We often associate a successful adventure with a high level of preparedness and the same holds true for a successful campsite meal. There's nothing better than good food after a long day outside. There's also nothing more cumbersome than having to pack up half of your kitchen every time you camp.

While single-use items like plastic/paper plates and silverware may seem like the answer at first, they really are not your best option. First off, they create TONS of trash. Not only will you have more items filling your trash bag/dumpster, you're adding unnecessarily to landfills. Second, over time it is going to cost you a heck of a lot more money buying these throw-away items. Sure, you have to clean your reusable plates. But what's a 5-minute cleaning sesh to thousands of years of waste in a landfill?! If each of us individuals do our part, even something small like using reusable plates/utensils will add up to a big help to the environment. It's a no brainer to us and we hope this list will make you a believer too.

Whether you are car camping or setting up a van conversion kitchen, this list is for you. Below are our kitchen essentials that will be sure to up your camp cooking game! We recommend having these items dedicated to your camp cooking setup to avoid the moments of "oh no, I forgot to grab the..." *All links are to Amazon.com unless otherwise noted.

Cooking

Cook stove - Camp Chef Everest 2 burner stove

Propane (either a large tank with adapter hose or small cylinder)

Non stick fry pan - 8" or 10" GSI Outdoors Fry Pan

Cast iron skillet - Loge 10.25" Cast Iron

Small sauce pan w/ lid -MSR 2-Pot Set

Chopping Knife - 8" Multi-purpose knife

Tongs - OXO 9-inch stainless steel tongs

Wooden Spoon - Handcrafted Teakwood Spoon

Metal Spatula/Turner - OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner

Can Opener - Stainless Steel Can Opener

Corkscrew/Bottle Opener - Professional Waiters Corkscrew

Cutting Board - EcoSmart Recycled Plastic & Flax Husk 12"x16"

Extra virgin olive oil or Avocado Oil

Spices - Salt, pepper, garlic powder, chilli powder

Coffee

Kettle - Pour Over Kettle - Fixed Thermometer

Dripper - Hario V60 Metal Coffee Dripper, Size 2, Silver

Filters - Hario Size 02 coffee filters

Eating/Drinking

Re-usable plates - Picnique Reusable 9" Plate Melamine Plates, BPA Free - Set of 6 Silverware - 4-Piece Stainless Steel Silverware (Fork, Spoon, Knife, Chopsticks)

Re-usable bowls/storage jars - Nalgene 16oz Jars

Insulated drinking mug (OUR mug!) - Seek Dry Goods 8oz insulated mug

Unbreakable Stemless Wine Glasses - Govino 16oz Wine Glasses (set of 4)

Cleaning / Storage

Soap - Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Liquid Soap (we prefer Peppermint)

Sponge/Wash Cloth - Refresh Scrubber Sponge -earthhero.com

Quick-dry Towel - Rainleaf Microfiber Towel (we like the 12x24 size)

Food Storage Wraps - Bee's Wrap Eco-Friendly Food Storage Wraps 3-pack

Compostable trash bags - 13 gallon Trash Bags 12-pack -ifyoucare.com

Collapsible sink - FlexWare sink

Aluminum Foil

Paper Towels

There you have it. Store everything in an easily packable box (or van kitchen) and you'll always be ready for your next adventure!

*Quick disclaimer- while the links above are products we do honestly use and love, we are Amazon Associates and earn from qualifying purchases.