Our RV Outdoor Kitchen Setup (No Built-In Required)

Why We Don’t Miss a Built-In Outdoor Kitchen

Years ago, we had a smaller bumper-pull trailer with a built-in outdoor kitchen. It had a two-burner stove, a small sink, and a pull-out counter, and at first it seemed really convenient. You just opened a hatch and started cooking.

But over time, the downsides became hard to ignore.

The stove was fixed in one direction, so there was no way to adjust for wind. Some days we were cooking in full sun, and other times we were crammed under the trailer awning trying to stay cool. The counter was small and flimsy, which made real food prep frustrating. The sink was more like a shallow basin than something truly useful.

What I disliked most was cooking right against the side of the rig. Between grease splatter and food smells, it just wasn’t something I enjoyed dealing with day after day.

Our current setup solves all of those problems by giving us flexibility.

How We Set Up Our Outdoor RV Kitchen

Instead of cooking right next to the trailer, we set our outdoor kitchen up across the campsite. The fire pit and chairs usually sit between the RV and the kitchen area, which gives us room to spread out and relax.

This layout makes cooking feel intentional. It’s not rushed, and it doesn’t feel like we’re squeezed into a corner just to get a meal done. Depending on the campsite, we can adjust our setup for wind direction, shade, and views.

That flexibility alone is a huge reason we don’t miss a built-in outdoor kitchen.

Our Prep Space and Cooking Gear

We use folding tables for prep space and to hold our cooking gear. One table usually holds our Blackstone, and the other holds a propane camp stove and a tabletop grill. Depending on what we’re making, we may use one, two, or all three.

We also keep a full-size trash can right next to the kitchen. That might sound like a small thing, but it makes cleanup faster and keeps trash from piling up around the campsite.

Nothing about this setup is fancy — but everything has a purpose.

Why We Keep Water at the Kitchen

One of the most important parts of our outdoor kitchen is the water jug. We keep it right next to the cooking area so we can wash our hands while cooking and pre-wash dishes before they go inside the RV.

Doing a quick scrub outside removes food and grease before dishes ever hit the sink inside the trailer. That helps save space in our gray tank and keeps indoor cleanup quick and simple. When dishes come inside, they usually just need a fast soapy wash and a rinse.

This one habit makes a big difference when we’re boondocking or staying somewhere without hookups.

Shade, Mats, and Staying Comfortable Outside

Everything in our outdoor kitchen stays under a shade canopy. That helps a ton when we’re camping in summer heat, and it’s just as useful when we’re dealing with rain.

We also put down RV mats under the kitchen area. They make cleanup easier and help keep dust and dirt under control, especially when we’re boondocking. It’s a small addition that makes the whole space feel more comfortable to work in.

To avoid running in and out of the RV constantly, I use a carrying tray to bring food and utensils from inside to the outdoor kitchen. That keeps everything organized and saves a lot of back-and-forth.

Our Propane and Storage Strategy

For cooking fuel, we use a full-size 20-pound propane tank instead of the small one-pound green bottles. It’s more reliable, lasts much longer, and works better for the kind of cooking we do.

Everything in our outdoor kitchen has a place — utensils, oil, seasonings, fuel, flashlights, paper towels. We set the kitchen up with both wind direction and views in mind. It’s practical, efficient, and easy to adjust no matter where we’re camping.

Cooking and Eating Outside Most of the Time

I love cooking outside, not just because it keeps heat and smells out of the rig, but because of the views. When we’re boondocking, our outdoor kitchen often faces wide-open scenery that you just can’t appreciate from inside the RV.

We eat outside most of the time too. Why look at a campsite through a window when you can enjoy it face to face?

If the weather turns cold or rainy, we’ll still cook outside and then bring the food in to eat. That gives us the best of both worlds.

One Important Safety Tip for Outdoor Cooking

If you’re camping in bear country, don’t leave cooking equipment, food, or food waste outside. It’s not just unsafe — it’s illegal in some areas. Always follow local rules and take wildlife safety seriously.

If You Don’t Have a Built-In Outdoor Kitchen

If your RV doesn’t have a built-in outdoor kitchen, don’t worry. You can build something that works even better — just like we did.

A flexible setup lets you adapt to each campsite, control where and how you cook, and make outdoor meals a real part of your camping experience.