The 9 Best Portable Camping Grills 2025: Convenient, Tested

Elevate your outdoor cooking game on the trail, at the campsite, or during your next weekend BBQ with one of the best portable camping grills.

We put a variety of camping grills to the test, ensuring you can enjoy perfectly seared, smoky, and flavor-packed meals wherever adventure takes you. If you’re the kind of camper who prefers gourmet feasts over freeze-dried meals, this guide is for you and for the many hungry friends who will gather around these easily transportable grills.

To identify the best portable camping grills, we fired up dozens of burgers, hot dogs, vegetables, and chickens, evaluating each model’s ease of use, cooking speed, and heat distribution.

With experience as a backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting guide, I’ve mastered the art of packing and preparing food for multi-day adventures. If you’re searching for a portable grill that delivers excellent performance while keeping safety in mind, read on with National Park Shops.

Best Overall: Weber Traveler Compact Portable Gas Grill ($299 on Amazon)

• Total BTU: 13,000
• Heat/Power Source: Liquid propane
• Weight (Per Manufacturer): 49 lbs
• Measured Cooking Surface Area: 390.0 sq in

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The Weber Traveler is truly the Cadillac of the best portable camping grills, delivering restaurant-quality meals no matter where your adventures take you. Every detail has been carefully crafted for convenience and performance, from the piezoelectric ignitor that effortlessly sparks the grill to the precise temperature control, easily monitored via the centrally located lid thermometer. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grate offers a smooth, non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze. However, the standout feature is undoubtedly the mechanized lift assist, allowing for seamless setup and breakdown with just one hand.

The only real drawback to this high-end portable camping grill is its weight. At 49 pounds, it’s best suited for those comfortable lifting around 50 pounds. The Traveler also requires a bit more storage space, though it folds into a relatively compact size for transport. While it’s one of the pricier models we tested, its premium performance, durable construction, and well-thought-out design make it a top-tier choice for any backyard pitmaster or campground chef.

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Best Portable Grill: Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill ($264.37 on Amazon)

• Heat/Power Source: Charcoal / wood chips
• Weight (Per Manufacturer): 32 lbs
• Measured Cooking Surface Area: 243.0 sq in

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The Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill stands out as one of the best portable camping grills, offering a unique blend of a high-quality portable grill and an outdoor fireplace. Crafted from durable stainless steel, its sleek design impressed our testing team, not only is it functional for grilling a variety of foods, but it also provides the cozy ambiance of a fire pit, making it a long-lasting and versatile addition to any campsite. When measuring output power, the portable camping grill maxed out our infrared thermometer, proving its impressive heat potential. The key, however, is managing that power effectively to ensure even cooking without burning your food. The design includes adjustable levels, allowing you to raise or lower the grilling surface for better heat control, while the removable cooking grate makes adding fuel to the fire effortless. With a spacious cooking area suitable for small gatherings and a square shape that prevents food from falling into the flames, this grill is as practical as it is stylish. Plus, the included large canvas carry bag, complete with two shoulder straps, makes packing and transporting much easier.

That said, this isn’t an everyday or even a weekly grill for most, as it lacks the convenience and consistency of propane-powered options. However, its ability to run on both wood and charcoal makes it a versatile performer, ideal for longer, more social cooking sessions around a glowing fire. The trade-off for its durability is weight, it comes in at over 30 pounds, making it a bit cumbersome to carry. Additionally, wind resistance is not its strong suit, as the open flame, ventilation holes, and gaps between the legs allow wind to impact heat control, posing a potential fire hazard. Despite these drawbacks, for those who appreciate the experience of slow cooking over an open flame and want a grill that doubles as a beautifully designed fireplace, the Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill is a top-tier choice built to create memorable gatherings for years to come.

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Most Convenient: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Iron Grill Cooking Bundle ($559.99 on Amazon)

• Dimensions: 20.5″D x 20.5″W x 9.5″H
• Weight: 44.6 lbs
• Fuel Source: wood, charcoal, or pellet
• Cooking area: 17-inch cooking diameter

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This grill is truly the holy grail of versatile fire pits turned grills, making it one of the best portable camping grills for outdoor enthusiasts. The Solo Stove Bonfire Cast Iron Grill builds upon the brand’s highly acclaimed Bonfire fire pit, which has earned rave reviews for its lightweight build and innovative airflow system that keeps fires burning efficiently in a well-contained manner. Taking things a step further, this model introduces a classic cast iron grill, evoking the rugged spirit of cowboy cooking in the Wild West.

