Best Propane Grills for Family Camping Trips
When planning a family camping trip, having a reliable and efficient propane grill can make outdoor cooking a delightful experience. Whether you’re preparing breakfast at dawn or grilling burgers for dinner, the right grill ensures your meals are cooked to perfection.
Table of Contents
Top Picks for Family Camping Propane Grills
| Grill | Cooking Area | BTUs | Weight | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill | 189 sq in | 8,500 | 29 lbs | $259 | ★★★★☆ |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill | 285 sq in | 20,000 | 46 lbs | $314.99 | ★★★★☆ |
| Camplux Portable Gas Grill | 189 sq in | 10,000 | 20 lbs | $119.99 | ★★★★☆ |
| Monument Mesa 200S Stainless Propane Gas Grill | 320 sq in | 24,000 | 45 lbs | $355 | ★★★★☆ |
| Coleman Tabletop Propane Gas Camping 2-in-1 Grill/Stove | 130 sq in | 20,000 | 13 lbs | $104.99 | ★★★★☆ |
Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill
The Weber Q1200 is a compact yet powerful grill, offering 8,500 BTUs across a 189 sq in cooking area. Its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates ensure even heat distribution, making it perfect for cooking a variety of meals. The grill’s compact design and fold-out side tables add convenience, especially when space is limited.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 boasts a spacious 285 sq in cooking surface and delivers up to 20,000 BTUs. Its three adjustable burners provide precise temperature control, and the grill’s collapsible design with wheels makes it easy to transport and store.
Camplux Portable Gas Grill
Ideal for families seeking a lightweight option, the Camplux Portable Gas Grill offers 10,000 BTUs over a 189 sq in area. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on performance, ensuring meals are cooked evenly. The grill’s easy setup and portability make it a favorite among campers.
Monument Mesa 200S Stainless Propane Gas Grill
For larger families or those who enjoy cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, the Monument Mesa 200S provides a generous 320 sq in cooking area and 24,000 BTUs. Its durable stainless steel construction and clearview lid enhance the grilling experience, allowing you to monitor food without lifting the lid.
Coleman Tabletop Propane Gas Camping 2-in-1 Grill/Stove
The Coleman 2-in-1 Grill/Stove combines versatility with efficiency. With a 130 sq in grilling area and a stove that fits a 10-inch pan, it delivers up to 20,000 BTUs. This dual-functionality allows you to grill and cook side dishes simultaneously, making meal preparation more streamlined.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right propane grill for your family camping trip depends on your specific needs, including the size of your group, preferred meals, and portability requirements. The options listed above cater to various preferences, ensuring that your outdoor cooking experience is both enjoyable and efficient.
Remember, investing in a quality grill enhances your camping adventures, turning meal times into memorable moments. Happy grilling!
Family Size Should Guide Your Choice
When I’m camping with just my partner, a smaller grill like the Weber Q1200 is perfect. But when the whole crew comes along—kids, cousins, and all—I go for something with more surface area, like the Monument Mesa 200S. More space means fewer meal batches and fewer “I’m hungry” complaints.
Dual Burners Give You Control
One thing I always look for in a camping grill for families is dual burners. With separate heat zones, I can cook meat on one side and keep veggies or buns warm on the other. That’s why I love the Coleman RoadTrip 285—it gives me control, even when I’m juggling multiple items.
Save Time During Meal Prep
When camping with family, time is everything. Kids get hungry fast, and adults want to relax. A powerful propane grill lets me cook a full breakfast or dinner in 20 minutes flat. That’s a win compared to waiting for coals to heat or juggling pots over a campfire.
Folding Legs and Wheels Help a Lot
Some of these grills are bulkier, but they fold down with wheels, which makes moving them around much easier. I can wheel the Coleman RoadTrip straight from the car to the picnic table without lifting a thing. That’s a big plus when your hands are full of camping gear or kids’ toys.
Easy Ignition Makes a Difference
I’ve fumbled with matches and lighters enough to know that push-button ignition is a must. Every grill I recommend here has some form of electronic or piezo ignition—it makes starting your meal fast and frustration-free.
Built-In Thermometers Help with Large Meals
When I’m grilling for five or more people, I don’t want to guess. A built-in thermometer helps me keep an eye on the heat without opening the lid and releasing the temperature. I use it to time burgers, chicken, or even grilled veggies perfectly.
Works with 1 lb or 20 lb Propane Tanks
For weekend trips, I bring 1 lb propane bottles. But for week-long adventures, I use a converter hose and a 20 lb tank. Most grills on this list, like the Camplux and Weber Q1200, are compatible with both setups, giving me flexibility depending on trip length.
Cleanup Shouldn’t Take an Hour
After a long day of hiking and cooking, I don’t want to scrub for 30 minutes. I look for grills with removable drip trays or non-stick cooking surfaces. The Camplux grill wipes clean in under five minutes, even after messy meals like sausages and BBQ chicken.
Great for All Meals, Not Just Dinner
We use our propane grill for breakfast just as often as we do for dinner. I’ll toss on bacon, eggs (in a pan), and toast in the morning. At night, it’s burgers, corn, or even quesadillas. These family camping grills are more than just meat-cookers—they’re outdoor kitchens.
Use a Folding Table for Prep Space
Most of these grills don’t come with prep areas, so I bring a folding camping table. It gives me space to organize, chop, or just rest plates. Trust me—having a camping grill and a prep station is the secret combo to stress-free family meals.
Griddle Attachments Make Breakfast Better
Some grills like the Coleman RoadTrip have griddle inserts you can buy separately. I recommend grabbing one! It turns your propane grill into a flat-top cooking surface—perfect for pancakes, eggs, bacon, or even stir-fry on family nights.
You’ll Use It More Than Just for Camping
These propane grills aren’t just for the woods. I’ve used mine in the backyard, at family reunions, and even during power outages. A good grill is a long-term investment that pays off year-round, not just during your summer trips.