Camp Stove

A reliable camp stove is often the centerpiece of any outdoor cooking setup, whether you’re roaming the countryside in an RV or pitching a tent in a secluded forest. Gone are the days when a simple, single-burner would barely do the trick. Modern camp stoves can range from lightweight backpacking models to full-on “kitchenettes” with multiple burners, impressive BTUs, and built-in wind guards.

For RVers, portability and compactness are crucial factors. You want something that fits neatly into storage compartments yet packs enough power to whip up a hot meal in no time. Many stoves run on propane, with small canisters easy to find at camping stores nationwide. Others might use butane or isobutane—both great options if you can readily source fuel canisters.

One challenge with camp stoves is weather. Even a light breeze can wreak havoc on your flame, causing uneven cooking times and wasted fuel. Luckily, many models include built-in wind shields or attachable panels. If your stove doesn’t, consider rigging up a simple barrier with your vehicle or a tarp, ensuring you keep plenty of ventilation for safety. Some high-end stoves even feature improved regulators and simmer controls, so you’re not stuck burning everything on a high flame.

Cleanup can be a chore, especially if you’re cooking for multiple people. Look for stoves with removable grates and drip pans that can be wiped down or rinsed off easily. This is particularly important when water is scarce. A clean stove not only looks better but also performs better over time, reducing the risk of clogged burners and uneven flames.

Many travelers opt for a two-burner stove, which strikes a sweet spot between compactness and versatility. You can boil water for pasta on one side while sautéing veggies on the other. Or brew coffee and fry bacon simultaneously—music to any camper’s ears. For those who truly want a gourmet experience in the wild, you can even find camp stoves with integrated grills or griddles, letting you expand your menu to include pancakes, burgers, or grilled vegetables.

While a camp stove might lack the romance of cooking directly over a campfire, it offers consistency and convenience. When you’re tired from a day’s hike or dealing with rain, it’s a relief to fire up a stove that lights instantly and cooks predictably. Indeed, for many modern nomads, a dependable camp stove is worth its weight in gold—turning even a sparse campsite into a functional kitchen on the go.