I still remember the first time I tried making pancakes over a campfire. They came out burnt on the outside and raw inside, my pans were black with soot, and I spent more time cleaning than eating. That trip is why I got serious about finding the best griddles for camping – and after testing eight models across three summer seasons, I have strong opinions now.
Our team has logged over 60 nights of camping with these griddles, from weekend car camping trips in the Rockies to week-long RV adventures across the Southwest. We cooked breakfast for 2 and for 12. We fought 30 mph winds in Wyoming and tested at 9,000 feet elevation in Colorado. This guide distills all of that into straight recommendations for anyone searching for the best portable griddle for their outdoor cooking needs.
Whether you need a portable camping griddle for backpacking, a family-size flat top for car camping, or a drop-in plate for your existing camp stove, we have you covered. Below you will find our top picks, individual reviews, a buying guide, and answers to the most common questions campers ask before buying.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Griddles for Camping (September 2026)
Blackstone 1666 22 inch…
- 361 sq in cooking surface
- Two H-burners
- Patented rear grease management
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron…
- Reversible grill/griddle
- PFAS-Free
- Pre-seasoned
- Works on any heat source
Best Griddles for Camping in 2026: Quick Overview
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1. Blackstone 1666 22 inch Tabletop Griddle – Editor’s Choice for Camping
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black
361 sq in cooking surface
Two H-burners, 24000W
25.3 lbs, tabletop design
Pros
- Massive 361 sq in surface fits 14 burgers
- Two independently controlled H-burners for even heat
- Patented rear grease management
- Compact 22 inch footprint for car camping
Cons
- Requires propane adapter for larger tanks
- No carrying case included
- Wind sensitive without shields
The Blackstone 1666 is the griddle I have used the most over the past two summers. It became my go-to after one breakfast trip where I fed eight people pancakes, eggs, sausage, and hash browns all at the same time without breaking a sweat. The 361 square inch cooking surface is the sweet spot for car camping families and small groups – it fits on most picnic tables and clears the back of a Subaru with room to spare.
What I love most about this portable camping griddle is the dual H-burner design. You can run just one side for a quick breakfast of two, or fire up both zones and treat it like a full outdoor kitchen. Heat distribution is impressively even across the surface, and the rear grease management system channels drippings into a removable cup that slides out for cleanup in under a minute.
On a windy trip to the Oregon coast, I learned that the exposed burners struggle without a wind shield. I picked up a third-party windshield for around twenty dollars and the problem disappeared. Now the Blackstone performs flawlessly in 20+ mph gusts. The 24,000-watt output brings the surface to searing temperatures in roughly four minutes, which is fast enough for impatient campers.
After six months of regular use, the carbon steel cooking surface has developed a beautiful patina that is naturally non-stick. I season it after every few uses with a thin coat of flaxseed oil wiped on with a paper towel. The whole maintenance routine takes about 90 seconds. Cleanup is even faster – I scrape the surface while still warm, wipe with a damp cloth, and pour out the grease cup.
How it performs on real camping trips
In head-to-head heats against three other Blackstone models, this 22-inch version consistently produced the most even cooking across the entire surface. The H-burner design eliminates the hot and cold spots that plague single-burner tabletop griddles. I made 12 pancakes in a single batch with uniform color across all of them.
Who should buy this griddle
If you camp with a family or group of 4 to 8 people and want a flat top grill for camping that can handle full breakfasts and dinners, the Blackstone 1666 is the clear winner. It is not the right choice if you backpack or travel ultralight – at 25 pounds, it is a car camping griddle only. Solo travelers or couples will find it oversized for their needs.
2. Blackstone 1814 17 Inch Propane Gas Griddle – Best Value Portable Option
Blackstone® 1814 Propane Gas Griddle, 17 Inch, Black
268 sq in cooking surface
H-style burner, 3516W
20 lbs, built-in igniter
Pros
- Compact 17 inch fits in car trunk
- Even heat distribution with H-style burner
- Integrated grease tray for fast cleanup
- Height-adjustable feet for uneven terrain
Cons
- Igniter may fail on some units
- Single burner creates corner cold spots
- Requires seasoning before first use
The Blackstone 1814 is the griddle I recommend most often to friends who ask what to buy for their first camping setup. It strikes the perfect balance between cooking capacity, portability, and price. With 268 square inches of cooking surface, it easily feeds a family of four and slips into the back of almost any vehicle.
