As much as we all love the experience of camping, prepping for a trip can sometimes be arduous. There’s a lot that goes into it, such as frantically looking for the gear you haven’t used in months or shopping for days worth of food. This is why creating a camping kitchen box of all your food supplies is key.
You may be thinking, “What is a camping box, and do I need it?” The answer to the latter is a resounding yes. I don’t just say this because my parents had one when I grew up and I’ve now created one. I say it because it’s the smart thing to do. We’re here to answer the first question as well. Keep following to learn more!
A camping kitchen box is simply everything you need to cook, eat, and clean, in one box. It makes it incredibly easy to throw it into the car knowing all your cooking and eating needs are there. Without one, you’d be running around collecting plates, utensils, and napkins from a multitude of spots. It’s made my camping life incredibly less complicated and hopefully yours now too.
What’s in the box?
So, how do you build this box? First, go to a hardware store and get a sturdy and good-sized plastic container. I’d recommend something in the 20-gallon range. From here on, it’s time to fill the box with everything you’ll need for cooking and eating at the campsite.
This is mainly for car camping so you can have heavier, more luxurious items. You need to be more frugal with weight if you are in the backcountry.
Cookware
When it comes to your cookware, you want reliability while also thinking about how much size it will take up in the box. A cookware set that includes a pot, skillet, and cutting board is a great place to start. Next, you’ll need a kitchen tool set consisting of a spatula, ladle, and can opener. Additionally, a sharp knife will save you a lot of headaches as you chop veggies or cut meat.
Lastly, while it won’t fit in the box, you’ll want to make sure you get a two-burner camp stove. I’m a big fan of ones with a self-lighting mechanism. On top of that, make sure to bring enough propane for your trip. You can grab the small green canisters from most hardware or retail stores. However, if you’re looking to be more environmentally friendly, buy a small propane canister and hose that is compatible and then fill it up locally. This will save you money in the long run and you won’t be throwing out the green ones for eternity.
Dinnerware
The easiest and most cost-efficient way is to buy a bundle. A four-person table set that includes plates, bowls, and cups is a perfect option. Add on a utensil set and you’re good to go! Getting enough to cover four people will help when you have friends or family join. On top of these staples, make sure to add napkins, paper towels, Ziploc baggies, Tupperware, trash bags. and a table cover.
Food Prep
Even being out in nature, your food should still taste good. Here’s a couple of things to have with you. First, grab an assortment of spices. You can usually find a five or six-pack that will last you a couple of years. Next, get a small bottle of olive oil. This will help your food taste better and ease the cleaning process later on. Furthermore, getting sugar and dry coffee creamer will help make your morning coffee experience a bit more delightful.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning up after dinner is everyone’s least favorite thing. No matter where you are, post-dinner dishes are the worst. However, it has to be done. When camping, it’s important to clean so leftover food and smells don’t attract various wildlife including bears, skunks, squirrels, and ravens. For this final part, you won’t need to do anything different than what you would at home.
Make sure to grab biodegradable soap, a sponge, and a towel to dry your pots, pans, and dinnerware. For a simple wash and rinse process, get a couple of medium-sized tubs. Put soapy water in one and rise water in the other. This creates the perfect cleaning system.
While acquiring all of this in one fell swoop can seem daunting, it’s an investment that will pay off years down the road. With everything purchased for your camping kitchen box, the only question is, where to next?
Article and Photos by Alec Sills-Trausch
Alec is a photographer, writer, and avid hiker who enjoys pushing the limits to find incredible destinations. He hopes through his work to inspire others to get outside and to respect planet earth so future generations can enjoy it just the same. He’s also a cancer survivor, hoping to use his voice to show that you can have a wonderful life after the treatment.
