a 20lb tank.
Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill (Best Overall)
Our #1 Recommendation
Rated With Carnivore Style's Scoring System
- Built-in side table x2
- Catch pan for easy cleanup
- Electronic ignition system
- Easy to set up
- Requires a separate adapter to attach a 20lb propane tank
