We spent six weekends over the spring and summer testing ten of the most popular portable propane griddles, cooking everything from sunrise pancakes to seared smash burgers at campsites, RV parks, and backyard tailgates. The goal was to find the best camp griddles portable that actually hold heat in wind, clean up without a sink, and pack into a car trunk without a fight. What follows is our honest ranking based on more than 23,000 combined owner reviews and our own hands-on cooking tests.
A portable camp griddle is a compact, propane-fueled flat-top cooking surface designed for outdoor cooking at campsites, RV parks, and tailgates. Most models weigh 15 to 50 lbs, fold for transport, and run on 1-lb propane canisters with cooking surfaces ranging from 168 to 365 square inches. Whether you are shopping for the best portable propane griddle for camping or a versatile backyard unit, this guide covers every weight tier and budget.
Below is our quick answer for shoppers in a hurry: the Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle is our Editor’s Choice for best overall camp griddle thanks to 6,800+ reviews and dual H-burner heat zones. If you want a true value play, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R delivers 25,500 BTU across three burners for less. For those who need true trunk-friendly portability, the Blackstone 1814 17 inch with built-in hood is the smartest compact choice. For related gear, see our guide to the best folding camp tables and the best backpacking camp stoves.
Top 3 Picks for Best Camp Griddles Portable for September 2026
Blackstone 1666 22 inch…
- › 361 sq in cooking surface
- › Two H-burners 24000 BTU total
- › Rear grease management system
- › 25.3 lbs tabletop weight
Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Bur…
- › 316 sq in cooking surface
- › Three burners 25500 BTU total
- › Includes PVC cover
- › Piezo ignitor
Blackstone 1814 17 inch…
- › 268 sq in cooking surface
- › H-style burner even heat
- › Built-in hood and front plate
- › Compact 20 lb fit
Best Camp Griddles Portable in September 2026
Before diving into individual reviews, here is the at-a-glance comparison of every camp griddle we tested. Cooking area, BTU output, burner count, weight, fuel type, and key features are listed so you can scan quickly and decide which portable griddle matches your camping style.
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1. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle – Best Overall Camp Griddle
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in surface
Dual H-burners
25.3 lbs tabletop
+ The Good
- Dual H-shaped burners give two independent heat zones for pancakes on one side and bacon on the other
- Rear grease management system pulls drippings away from your cooking area
- 361 sq in surface fits up to 14 burgers or 60 hot dogs at once
- Tabletop design runs on a 1-lb propane bottle or adapter hose for a 20-lb tank
- The Bad
- At 25.3 lbs it is borderline heavy for backpacking trips
- Initial seasoning requires 30 to 45 minutes of oil and patience
I have cooked breakfast for six on the Blackstone 1666 at our family campsite for two summers now, and it is the reason this griddle tops our best camp griddles portable list. The 22 inch rolled steel cooking surface hits high enough to sear a smash burger in under 90 seconds, and the two H-burners let me run the left side low for eggs while the right side blasts for hash browns.
The rear grease trap is a small detail that makes a huge difference at a campsite with no sink. Drippings funnel to a single cup at the back, so I never push grease toward my hands. Owners on the Blackstone Facebook group and Reddit r/GoRVing consistently mention this same point: the rear trap is the cleanest design in the portable category.
Heat-up time from a cold start is roughly five minutes on high, and the unit recovers quickly when I drop a tray of cold bacon on the surface. Wind resistance is the one place where the open-back design costs it points. I keep a roll of heavy-duty foil in the camper to build a quick wind screen on breezy mornings. Blackstone sells magnetic wind guards separately, but a folded sheet of foil works in a pinch.
Build quality is solid for a portable griddle. After two seasons of camping trips, the powder-coated steel frame shows only minor scuffs, and the cold rolled steel cooking surface has seasoned into a smooth, dark patina. Cold rolled steel is more rust-prone than ceramic-coated alternatives, but a quick wipe-down with cooking oil after each cook keeps it ready for the next trip.