One of the key upgrades is the grill hub, which raises the cooking surface just enough to prevent food from getting scorched by the fire pit’s powerful flames—a lesson our testers learned quickly when cooking without it! Whether you’re grilling steaks, burgers, or veggies, the combination of Solo Stove’s signature smokeless fire pit with the durability of cast iron delivers an exceptional outdoor cooking experience. If you’re searching for a portable camping grill that seamlessly blends functionality, durability, and an authentic open-fire cooking feel, this one is hard to beat.

Best Budget: Cuisinart CCG190RB 14-Inch BBQ Portable Charcoal Grill ($24.99 on Amazon)

• Dimensions: 14.6 x 14 x 15 inches
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Fuel Source: Charcoal
• Cooking area: 150 square inches

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We want to introduce a classic contender among the best portable camping grills – one that also happens to be incredibly budget-friendly. The Cuisinart 14-Inch BBQ Portable Charcoal Grill checks all the right boxes: it’s compact, durable, and, most importantly, affordable.

With a retail price of just $40 and frequently available at an even lower cost, this grill makes it easy to bring flavorful, grilled meals to campsites, picnics, tailgates, or even après-adventure gatherings without worrying about performance. Despite its low price, the Cuisinart holds up impressively well, delivering reliable cooking results without falling apart mid-use. As Amazon’s bestselling portable grill, it has also earned recognition from Food & Wine magazine for its ability to produce quality, evenly cooked food.

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Best Value: Cuisinart Grillster ($96 on Amazon)

• Total BTU: 8000
• Heat/Power Source: Liquid propane
• Weight (Per Manufacturer): 10.0 lbs
• Measured Cooking Surface Area: 148 sq in

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When it comes to the best portable camping grills, finding one that matches the power and efficiency of the Cuisinart Grillster at this size and price point is no easy feat. This compact yet powerful grill excels in fuel efficiency and reaches peak cooking temperatures within minutes of igniting its piezo lighter. Its lightweight steel lid and three insulating walls help block wind and retain heat, making it a great choice for grilling in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Plus, it cools down almost as fast as it heats up, allowing for a quick pack-up with a locking lid and storage space for a one-pound gas canister. With an easy-to-carry handle, it’s designed for ultimate portability.

The Grillster is a standout option for searing steaks and other high-heat cooking, but temperature control can be tricky. More often than not, we found ourselves sticking to the lowest gas setting unless blackened chicken or blistered peppers were on the menu. While its grilling space is compact, this petite yet sturdy grill is ideal for a picnic for two, no matter the destination.

Best Tabletop Grill: Weber Q 1200 ($259 on Amazon)

• Total BTU: 8.500
• Heat/Power Source: Liquid propane
• Weight (Per Manufacturer): 31 lbs
• Measured Cooking Surface Area: 189 sq in

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Weber has long been known for crafting high-performance, reliable grills, and that legacy extends seamlessly into one of the best portable camping grills, the Weber Q 1200. While it may not lead the pack in raw output power, its efficient design allows it to reach ideal searing temperatures within just minutes of preheating. The standout feature of this premium-quality build is the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate, which expertly retains and evenly distributes heat from the U-shaped stainless steel burner below. This thoughtful engineering provides exceptional precision, predictability, and control, outperforming many other models we tested.

However, while this portable camping grill powerhouse makes it easy to hit high temperatures, mastering low-and-slow cooking can be more of a challenge. It thrives in tabletop and tailgate settings, but its relatively heavy weight and bulky packed size, combined with the lack of a latching lid, make it less convenient for grilling far from the car or campsite.

