Ask any camper and they’ll tell you—the food is what makes the trip. Coffee that tastes better in the mountains, bacon sizzling on a cast iron skillet, or the smell of fajitas cooking over an open flame. But here’s the thing: those meals don’t just happen on their own. Cooking outdoors comes with challenges—limited space, unpredictable weather, and the constant threat of forgetting something important. That’s why having the right camp kitchen gear is a game-changer.
Whether you’re car camping for a weekend, backpacking into the backcountry, or setting up a full family basecamp, the right tools make everything easier (and tastier). From sharp knives and secure egg holders to fire starters that actually work and lanterns that set the mood, building your camp kitchen is all about planning ahead. Think of this checklist as your go-to guide for packing smarter, cooking better, and making camp meals part of the adventure—not a stress point.
This ultimate camp kitchen checklist covers everything you need to cook outdoors with confidence. Some items are UCO staples we swear by, others are tried-and-true camping classics. Mix and match what works for your trip, and you’ll be ready to serve up meals that taste as good under the stars as they do at home.
1. Cooking Tools
- UCO Camp Chef Knife – all-around prep knife
- UCO Camp Paring Knife – perfect for small cuts
- Cutting board or foldable prep board
- Tongs, spatula, and serving spoon
- Grater or zester for cheese and citrus
- Can opener or multi-tool with opener
2. Food Storage & Organization
- UCO ECO Egg Holder – keeps eggs safe from soggy cartons
- Cooler with ice packs or a portable electric fridge
- Dry storage bin for pantry items
- Reusable containers, silicone bags, or beeswax wraps
- Spice kit with salt, pepper, oil, and your go-tos
3. Cooking Surfaces & Heat Sources
- UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill – doubles as a grill and firepit
- Portable propane or butane camp stove
- Fuel canisters or firewood
- Charcoal and chimney starter (if you’re grilling)
- Tripod or grill grate for campfire cooking
4. Fire Starters
- UCO Stormproof Matches
- UCO Sweetfire Firestarter Tabs
- Lighter or ferro rod as backup
5. Cookware
- Lightweight nesting pots and pans (included in the Cookit Camp Kitchen)
- Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven for hearty meals
- Coffee maker: percolator, French press, or pour-over
- Kettle for hot water, tea, or cocoa
- Baking rack or pie iron for campfire desserts
6. Eating & Serving Gear
- UCO 4 & 6-Piece Mess Kit – plate, bowl, spork, tether
- UCO ECO 4-Person Tableware Set – for group meals
- UCO Collapsible Camp Cup – space-saving mugs
- Cups, insulated mugs, or tumblers
- Serving platter or large mixing bowl
7. Lighting
- UCO Candlelier Lantern – adds warm light, doubles as a stove and heater
- Headlamps for hands-free cooking
- LED string lights for your camp kitchen
8. Cleanup Essentials
- Biodegradable soap
- Scrub sponge, brush, or camp dish scraper
- Microfiber dish towel or camp towel
- Collapsible wash basin (included in the Cookit Camp Kitchen)
- Trash bags and compost bags (leave no trace)
9. Nice-to-Have Extras
- Camp table for a prep station
- Collapsible sink or water jug with spout
- Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves
- Camp chair with side table
- Thermos or insulated growler for drinks
- Marshmallow skewers for s’mores
Cooking outdoors should be fun, not stressful. With this checklist, you’ll have everything covered—from knives and egg storage to stoves, mess kits, and even those nice-to-have extras. Pack smart, cook better, and make your camp meals part of the adventure.
Pro tip: Start with UCO favorites—Camp Chef Knife, ECO Egg Holder, Flatpack Grill, the Cookit Camp Kitchen and Mess Kit—then add cookware, storage, and lighting to complete your camp kitchen setup.