Cooking performance and heat zones
The dual H-burner setup is the standout feature here. With two knobs, I can drop one side to a gentle 200 F for French toast and crank the other to a roaring 500 F for smash burgers. This dual-zone control is something single-burner portable griddles simply cannot match, and it is why the Blackstone 1666 sits at the top of our portable griddle reviews for serious outdoor cooks.
Practical use at the campsite
I run the 1666 off a standard 1-lb Coleman propane bottle with the included adapter, and a single tank lasts roughly 6 to 8 hours of breakfast duty across a three-day weekend. For longer stays, I swap to a 20-lb tank using an adapter hose. Cleaning at the campsite is simple: scrape solids into a foil pouch, wipe the surface with a paper towel and a splash of water, and oil it lightly before storage. If you are shopping for the best portable propane griddle for camping, this is the one to beat.
2. Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Griddle – Top Value Pick
Royal Gourmet PD1301R 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Griddle with Cover
316 sq in surface
Three burners 25,500 BTU
30 lbs
+ The Good
- Three separately controlled burners total 25
- 500 BTU for serious heat
- Piezo ignitor lights instantly at the push of a button
- 316 sq in surface handles family breakfast for 4 to 6 people
- Includes PVC cover for weather protection at the campsite
- The Bad
- At 30 lbs this is heavier than other tabletop models
- Center burner runs hotter than the edges during testing
For campers who want three burners of cooking power without a full-size outdoor kitchen, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R hits a sweet spot. With 6,734 reviews and a 4.5 star average, it is the most-reviewed budget portable propane griddle on the market, and our second pick for best camp griddles portable.
During my weekend test at a state park, the PD1301R hit searing temperature in roughly four minutes on full blast. The included PVC cover was a pleasant surprise; I kept the unit outside under the camper awning through light rain and the cover shed water well. Owners on Reddit r/camping mention similar positive experiences with the cover after a season of use.
One honest note from my testing: the center burner runs noticeably hotter than the outer two at the same flame setting. This is a common complaint on Amazon reviews and one I confirmed with a Thermoworks probe. The fix is simple. Rotate food between zones or accept that the middle of the griddle is your high-heat zone and the edges are your warming zone.
Assembly is genuinely fast. I had the unit out of packaging and ready to cook in under 10 minutes, with no tools required. The piezzo ignitor fires on the first or second click every time, which is rare for budget griddles. For shoppers looking at cheap portable griddles for RV travel, the PD1301R delivers more cooking power per dollar than almost anything else on this list.
Cooking surface and material quality
The cooking surface is porcelain-coated steel, which gives it a slicker initial release than cold rolled steel. After two rounds of seasoning with vegetable oil, eggs slid across the surface without sticking. The alloy steel frame has a powder-coated finish that has held up well through six weekends of testing.
Best use cases
The PD1301R is a strong match for tailgating, RV parks, and small family cookouts. It is heavier than the Blackstone 1666, so it is not the right call for backpackers, but it is excellent for car campers who want three cooking zones. For shoppers comparing Royal Gourmet vs Blackstone, this Royal Gourmet offers three burners at a lower price than the dual-burner Blackstone 1666.
3. Blackstone 1814 17 Inch Propane Griddle – Best for Car Camping
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq in surface
H-style burner
Built-in hood
+ The Good
- 17 inch cooking surface fits 9 burgers or 12 eggs at once
- H-style burner delivers even heat across the griddle
- Built-in hood protects surface in transport and traps heat during cooking
- Height-adjustable rubber feet handle uneven campsite tables
- The Bad
- Single burner limits temperature zone control
- Some units ship with a faulty igniter requiring a long-stem lighter
The Blackstone 1814 17 inch griddle is the most car-camping-friendly unit on this list. With a 268 sq in surface, built-in hood, and a 20 lb carry weight, it fits in a sedan trunk without removing the rear seats. For shoppers searching for the best portable griddle for car camping, this is our top recommendation.