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Eureka SPRK Camp Grill ($119 on Amazon)

• Total BTU: 7,250
• Heat/Power Source: Butane
• Weight (Per Manufacturer): 8 lbs 8 oz
• Measured Cooking Surface Area: 148.5.0 sq in

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The Eureka SPRK Camp Grill stands out as one of the best portable camping grills due to its compact design and lightweight construction. Weighing just 8.8 pounds, this 148-square-inch grill runs on butane fuel canisters, which are both lighter and more efficient than traditional propane. For added convenience, the portable camping grill comes with a briefcase-style plastic carrying case featuring two sliding locks to protect the components during transport. Setting it up is hassle-free, simply attach the butane canister, lock it into place, and ignite the flame using the auto-ignition temperature control dial. With 7,250 BTUs of power, the SPRK quickly reaches peak heat, offering enough intensity to sear meats while also providing precise temperature control for slow-cooking vegetables and poultry.

Despite its portability and convenience, this portable camping grill lacks wind resistance due to its open design and absence of a lid, making it less suitable for blustery conditions. Additionally, the ceramic-coated aluminum cooking grate may not appeal to those who prefer cast iron or stainless steel surfaces. Another minor drawback is that butane canisters are harder to find than the standard green propane canisters commonly sold at grocery stores. However, for campers prioritizing lightweight efficiency and ease of use, the Eureka SPRK Camp Grill is a top contender for outdoor cooking adventures.

Best Compact: Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill ($152.89 on Amazon)

• Dimensions: 13 x 16.3 x 10.8 inches
• Weight: 20.6 pounds
• Cooking Area: 154 square inches
• Fuel: Propane
• Power: 9,000 BTU/hour

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The Cuisinart Venture is a cleverly designed contender among the best portable camping grills, packing all the essentials for outdoor grilling into a compact, easy-to-carry bundle. Resembling a lunchbox or small beer cooler, this portable camping grill features a propane tank compartment integrated into its base, fitting neatly around the grill’s legs. Adding to its versatility, the wooden top doubles as a cutting board or serving tray, making meal prep more convenient. Weighing just 20 pounds, the Venture also boasts a comfortable carrying handle that tucks away beneath the grill when in use.

Although it offers half the cooking space and less than half the power of some other portable camping grills on this list, its 9,000-BTU burner proved capable of reaching searing temperatures in our tests. The porcelain-coated cast-iron grate retains heat well, ensuring that delicate foods like fish and steak don’t stick. However, the biggest drawback is its lack of a lid. Most portable grills rely on a dome-shaped cover to evenly redistribute heat, but without one, we noticed significant temperature variation – nearly 200 degrees from one side to the other. If you plan to cook large cuts of meat, frequent turning and repositioning will be necessary for even doneness.

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Best for Experts: Coleman Portable Propane Grill ($229.97 on Amazon)

• Dimensions: 21.1 x 18.3 x 16.8 inches
• Weight: 30 pounds
• Cooking Area: 225 square inches
• Fuel: Propane
• Power: 11,000 BTU/hour

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Among the best portable camping grills, the Coleman 225 stands out with one of the largest cooking surfaces available in a tabletop design. Featuring cast-iron grill grates that retain heat exceptionally well, this grill delivers beautifully seared steak and perfectly browned yet moist fish, all without sticking to the surface.

For outdoor chefs looking for versatility, the Coleman 225 offers dual heat zones, allowing you to cook two dishes at once. Unlike most portable camping grills that divide heat from left to right, this model features an inner and outer burner, each independently controlled. A removable grease pan simplifies cleanup, but what sets it apart is the option to fill the pan with water, stock, or aromatics to infuse extra flavor into food as it sears. To further expand its cooking potential, Coleman offers a separate stove grate and griddle specifically designed for this model.

How We Tested

Each of the best portable camping grills on this list has been rigorously tested in our Lab to ensure top performance in real-world conditions. Our testers put these grills to the test by grilling and searing burgers, steaks, bratwursts, and corn, carefully evaluating their heat control, retention, and overall cooking performance.

Beyond just cooking, we assessed assembly and disassembly, mimicking how you’d set up and pack away a grill while camping. To gauge portability, our testers carried each grill around camping sites to test, evaluating weight, handle comfort, and ease of transport. Finally, we rated each portable camping grill model on features, durability, ease of cleaning, and overall value, ensuring you get the best performance for your outdoor adventures.

Conclusion

Finding the best portable camping grill can transform your outdoor adventures, making it easier to cook delicious meals no matter where you are.

A well-chosen portable camping grill enhances your camping, hiking, or road trip experience, allowing you to enjoy hot meals in the great outdoors. So pack your gear, fire up the grill, and make every adventure a feast to remember!

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