Finding the perfect grill for a small group camping trip can be the difference between a good outing and a great one. You need something portable enough to pack in the car without sacrificing the cooking power and space to feed your friends and family. The right grill becomes the heart of your campsite, turning simple meals into memorable feasts under the open sky.
This roundup focuses on grills that balance portability with performance, ensuring you have the right tool for everything from quick hot dog lunches to full campfire dinners. We have compared a variety of fuel types, sizes, and features to help you find the ideal match for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you prioritize speed, classic flavor, or maximum versatility, there is an option here for you.
Our Top Picks for Small Group Camping Grills
- Megamaster 820-0065C 1 Burner Portable Gas Grill
- Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Blue
- Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Propane Grill
- Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill
- Blackstone 22″ Omnivore Tabletop Outdoor Griddle
- Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill
- Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill
- Lodge Sportsman’s Cast Iron Pro Grill
- BioLite FirePit+ Portable Grill & Smoker
Megamaster 820-0065C 1 Burner Portable Gas Grill
This Megamaster grill offers a fantastic balance of power and portability for small groups. Its durable steel construction with a heat-resistant finish is built to handle the rigors of outdoor use, while the two foldable legs provide a stable base on any picnic table. With a generous 360 square inches of cooking space, you have ample room to prepare a complete meal for your camping party.
The heart of this grill is its high-powered stainless steel burner, which delivers a reliable 11,000 BTUs. This consistent heat output allows for efficient grilling of burgers, vegetables, and other favorites. It’s a straightforward and effective solution for anyone who needs a capable propane grill that is easy to transport and set up at the campsite.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Weber is a trusted name in grilling, and the Q1200 lives up to that reputation in a portable package. Its cast aluminum lid and body are designed for durability and even heat retention. The 189 square-inch cooking area is equipped with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates, which are excellent for searing and are built to last for many seasons.
With a 8,500 BTU burner, this grill provides ample heat for its size, making it very efficient with fuel. It comes fully assembled, so you can take it out of the box and start grilling almost immediately. For campers who value brand reliability and consistent performance, the Weber Q1200 is a top-tier tabletop option.
Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Propane Grill
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is a standout for its excellent balance of cooking space and portability. It features a sizable 225 square-inch grilling area, giving you the capacity to cook for a small group without a problem. The grill operates on up to 11,000 total BTUs across its burners, providing plenty of power for various cooking tasks.
A key benefit is its three adjustable burners, which allow for precise temperature control across the cooking surface. This means you can create different heat zones to cook various foods simultaneously. With its matchless ignition for easy starts and a stable, wheeled design, this grill is built for tailgates, campgrounds, and any outdoor gathering.
Cuisinart Grillster Portable Gas Grill
If your priority is maximum portability, the Cuisinart Grillster is an excellent choice. Weighing just 10 pounds, this compact grill is remarkably easy to pack and carry. Its 146-square-inch enameled steel cooking grate is perfectly sized for preparing meals for two to four people, making it ideal for intimate camping trips.
Despite its small size, it doesn’t compromise on performance. The 8,000 BTU burner can reach temperatures over 600°F, ensuring you get a good sear on your food. The grate is even dishwasher safe, which simplifies cleanup after your meal. The locking lid secures everything for transport, making it a very convenient all-in-one package.
Blackstone 22″ Omnivore Tabletop Outdoor Griddle
For groups that enjoy a classic camp breakfast or versatile cooking, the Blackstone griddle is a game-changer. It moves beyond traditional grilling with a large, flat 361 square-inch cooking surface. This design is perfect for cooking pancakes, bacon, eggs, fried rice, and quesadillas all at once, offering tremendous flexibility for meal planning.
Power is not an issue with dual stainless steel H-burners generating 24,000 BTUs, allowing for quick preheating and consistent cooking temperatures. The non-stick surface makes for simple cleanup with just a scrape and a wipe. This bundle includes a propane adapter and a soft cover, making it a complete ready-to-travel cooking station.
Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill
The Napoleon TravelQ PRO is for those who refuse to compromise on features while camping. Its integrated foldable scissor cart provides a full-height grilling experience without needing a table, offering great convenience and stability. With its two burners, this grill has the capacity to cook up to 17 burgers at once, making it suitable for larger small groups.
This model brings a professional grilling experience to the outdoors. The design focuses on combining high performance with true portability. If you often host gatherings at the campsite and need a grill that feels more like a permanent fixture without the bulk, this is a premium option to consider.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
For purists who love the authentic flavor of charcoal, the Weber Go-Anywhere is a classic. Its compact and efficient rectangular design is easy to pack into a car and store. The grill is built to be durable, with a plated steel cooking grate and a heat-resistant handle for safe operation.
It offers a spacious grilling area that is perfectly suited for cooking for two to four people. The lid locks securely to the base, containing the charcoal and ash for clean transport. This grill provides that unbeatable smoky taste in a highly portable and simple-to-use format.
George Foreman Indoor Outdoor Electric Grill
This George Foreman grill is the ideal solution for campers with access to an electrical hookup. Its fully electric system means no propane tanks or charcoal bags are needed, and it produces no open flames or flare-ups. This makes it a safe and practical option for many campgrounds and even some balconies where other grills are not permitted.
