Nothing is better than enjoying a hot, home-cooked meal from your campsite after a day of outdoor adventure. Some meals aren’t a lot to look forward to if they merely involve sticking a skewer through processed meat or heating a can on a camp stove burner. The heartiest camp meals can only be made with a quality camping oven.
Fortunately, there are several camping ovens on the market that can allow you to make delicious meals and sides with no more effort than at home (often with less!). From stews to roasted meats and piping hot cornbread to fresh cinnamon rolls, these camping ovens will let you cook and bake mouthwatering meals for your whole camping party.
Read on to learn about our favorite camp ovens!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Camp Chef Deluxe Outdoor Camp Oven
Best Wood-Burning
Lineslife Rocket Stove Wood Burning Portable Stove
Best Dutch Oven
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
Best for Casual Campers
Coleman Camp Oven
Best Oven System
Omnia Oven
Best Overall
Camp Chef Deluxe Outdoor Camp Oven
The Camp Chef Deluxe Outdoor Camp Oven takes all the benefits of your home oven and stove, shrinks them down, and allows you to make home-cooked meals at your campsite.
This camping oven’s enamel cooking surface, dual-rack capacity, and stainless steel construction make it the perfect piece of equipment for making everything from fresh cinnamon rolls to stew.
Pros
- Two oven racks!
- Gets up to 400 degrees (F)
- No matches needed
- Can fit a 9-by-13-inch pan
- 3-way windscreen
Cons
- Does not work as optimally at lower temperatures or in high wind
- Bulky–okay if you can drive up to your campsite, but not meant for lugging through the woods.
- Thermometer provided is not always accurate; bring a second oven thermometer
Best Wood-Burning
Lineslife Rocket Stove Wood Burning Portable Stove
This durable little camping stove is perfect if you don’t want to lug around a propane tank because it is compatible with multiple fuel types–charcoal, wood, twigs, dry leaves, and solid biomass fuel. Its durable, six-pronged, cast iron stove top works with any flat-bottomed cookware—pots, pans, and even griddles.
It’s also an environmentally friendly camping stove: the vertical combustion chamber is fully insulated and forces gasses and flames to mix, increasing fuel efficiency while also decreasing harmful emissions.
Pros
- Durable
- Can use a variety of fuel sources
- Less expensive than others on the market
- Comes with a carrying bag
Cons
- On the small side
- Heavy
Best Dutch Oven
Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven
When you want to bake at your campsite but don’t feel like lugging an entire mini-oven around, a dutch oven is the way to go! This Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven provides easy, even cooking straight out of the box and over the fire. Use this camping oven to make mouth-watering stews or even a whole chicken with gravy.
Lodge’s proprietary vegetable oil formula is baked on to create a beautiful finish and season the camping oven’s double-cast iron surface.
Pros
- Retains heat well
- Ready to use out of the box (pre-seasoned and conditioned)
- Can be used over a fire or on a separate camp stove
Cons
- Heavy
- May need “re”-seasoning after a few uses
Best Budget Option
Coleman Camp Oven
The Coleman Camp Oven is the perfect camping oven option for someone who’s looking for an oven for occasional use.
Its aluminum-steel construction resists scratches and corrosion while keeping the unit light enough (7 pounds) for easy portability. Have other Coleman gear that requires propane? This camping oven is compatible!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Reliable quality
- Folds flat
- Adjustable rack
Cons
- Requires a long time to heat
- Sharp edges and angles
Best Oven System
Omnia Oven
The Omnia Oven camping stove is less of a standalone oven and more of a “wonder pot” that can be used on a camp stove to create the perfect baking environment for all your campsite casseroles, cornbreads, and cakes! Its versatility allows you to simply bring it along with your traditional camp stove to turn any kind of burner into an oven, regardless of fuel type.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy transport
- Versatile–can be used with different heat sources
- Energy-efficient cooking
- Can hold an 8-inch square baking pan
- Vented lid allows steam to escape, preventing breads and cakes from becoming soggy
- Works well for use at home, too, requiring fewer resources than a full-sized oven
Cons
- Not a traditional “camping oven”
- Availability in the United States can be limited
- Limited capacity for larger meals
- Requires monitoring and adjustment during cooking
- Harder to clean than others
- Higher price point
Camping Oven Buyer’s Guide
How to choose a camping oven
You should consider several factors when selecting the best camping stove for your situation.
Size and portability
Determine how much cooking space you need based on your camping group size and any predetermined meal plans.
Also, think about the camping oven’s weight and size and how each will affect your particular camping experience (this is especially important if you plan to use it for backpacking).
Fuel type
Do you prefer a propane-powered oven, a wood-burning oven, or an oven that uses a different fuel source? How available and convenient is that fuel source in your typical camping location?
Features
Read reviews to learn about real-life users’ experiences with the camping oven’s capabilities, like temperature range, cooking modes (like an oven, stove, or both), and heating efficiency.
Look for features you might prefer, like adjustable burners, temperature control, and even heat distribution (cast iron is the most reliable for this one).
