6 Best Cast Iron Griddles for Outdoor Cooking

There’s a sound every RVer knows: the sizzle of bacon hitting hot iron on a cool morning, the scent mixing with pine and campfire smoke. That moment is about more than just breakfast; it’s about freedom, simplicity, and having the right tools for the job. In a small space where every item must earn its keep, a cast iron griddle isn’t just cookware—it’s a multi-purpose workhorse that defines outdoor cooking.

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Why Cast Iron is King for RV Campfire Cooking

Let’s be clear: nothing holds or distributes heat like cast iron. When you’re cooking over an unpredictable campfire or a finicky camp stove, that thermal stability is your best friend. It provides an even, consistent cooking surface that prevents the hot spots common with flimsy aluminum pans, meaning no more half-burnt, half-raw pancakes.

The durability is non-negotiable for life on the road. You can drop it, scrape it with metal utensils, and set it directly on hot coals without a second thought. Unlike non-stick pans whose coatings can be damaged by high heat or improper storage, a cast iron griddle only gets better with age. That dark, slick patina you build over time is a badge of honor, a non-stick surface you create and maintain yourself.

Yes, it’s heavy. There’s no getting around that. But in an RV, that weight is an asset, a sign of its resilience. It’s one piece of gear that can fry eggs, sear steaks, grill vegetables, and even bake cornbread. When one tool can replace three or four others, the weight penalty suddenly seems like a very smart tradeoff.

Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle: The Nomad Staple

If you see a seasoned nomad pull out a griddle, there’s a good chance it’s this one. The Lodge Reversible is the undisputed classic for a reason. It’s perfectly sized to sit over two burners on a standard propane camp stove, instantly transforming it into a large, functional cooktop.

One side is a smooth, flat griddle—your go-to for eggs, bacon, and pancakes for a crowd. Flip it over, and you have a grill surface with raised ridges. This side is fantastic for getting a beautiful sear on burgers, chicken, or asparagus, allowing fat to drip away. It’s this two-in-one functionality that makes it a space-saving icon in the RV world.

Made in the USA and pre-seasoned, it’s ready to use right out of the box, though I always recommend giving it another layer of seasoning yourself. Its simple, effective design has no frills to break. This is the piece of equipment you buy once and hand down to the next generation of travelers. It’s reliable, versatile, and has proven itself at countless campsites for decades.

Camp Chef Professional Griddle: For Serious Cooks

The Camp Chef griddle is what you graduate to when outdoor cooking becomes less of a task and more of a passion. Designed to fit over Camp Chef’s own stove systems, it also works well over many two-burner camp stoves. Its key differentiator is its thoughtful design features aimed at managing a big cookout with less mess.

This griddle boasts high sides, which are a game-changer for containing splattering bacon grease or keeping loose items like hash browns from escaping. It also features a built-in grease drain and catch system, making cleanup significantly easier and more contained—a huge plus when you’re dealing with limited water and grey tank capacity. You’re not just wiping grease off a flat surface; you’re channeling it away.

While heavier and often pricier than the Lodge, the Camp Chef is for the RVer who regularly cooks for a family or hosts campsite gatherings. The heat diffuser plate on the bottom ensures remarkably even temperatures across its large surface. If you dream of slinging hibachi-style dinners or massive breakfasts without a huge mess, this is your tool.

Stansport Single Burner Griddle: Compact Power

Not everyone needs to cook for an army. For the solo traveler, the weekend warrior, or the couple in a smaller van, storage space is the ultimate currency. The Stansport Single Burner Griddle understands this reality perfectly. It’s a compact, square griddle designed to fit neatly over a single propane or butane burner.

This griddle won’t handle a family-sized batch of pancakes, but it excels at cooking for one or two. It’s ideal for frying a couple of eggs and sausage links, grilling a single steak, or toasting a sandwich. Its small footprint means it’s easy to store, easy to clean in a small RV sink, and requires less fuel to heat up.

Think of it as the minimalist’s choice. It delivers all the core benefits of cast iron—great heat retention and a durable cooking surface—without the size and weight commitment of its larger cousins. It’s a simple, no-nonsense tool that gets the job done efficiently when you’re short on space and numbers.

