Camping Stoves & Kitchenware
Camping Stove
Always pack a camping stove. They are an effective, safe and reliable means of cooking at the campsite. For car camping, a two-burner stove is great. One-burner stoves are typically used by backpackers who need a compact and lightweight stove. With two burners, you can do more in your camping kitchen. Choose a stove that is easy to use and packs well.
Consider the type of fuel used by your camp stove before purchasing. Here are the two most common camping fuels:
- Liquid Camp Fuel (Naphtha or white gas):
- Used in a refillable canister: more environmentally friendly
- Inexpensive
- Burns hot
- Requires pumping, priming and fuel pouring
- Refillable Propane Tanks:
- Easy to use, just like the BBQ at home
- No pumping, priming or pouring
- Readily available and reusable
- Heavy and bulky to pack
- 1 lb. Propane Canisters:
- Easy to use
- No pumping, priming or pouring
- Readily available
- Non-refillable and hard to dispose of (considered hazardous waste in Ontario)
Ambassador suggestion: Don’t throw your leftover propane cylinders into the garbage or recycling! These cylinders contain pressurized gas and chemicals, so safe and proper disposal is crucial to make sure nothing harmful leaks into Ontario’s groundwater and waterways.
Dos and Don’ts of Propane Tanks and Canisters:
- Don’t put single-use pressurized containers in the recycling OR garbage! This can be very dangerous, both to people and to our environment.
- Don’t discharge leftover propane into the atmosphere, even if the cylinder comes with a device to do this.
- When transporting your pressurized containers, do make sure that they are secured in an upright position and stored in an area where they are not at risk of being damaged.
Kitchenware
You can pack your kitchen gear from home or purchase kitchen gear specifically made for camping. See our What-to-Bring Checklist (PDF) for a complete list of kitchenware.
Your kitchen set essentials are:
- Durable pots and pans with tight-fitting lids
- One pot big enough for a meal for all campers on site
- A second pot for side-dishes or heating water
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Water Jug
- Camp fork for campfire cooking
Ambassador suggestion: Want to cook marshmallows on the fire? Bring your own camp fork as it won’t burn and lasts longer. Before you use a stick found in the forest, remember that visitors are not permitted to remove any wood in Ontario Parks.
Each camper should have:
- 1 plate & bowl
- 1 fork, knife & spoon
- 1 cup that can double as a mug.
Ambassador suggestion - Camp kitchen kits can be purchased at supply stores, or you can assemble your own. Find bowls with lids that can double as food storage containers.
Washing dishes essentials are:
- Wash basin
- Dishcloth
- Scrubber
- Biodegradable soap
Click here to learn more about the best way to clean your dishes while camping.
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