If you’re dry camping and want the easiest, tastiest, and most versatile cooking setup, nothing beats a Blackstone. Here’s why it’s become our go-to cooking method while boondocking.
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Dry Camping Challenges
Dry camping, also known as boondocking, means camping without hookups. It means you have no electricity and no running water. This presents unique cooking challenges:
- Limited power – You can’t rely on electric stoves or appliances.
- Water conservation – Cleaning dishes and utensils must use minimal water.
- Compact storage – Space is limited, so your cooking setup must be easy to store.
- Reliability – You need a method that works consistently, regardless of weather or conditions.
With these constraints in mind, finding a cooking solution that is simple, versatile, and quick to clean is essential.
Why Blackstone Is Best
The Blackstone flat-top griddle checks all the boxes for dry camping. Here’s why we love it:
- Propane-Powered – It doesn’t rely on electricity or batteries. We usually hook ours up to the trailer’s quick-connect propane, but it can also use portable green propane cans. Propane works even in windy or cold conditions.
- Versatile Cooking Surface – One surface can handle breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even baked treats. Our 22-inch model allows cooking multiple foods at once, with separate temperature control on each side.
- Minimal Cleanup – Cooking directly on the griddle eliminates pots and pans. Cleanup is quick: just water, a wipe, and a light reseasoning with oil.
- Fast Cooking – The large surface heats evenly and quickly, so meals are ready in less time. Perfect when daylight is short or weather conditions aren’t ideal.
- Compact & Portable – Both 17- and 22-inch models are easy to transport in a truck bed or trailer pass-through. You can even set them up on a picnic table if you don’t have a full camp kitchen.
- All-Weather Cooking – The Blackstone performs well in rain, wind, and cold. Accessories like wind guards or basting domes further improve performance.
- Feeds Any Crowd – The large surface allows cooking for yourself, a family, or even a crowd, making it easy to adapt to unexpected guests.
Cooking on a Blackstone makes dry camping meals simple, fast, and enjoyable for everyone.
Other Cooking Options
While the Blackstone is our favorite, there are other dry camping cooking methods:
- Campfires – Fun and traditional but hard to control heat, time-consuming, and sometimes restricted due to burn bans. Smoke and cleanup can also be challenging.
- RV Stoves – Convenient if you have a trailer, but all cooking smells and moisture stay inside. More dishes are created, which uses limited water.
- Portable Propane Grills – Great for burgers but limited in versatility. You can’t easily cook eggs, pancakes, or vegetables like you can on a flat-top griddle.
Compared to these, the Blackstone offers faster cooking, less cleanup, and more versatility.
What to Pack With It
To get the most out of your Blackstone while dry camping, bring a few key items:
- Propane source – Quick-connect trailer hookup or portable green cans.
- Squirt bottles – One with water and one with oil to assist in cooking and cleaning.
- Paper towels – For quick cleanup.
- Tongs and spatula – Keep hands safe while cooking and cleaning.
- Scraper tool – Helps remove stuck-on food.
- Basting dome – Optional, for baking and steaming on the griddle.
With these tools, the Blackstone becomes a fully functional, easy-to-use camp kitchen.
Recap
Cooking on the Blackstone has transformed our dry camping experience. From breakfast to dinner and even sweet treats like cinnamon rolls and cookies, it’s fast, versatile, and easy to clean. Whether you’re feeding yourself, family, or a crowd, the Blackstone is a game-changer for off-grid cooking.
Have you tried cooking on a Blackstone at camp before? Share your favorite recipes or tips in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
