3 Best Camping Stoves for Car Camping: Cook Delicious Meals in the Great Outdoors

Last updated on September 21st, 2023 at 09:13 am
Our expert team has cooked up something special to review the Best camping stoves for car camping this will surely bring those tasty meals on all your outdoor adventures! We used decades of combined experience with backcountry cuisine as well as rigorous testing methods to come up with an amazing selection from top brands so get ready for some gourmet grub this season!
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall – Camp Chef Mountain Series – Get Best Price
- Best Budget – Coleman Gas Camping Stove – Get Best Price
- Best Reviews – Hike Crew Camping Stove – Get Best Price
This year, we heated up the competition by comparing a handful of new and previously-tested models to find you the best in camping stoves for 2023. Whether you love car camp cooking or are just starting out your journey.
Camp Chef Mountain Series Stove
Conquer your mountain with the Everest 2X Mountain Series camping stove system! For adventurers, this lightweight and portable design is a key item for any journey. With two 20,000 BTU burners and matchless ignition no matter where you are located, it will make sure that even in extreme conditions you can cook up delicious meals on its generous 215 sq inches of cooking space.

Brand | Camp Chef |
Fuel Type | Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Product Dimensions | 27″L x 15.5″W x 8.25″H |
Power Source | Gas Powered |
Maximum Energy Output | 20000 British Thermal Units |
Item Weight | 15 Pounds |
Key Features
- Features two 20,000 BTU cast aluminum burners for serious cooking power
- The folding lid opens into a 3-sided windscreen to protect your flame from windy conditions
- Matchless ignition for quickly getting burners lit
- Includes regulator adapter for 1lb propane cylinders
Ratings
- Temperature Control 5.0
- Easy to install 4.8
- Heat output 4.8
- Value for money 4.5
Coleman Gas Camping Stove

Enjoy your time in the great outdoors with a stove you can count on! The Coleman Classic Propane Gas Camping Stove provides 20,000 BTUs of grilling power to get any meal done quickly and conveniently. Wind-blocking panels ensure consistent heat even when conditions are extreme. Put together breakfast, lunch or dinner wherever you go – happy camping!
Brand | Coleman |
Fuel Type | Propane |
Material | Blend |
Product Dimensions | 13.7″L x 4.1″W x 21.9″H |
Power Source | AC/DC |
Maximum Energy Output | 5861.42 Watts |
Item Weight | 0.02 Kilograms |
Key Features
- Cooking power: Up to 20,000 total BTUs. Fits a 12-inch and 10-inch pan at the same time
- 2 adjustable burners: For precise temperature control
- Wind-blocking panels: Shield burners from wind
- Pressure regulator: Pressure-control technology for consistent performance, even in extreme conditions
- Runtime: Up to 1 hour on high on one 16.4 oz. Propane cylinder (sold separately)
- 3-year limited warranty
Hike Crew Camping Stove

With its lightweight design and rugged powder-coated steel construction, you can take your entire outdoor kitchen to camping trips, hikes, picnics or tailgates! Weighing only 12 pounds and breaking down into a slim 24”x13”x4″ briefcase equipped with a handle for travel convenience, this unit is easy to transport. Plus it includes an assembly propane regulator, the perfect way to cook up some delicious meals on those outdoorsy days!
Brand | Hike Crew |
Fuel Type | Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
Material | Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel |
Product Dimensions | 23.6″L x 12.6″W x 3.9″H |
Power Source | Gas Powered |
Maximum Energy Output | 2930.71 Watts |
Key Features
- COOK ANYTHING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS | Powerful Propane-Powered 2-in-1 Grill Features a 10,000 BTU Single Burner Cooktop & 3,000 BTU Griddle for Amazing Outdoor Cooking Convenience | Perfect for Preparing Steaks, Burgers, Eggs, Bacon, and Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Soup & Other Meals While Camping & Beyond
- SPACIOUS BURNER FOR POTS & PANS | Boil Water, Sear Meats, Sauté Veggies, Grill Hot Dogs, Heat Chili & Perform Other Everyday Kitchen Tasks in Any Skillet, Pan or Pot Up to 10” | Includes Easy Built-In Piezo Igniter, Temperature Control Knob, Stainless Steel Drip Tray & Removable Grate for Superior Safety & Cooking Ease
- VERSATILE CERAMIC GRIDDLE SURFACE | Make Delicious French Toast, Home Fries, Grilled Shrimp, Caramelized Onions, Paninis, Sandwiches, Quesadillas & More | Durable, High-Quality Grill Heats Up Quickly Via Auto Ignition & Provides Precision Temperature Control Via Dial | Simply Lift from Burner for Stress-Free Cleaning
- LID CONVERTS FROM COVER TO WINDSHIELD | Don’t Let the Wind Affect Your Flame! | Cool Convertible Design Provides Chefs with Plenty of Protection Against the Elements Including a 3-Sided Windshield with Security Clips & Sturdy Folding Support Legs for Resting Cooktop Grill on Picnic Table, Ground or Other Surface
- LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE & COMPACT | Tote Your Entire Outdoor Kitchen While Camping, Hiking, Picnicking or Tailgating | Despite its Rugged Powder-Coated Steel Construction, Unit Weighs Only 12 Pounds & Breaks Down to the Size of a Slim 24”x13”x4” Briefcase with Handle for Travel | Includes Propane Regulator Assembly
Final Thoughts
After in-depth research and analysis, I’m thrilled to recommend the Camp Chef Mountain Series camping stove as the top choice for outdoor cooking! This stove stands out with its superb durability, multi-functionalities, and ease of use – making it an excellent option even compared to other great stoves like Coleman Gas.
Invest in the Camp Chef Mountain Series camping stove for your next outdoor adventure and rest assured that it’s built to last. With a modular design, user-friendly control system, and easy maintenance needs, you can customize meal prep and cooking with compatible accessories while enjoying this reliable piece of equipment!
Overall, while the Coleman Gas Camping Stove is a solid contender, the Camp Chef Mountain Series camping stove is the clear winner for those who prioritize durability, versatility, and ease of use in their camping stove selection. Happy Cookin.