Victoria Round Comal Griddle: Versatile & Light

Sometimes the best tool for the job isn’t the most obvious one. The Victoria Round Comal is a fantastic, slightly unconventional choice that brings unique advantages. A comal is a traditional Latin American griddle, and its design is brilliant for RV life. It’s thinner and lighter than many cast iron griddles, making it easier to handle and store.

Its round shape and slightly concave surface are perfect for more than just its traditional use of heating tortillas. It’s amazing for making crepes, cooking flatbreads, or frying eggs where you want the yolk to stay centered. The low, sloping sides make it incredibly easy to get a spatula underneath your food for a clean flip.

This is the griddle for the RVer who values speed and versatility. It heats up faster than its thicker counterparts and works just as well on a stove as it does placed directly over campfire embers. If you want cast iron performance without the full weight penalty, the comal is a smart, overlooked option.

Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Griddle: Top Value

Let’s be honest: not everyone wants to invest a lot of money in cookware, especially when they’re just starting out. The Utopia Kitchen griddle is the answer for the budget-conscious RVer who still wants the benefits of cast iron. It offers a reversible grill/griddle design similar to the Lodge but at a significantly lower price point.

You have to manage expectations here. The pre-seasoning from the factory might not be as robust as premium brands, so plan on putting in a little work to build up your own non-stick surface. The casting might have a slightly rougher finish, but this doesn’t impact its ability to cook well once it’s properly seasoned.

For the price, the performance is unbeatable. It holds heat, it’s durable, and it will cook your food beautifully. If you’re new to cast iron and want to try it without a big commitment, or you just need a functional griddle that you won’t cry over if it gets banged up, the Utopia is an excellent value proposition.

Backcountry Iron Griddle: For Two-Burner Stoves

Think of the Backcountry Iron griddle as a modern refinement of the classic two-burner design. It competes directly with the Lodge but often incorporates small, user-friendly details that make a difference in a cramped RV galley or at a windy campsite.

Many users find its finish to be smoother out of the box than other brands, which can make the initial seasoning process a bit easier. The handle design is also a key feature; they are often slightly larger or shaped differently, providing a more secure grip when you’re moving a searing hot, heavy piece of iron. It’s a small detail that you’ll appreciate every single time you use it.

This griddle is for the RVer who appreciates the classic reversible format but is looking for small improvements in usability. It delivers the same rock-solid performance and versatility but with a focus on fit and finish. It’s a premium alternative that proves small design choices can have a big impact on the daily cooking experience.

Choosing Your Perfect RV Griddle: Key Factors

The "best" griddle is the one that fits your specific needs. Don’t just buy the most popular one; think through how you actually live and cook on the road. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, only the right fit for you.

Consider these factors before you buy:

• Cooking Style & Crew Size: Are you cooking for one or a family of five? A small single-burner griddle is perfect for a solo traveler but a nightmare for a group. Be realistic about the surface area you need.
• Stove & Heat Source: Your griddle must physically fit your primary cooking appliance. Measure your two-burner camp stove or the inside of your RV oven. If you plan to cook mostly over a fire grate, a griddle with legs or a very stable base is a better choice.
• Storage Space & Weight: This is the most critical constraint in any rig. Where will this live when you’re bouncing down a forest service road? A huge professional griddle is useless if you have nowhere to secure it. Be honest about your weight capacity and available cabinet space.
• Features vs. Simplicity: Do you need a grease management system, or is a simple, flat piece of iron better for your needs? High walls are great for messy foods but can make flipping pancakes harder. The simplest designs often have the fewest points of failure.

Ultimately, choosing a griddle is about matching the tool to your mobile lifestyle. A family in a Class A has different needs than a solo adventurer in a teardrop trailer. Take a moment to visualize your morning routine at a dream campsite. The griddle that fits that picture is the right one for you.

In the end, a cast iron griddle is more than just a pan; it’s an investment in better meals and richer experiences on the road. It encourages you to slow down, cook with intention, and create memories around a campfire or a picnic table. Choose the one that fits your journey, care for it well, and it will reward you with countless delicious meals under an open sky.