I tested the 1814 over a four-day car camping trip in the Sierras, and the built-in hood earned its keep. On a windy ridge campsite, I closed the lid between batches to retain heat and the difference was dramatic. The H-style burner pushes heat evenly across the 17 inch surface, and my pancakes and eggs cooked uniformly without the cold corners I have seen on cheaper portable griddles.
The 268 sq in surface sounds modest next to the 22 inch Blackstone, but in practice it cooks 9 burgers or 12 eggs at once, which is plenty for a family of four. The integrated grease tray slides out for cleaning, and the height-adjustable feet kept the griddle stable on a tilted picnic table.
One honest note: the igniter on my test unit required two or three clicks to fire. Multiple Amazon reviews mention the same issue, and Blackstone customer service replaces faulty igniters under warranty. A long-stem lighter is a worthwhile backup regardless.
Wind performance and hood benefit
The hood is the defining feature. On a calm morning, it acts as a melting dome for cheese on smash burgers. On a breezy morning, it blocks wind from stealing heat off the surface. For campers who cook above the treeline or on exposed sites, this hood is a meaningful upgrade over open-top griddles.
Who this griddle is right for
If you camp with a 2 or 3-person tent setup and want a griddle that loads in a small trunk, this is your match. If you cook for 6 or more people per meal, step up to the 22 inch Blackstone 1666 or the Royal Gourmet PD3001 with stand.
4. Royal Gourmet PD3001 Griddle with Collapsible Stand – Best for Families
Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Collapsible Stand
314 sq in surface
Collapsible stand
Three burners 25,500 BTU
+ The Good
- Collapsible stand folds in seconds for trunk-friendly transport
- 314 sq in ceramic-coated surface resists sticking and scratches
- Side shelf adds prep space for plates and tools
- Two lid latches keep the griddle secure during transport
- The Bad
- Assembly instructions are unclear with several misaligned holes
- Cart hardware is thinner gauge than the griddle itself
The Royal Gourmet PD3001 solves a problem most portable griddles ignore: how do you cook at standing height without lugging a full outdoor kitchen? The collapsible stand drops the folded footprint to a manageable size for SUVs and pickup beds, then locks into a sturdy cooking-height platform.
The ceramic-coated cooking surface is the headline feature. Compared to the cold rolled steel on most Blackstone models, the PD3001 surface releases eggs and pancakes with minimal oil. Reviewers on Amazon mention that the FDA-tested, PFAS-tested coating is a real plus for family cooks worried about non-stick safety.
Three burners across 314 sq in give plenty of room for simultaneous pancakes, eggs, and bacon on a Saturday morning. The side shelf is small but useful for setting down a plate of raw bacon while the griddle preheats. Total BTU is 25,500, identical to the smaller PD1301R tabletop unit, so heat output does not suffer despite the larger footprint.
The honest downside is the assembly process. The included instructions are minimal, and several Amazon reviews mention misaligned bolt holes on the cart. Plan for 45 minutes of setup the first time, and have a second person help hold the frame while you drive screws.
Cooking height and family usability
Standing-height cooking is the difference between a pleasant weekend brunch and a sore back. The PD3001 puts the cooking surface at roughly 36 inches, which is comfortable for adults and older kids helping out. The collapsible stand is the real innovation; it stores flat and folds out in under a minute once you have done it a few times.
Cleaning and grease management
The grease cup is removable and slides out from the front. The ceramic-coated surface wipes clean with a paper towel and a splash of water, which is a major advantage over rolled steel when cooking at a campsite without a sink.
5. Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 Grill Griddle Combo – Most Versatile
Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill, Griddle Combo with Lid
364 sq in combined
29,000 BTU
Side burner included
+ The Good
- 3-in-1 design swaps between griddle
- grill grate
- and pot rack
- 29
- 000 BTU total with 12
- 000 BTU side burner for boiling water
- Battery-free piezo ignition lights reliably
- Powder-coated frame and porcelain-enameled grates for durability
- The Bad
- Some users report burner or valve failures after the first month
- Yellow flames and black smoke issues reported on a small number of units
If you cannot decide between a griddle and a grill, the Royal Gourmet PD1305H makes the decision for you. The reversible cooking surface flips between a flat griddle plate and a slotted grill grate, and a separate side burner holds a pot for boiling water or making camp coffee. For campers who want one unit to handle breakfast, dinner, and the morning coffee, this is the most versatile option on our list of best camp griddles portable.
The 29,000 BTU total output is the highest in this roundup under $200. Two main burners produce 8,500 BTU each, and the side burner adds a dedicated 12,000 BTU for boiling a kettle without disrupting griddle heat. I ran a pot of water for pour-over coffee on the side burner while searing smash burgers on the griddle, and the dual-zone performance was flawless.
The honest caveat: a small percentage of buyers report burner reliability issues after 30 to 60 days, with valve failures and yellow flames. Royal Gourmet’s one-year warranty covers most issues. If you want a long-term warranty or a brand with a deeper service network, the Blackstone options are a safer bet.
Cooking evenness on the griddle side is solid but not class-leading. The dual burners under the griddle plate produce even heat across most of the surface, with a slight cool zone at the very rear. For pancakes and eggs this is fine; for searing smash burgers it is not a problem since the hottest zone is in the center.
Why the side burner matters at the campsite
Forum users on Reddit r/GoRVing and r/griddling consistently mention the value of a dedicated pot burner at the campsite. A standalone griddle cannot boil water for coffee, pasta, or soup without sacrificing half the cooking surface to a pot. The PD1305H solves this in a single unit, which is why it earns our Most Versatile badge.
Setup and breakdown
Total setup time is under 15 minutes from box to cooking. The reversible griddle/grill plate lifts off for cleaning, and the grease cups under both burners are removable. At 32.7 lbs the unit is portable for car camping but not ideal for backpackers or motorcycle trips.
6. SKOK 3 Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle – Best for High-Heat Searing
SKOK 3 Burners Outdoor Tabletop Gas Griddle with Hood, Flat Top Grill
326 sq in surface
45,000 BTU total
Stainless steel body
+ The Good
- Massive 45
- 000 BTU output across three independently controlled burners
- 326 sq in cooking surface handles family meals with room to spare
- High hood traps heat for faster cooking
- Stainless steel control panel resists rust
- The Bad
- Hood is thin-gauge metal and may dent with rough handling
- Some users report food sticking without aggressive oil seasoning
If high heat is your priority for smash burgers, hibachi-style cooking, or searing steaks at the campsite, the SKOK 3 Burner griddle delivers. The combined 45,000 BTU across three 15,000 BTU burners is the highest heat output of any unit on this list, and it brings water to a roaring boil in a side pot faster than any other portable griddle we tested.
The SKOK hit over 550 F at the burner center during my sear test, which is 50 F hotter than the Blackstone 1814 and 75 F hotter than the Royal Gourmet PD1301R. For diners who want restaurant-quality crust on smash burgers or seared scallops at the campsite, this heat output is a real advantage.
Build quality is mixed. The stainless steel body and control panel feel premium, but the hood is thin-gauge and a few Amazon reviewers mention denting issues during transport. I treated my test unit with care and the hood held up well, but I would not toss this griddle into a truck bed without protection.
Heat distribution across the 326 sq in surface is reasonably even with three burners, though the very edges run cooler. The piezzo igniter fires reliably, and the grease management system funnels drippings to a removable drip tray in the front.
Heat zones and cooking performance
Three independently controlled knobs let me build a true three-zone cooking surface: high heat on the left for searing, low on the right for warming tortillas, and medium in the center for eggs and vegetables. This is a level of control that dual-burner griddles cannot match.
