Camp Stoves

Camp stoves help you get a hot meal on the table at the campsite, whether you’re frying eggs before a day of fishing or heating supper after a long hike. Finding the right portable camping stove starts with how you travel, how many folks you feed and what you like to cook. For truck camping and weekends close to the parking spot, a two-burner camp stove can give you room to work on the main dish and a side at the same time. A compact backpacking stove may make more sense if you’re carrying your cooking gear down the trail and mostly boiling water for coffee or trail meals. Think about packed size, stove weight, cookware compatibility and burner spacing as you compare outdoor cooking equipment. Heat output, often listed in BTUs, is worth checking, but flame control matters, too—especially if your camp cooking calls for simmering beans rather than just bringing a pot of water to a boil. Fuel type is another big part of choosing a camping stove that fits your plans. Propane camp stoves are a common option for drive-up campsites, while backpacking stoves may run on compact fuel canisters or liquid fuel, depending on the model. Check the manufacturer’s directions for the exact fuel and connections your stove requires, and plan your fuel supply around your trip length, group size and expected weather. Cold temperatures and wind can affect cooking performance, so consider those conditions before heading out and follow the stove maker’s guidance on wind protection. Set your outdoor camp stove on a stable, level surface with the required clearance from dry grass, gear and other flammable items. Operate it outdoors only, never inside a tent, vehicle, camper or enclosed shelter, because fuel-burning stoves can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Round out your camp kitchen with compatible pots and pans, cooking utensils, a way to wash up and a plan for packing out trash, then let the stove cool fully before putting it away.