How I Setup My Outdoor Kitchen for My Popup Camper

How I set up my outdoor kitchen for my popup camper

Look for more pictures to come!!!

Looking for some ideas to set up a PUP kitchen well here is what I use, take a look!

Why an outdoor kitchen?

Most of the time I will cook outside, rain or shine. That’s with the exemption of maybe overnight oatmeal in the crockpot or pancakes on a cold day.  I prefer to cook all greasy and smelly foods outside because my canvas collects the scents. It might sound strange, but I have heard other PUP owners say the same thing.

I also love the great outdoors! Being outside make me happy and whether it is grilling steaks or sauté pork for a stir fry having the ability have a great view and breath open air is wonderful. I enjoy seeing the kids play outside or the dog rolling around in the grass. To me being stuck inside cooking while others are enjoying the campsite is no fun.

Another big factor is the space I have. It is about the size of my kitchen at home, and I can spread out even further if need too. I utilize many items already found on my campsite as well as items I bring in. And the best part, it is pretty maintained and organized.

What about the weather?

Well, that’s ok. All this is covered. I used my canopy from my PUP I made, (Look at the post where I made my own canopy from a tarp,) and another store bought one. All shaded up and covered from the rain. If the campsite has a covered area, I utilize that as well. Combining into one big area. It says relatively cool, and I use insect candles or sage to keep the pesky things away.

Music! Oh, my I need something to entertain me and my crew and feel this is a must in a kitchen setup. I bought a cheap Bluetooth device to hook up to my phone or other devices. It last for 6 hours and is pretty loud.

All in all, this as really freed me up to have a real good time and cook amazing meals. As you noticed I didn’t add what type of cooking equipment I use or coolers, well because I’m still in the market. My cooler, grill and other materials are just standard Coleman or Ozark items, nothing to flashy but the get the job done and fell into my budget. Look for my other blog on kitchen equipment and storage. Whether you cook on a propane or charcoal grill, or even use electronic devices like a crock pot or griddle like I personally manage, you will have a great area to work in! this set-up has helped me and could potentially help you! Good luck and have fun on your adventures!!!

What do I use to setup my kitchen?

Well, I first use what the campsite has to offer and usually that is a very large picnic table, cover area and grill. I even love using the firepit! Yes, some campsite might not have one or the other, but I can compromise. I have a popup canopy that I setup next to the camper and right by the DIY Awning I made. This covers about 30ft of the front of the camper, giving us plenty of shade.

I will usually cover the picnic table with a washable tablecloth and move it to where I need it. Yes, you can move your table! (Unless it isn’t already concreted or bolted down) Not a problem though! The grills are typically stuck in the ground though I have seen some that can be moved. I love that for the most part firepits can be moved. Which is a life safer because you don’t want it to close to the pop-up camper and have ambers catch it on fire or burn a hole in it.

Now comes the items I bring; I have a foldable kitchen table that has a sink and racks-built in. This typical has my clean ware on it and I can do dishes on the spot when it is hooked up to the water hose and my gray water tank. They can be bought anywhere outdoor items are sold but I got mine at Walmart for clearance! Score!

I also have another foldable table, I generally set this up next to the portable kitchen, in a L-shape. I purchased it at Walmart as well. That typical holds my coffee maker, propane grill, crock pot, electric cooktop, or griddle when needed if not it is cleared off and has a plastic organizer on it. The organizer has coffee pods, kitchen ware, paperware, flashlights, etc. everything I need in a flash for cooking.

I also take out the large dinette table out of the camper and set it up next to the door with the bigger cooler on top of it and the one of foldable trashcan attached to the table. Therefore, it doesn’t fly away!

I will bring out the large 3 compartment drawer that houses kitchen utensils, food, and anything I need for outdoors. I also have a smaller three compartment that holds smaller items I don’t want lost like matches or lighters. I must have a Bluetooth portable speaker.

I then fill in everything else I need:

• Single serve coffee maker
• Griddle
• Electric burner
• Propane grill or use the charcoal grill provided
• Large cooler
• Ice machine
• DIY handwashing station
• Basket for shoes
• Large outdoor rug

Here are some photos of a windy day in Kansas. Most small items are put away and all chairs are put away. Lots of swimming and water skiing was done on that trip. Sorry for the mess and glass of wine. When I find better pictures I will post them.