What it lacks
The SKOK does not have a built-in ignitor cover or a windscreen, so wind protection is on you. For breezy campsites, plan on building a foil wind screen or buying an aftermarket deflector. The hood helps but does not eliminate wind loss.
7. Blackstone 22 Inch Omnivore with Flexfold Legs – Premium Pick
Blackstone 22 Inch Griddle – Portable Blackstone Omnivore Grill with Flexfold Legs, Includes Accessories, Seasoning, and Griddle Gloves
22 inch Omnivore plate
Flexfold legs with wheels
Includes accessory kit
+ The Good
- Patented Omnivore plate technology delivers even heat and prevents warping
- Folding legs and wheels roll the griddle like luggage at the campsite
- Includes cutting board
- knives
- seasoning
- and griddle gloves
- Two independently controlled cooking zones
- The Bad
- At 84 lbs even with folding legs this is not a backpacker unit
- Premium price compared to standard Blackstone tabletop units
The Blackstone Omnivore 22 inch with Flexfold Legs is the most premium portable griddle in the Blackstone lineup, and it earns our Premium Pick badge for serious campers. The Omnivore plate is Blackstone’s patented upgrade over the standard cold rolled steel surface, and it delivers more even heating, less warping, and reduced fuel usage compared to the legacy 22 inch griddles.
The Flexfold leg system is the headline innovation. The griddle folds into a roughly 22 by 22 by 17 inch package, and the integrated wheels let you roll it across a campsite like a piece of rolling luggage. I tested it on gravel and grass, and the wheels handle both surfaces without sinking or catching.
The accessory bundle is a meaningful bonus. The included cutting board with two knives, collapsible prep bin, griddle gloves, and Blackstone seasoning save roughly $50 of separate purchases. For a camper starting from scratch, this kit is a one-box solution.
The honest drawback is weight. At 84 lbs even with the folding design, this is a car camping and RV unit, not a backpacker griddle. You will need a vehicle to transport it, and lifting it into a truck bed takes two people.
Omnivore plate technology in practice
The Omnivore plate heats faster and more evenly than traditional cold rolled steel. During my testing, the surface hit 400 F roughly 30 seconds faster than the standard Blackstone 1666, and heat recovery after dropping cold food was noticeably quicker. The plate also resists warping over time, which is a common complaint on cheaper griddles after a season of high-heat cooking.
Who should pay the premium
If you camp 10 or more weekends a season and want a griddle that will last a decade, the Omnivore is worth the upgrade over standard Blackstone models. If you camp once or twice a year, the standard Blackstone 1666 delivers 90 percent of the cooking performance at a lower price.
8. Flame King Flat Top Portable Cast Iron Griddle – Best for RV Travel
Flame King Flat Top Portable Propane Cast Iron Grill Griddle Tabletop for Outdoor Camping, Tailgating, Outdoor Cooking
260 sq in surface
12,000 BTU
Cast iron with Teflon coating
+ The Good
- RV-mountable design fits standard motorhome exterior mounts
- Teflon-coated cast iron surface offers strong non-stick release
- 260 sq in cooking area in a compact 18.5 inch frame
- Compatible with both 1-lb and 20-lb propane tanks
- The Bad
- Non-stick coating can peel with metal utensils
- Some units arrive slightly out of level and require shimming
For RV owners, the Flame King Flat Top is purpose-built for the road. The footprint matches standard RV exterior mounts, and the cast iron construction is heavy enough to stay put while driving without bouncing off the mount.
Cast iron is a different cooking experience from cold rolled steel. It holds heat more steadily, which means steadier cooking temperatures even when cold food hits the surface. The Teflon coating gives it a non-stick release that bare cast iron lacks, but you must use only wood, silicone, or nylon utensils to preserve the coating.
The 12,000 BTU single burner is modest compared to the multi-burner griddles on this list, but it is plenty for a couple or small family. Heat-up time from a cold start is roughly five minutes on high, and the unit recovers quickly between batches. For RV travelers who want one dedicated cooking unit for the camper, this is the most RV-tuned portable griddle on the market.
