Best Propane Grills for Cooking Fish While Camping Outdoors
Cooking fish while camping is one of my favorite things to do—especially after a good day of fishing or picking up fresh fillets on the way to the campsite. But not every grill is great for fish. You need something with precise temperature control, non-stick grates or griddles, and even heat distribution. That’s why I tested and researched the best propane grills for cooking fish outdoors that you can take on any camping trip.
Whether you’re grilling trout over a fire pit alternative or searing salmon by the lake, these propane grills deliver results without overcooking, sticking, or falling apart.
Table of Contents
Top Propane Grills for Cooking Fish Outdoors (Amazon Picks)
1. Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
This is my personal favorite for cooking fish. The Weber Q2200 has a smooth, cast iron grate that’s perfect for delicate fillets. It heats evenly, and I’ve never had an issue with sticking when properly oiled.
Key Features:
- 280 sq. in. cooking space
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Push-button electronic ignition
- Precise burner control for lower temps
2. Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle
If you want the most forgiving surface for fish, a griddle is your best bet. I use the Blackstone 22″ griddle for cooking flaky fish like tilapia, snapper, and even shrimp skewers. It delivers even browning without over-charring.
Why I recommend it:
- Flat cold-rolled steel surface
- 24,000 BTUs across two zones
- Excellent heat retention
- Built-in grease management
3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill
This grill is great if you’re camping with others and want to cook both fish and sides at the same time. The RoadTrip 285 offers interchangeable cooktops, so I often swap in the griddle plate for more delicate fish.
Highlights:
- 285 sq. in. grilling surface
- Three burners with individual controls
- Instastart ignition system
- Foldable legs with rugged wheels
4. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill (CGG-180T)
This is one of the best compact propane grills for cooking fish. The heat output is perfect for slow, even cooking, and the aluminum legs are very stable on picnic tables.
Top features:
- 145 sq. in. cooking surface
- Locking lid and briefcase-style handle
- Weighs under 15 lbs
- Great for solo or couple camping
5. Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Stove with Griddle Accessory
If you’re serious about outdoor cooking, the Camp Chef Explorer is worth it. It’s ideal for frying, searing, or blackening fish in cast iron skillets or griddles. I use this when cooking for a group and want a more “kitchen-style” setup outdoors.
Standout features:
- Two 30,000 BTU burners
- Optional accessories (griddle, skillet, pizza oven)
- Three-sided windscreen
- Height-adjustable legs
Tips for Cooking Fish on a Propane Grill While Camping
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make grilling fish easier and tastier outdoors:
- Oil the grill grates well before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Use foil or a fish basket for delicate cuts like flounder or sole.
- Cook skin-side down first to hold the fillet together.
- Use low-to-medium heat—fish cooks fast and can dry out.
- Add lemon slices or fresh herbs on top while grilling for extra flavor.
Best Overall Grill for Fish
If you want perfect fish every time, the Weber Q2200 is my top choice. It’s compact, reliable, and handles fish beautifully without overcooking. For those who prefer a flat surface, the Blackstone griddle is a close second.
Cooking fish while camping doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right propane grill, you’ll be serving up fillets, seafood skewers, and crispy skin salmon like a pro—even in the middle of the woods.
Want to see more fish-friendly grills?
Click here to browse top-rated propane grills on Amazon.
One of the biggest mistakes I made when first grilling fish outdoors was using a grill with poor temperature control. Fish requires a lower, more stable flame than meats like steak or chicken. That’s why I now only bring propane grills with adjustable heat knobs to camp—so I can dial it down and avoid drying out the fish.
If you’re cooking a variety of fish, like salmon, trout, or snapper, you’ll want a grill that heats evenly across the surface. Uneven heat leads to one side being undercooked and the other burned. Models with cast iron or steel grates tend to distribute heat better than wire racks.
Another great trick for camping is using non-stick grill mats or foil sheets over the grates. They keep flaky fish from breaking apart, reduce mess, and still let you get that grilled flavor. Some propane grills even come with griddle surfaces built in, which are ideal for seafood.
If you plan to catch and cook fresh fish at the lake, make sure your propane grill is lightweight and portable, especially if you’re hiking to your spot. Grills under 25 pounds are the sweet spot for me—they’re easy to carry but still big enough to cook for two or three people.
The best propane grills for fish also offer grease control systems. Fish releases moisture and oils, which can cause flare-ups. I always look for grills with removable grease trays or drip cups that prevent grease from pooling under the burners.
You’ll also want a lid that closes completely. Cooking fish with the lid down helps trap heat and flavor, especially for thicker cuts like swordfish or marinated fillets. A lid with a built-in thermometer is even better—it helps me cook with more precision.
If you like seasoning your fish with herbs, lemon slices, or marinades, make sure your grill grates are close enough together to support those extras. Too-wide gaps can cause your ingredients—or your fish—to fall through.
For campers who want to grill multiple types of food at once, I recommend propane grills with multiple burners or zones. I often cook fish on one side while roasting veggies or warming tortillas on the other, without cross-flavors.
If you’re grilling near the ocean or in salty air, corrosion becomes a concern. That’s when I go for stainless steel or powder-coated finishes that hold up better in humid coastal conditions. It makes a big difference in durability over time.
Safety is always a priority. I always bring a long spatula or fish turner so I can flip fillets gently without tearing them. Some propane grills also have cool-touch handles, which are great when you’re cooking in the heat or working around kids.
Fish tends to cook fast—sometimes in as little as 5 to 8 minutes. That’s why I stick with propane grills that heat up quickly, preferably with a push-button ignition system. Being able to start cooking right away is a big time-saver on busy camping mornings.