Don't go camping without one of these
You checked all the essentials for your camping trip: tent, sleeping bag, bug spray — the list goes on. All that's left to do is think about how you're going to cook food outside. You could stick to roasting hot dogs or trying to hold a skillet over a fire pit, but you can do better than that.
A camping stove gives you a better surface for cooking actual meals. Plus, not every campsite will have a fire pit, so you want to be prepared.
Types of camping stoves
Not every camp stove is the same. They come in different shapes, sizes, and fuel types. For backpacking, you need a small stove than can fit in your pack without taking up too much room or weighing too heavily. The BioLite CampStove 2 is relatively small and lightweight, but for long backpack excursions, we suggest the MSR PocketRocket 2, which is basically just a burner with a couple cooking accessories and is super compact and lightweight. Read more...
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BEST PORTABLE STOVE
BioLite CampStove 2This stove is small enough to fit in a pack and harnesses power to charge your devices.
- Fuel type: Wood
- Heat output (per burner): 10,000 BTUs
BEST BUDGET CAMPING STOVE
Coleman portable butane stoveThis stove is a nice size for your basic cooking needs.
- Fuel type: Butane
- Heat output (per burner): 7,650 BTUs
BEST FOR GRILLING
Coleman propane grill stoveThis multi-use stove features a grill and a burner.
- Fuel type: Propane
- Heat output (per burner): 11,000 BTUs
BEST BEGINNER CAMPING STOVE
Camp Chef EverestIf you're new to outdoor cooking, this is a good place to start.
- Fuel type: Propane
- Heat output (per burner): 20,000 BTUs
BEST BACKPACKING STOVE
MSR PocketRocket 2This tiny, lightweight camping stove is great for backpackers.
- Fuel type: Isobutane-propane
- Heat output (per burner): 8,000 BTUs
BEST FOR LARGE GROUPS
Camp Chef ExplorerAt a larger size, this stove is ideal for extended camping or large groups.
- Fuel type: Propane
- Heat output (per burner): 30,000 BTUs
BEST FOR FIRE PITS
Adjust-A-GrillNo fuel required, 'cause this grill plate sits above your fire pit.
- Fuel type: Wood
BEST FOR AN OPEN FLAME
BioLite FirePitFor campsites lacking fire pits, this provides an open flame for cooking.
- Fuel type: Wood and charcoal