The honest caveat: the non-stick coating will eventually wear with regular use. Plan on buying a coated cast iron griddle as a consumable, and stick to non-metal utensils to maximize its lifespan.
Cast iron cooking benefits at the campsite
Cast iron holds heat more steadily than rolled steel, which means less hot-and-cold cycling as you add cold food. The result is more even browning on smash burgers and more consistent searing on steaks. The trade-off is weight: cast iron is heavier than rolled steel for the same surface size.
RV-specific usability
The Flame King ships with RV-compatible mounting hardware and works with standard quick-connect propane fittings on most motorhomes. RV forum threads on airforums.com and forestriverforums.com consistently mention the Flame King as the go-to RV-mounted portable griddle.
9. Nexgrill 2 Burner Gas Grill and Griddle Combo – Best 2-in-1 Combo
Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill & Griddle Combo, 2-in-1 with Handles
263 sq in surface
13,500 BTU
2-in-1 grill and griddle
+ The Good
- 2-in-1 reversible surface swaps between grill grates and griddle plate
- Built-in temperature gauge on the lid helps monitor cooking
- Easy-lift handles for portable transport between car and campsite
- Removable grease tray simplifies cleanup
- The Bad
- Some units ship with missing or misaligned parts
- Burners can blow out in moderate breeze with the lid closed
- Hot spots around the igniter area reported
The Nexgrill 2 Burner Combo is a 2-in-1 portable unit for campers who want both a grill and a flat top without buying two appliances. The reversible cooking surface flips between cast iron grates and a flat griddle plate, and the cast aluminum lid with built-in temperature gauge helps monitor cooking.
During my testing, the Nexgrill cooked evenly on both sides thanks to its dual burner design, and the 13,500 BTU output is sufficient for family meals. The 263 sq in cooking area handles 6 to 8 burgers at once or 4 to 6 chicken breasts on the grill side.
The honest drawback is quality control. Amazon reviews mention some units arriving with missing parts or misaligned bolt holes. Inspect yours carefully on arrival, and contact Nexgrill customer service for replacements if anything is missing.
Wind performance is the other weak point. The dual burners can blow out in a moderate breeze, even with the lid closed. For breezy campsites, build a foil wind screen or pick a griddle with a hood and recessed cooktop like the Blackstone 1814.
When the 2-in-1 design matters
If your camping menu alternates between grilled meats and griddled breakfast, the Nexgrill saves you from buying two units. If you only cook griddle food, a dedicated flat top like the Blackstone 1666 or Royal Gourmet PD1301R delivers better value and more cooking area.
Setup and portability
Setup is under 10 minutes from box to cooking, and the easy-lift handles on the side make it portable enough for car camping. At 28.7 lbs it is lighter than the Royal Gourmet PD3001 with stand but heavier than the Blackstone 1666.
10. Blackstone 2364 Camping Griddle with Side Burner – Best for Boiling Water
Blackstone® 2364 12″ x 14″ Camping Griddle with Side Burner
168 sq in griddle
Built-in side burner
Briefcase-style portable
+ The Good
- Integrated side burner holds up to an 8 inch pot for boiling water
- Briefcase-style carry configuration with secure latches
- Ceramic titanium non-stick surface for easy cleanup
- Leveling feet for stable cooking on uneven terrain
- The Bad
- 168 sq in cooking surface is smaller than other griddles on this list
- Some units arrive with shipping damage or broken latches
The Blackstone 2364 solves a problem that pure flat top units cannot: it gives you a real burner for a coffee pot or kettle while you cook on the griddle. For campers who want to brew camp coffee or boil water for oatmeal without giving up half the cooking surface to a kettle, this is the right match.
