How to Build a Camp Kitchen

Building a camp kitchen is crucial if you are out in the woods for a number of days. Just like at home, the kitchen is the heart of the camp. If you camp with a large group or hunting party, having a reliable camp kitchen can be the difference between cooking great meals and just barely getting by. For the purpose of this article, the camp kitchen will be a temporary set-up and simple to put together.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood piece
• Tarp and rope
• Chain saw (optional)
• Propane stove
• Full propane bottle
• Tree stumps or cut logs
• 2 wash bins
• Liquid dish-washing soap
• Gallons of water
• Easy-to-clean cutting board
• Kitchen equipment (pots, pans, cooking utensils)

Instructions

1. Choose a location. When finding the perfect location to set up your camp kitchen, choose a place that has a "wind shield" on at least one side. The shield could the side of a camper or building, or even a tarp. If you do not have a shield to protect your propane flame from the wind, you will be constantly relighting the flame.

2. Make a foundation. If there is not a table already set up for you to create a workstation, make one yourself by using cut logs or tree stumps as supports for your pre-cut piece of plywood. Do not expect to have the "counter top" at a height properly proportioned to your height. The most important aspect of a camp kitchen counter is that it is sturdy.

3. Set up. Place your propane stove on one side of the counter top and the wash bin "sink" on the other. Your work surface should be between the two. For added convenience, place the ice chests containing food on the ground next to the stove. Coolers or ice chests containing ice and drinks should be next to the "sink" or behind the counter. High-traffic areas, such as where the drinks are being stored, should be away from the propane stove.

4. Prepare food. Due to the lack of a sterile work surface, be sure to come prepared with your own kitchen equipment, such as a cutting board, dish-washing soap and wash bins. When using a cutting board, cut all vegetables and fruit first, then cut any meat. Cover all pre-cut food with aluminum foil.

5. Clean up. To provide hot water for washing in the "sink," boil water in a kettle. Pour water from a gallon container into the water bin, add boiling water and soap until the temperature is tolerable. Pour water for rinsing into the second water bin. Place cleaned dishes on a towel to dry in the sun. Carefully empty your water bins in the opposite direction from your camping area.

Tips & Warnings

• For convenience, pack kitchen supplies into plastic tote boxes with lids. Tote boxes can also be used to hold water for your "sinks."

• When packing kitchen supplies from home, pack washcloths and drying towels.

• Pack knives safely in either a plastic pencil box or plastic shoe box with lid.