Whether you travel in your camper van, by car and tent, or in a comfortable motorhome, every day brings the same question: what should I cook while camping or have for dinner?

One of the simplest ways to prepare all kinds of meals on your travels, regardless of what gear you have in your backpack, van, or motorhome, is grilling. Here at VanSite we compare the three best camping grill options.

Camping grill: 3 ways to grill while camping

Vegetable skewers, mushrooms, grilling cheese, fish, a tasty pork neck steak, or bratwurst: grilling on a nice day during a camping holiday is always a good idea, for meat eaters, pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans alike.

But what options are there, how well do they work, and which is the best?

1. Camping gas grill: grilling with gas

The first option for grilling while camping is using a gas grill. This is especially suitable when you are travelling in a motorhome or camper and want to camp at a campsite or VanSite pitch.

The reason is that gas grills are usually permitted, as they do not produce sparks. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, though all run on a gas cartridge.

Only an electric grill is even safer, but rather impractical for camping since you depend on mains power. On top of that, an electric table grill does not reach a high enough temperature for many dishes, and you do not get a "real" grilled flavour.

Advantages of a camping gas grill:

• No fire hazard

• Lightweight

• Convenient, quick, and clean

Disadvantages of a camping gas grill:

• Gas cartridge required

Image from Istock |

2. Camping charcoal grill: grilling with charcoal

Only a charcoal grill delivers a true grilling experience, and it also comes in various styles. Compared to a gas grill, you do not need gas cartridges when grilling with charcoal, just some charcoal and fire lighter.

One clear disadvantage is that its use is not permitted on most pitches in Germany. You should also consider the weight and the space the charcoal takes up when travelling with a backpack or in a small van.

Advantages of a camping charcoal grill:

• Authentic grilling experience

• Easy to buy fuel

Disadvantages of a camping charcoal grill:

• Weight of the charcoal

• Higher fire hazard

• Time-consuming to set up and clean

• Often not permitted

3. Camping fire pit: grilling over an open fire

Of course, while camping you can also make a campfire and cook your food on a grill grate you have brought along. Note, however, that on pitches or campsites this is only allowed at designated official fire spots.

Only in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Norway is it allowed to make fires in nature, except during summer due to the high wildfire risk.

Before camping trips through Europe, you should therefore check the regulations of the respective country regarding campfires, otherwise you may face a hefty fine.

A good alternative to a classic open campfire is a fire basket or a hobo stove, also known as a bushbox or outdoor cooker.

Advantages of a camping fire pit:

• Authentic grilling with campfire atmosphere

• Easy to source fuel

• Only a grill grate and tongs needed

Disadvantages of a camping fire pit:

• High fire hazard

• Uneven cooking

• Rarely permitted

Conclusion: which grilling option is best?

Grilling during a camping holiday is not only easy and practical, it also promises a delicious dinner. From gas to electric to charcoal grills, or cooking over an open campfire, there are plenty of options.

If safety is your top priority on your travels, go for gas grilling. If culinary enjoyment matters most to you, a camping charcoal grill is the way to go.

If you are travelling in areas where open fires are allowed, or at VanSite pitches with a fire pit, go for the "adventure" option and make a cosy campfire.