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There are many places beyond your garden where you can enjoy outdoor cookouts and barbecuing. For instance, a campsite offers the perfect setting for an al fresco grilling experience. This can be thrilling, especially if it’s your first time! Or maybe you’re off to a music festival and want a supply of delicious hot food? We’ve put together this guide to answer some BBQ camping FAQs so you can make the most of your experience.
What to Pack for BBQ Camping?
Camping and BBQing go hand in hand, but this also means more items to pack on your backpack or trailer. Here’s a list of must-haves to bring for your next campfire grilling:
Cooking equipment and BBQ accessories
- Aluminium foil
- Bag of charcoal for a charcoal BBQ
- OR a gas canister for a gas BBQ
- Cook pots with lids
- Cooking utensils (spoon, spatula, tongs, whisk)
- Cutting board
- Dutch oven with lid lifter
- Frying pans
- Griddle
- Grill rack
- Lighter or matches
- Marshmallow/hot-dog roasting forks
- Measuring cups
- Pot holders
- Sharp knife
- Washing up liquid and towels – some campsites have washing sinks!
Note: Your fuel source will depend on the type of BBQ you bring for this outdoor adventure. Refer to our guide, ‘Ultimate BBQ Checklist (12 Steps To Get Ready For Summer)’ for more information.
Camping table checklist
- Cups
- Eating utensils (forks, knives, spoons)
- Lantern/lighting
- Mugs
- Napkins
- Plates
- Tablecloth (and clips)
- Water bottles
Temporary kitchen storage setup
- Cooler
- Extra containers (for leftovers)
- Ice packs
- Large boxes (for kitchen gear)
- Resealable bags
Note: This list serves as a general guideline. Feel free to add or remove items based on your needs.
Why a Portable BBQ Is Better?
Considering the remote setting of campsites, you’ll benefit more from bringing a portable BBQ. The light weight and small size will make it a lot easier to get in and out of your vehicle.
A charcoal BBQ is widely accessible and convenient to use while you’re out in the wild. The grill’s fire can also double as a fire pit, perfect for the rustic ambience of camping. Plus, it helps achieve a rich, delicious, smoky flavour in your food that other grilling methods can’t match.
Many campsites don’t permit cooking over an open fire, making a charcoal BBQ a safer and more permissible option. Be sure to inquire or visit the website of the campsite you plan to stay at. Check their rules and regulations, including whether BBQs are allowed on their site.
How to Plan and Prepare for Campfire BBQ?
We want to make sure you show up at the campsite prepared and ready to face the grill because you have everything covered. Our planning tips include finalising your menu selection, marinating in advance, and doing all the prep work at home.
Camping food checklist
Take the time to plan your BBQ menu meals before you even begin packing. Choosing your meat is your first step, and it helps to know how long you’ll need to cook it over the fire. Below are the top choices that are perfect for cooking on a portable grill (charcoal):
- Ribs: Pork or beef ribs are ideal for charcoal grilling. The slow-cooking process over indirect heat helps them become tender and flavourful. The smoke from the charcoal adds a rich, smokey taste, to add.
- Chicken thighs: These are great for grilling because they stay moist and flavorful. They’re also less likely to dry out compared to breasts.
- Burgers: Classic beef burgers are a camping favourite. They cook quickly and can be topped with a variety of ingredients, which kids will enjoy!
Marinate in advance
Marinating is non-negotiable for creating delicious BBQs, but you’ll want to do it in advance at home. For one, the marinating process takes time for the flavours to fully penetrate the meat, which can take several hours or overnight. By preparing and marinating the meat ahead of time, it absorbs the seasonings thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meal. This way, you can skip the lengthy marinating process at the campsite and go straight to grilling at the campsite.
Do prep work at home
Preparation doesn’t stop with the marinade. Chop vegetables, prepare your seasonings, and make your sides ahead of time. Use airtight containers and bags to keep your ingredients fresh and make them easy to transport. Add labels to avoid any guessing when it’s time to eat!
How to Grill on a Campsite?
You likely know the basics of grilling, so let’s focus on how to do it properly at a campsite. Remember, you’re not in your garden, so extra caution is necessary.
Keep smoke and fumes under control to avoid disturbing other guests. Ensure your grill is raised off the ground to reduce fire risk and prevent damage to the grass. Avoid overloading the grill with charcoal and use only a minimal amount of approved fire lighters or starter fuel — never use petrol.
Are BBQs allowed at campsites?
Most campsites in the UK allow barbecues as long as they are raised off the ground. If your portable BBQ is low down, you might need to bring a foldable table to put it on while in use. Disposable BBQs are usually not permitted.
These are some common rules and safety tips for BBQ camping. Always check the campsite regulations and be aware of any specific guidelines for guests. Some campsites might have designated safe BBQ areas.
BBQs are a fire hazard, which can lead to bush fires that spread for miles in the countryside, especially during the summer. Gas BBQs can be a safer option in this regard, due to the lack of hot coals.
To wrap up this guide, remember that safety should always be your top priority. Monitor the grill at all times, and never leave it unattended. Keep children and pets away from the grilling area. Respect nature by following the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle: clean up and leave the campsite as you found it.
Shop BillyOh today for all your grilling needs with our range of BBQs, including portable pizza ovens, for more options.
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