It features a large 200-square-inch grilling surface, allowing you to make over 12 servings at once. The adjustable temperature control with five heat settings gives you precise command over the cooking process. The classic design includes a drip tray to reduce fat, supporting healthier cooking while you’re away from home.
Lodge Sportsman’s Cast Iron Pro Grill
For a truly traditional campfire cooking experience, the Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill is a brilliant tool. This four-piece cast iron grill is designed to be set up over an open fire, giving you that primal, smoky flavor that is hard to replicate. Its naturally seasoned cooking surface is ready to use and improves over time.
The grill features dual air vents that let you control the heat by adjusting the height of the cooking grate. The removable grate makes for hassle-free assembly and cleanup. Crafted in the USA, this is a rugged, heirloom-quality piece that will last for generations of camping trips.
BioLite FirePit+ Portable Grill & Smoker
The BioLite FirePit+ is a unique 2-in-1 device that functions as a contained campfire and a grill. Its smart airflow system creates a bright flame with significantly less smoke, making the campfire experience more enjoyable. You can use wood or charcoal as fuel, providing that classic smoky flavor for your food.
It includes a convertible grill grate that allows you to switch between direct grilling and an open fire for ambiance. A standout feature is the ability to charge USB devices via its power pack, adding a practical modern touch to your campsite. This is the perfect choice for those who want a central fire for warmth and atmosphere that also doubles as a capable cooking surface.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Grill for Your Small Group
Choosing the right camping grill for a small group can feel like a big decision. I’ve been there, staring at a wall of options, wondering which one will actually work for my friends and me. The key is to focus on a few core factors that directly impact your experience out in the wild. Let’s break down what really matters when you’re picking from the 10 best camping grills for small groups.
First, think about your fuel source. This is probably the most important choice. Propane grills are super convenient; they light quickly and offer consistent heat control, which is great if you just want to get cooking without a fuss. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, give that classic smoky flavor that many of us love, but they require more time and patience to get started and manage. Then there are portable pellet grills, which offer a wood-fired taste with more precise temperature control, though they often need a power source. For true simplicity, consider a compact liquid fuel or isobutane stove, which are lightweight and excellent for boiling water quickly.
Next, consider the cooking space and portability. For a small group of 2 to 4 people, you don’t need a massive grill, but you do need enough real estate to cook a few burgers, some veggies, or a couple of steaks at once. Look for a primary cooking area of around 200 to 300 square inches. Just as crucial is how you’ll get it to the campsite. If you’re car camping, weight might not be a huge issue, but a sturdy, stable build is. If you have to hike any distance, a lightweight, packable design is non-negotiable. Foldable legs and compact shapes are your best friends.
Finally, don’t overlook the little things. How easy is it to clean? Grills with removable grease trays or non-stick grates will save you a lot of hassle at the end of the day. Check the build quality – materials like cast iron hold heat beautifully for searing but can rust, while stainless steel is easier to maintain. Also, think about extra features that might be useful, like side tables for food prep or a built-in thermometer. Your goal is to find a grill that feels like a helpful tool, not a complicated project, so you can spend more time enjoying the campfire and less time struggling with your gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable type of camping grill for a small group?
In my experience, simple propane grills are often the most reliable for small groups. They eliminate the variables of wind and fuel quality that can affect charcoal. You turn a knob, click the igniter, and you have consistent heat. While I love the flavor from charcoal, a well-built propane grill from a reputable brand typically has fewer points of failure, making it a dependable choice when you’re miles from a hardware store.
How much cooking space do I really need for 4 people?
For four people, a cooking area between 200 and 300 square inches is usually perfect. This gives you enough room to cook about 8 to 12 burger patties at once, or a combination of meats and vegetables. It’s a balance; you want enough space to cook a meal in one go without the grill becoming so large that it’s a burden to transport and store. A grill in this size range is the sweet spot for the 10 best camping grills for small groups we consider.
Can I use a camping grill inside a tent or under a rainfly?
Absolutely not. This is a critical safety rule. You should never use any grill—propane, charcoal, or pellet—inside an enclosed space like a tent, vestibule, or under a low-hanging rainfly. All grills produce carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless gas. Always operate your grill in a well-ventilated, open area, away from any flammable materials including your tent, camping chairs, and overhanging tree branches.
What is the easiest camping grill to clean after a trip?
Grills with porcelain-enameled grates or non-stick coatings are the easiest to clean. Food residue doesn’t stick to them as aggressively. The real game-changer, however, is a removable grease management system. A drip tray or cup that you can easily take out and dispose of makes post-meal cleanup much simpler. For grills with cast iron grates, you’ll need to be more diligent about seasoning and cleaning to prevent rust, which adds a bit more work.
Are portable pellet grills worth the extra cost and setup?
This depends on what you value most. Portable pellet grills are fantastic if you want that authentic, smoky wood-fire flavor with the set-and-forget convenience of a temperature controller. However, they are generally more expensive, heavier, and require access to electricity (for the auger and fan). If you’re a serious food enthusiast and usually camp with your vehicle nearby, it can be a great investment. For quicker, more versatile trips, a standard propane or charcoal model might be a better fit.