Planning to sleep under the stars this summer? Well, you'll have to make time to eat, and you likely can't live off trail mix alone! You could cook over a campfire, of course, but the best camping stoves will allow you to control the heat so you can whip up meals beyond canned beans and hot dogs in the woods.
If you're scrolling the internet looking for a camping stove, you're not alone: Interest in camping reached an all-time high last summer, and even before the pandemic, the number of households that camped spiked by 20% from 2014 to 2018. Whether you just need a way to make coffee or you plan to prepare a three-course meal, there are a range of great camping stoves for sale that will fit your needs. But before you shop, here's a quick lesson on fuel: Most camping stoves are powered by either propane and butane canisters or liquid fuel (usually white gas). Liquid fuel stoves are generally more powerful, but they're also bulkier and less user-friendly than their canister counterparts—you'll have to prime them before each use.
Whatever stove you decide is right for you, you'll find a great option in the list below. And before you head out for your woodland adventures, make sure you've packed these other camping essentials, and check out the best coolers and hiking boots!
If you're looking for a high-quality, affordable propane stove, Coleman is your best bet. This lightweight stove includes two burners so you can whip up two dishes at once or cook for a crowd! Plus, the adjustable wind-blocking panels will keep your meal.
This option is equipped with two kinds of connectors, perfect for different gas tanks. It works with a variety of fuels, including propane or butane-propane mixed fuel canisters. Plus, it has a wind protection design.
Whether you want to work with propane or butane, this straightforward one-burner stove will get the job done. It's highly compact and has safety features so you don't have to worry about working with the duel fuel system.
Nothing tastes better than cooking over real wood! Sometimes you don't have quite enough room for a big stove, and this little space-saving device can easily fit into a backpack. Easily get the fire started with leaves, twigs, and bits of branches then get cooking a small meal like macaroni and cheese!
It may not look fancy, but the Coleman Bottletop is your bread and butter of camp stoves. It can comfortably fit an eight-inch pan, making it perfect for an average family meal. Just attach the base and bottle to a propane fuel canister (note you'll need to purchase the canister separately) and turn the knob!
Compact and stylish. This portable cooking system reaches a rolling boil in just over two minutes and is ideal for the basics. Some of the neat features include a bottom cover that doubles as a measuring cup and a cozy for keeping liquid warm.
This griddle/grill is a little pricey, but worth the investment if you want to make some serious meals like Ree Drummond's Perfect Pancakes and toppings-loaded burgers in the wild! Keep in mind you'll have to bring along an additional stove for any meals that require boiling.
This lightweight, durable stove burns white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel. It's a great option if you plan to tackle more ambitious culinary projects in the wild: The team at Outdoor Gear Lab says they've used it to make brownies, pizza, and even calzones!
Pretend you're grilling in your backyard with this propane stove—it has detachable legs so you can set it up wherever you go. Two 30,000-BTU cast-aluminum burners provide plenty of cooking power.