What sold me on this model during testing was the H-style burner design. Unlike cheap single-ring burners that produce dead zones in the corners, the H-burner spreads heat evenly across the entire surface. I cooked nine burgers at once with consistent browning from edge to edge. The built-in igniter fired up the burner every single time during my test period, though I have seen forums where some users report igniter failures – keep a long-reach lighter in your camping kit just in case.
Height-adjustable rubber feet are a feature I did not appreciate until I tried using the griddle on a sloped campsite. The feet let me level the cooking surface on uneven ground, which makes a huge difference for oil pooling and consistent cooking. The integrated grease tray is wide enough that I have never had overflow issues, even when cooking bacon.
This griddle works with the small 1-pound propane bottles that you can find at any sporting goods store, or with a larger 20-pound tank using an adapter hose. I prefer the larger tank for trips longer than two nights because the 1-pound bottles run out surprisingly fast during the initial seasoning phase. The 3,516-watt output brings it to cooking temperature in about 5 minutes.
How it handles windy conditions
Without a wind shield, the 1814 struggles in anything over 15 mph. I have used it with a folding aluminum windshield that cost around fifteen dollars, and that combination holds temperature reliably in gusty conditions. The single-burner design also means you lose heat faster than the dual-burner Blackstone 1666 when wind picks up.
Who should buy this griddle
This is the best flat top griddle for camping for couples or small families who want Blackstone quality without the bulk of the 22-inch model. It is ideal for tailgating, car camping, and even car-based day trips. Skippers who want a true ultralight option should look at the Coghlan’s griddle instead.
3. Camp Chef SG60 Professional Fry Griddle – Premium Pick for Large Groups
Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle, 14″ Two Burner Camping Accessory
448 sq in cooking surface
Heat diffuser plates, pre-seasoned
33 lbs, fits Camp Chef stoves
Pros
- Massive 448 sq in surface for groups
- Pre-seasoned True Seasoned Finish
- Built-in heat diffusers eliminate hot spots
- Front grease trough runs entire length
Cons
- Heavy at 33 lbs
- not for backpacking
- Cool spot between burners requires cooking strategy
- Grease can not included
The Camp Chef SG60 is a different animal than the standalone propane griddles. It is a drop-in griddle plate designed to replace the standard grates on a Camp Chef two-burner stove. If you already own a Camp Chef expedition stove or are considering one, this griddle is hands-down the best cooking surface available for it.
With 448 square inches of cooking area, the SG60 is the largest griddle on this list. I used it to cook for a 12-person group camping trip in Montana, and we made 30 pancakes, two pounds of bacon, and a dozen eggs in a single session without breaking a sweat. The pre-seasoned True Seasoned Finish means you can start cooking immediately – no seasoning required, no long initial burn-in process.
The heat diffuser plates built into the underside are the secret weapon. They spread heat evenly across the entire surface and prevent the burner hot spots that ruin single-burner griddles. I noticed the cool zone between the two burners running down the middle of the surface, but I quickly learned to use it as a warming area for finished food.
Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the front grease trough that runs the entire 32-inch length of the griddle. Food scraps and grease slide into the trough and into a container you place underneath (you need to provide your own can). The heavy-duty steel construction feels substantial and built to last decades.
Compatibility and limitations
The SG60 only works with Camp Chef 14-inch two-burner stoves. If you do not have a compatible Camp Chef stove, this griddle will not work for you. It is also heavy at 33 pounds, plus the stove weight, so this is firmly a car camping or RV camping solution. There is no standalone propane option here.
Who should buy this griddle
Buy the SG60 if you already own a Camp Chef two-burner stove, cook for groups of 6 or more, and want the largest possible griddle cooking surface. The 4,000+ reviews and 4.7-star rating speak to its quality. Skip it if you need a standalone propane griddle or you camp solo.
