6 Best RV Grills For Your Next Weekend Camping Trip
Upgrade your campsite cooking with our top six RV grills. We compare performance, portability, and fuel types to help you find the perfect match for your trip.
There is nothing quite like the smell of searing steak or charred vegetables wafting through a campground on a crisp Saturday evening. While your RV kitchen is functional, the true joy of nomadic living happens outdoors where the air is fresh and the cleanup stays outside. Choosing the right grill turns a simple meal into the highlight of your entire weekend getaway.
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Weber Q1200: Best Compact Propane Grill
Grill anywhere with the Weber Q1200 portable propane grill. Its 8,500 BTU burner and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates deliver consistent heat for perfect searing or slow cooking, while the durable cast aluminum construction ensures lasting performance.
The Weber Q1200 has earned its status as a classic for a reason: it is the gold standard for consistent, reliable heat in a small package. Its cast-aluminum lid and body are incredibly durable, and the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates provide that professional-grade sear you just can’t get from thinner metal alternatives.
If you are a solo traveler or a couple who prioritizes quality over sheer cooking surface area, this is your grill. It fits perfectly on most RV outdoor kitchen slide-outs or picnic tables without hogging valuable real estate. If you want a "set it and forget it" piece of gear that will last for a decade, buy the Q1200 and don’t look back.
Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
The Blackstone 17-inch griddle is a total game-changer for anyone tired of the limitations of traditional grill grates. By providing a flat, seasoned steel surface, it allows you to cook everything from diner-style pancakes and eggs in the morning to smash burgers and stir-fries at night. It effectively replaces your indoor stovetop, keeping grease and odors far away from your RV’s interior.
However, keep in mind that this unit requires a bit more "care and feeding" than a standard grill. You must season the steel surface to prevent rust and keep it clean after every use. If you enjoy culinary variety and don’t mind a little extra maintenance, this griddle is the most versatile tool you can put in your storage bay.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill
Grill up to 20,000 BTUs with three independently adjustable burners for precise temperature control on a 285 sq. in. cooking surface. Features Instastart ignition for easy lighting and quick-fold legs with wheels for effortless setup and portability.
If you are traveling with a larger family or a group of friends, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is the workhorse you need. Its standout feature is the scissor-leg stand that makes it incredibly easy to set up and take down without needing an existing table. It offers 285 square inches of cooking space, which is plenty of room to feed four to six people simultaneously.
The three independently adjustable burners allow for excellent temperature control, meaning you can sear meat on one side while keeping veggies warm on the other. It is bulkier than the Weber, so ensure you have the basement storage space to accommodate it. For those who prioritize ease of setup and high-capacity cooking, this is the superior choice.
Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Performance
Grill anywhere with the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X portable propane grill. Its integrated foldable scissor cart offers easy transport and setup, perfect for tailgating or camping, while two burners provide ample space to cook up to 17 burgers.
The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X is for the RVer who refuses to compromise on their home-cooking standards while on the road. This grill features a high-top lid that allows for roasting whole chickens or thicker cuts of meat, which is a rare capability in the portable market. The dual burners provide even heat distribution, eliminating those annoying cold spots found in cheaper models.
The integrated scissor cart is exceptionally sturdy, making it a breeze to roll from your storage compartment to the campsite. While it comes at a premium price point, the build quality is undeniable. If you are a serious outdoor cook who views camping as an extension of your kitchen, this is the investment you should make.
Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Grill
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is designed specifically for those with limited storage space, such as van lifers or owners of smaller travel trailers. Its unique briefcase-style design and folding legs allow it to tuck away into incredibly tight crevices. It is lightweight, portable, and gets the job done for simple meals like hot dogs, burgers, or grilled sandwiches.
Grill delicious meals anywhere with the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill. Its VersaStand base easily converts from tabletop to freestanding, while the 5,500 BTU burner and porcelain-enameled grate provide even cooking for up to 8 burgers.
Because of its small size, it isn’t meant for complex, long-duration cooking sessions. The heat retention is modest, so it works best for quick, high-heat grilling. If your priority is saving every square inch of storage while still having the ability to grill, this is the most practical solution available.
Pit Boss Sportsman Portable Pellet Grill
For the true barbecue enthusiast, the Pit Boss Sportsman brings the authentic wood-fired flavor to the campsite. Unlike propane grills, this unit uses wood pellets to provide genuine smoke flavor, which is a massive upgrade for anyone who loves slow-cooked ribs or brisket. It is a heavier unit, but the flavor profile is simply unmatched by gas-powered alternatives.
This grill is best suited for those who stay in one spot for a few days at a time, as it requires a power source for the auger and fan. It is a more complex piece of equipment with more moving parts, so it requires a bit more care during transport. If you are willing to trade convenience for superior, competition-style flavor, this is the only grill on the list that delivers.
Evaluating Grill Size and RV Storage
When choosing a grill, your biggest constraint is almost always the "basement" or exterior storage compartment dimensions. Always measure your available space before buying, and remember to account for the space taken up by your hoses, leveling blocks, and camp chairs. A grill that sounds perfect on paper is useless if it doesn’t fit through the hatch.
Consider the weight as well, especially if you are close to your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). A heavy-duty grill might be built to last, but if it adds unnecessary weight, it might impact your fuel economy or payload capacity. Always prioritize gear that earns its keep through versatility rather than just size.
Fuel Source: Propane vs. Charcoal Pros
Propane is the king of convenience for RVers, offering instant ignition and easy temperature control. Most RVers can tap into their rig’s existing low-pressure propane quick-connect port, which eliminates the need to carry extra fuel canisters. It is clean, efficient, and perfect for the "I want dinner in ten minutes" mentality of a busy weekend trip.
Charcoal offers superior flavor and a higher heat ceiling, but it comes with significant downsides for mobile living. You have to store bags of charcoal, manage ash disposal, and deal with the long wait times for the coals to reach the right temperature. If you are on a quick weekend trip, the time and mess associated with charcoal often outweigh the flavor benefits.
Essential Grill Maintenance for RVers
Outdoor gear takes a beating from road vibrations, dust, and temperature fluctuations. After every trip, perform a quick inspection of your gas hoses for cracks or signs of wear to ensure there are no leaks. Keep your burners clear of debris and spider webs, which are common culprits for uneven flames in grills that sit idle for long periods.
Invest in a heavy-duty grill cover to protect your unit from the elements while it’s stored in your RV’s exterior bay. If you use a griddle, keep it oiled and stored in a moisture-free environment to prevent rust. A little preventative maintenance at the end of each trip ensures your grill is ready to fire up the moment you pull into your next destination.
Safety Tips for Grilling Near Your RV
Never operate your grill under your RV’s slide-outs or too close to your awning, as the heat can easily melt synthetic fabrics or damage the finish. Always set up your grill on a stable, level, and non-flammable surface at least ten feet away from your rig. This prevents grease splatters from hitting your RV siding and keeps smoke from being pulled into your roof vents.
Always keep a fire extinguisher accessible and know how to use it before you start cooking. Never leave a hot grill unattended, especially in windy conditions where sparks or flare-ups can quickly become a problem. By practicing these simple habits, you ensure that your outdoor cooking experience remains a safe and enjoyable part of your camping lifestyle.
Selecting the right RV grill is about balancing your culinary ambitions with the physical realities of life on the road. Whether you choose the convenience of a compact propane unit or the flavor-forward experience of a pellet grill, the best choice is the one that gets you outside more often. Pack your gear, pick a destination, and enjoy the perfect weekend meal under the open sky.