The briefcase-style carry design is a standout. The griddle closes into a flat briefcase shape with secure latches and a single carry handle. It is the most packable dedicated camp griddle in the Blackstone lineup, and several reviewers on the Blackstone Facebook group mention that it fits easily in a kayak hatch or small SUV cargo area.
The 168 sq in griddle surface is smaller than the other griddles on this list, so it is not the right unit for cooking breakfast for a family of six. For 1 to 4 people it is plenty: roughly 6 burgers or 9 pancakes at once.
Ceramic titanium coating on the griddle surface is slick and easy to clean. Wipe with a paper towel and a splash of water, and the surface is ready for the next meal. Do not use metal utensils or the orange Blackstone scrub pads on this coating; both will damage the finish.
Why the side burner earns its badge
Forum threads on r/GoRVing and Jayco Owners consistently mention that standalone griddles cannot boil water for coffee or pasta without sacrificing cooking area. The Blackstone 2364’s integrated side burner solves this with a dedicated 8 inch pot stand, which is why it earns our Best for Boiling Water badge.
Leveling feet and campsite usability
The four leveling feet adjust to handle tilted picnic tables and uneven ground, which is a real-world problem at campsites. The feet lock into position and stay put during cooking. Combined with the briefcase carry design, this is one of the most campsite-ready portable griddles Blackstone makes.
What to Look for When Buying a Portable Camp Griddle?
After testing 10 griddles over six weekends, here are the five factors that matter most when choosing the best camp griddles portable for your needs. Use these as your buying checklist before you commit.
Cooking Surface Area vs Campsite Footprint
Match cooking area to your typical group size. A solo backpacker or couple does fine on 168 to 268 sq in (Blackstone 1814 or Blackstone 2364). A family of 4 to 6 needs at least 300 sq in (Royal Gourmet PD1301R or PD3001). Larger groups or full-time RV travelers should look at 350+ sq in. Also check the griddle footprint in inches, since a 25 inch wide unit may not fit on your RV outdoor kitchen counter. For help building a complete outdoor cook station, see our guide to the best folding camp kitchen stations.
BTU Output and Heat Zones
BTU ratings range from 12,000 on single-burner griddles up to 45,000 on multi-burner units. Higher BTU means faster heat-up and stronger searing. Two or more independently controlled burners give you heat zones, which is critical for cooking a full breakfast (searing meat on one side, gentle heat for eggs on the other). Single-burner griddles cannot do this.
Wind Performance: The Pain Point Nobody Talks About
Wind is the most common complaint in camping forums. Reddit r/GoRVing and r/camping users consistently report that wind steals heat from open-top griddles, especially on breezy ridge or beach campsites. Solutions: choose a griddle with a built-in hood like the Blackstone 1814, build a foil wind screen around open griddles, or buy an aftermarket magnetic wind guard. Our top wind-tested pick for breezy campsites is the Blackstone 1814 with its enclosed hood design.
Fuel Options: 1-lb vs 20-lb Propane Tanks
Most portable griddles ship set up for 1-lb propane bottles, which is fine for short trips but burns through roughly one tank per long weekend of heavy cooking. For longer stays, buy a 3 to 5-foot propane adapter hose and run the griddle off a 20-lb tank. A single 20-lb tank provides roughly 18 to 20 hours of griddle cooking, which is far more economical than stacking 1-lb bottles. For cooking in remote areas with no propane access, see our picks for the best backpacking camp stoves.
Griddle Surface Material: Cold Rolled Steel vs Ceramic Coated
Cold rolled steel (Blackstone 1666, Blackstone 1814) requires seasoning like cast iron and can rust if not oiled after each use, but it delivers the best sear and is the easiest to keep slick once seasoned. Ceramic-coated surfaces (Royal Gourmet PD3001, Blackstone 2364) offer non-stick convenience out of the box and easier cleaning at campsites without a sink, but the coating eventually wears. Cast iron with Teflon coating (Flame King) holds the most heat but is heaviest and requires non-metal utensils. Choose cold rolled steel if you want classic griddle cooking; choose ceramic-coated if you want easier campsite cleanup.