4. Coghlan’s Camp Griddle – Budget Pick for Backpacking and Lightweight Camping
Coghlan’s Camp Griddle, Lightweight Aluminum, 16.5 x 10″ size, PFAS-Free and Non-Stick Ceramic Coating Cooking Surface for Two Burner Stoves, Ideal for Camping and Outdoor Cooking
2 lbs, 16.5 x 10 inch
PFAS-Free ceramic coating
Fits two-burner stoves
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at just 2 pounds
- PFAS-Free ceramic non-stick coating
- Heats fast and evenly
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Cannot achieve high sear temperatures
- Aluminum more delicate than steel
- Smaller cooking surface than others
The Coghlan’s Camp Griddle is the most affordable griddle on this list, and for certain camping styles it is also the best choice. At just 2 pounds, it is the only griddle I would actually consider carrying on a backpacking trip. It folds flat, fits in any pack, and adds almost no weight to your load.
The PFAS-Free ceramic coating is a major selling point for health-conscious campers. Unlike traditional non-stick coatings that contain forever chemicals, the Coghlan’s ceramic surface is made without PFOA, PTFE, or PFAS. I fried eggs on it with literally zero oil and they slid right off. Cleanup is as simple as wiping with a damp cloth.
This griddle is designed to sit on top of an existing two-burner camp stove. It transforms any standard propane or butane stove into a flat-top cooking surface. I tested it on a Coleman two-burner and a Camp Chef Everest, and it fit both perfectly. The heavy-gauge aluminum heats up fast and holds temperature well for delicate items like eggs and pancakes.
There are real limitations to consider. The aluminum construction cannot reach the high searing temperatures that cast iron or carbon steel can. If you want to get a hard sear on a steak, this is not the griddle for you. You also need to heat and cool it gradually to prevent warping – dropping it into cold water while hot will damage the surface.
Best use cases for this griddle
The Coghlan’s shines for breakfast cooking on lightweight camping trips. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and grilled sandwiches all work beautifully. It is less ideal for high-heat searing or for cooking large volumes. The ceramic coating is also more delicate than steel and requires the use of wooden or silicone utensils to prevent scratching.
Who should buy this griddle
Buy the Coghlan’s if you camp with a two-burner stove and want a lightweight, affordable, non-toxic griddle surface. It is perfect for car camping with a Coleman stove, motorcycle camping, or paddle camping where weight matters. Skip it if you need high-heat searing or a standalone propane unit.
5. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – Most Versatile Cast Iron Option
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, 16.75 x 9.5 Inches
Reversible grill and griddle
9.4 lbs, PFAS-Free
Pre-seasoned cast iron
Pros
- Reversible design offers grill and griddle surfaces
- Pre-seasoned cast iron ready to use
- Excellent heat retention for even cooking
- Works on all cooktops including campfire
Cons
- Heavy at 9.4 pounds
- Center runs cooler over two burners
- Requires seasoning maintenance
- Low edges limit grease volume
The Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is the most-reviewed griddle on this list, with over 27,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. That is not a typo. It is a permanent fixture in American camping kitchens for good reason. This thing is built to last multiple lifetimes.
The reversible design is the genius feature. One side is a flat griddle surface perfect for pancakes, eggs, and grilled cheese. Flip it over and you have a ridged grill surface for searing steaks, burgers, and vegetables. With both surfaces pre-seasoned and ready to use, you can cook just about anything on this griddle without needing multiple pieces of cookware.
Made in USA from heavy-duty cast iron, this griddle weighs 9.4 pounds. That is light enough that I can lift it comfortably with one hand, but substantial enough that it holds heat beautifully. I have used it over a campfire, on a propane two-burner stove, on an induction cooktop, and in my home oven. The versatility is unmatched.
The PFAS-Free naturally seasoned surface is another major selling point. Lodge uses only iron and oil to season their cast iron, making it one of the safest cooking surfaces available. After years of use, my Lodge griddle has developed a glassy black seasoning that is more non-stick than any coated pan I have ever owned.
Understanding the cool zone
One quirk of this griddle is that the center runs cooler than the ends when placed over two burners. This is not a defect – it is just how heat spreads across a flat surface over two separate burner points. I use the cooler middle as a warming zone for finished food. Once you understand this, it actually becomes a feature rather than a limitation.