Durability and construction
Again, online reviews can be extremely helpful here. See what other users say about their experiences with your potential new camping oven.
Once you have the overall feel for the oven, you will want to narrow down your potential camping oven list to one that is made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions and frequent use. Be sure to pay attention to any reviews that mention the camping oven working less efficiently at abnormal temperatures and conditions (excessive cold, heat, or high winds).
Sturdy handles, robust hinges, and a well-insulated body ensure heat retention and safety and improve portability. Does your coveted camping oven come with a carrying bag or case? Would you like it to?
Ease of use and care
How easy is a camping oven to set up, operate, and clean? Reviews are a good guide here, as well.
Features like removable racks and trays, nonstick surfaces, and simple ignition systems may outweigh other characteristics, like capacity or portability, for you.
Safety
Does the camping oven have safety features like flame control, heat-resistant handles, and a stable base? Is it prone to collapsing or blowing over in high wind? Although user reviews are helpful when judging these features, you can also look for certifications or compliance with safety standards to ensure the camping oven meets quality and safety requirements.
Value for money
What’s your budget for a camping oven? Within that price range, prioritize your most-wanted features. However, don’t forget to consider the long-term value and potential benefits the oven provides for the price, especially if you are looking for a camping oven that will be well-used.
Cleaning and maintaining your camping oven
Cleaning and maintaining a camping oven is essential to ensure its longevity.
Cleaning
First, read the manufacturer’s instructions to get a general idea of the camping oven’s specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations. This is important even for veteran camp oven owners because different ovens may have instructions unique to that model or brand.
Once you have a general idea of how the cleaning will go, allow the oven to cool down to avoid the risk of burns or injuries. Then, wipe away any food residue or crumbs from the oven interior using a soft cloth or paper towel. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surfaces.
Use mild dish soap (or a camping oven cleaner recommended by the manufacturer) to clean the interior and exterior surfaces of the oven. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, and use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away dirt and stains. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the camping oven’s finish.
If your camping oven operates with a gas burner, take extra care when cleaning the burner and gas components. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on safely removing and cleaning these parts. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently clean the burner ports and remove any blockages.
Storing
After you have finished cleaning, rinse the oven surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaning product residue. Wipe dry with a clean cloth or allow it to air dry completely before storing.
Store your camping oven in a clean, dry location, and make sure it is protected from moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Maintenance
Periodically inspect the camping oven for any signs of damage, such as rust, loose parts, or malfunctioning knobs. If you notice any issues, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact customer support for repair or replacement guidance.
Otherwise, maintaining your camping oven is as easy as properly storing it to protect it from the elements.
Troubleshooting your camping oven
Sometimes you have to troubleshoot camping-oven issues to identify and resolve problems that may arise during outdoor cooking. Fortunately, many common problems have pretty straightforward solutions.
Fuel source issues
First, ensure you have sufficient fuel for your camping oven. Check the fuel canister or wood supply to ensure it’s not empty or depleted.
Next, verify that the fuel valve is open and properly connected to the camping oven.
Ignition and flame
Still having trouble? Check the ignition system to ensure it is working correctly. If it’s a manual ignition, make sure the spark or pilot light is functioning properly.
If you’re using a propane-powered oven, ensure the gas is flowing and reaching the burner. If the flame is weak or nonexistent, check for ]clogs or obstructions in the gas line or burner.
Temperature control
A portion of users of all different types of camping ovens might report issues with temperature control.
Check the temperature control mechanisms if you’re having difficulty maintaining or reaching your desired temperature. Adjust the burner or control knobs to increase or decrease the heat output.
If that doesn’t solve the issue, ensure that the camping oven’s vents or dampers are open to allow proper airflow and heat distribution.
Do note that problems with temperature control may be par for the course in colder or windier climates.
Heat distribution and uneven cooking
If you notice uneven cooking (or “hot spots”), try rearranging the cookware or adjusting the camping oven’s position. If this remains a problem despite those adjustments, consider using a heat diffuser or a baking stone to help distribute heat more evenly inside the oven.
Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds
With a camping oven, you can truly enjoy the best of the inside and outdoor worlds! Find pleasure in picking apart a warm scone while you watch nature come to life in the morning. Savor a hearty beef stew after a long day of hiking. With so many options on the market, there’s no reason not to enjoy these creature comforts in the company of wild creatures!
For more tips on camp cooking, including some great recipes, check out our Camp Food hub!
- About the Author
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Ronda Lindsay is a professional writer and editor who has worked in government communications for nearly two decades.
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, she fostered her love of nature and the outdoors by exploring the Pacific Northwest’s many natural playgrounds before moving to the Washington, DC, area to see what the eastern side of the country had to offer. She’s also spent plenty of time camping, hiking, and floating around central Texas, where she now lives.
With a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in professional writing, Ronda loves to learn and write about the latest trends in outdoor adventuring and share that information with Beyond the Tent readers.