Few things taste better than a meal outdoors next to your camper, with a great view. Barbecuing and outdoor cooking are among the great pleasures of life on wheels. That said, you need to use your head: safety and local rules (especially fire risk) come first. Here are the types available and the tips for enjoying them responsibly.
Types of barbecue for a camper
- Portable gas: convenient, quick and free of smoke or embers; the most practical option for a camper. Can run on a gas bottle or cartridges.
- Electric: no smoke or flame, ideal where open fires aren't allowed (and workable with a good battery or a campsite hookup).
- Charcoal: classic flavour, but with embers, smoke and more risk and restrictions; only use it where it's explicitly allowed.
Safety first
- Never inside the camper or in enclosed spaces (fire risk and carbon monoxide risk).
- Keep it well away from the vehicle, the awning and vegetation; a spark or the heat can damage the camper or start a fire.
- Keep water or an extinguisher handy and never leave it unattended.
- Fully put out the embers when you're done.
The rules: where you can and can't
Open fires are banned or heavily restricted in many places, especially during high fire-risk periods (summer), in woodland, protected natural areas and forest zones. Fines are serious and carelessness can cause a tragedy. Always check the local rules before lighting up, and respect bans absolutely. If in doubt, a gas or electric barbecue causes far fewer problems than charcoal.
Camper responsibility
Eating outdoors done well is wonderful; done badly, it damages the environment and everyone's reputation. Clear up afterwards, leave no trace, and treat the spot the way you'd like to find it (see sustainable camper travel).
In summary
Outdoor barbecuing is one of the pleasures of travelling, but it demands safety (never inside, well away from the vehicle) and respect for fire regulations, which are very strict in summer and in natural areas. The step to take today: for a camper, a gas or electric barbecue is the most practical and safest choice; use it well away from the vehicle, keep water handy, and always check first that open fires are allowed where you are. Pair it with the camper cooking guide.