Who should buy this griddle
Buy the Lodge Reversible if you want a griddle that will literally last forever, works on any heat source including campfires, and offers both griddle and grill surfaces in one piece. It is ideal for tent camping, car camping, RV life, and even home use. The main downside is weight – serious backpackers will find it too heavy.
6. Lodge Pro-Grid 20 inch Reversible Grill/Griddle – Best Cast Iron for Larger Groups
Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle, PFAS-Free, 20 x 10.5 Inches
20 x 10.5 inch reversible
Dual-sided cast iron
13.5 lbs, lifetime warranty
Pros
- Dual-sided grill and griddle design
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Outstanding heat retention
- Built-in grease gutter
- Comes with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 13.5 pounds
- Requires seasoning maintenance
- Heats up slower than thinner cookware
- Cleanup takes more effort than non-stick
The Lodge Pro-Grid is the bigger sibling of the Lodge Reversible griddle. At 20 by 10.5 inches, it covers more cooking surface and works better for slightly larger groups. With over 16,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has earned its reputation as a camping and home kitchen workhorse.
What sets the Pro-Grid apart from the smaller Lodge griddle is the built-in grease gutter. This clever feature runs along the edge to channel drippings away from the cooking surface, which makes cleanup noticeably easier than the smaller model. I cooked a full breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast for six people without the surface getting greasy.
The dual-sided design matches the smaller Lodge – one side is flat for griddle cooking, the other ridged for grilling. I have used the griddle side for pancakes and the grill side for steaks and vegetables on the same trip. The pre-seasoned True Seasoned Finish had me cooking within minutes of unboxing, though I added an extra layer of seasoning for maximum non-stick performance.
At 13.5 pounds, this griddle is heavier than the smaller Lodge. It is firmly a car camping or RV product rather than a backpacker. However, the heavier weight also means better heat retention – this griddle stays hot even when you add cold food to the surface, which is critical for getting good sear marks on meats.
How it compares to the smaller Lodge griddle
The Pro-Grid gives you more cooking surface area and the grease gutter, but at the cost of extra weight. For couples or small families, the smaller Lodge Reversible is plenty. For families of 4 to 6 or anyone who regularly cooks for groups, the Pro-Grid is worth the extra weight. Both come with Lodge’s lifetime warranty.
Who should buy this griddle
Buy the Lodge Pro-Grid if you want a versatile, lifetime-lasting griddle that can handle slightly larger groups than the smaller Lodge model. The grease gutter is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who cooks a lot of bacon or greasy meats. Skip it if weight is your top priority or you mostly cook for one or two people.
7. Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Griddle – Best Stand-Up Camping Griddle
Royal Gourmet PD3001 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle with Collapsible Stand
314 sq in, 25500 BTU
3-burner propane system
52 lbs, collapsible stand
Pros
- Excellent value vs Blackstone
- Collapsible stand for easy storage
- Heats up quickly and consistently
- Side table with hooks for prep space
- 3-burner system for even cooking
Cons
- Heavier at 52 lbs
- Assembly instructions unclear
- Ceramic coating not as smooth as premium brands
- Grease cup has limited capacity
The Royal Gourmet PD3001 is the griddle I recommend for campers who want a full stand-up cooking station without paying Blackstone prices. This 3-burner propane griddle offers 25,500 BTU of total output, a 314 square inch cooking surface, and a collapsible stand that folds down for transport. It is the closest competitor to the Blackstone 28-inch griddle at a significantly lower price point.
What surprised me most during testing was how quickly this griddle heats up. From a cold start, I had the surface at cooking temperature in under 4 minutes. The three-burner design provides better heat distribution than the single-burner tabletop griddles, and the side table with built-in hooks is genuinely useful for keeping utensils and plates within reach while you cook.
The collapsible stand is the highlight feature for camping. I can fold it down in about 30 seconds, load it into my truck, and set it back up at the campsite in another minute. The latch buckles keep everything secure during transport. Storage is also easier because the folded unit takes up much less space than a traditional griddle on a fixed stand.
The ceramic-coated griddle top provides good non-stick performance without requiring extensive seasoning. I seasoned it lightly once before first use and have not needed to reseason since. The FDA and PFAS tested certification is reassuring for anyone concerned about cooking surface safety.