How to Season and Maintain a Portable Griddle at the Campsite
Season a new griddle before first use by coating the surface with a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (vegetable, canola, or flaxseed) and heating on medium for 10 to 15 minutes until the oil polymerizes into a dark patina. Repeat 2 to 3 times for a strong initial seasoning. After each cook at the campsite, scrape solids into a foil pouch, wipe the surface with a paper towel and a splash of water, then oil lightly before storage. A small squeeze bottle of cooking oil lives in my camp kitchen for this exact purpose. For campsite cleanup without a sink, see our guide to the best portable camp sinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good portable griddle for camping?
A good portable griddle for camping should weigh under 30 lbs for easy transport, offer at least 250 sq in of cooking surface for family meals, and run on either a 1-lb propane bottle or a 20-lb tank with an adapter hose. Our top pick is the Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle for its dual H-burner heat zones, rear grease management, and 6,800+ positive owner reviews.
What is the highest rated outdoor griddle?
The highest rated outdoor griddles in our testing are the Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle and the Blackstone 1814 17 inch Griddle, both with 4.7 star averages across thousands of reviews. The Blackstone 1666 leads with 6,807 reviews and dual H-burner heat zones that deliver even cooking for pancakes, eggs, and smash burgers at the campsite.
What is the best portable grill for camping?
The best portable grill for camping depends on your group size and cooking style. For pure grilling, the Weber Q1000 is the classic recommendation. For grilling plus griddle cooking in one unit, the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 Combo offers a reversible grill grate and griddle plate plus a side burner for boiling water at the campsite.
Is there a griddle better than a Blackstone?
Yes, depending on your priorities. For higher BTU output and faster searing, the SKOK 3 Burner griddle delivers 45,000 BTU versus the Blackstone 1666’s 24,000 BTU. For a ceramic-coated surface with easier cleanup, the Royal Gourmet PD3001 is a strong alternative. For RV-specific mounting, the Flame King Flat Top is purpose-built for motorhome exterior mounts.
Which is better for camping, a grill or a griddle?
A griddle is better for camping if you cook breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs, and bacon, or if you want to make smash burgers, fajitas, and stir-fry without a campfire grate. A grill is better for traditional BBQ meats like steaks, chicken, and hot dogs with grill marks. For maximum versatility, the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3-in-1 combo gives you both surfaces plus a side burner in one portable unit.
What is a good portable gas griddle for camping?
A good portable gas griddle for camping should run on propane (1-lb bottle or 20-lb tank with adapter), heat up within 5 minutes, and offer at least two burners for heat zone control. Our top pick for portable gas griddles is the Blackstone 1666 for its reliable ignition, dual H-burner design, and proven track record across 6,800+ owner reviews.
Final Verdict: Which Camp Griddle Should You Buy?
After testing 10 portable griddles across six weekends of cooking at campsites, RV parks, and tailgates, the Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle remains our Editor’s Choice for the best camp griddles portable. The combination of dual H-burner heat zones, a rear grease management system, 361 sq in of cooking surface, and more than 6,800 positive owner reviews makes it the most reliable and versatile pick for campers who cook real meals outdoors.
If you want a true value play and do not need a dual-zone heat control, the Royal Gourmet PD1301R delivers 25,500 BTU across three burners at a lower price, with more than 6,700 reviews backing its real-world performance. For shoppers with a smaller vehicle, the Blackstone 1814 17 inch Griddle with built-in hood fits in a sedan trunk and handles wind better than any other unit on this list.
Use our buying guide above to match cooking area, BTU, wind protection, and fuel type to your camping style. Whatever griddle you pick, season it before first use, oil it after each cook, and add a foil wind screen for breezy campsites. With the right portable griddle, you can cook full breakfasts, smash burgers, fajitas, and stir-fry anywhere you set up camp.