4th of July Camp Cooking Extravaganza: Grills, Griddles, Skillets, Gear, Recipes, and More!

The 4th of July is synonymous with grilling and camp cooking, and there’s no better time to up your outdoor culinary game. Whether you’re grilling burgers, griddling pancakes, or cooking something unique, great gear makes all the difference. This week on The RV Atlas podcast, we dive deep into our favorite grilling and griddling gear, skillet recommendations, and flavorful foods and recipes to inspire your next campground feast.

Listen to this 4th of July Camp Cooking episode wherever you get your podcasts to hear more tips and tricks for camp cooking this summer. 

Thanks to Eric Weber for the photos of Jeremy and the Weber Q2800n+!

Grills & Griddles

Weber Q2800N+ Portable Grill

Price: $399 (Amazon), $450 (Weber.com)

The Weber Q2800N+ builds on the iconic Weber Q series with new, enhanced features designed to take camp grilling to the next level. Featuring two burners—a primary circular burner and a secondary burner in the middle—this grill offers unmatched versatility. The dual burner system provides an exceptional temperature range from 250°F for low-and-slow cooking to a sizzling 700°F ideal for perfect searing.

Notable features include removable side tables, front-access grease catch for easy cleaning, and a higher dome lid suitable for rotisserie chicken. Unlike previous models, this Weber Q connects directly to standard propane tanks rather than smaller disposable tanks. Its solid build quality and impressive cooking range make it ideal for campers who seek both durability and versatility for their 4th of July Camp Cooking.

Blackstone Propane Chain System and Camping Griddles

Camping Griddles: 14-inch OTG Griddle with side burner, 20-inch OTG Camping Griddle
Accessories: Single Burner Camping Stove, Portable Air Fryer

Blackstone introduces its innovative propane chain system allowing multiple cooking devices to connect to a single propane tank, enhancing your camping cook setup significantly. This new chain system can link a griddle to an additional appliance, like a single burner camping stove or a portable air fryer, streamlining your cooking area at the campsite.

The 14-inch camping griddle, equipped with an additional side burner, or the 20-inch griddle provides flexibility and convenience. These new Blackstone OTG camping griddles have a lightweight and portable titanium ceramic nonstick cooktop, which is easy to transport and maintain, making them ideal for RVers wanting lightweight, versatile cooking solutions.

Skillets and Kitchen Essentials

Skillet Recommendations:

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillets: A classic staple for every camper. Affordable, reliable, and durable.

• Field Skillet: Lighter and incredibly easy to handle, making it perfect for camp cooking.

• Stargazer Skillet: Known for its extended handle, excellent for safely cooking over a campfire.

• Yeti Skillet: Premium quality skillet that has quickly become a favored addition to any campsite cooking arsenal.

• Smithey Skillet: Beautifully crafted and heavier, best suited for home cooking and more stationary outdoor kitchens.

Opinel Knives

• Number 8 Stainless Steel: A versatile bestseller ideal for everyday camp kitchen tasks.

• Number 12 Serrated Knife: Perfect for slicing breads, tomatoes, and other foods that typically challenge regular knives.

• Number 10 with Corkscrew and Bottle Opener: A multifunctional knife that’s ideal for food prep and opening beverages.

Gerber Gear Complete Cook Set

Price: Approximately $200

A compact nesting cook set that includes a sauté pan, detachable handle, basting dome lid, stock pot, slim lid, four plates, four bowls, a mixing bowl, hot pad, and storage bag. The intuitive design ensures easy setup and cleanup, making it ideal for space-conscious campers and perfect for 4th of July Camp Cooking.

OXO Dishwashing Station

This three-piece dishwashing setup includes dedicated basins for washing, drying, and organizing your dishes at the campsite, streamlining cleanup and providing a tidy outdoor kitchen solution.

Omnia Stovetop Oven 

The Omnia oven offers a versatile way to bake or roast on your stovetop at camp. Popular accessories include the muffin insert, silicone inserts, baking rack, and EVA hard carrying case. This oven is excellent for creating unique camp dishes like French toast casseroles, muffins, and more.

Favorite Foods, Seasonings, and Recipes

Essential Seasonings & Condiments:

• Graza Olive Oil: Squeezy bottles designed for easy cooking and finishing, available in Drizzle, Sizzle, and Frizzle varieties.

• Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce: Delicious, versatile sauce that enhances grilled meats and vegetables.

• Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce & Mike’s Hot Honey: An incredible combination for grilled or griddled dishes, particularly smash burgers.

• Blackstone Whiskey Burger Seasoning & Hungry Hussey’s Heifer Dust: Excellent blends for flavorful, easy grilling and griddling.

• Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: A family favorite for eggs and breakfast items.

Meat Delivery Services

• Good Chop: We received a sample box of steak, chicken, and seafood from Good Chop and loved it.
• Omaha Steak & Seafood: Reliable services offering high-quality meat delivery, ensuring that campground meals are top-notch without extra grocery store trips.

4th of July Camp Cooking Recipe Favorites:

• Grilled Clams: Easy and delicious, simply grilled and served with melted butter.

• Scallops: Quick to sear on the grill, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Tuna Steaks: Simple marinades or dry rubs make grilled ahi tuna steaks a luxurious campsite meal.

• Shrimp Tacos & Shrimp Boils: Family-friendly, flavorful options that are quick and easy to prepare at the campsite.

• Deconstructed Chicken Caesar Salad: Quick and nutritious, ideal for camping dinners.

• French Toast Casserole (Omnia Oven): A fantastic, easy-to-make breakfast or brunch option that has become a camp favorite.

Check out Jeremy’s YouTube show Camp Griddlemore to find even more summer recipes including beef and broccoli stir fry, blueberry butterscotch pancakes, and elevated grilled cheese sandwiches.

Camp Cooking Tips for Beginners

• Start with simple, familiar recipes and gradually expand your repertoire.

• Focus on dishes with 10 ingredients or fewer to keep prep manageable.

• Invest in quality, durable gear like cast-iron skillets and versatile camp stoves.

• Remember, cooking outside enhances the flavors and experience. Enjoy the simplicity and joy of camp cooking!

For more 4th of July Camp Cooking inspiration, check out other campground reviews and cooking episodes on The RV Atlas podcast. Also, join our friendly community in the RV Atlas Facebook group, where RVers regularly share favorite recipes, campground recommendations, and camping tips.

See you at the campground!

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