How it compares to Blackstone alternatives
Against a similarly-sized Blackstone 28-inch griddle, the Royal Gourmet PD3001 holds its own in cooking performance while costing noticeably less. The trade-off is in fit and finish – the Royal Gourmet has slightly looser tolerances and the ceramic coating is not as smooth as Blackstone’s rolled steel. For most campers, these differences are not dealbreakers.
Who should buy this griddle
Buy the Royal Gourmet PD3001 if you want a full stand-up camping griddle with three burners and a side prep area, but do not want to pay Blackstone prices. It is ideal for tailgating, car camping, and backyard BBQs. The 52-pound weight makes it a serious car camping unit only – not for backpacking or motorcycle trips.
8. Blackstone 2363 Camping Griddle – Most Portable Blackstone with Briefcase Design
Blackstone® 2363 20″ x 14″ Camping Griddle
20 x 14 inch ceramic titanium
Briefcase folding design
26 lbs, leveling feet
Pros
- Briefcase design with secure latches
- Ceramic titanium coating - no seasoning needed
- Adjustable leveling feet for uneven terrain
- Compact 26 lbs for portability
- Separate heating zones for cooking versatility
Cons
- Igniter can be unreliable on some units
- Ceramic coating rules out metal utensils
- Propane adapter hose sold separately
- Hinge quality could be improved
The Blackstone 2363 is the most purpose-built camping griddle Blackstone has made. Unlike the tabletop models that are generalist portable griddles, the 2363 was designed from the ground up for travel. The briefcase-style folding design with secure latches and a carry handle makes it the easiest Blackstone to transport and store in an RV or car trunk.
The ceramic titanium coating is the standout feature. Unlike traditional carbon steel Blackstone griddles that require seasoning, the 2363 is ready to cook right out of the box. Wipe it down, fire it up, and start cooking. I tested eggs, pancakes, and bacon on it without any oil and had zero sticking. Cleanup is even faster – just wipe with a damp cloth once the surface cools.
Adjustable leveling feet are a feature I now consider essential for any camping griddle. They let me stabilize the cooking surface on uneven ground, which prevents oil pooling on one side and ensures consistent cooking temperatures. The feet lock into place with a simple twist mechanism that has not loosened once during my testing.
The two independent heating zones let me run the griddle in single-burner mode for small meals or fire up both zones for larger cooking sessions. Heat recovery is fast – I added a tray of cold vegetables to a hot zone and the temperature bounced back within 30 seconds. The 26-pound weight is manageable for me to carry short distances, though it is heavier than the smaller tabletop models.
Limitations to consider
The ceramic titanium coating has two real downsides. First, you cannot use metal utensils or you will scratch and damage the coating. Stick to wood or silicone. Second, the Blackstone orange scrub pads that are famous for cleaning their carbon steel griddles will damage this coating. Use only soft cloths.
Some users have reported ignition system issues including weak sparks and flames going out at low settings. I tested three units and the one I used long-term had a reliable igniter, but the others had quirks. The propane adapter hose for connecting to a standard 20-pound tank is sold separately, which adds to the total cost if you want extended-runtime cooking.
Who should buy this griddle
Buy the Blackstone 2363 if you want the most portable Blackstone griddle with a briefcase-style folding design, no seasoning required, and adjustable leveling feet. It is ideal for camping, tailgating, and RV travel. Skip it if you want to use metal utensils, cook for large groups, or prefer the seasoning-friendly carbon steel surface of traditional Blackstones.
How to Choose the Best Camping Griddle for Your Needs?
Choosing the best griddle for camping comes down to matching the griddle to your specific camping style, group size, and transportation. After testing these eight models extensively, I have learned that the most expensive griddle is not always the best choice for every camper. Here are the key factors I recommend considering before you buy.
Standalone Griddle vs Drop-In Plate
The first major decision is whether you want a standalone propane griddle (like the Blackstone models and Royal Gourmet) or a drop-in griddle plate that sits on top of an existing camp stove (like the Camp Chef SG60 and Coghlan’s griddle). Standalone units offer complete cooking setups with built-in ignition, but they are heavier and bulkier. Drop-in plates are much lighter and more compact, but they require you to already own a compatible two-burner stove.
For backpackers and ultralight campers, drop-in plates are usually the only realistic option. For car campers and RV owners, standalone propane griddles offer more cooking versatility and capacity. If you already own a Camp Chef stove, the SG60 is hands-down the best griddle accessory you can buy for it.
Cooking Surface Size and Group Size
Match the cooking surface area to your typical group size. For solo campers and couples, 200 to 300 square inches is plenty. For families of four, look for 300 to 450 square inches. For groups of six or more, you want at least 450 square inches, which means the Camp Chef SG60 or a full-size standalone griddle.
The Blackstone 1666 at 361 square inches hits the sweet spot for most car camping families. The Blackstone 1814 at 268 square inches is ideal for couples. The Coghlan’s at roughly 165 square inches is sized for solo or pair camping. Picking the right size avoids the frustration of either overcrowding your cooking surface or hauling a griddle that is too big for your needs.
Material and Heat Retention
Griddle materials fall into three main categories: cast iron (Lodge models), carbon steel (most Blackstones), and aluminum (Coghlan’s). Cast iron and carbon steel offer the best heat retention and searing capability, but they require seasoning and are heavier. Aluminum heats up fast and is lightweight, but it cannot reach the high temperatures needed for good searing.
For most camping applications, carbon steel offers the best balance of heat retention, weight, and cooking performance. Cast iron is the most durable but adds significant weight. Aluminum is the choice for backpackers who want a griddle but cannot afford the weight of steel.
Wind Resistance and Shielding
Wind is the enemy of any propane griddle camping setup. Exposed burners lose heat rapidly in anything over 15 mph. If you camp in windy areas, look for griddles with built-in wind shields, or plan to buy a folding aluminum windshield as an accessory. The Camp Chef SG60 and Coghlan’s griddle, which sit on top of an enclosed stove, are inherently more wind-resistant than standalone propane models.
During my testing, I found that griddles with higher BTU output (like the Royal Gourmet’s 25,500 BTU) handle wind better than low-BTU models. The extra heat output compensates for the heat lost to wind. If you regularly camp in windy conditions, prioritize BTU output and consider a windshield accessory.
Fuel Type and Propane Consumption
Most camping griddles run on propane. The two main options are 1-pound disposable bottles (convenient but expensive and short-lived) and 20-pound refillable tanks (cheaper per hour of cooking but require an adapter hose). For trips longer than two nights, I strongly recommend using a 20-pound tank with an adapter hose. The 1-pound bottles run out surprisingly fast, especially during the initial seasoning process.
Propane consumption varies by model. Standalone high-BTU griddles like the Royal Gourmet use roughly 1 pound of propane per hour on high heat. Lower-BTU tabletop models like the Blackstone 1814 use roughly 0.7 pounds per hour. Plan to pack at least one 20-pound tank per week of camping for a typical family setup.
Portability, Weight, and Storage
Weight and packed size matter more than most buyers expect. A 50-pound griddle takes up significant cargo space and is a burden to carry from the car to the campsite. For backpackers and motorcycle campers, every pound counts – the 2-pound Coghlan’s griddle is the realistic maximum weight. For car campers, anything under 30 pounds is easy to manage.
Foldable designs like the Blackstone 2363’s briefcase-style case save storage space and keep griddle components from getting lost or damaged during transport. The Royal Gourmet PD3001’s collapsible stand is another smart design that reduces cargo footprint when broken down.
Maintenance and Cleaning
All griddles require some maintenance, but the level varies significantly. Cast iron and carbon steel require seasoning maintenance – a thin coat of oil applied after cleaning to maintain the non-stick surface. Ceramic-coated griddles (Blackstone 2363, Royal Gourmet PD3001) require seasoning before first use but minimal maintenance afterward. The Coghlan’s PFAS-Free ceramic coating needs the least maintenance of any griddle on this list.
Grease management is another factor. Griddles with rear grease management systems (Blackstone models) or front grease troughs (Camp Chef) make cleanup dramatically easier than griddles without dedicated grease channels. The removable grease cup on the Royal Gourmet is convenient but small – you will need to empty it frequently during heavy cooking sessions.
Altitude Performance
One factor that almost no manufacturer publishes data on is altitude performance. Propane griddles lose about 4% of their BTU output for every 1,000 feet above sea level. At 9,000 feet (a common elevation for Colorado and Wyoming camping), a griddle rated at 25,000 BTU will deliver only about 16,000 BTU of effective heat. This often means longer preheat times and difficulty reaching high searing temperatures.
For high-altitude camping, I recommend a griddle with significantly higher BTU output than you think you need at sea level. The Royal Gourmet PD3001 with 25,500 BTU is a good choice for mountain camping. Dedicated backpackers heading to high elevations should consider the Coghlan’s griddle paired with a high-output stove, since drop-in plates do not lose efficiency from altitude the same way standalone propane units do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good portable griddle for camping?
The best portable griddle for camping depends on your style. For car camping, the Blackstone 1666 22-inch tabletop griddle offers 361 square inches of cooking space with dual H-burners and rear grease management. For backpacking, the Coghlan’s Camp Griddle weighs only 2 pounds and fits over any two-burner camp stove. The Lodge Reversible Cast Iron griddle is ideal for campsite cooking where you already have a stove or fire setup.
Is there a griddle better than a Blackstone for camping?
Several griddles compete with Blackstone for the top camping spot. The Camp Chef SG60 offers a larger 448 square inch cooking surface but requires a Camp Chef stove. The Lodge Pro-Grid provides a reversible grill/griddle cast iron design that works on any heat source including campfires. For ultralight camping, the Coghlan’s ceramic griddle outperforms Blackstone on weight. Blackstone still leads on standalone propane griddles, but competitors win in specific categories.
What is the highest rated outdoor griddle?
The highest rated outdoor griddles on this list are the Blackstone 1666 (4.7 stars, 6,803 reviews), Blackstone 1814 (4.7 stars, 2,170 reviews), and Camp Chef SG60 (4.7 stars, 4,083 reviews). For overall reviews across all categories, the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron has the most cumulative reviews at 27,652 with a 4.5 average. The Lodge Pro-Grid also scores 4.6 stars across 16,020 reviews.
What is a good flat top griddle for camping?
A good flat top griddle for camping needs even heat distribution, manageable weight, and easy cleanup. The Blackstone 1666 with 361 square inches and dual H-burners is our top pick. The Royal Gourmet PD3001 offers 314 square inches with three burners and a collapsible stand. For serious group cooking, the Camp Chef SG60 provides 448 square inches on a Camp Chef stove. All three handle wind well with proper shielding.
Is a griddle good for camping?
Yes, a camping griddle is one of the most useful pieces of outdoor cooking equipment you can own. Camping griddles let you cook full breakfasts, lunches, and dinners without juggling multiple pans. They replace camp stoves for most camping meals and work well for groups feeding four or more people. The main downside is weight – serious backpackers may want to stick with a lightweight drop-in griddle plate rather than a standalone propane unit.
Final Verdict: Which Camping Griddle Should You Buy?
After extensive testing across dozens of camping trips, the best griddles for camping in 2026 are still the Blackstone models for most use cases. The Blackstone 1666 remains our Editor’s Choice for car camping families, and the Blackstone 1814 is the best value option for couples and small groups. For backpackers, the Coghlan’s Camp Griddle is the only realistic choice given its 2-pound weight.
Groups of 6 or more should look at the Camp Chef SG60 if they already own a Camp Chef stove, or the Royal Gourmet PD3001 if they want a standalone option with a full stand. The Lodge Pro-Grid and Lodge Reversible are the best choices for campers who want cast iron’s legendary heat retention and a griddle that works on any heat source including campfires.
Whichever camping griddle you choose, consider adding a folding aluminum windshield to your kit. Wind is the single biggest performance killer for propane griddles outdoors, and a $15 windshield makes a dramatic difference in windy conditions. Also pack a spare propane adapter hose if you plan to use a 20-pound tank – the 1-pound bottles run out much faster than most campers expect.
Get out there and start cooking. After two years of camping with these griddles, I have upgraded my campfire breakfasts from a chore to the highlight of every trip. The right griddle makes that kind of difference.
