This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission. Thanks.
When you’re out in the wild, nothing brings people together like a hearty meal cooked over an open flame. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or enjoying a lazy weekend at a local campsite, a quality campfire grill grate is an absolute must-have. It transforms your campfire from a simple heat source into a full-blown outdoor kitchen, allowing you to grill meats, vegetables, and even toast bread or brew coffee.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 best campfire grill grates that deliver excellent performance, durability, and convenience for every type of camper from the minimalist backpacker to the family camper. Each product is selected based on materials, design, portability, and real-world usability, so you can confidently choose the one that suits your outdoor adventures best.
1. Wolf Grizzly Compact Backpack Grill
- ULTIMATE PORTABILITY: Two parts. That's it. Weighing just 2.2 pounds and packing down to the size of a thermos, the Wolf and Grizzly Grill goes with you everywhere. In less than one minute you can start campfire grilling straight from your backpack.
- BUILT TO ENDURE: Every single part is made of 304 stainless steel, meaning it can withstand high temperatures and heat. With 120 square inches of cooking area and a 30 pound load capacity you won't find better campfire cooking equipment on the market.
- EASY TO ADJUST: From 8 inches to 6 inches to stay flat mode, this campfire grill is ready to accommodate all kinds of environments. Use wood or charcoal in your backyard or on backcountry adventures.
Why It Stands Out
The Wolf Grizzly Grill is a favorite among ultralight backpackers and minimalist campers. It’s designed to be compact, lightweight, and highly functional without compromising on quality.
Features & Benefits
- Portable & Lightweight: Weighing only 2.2 pounds and folding down into a sleek, compact case, this grill is perfect for hikers or anyone concerned about space and weight.
- Adjustable Height: It includes two height settings to help you manage heat exposure, ensuring you don’t burn delicate items like fish or veggies.
- Durable Construction: Built with 304 stainless steel, it resists rust and handles high temperatures with ease.
- Modular Design: Can be used with wood, charcoal, or even a portable stove.
Ideal For
Backpackers, solo travelers, or minimalist campers who need to carry light but still want to enjoy grilled meals over a campfire.
What Could Be Better
- May not be ideal for large families or group cooking due to limited cooking surface.
- Pricier compared to traditional grates, but the premium materials and compact design justify it.
2. Stromberg Carlson GR-1522 Stake and Grille
- WELL-DESIGNED OPEN FIRE GRILL: Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill is designed for the specific needs of campers and outdoor adventurers. Made to be used for open pit or campfire cooking, our grate has up-turned edges so that hotdogs and other food will not easily roll or fall off grill. It also has a wire handle as an insulation from heat. We included a nylon bag to contain the mess; simply carry it wherever your adventure takes you.
- WITH LOCKING WIRE HANDLE: Easily adjust the heat on your meal with our grill's adjustable locking handle. The 15" x 22" grill could be adjusted up and down the 36" long stake to get just the right temperature. It can rotate 360 for simple access when loading or unloading food from the fire.
- EASY TO USE AND MAINTAIN: This grill grate is equipped with a chrome finish, allowing you to clean it easily. This product is designed for many seasons of use, but proper maintenance is still necessary. To keep food from sticking to the grill grate, use cooking spray (apply spray to grate before placing over fire). To best maintain grill finish, use a scouring pad instead of a wire brush.
Why It Stands Out
This grill grate brings adjustability and ease of use to a whole new level with its stake-mounted swivel design. It’s great for those who love precise control over their cooking heat.
Features & Benefits
- Swivel Design: The cooking surface rotates 360 degrees around the stake, allowing you to swing it away from the fire for safe food handling or move it closer for more heat.
- Large Cooking Surface: At 15” x 22”, it accommodates multiple items at once—perfect for group cooking.
- Heavy-Duty Steel: Its rugged steel design ensures long-lasting performance under intense heat conditions.
- Height Adjustment: Simply slide the grate up or down the stake to change cooking height and temperature.
Ideal For
Families, groups, or campers who value adjustability and like to cook larger meals directly over the fire.
What Could Be Better
- The stake can be tricky to secure in rocky or hard soil.
- Bulkier and heavier than backpacking models, so better suited for drive-up campsites.
3. RedSwing Folding Campfire Grill
- Durable & Stable: The frame of the grill table is made of high quality aluminum, The metal mesh is dense and durable. U-shaped frame and buckle to fix help to increase the stability.
- Heightening Design and Adjustable Height: The size of the folding camping table is 23.6''x15.7''x26.6''/60x40x67.5cm when open to use. And the size is 15.7x2.6x11.8''/40x6.6x30cm when folded. You can remove the legs to get 3 heights to meet different demands: 10.4’’/26.5cm, 16.3’’/41.5cm, 26.6’’/67.5cm.
- Foldable Design: The legs of the portable camp table can be removed easily. It can be folded to store in corners when not use, which is space saving, easy to carry. Easy to set up in minutes, too.
Why It Stands Out
Simple, sturdy, and budget-friendly RedSwing’s folding campfire grill is a crowd favorite for casual campers. It folds flat and sets up in seconds, making it a convenient addition to any campsite.
Features & Benefits
- Foldable Design: Collapses into a flat, easily storable shape, making it ideal for packing in a car or camper.
- Stainless Steel Frame: Resists rust and is easy to clean after a long day of cooking.
- Wide Surface Area: Available in small and large sizes, the larger version offers enough room for several steaks, burgers, or kebabs.
- Sturdy Legs: Locks into place and sits low over the fire for optimal heat exposure.
Ideal For
Weekend campers, car campers, and families looking for a no-fuss grill that gets the job done.
What Could Be Better
- Lacks height adjustment options.
- No grate lid or lid accessory for covered cooking.
4. Steven Raichlen “Best of Barbecue” Tuscan BBQ Grill
- Versatile Cooking Options: Experience authentic Italian grilling over an open flame by using this Tuscan grill over a fire pit or campfire. Ideal for both wood and charcoal grilling, it brings out the best flavors in your meats, vegetables, and seafood.
- Durable & Sturdy: Built to withstand the rigors of direct heat, the heavy-duty cast iron construction of this grill ensures durability and longevity. Its robust design provides reliable performance.
- Spacious Cooking Surface: With a large 14” x 14” cooking surface, this grill offers ample space to prepare a variety of dishes simultaneously, whether you're grilling steaks, vegetables, or seafood. Enjoy the efficiency of a spacious grilling area.
Why It Stands Out
Designed by BBQ expert Steven Raichlen, this cast iron grill is built for true fire enthusiasts. Its solid build ensures excellent heat retention and that signature char-grilled flavor.
Features & Benefits
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron: Known for exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution, cast iron delivers restaurant-level searing capabilities.
- Tuscan-Style Design: The flat grate design is ideal for steak, vegetables, and artisan bread grilling.
- Detachable Screw-On Legs: Provides stability over campfires and works just as well on backyard fire pits.
- Authentic Grill Marks: The bar spacing and cast iron surface leave beautiful sear marks on your food.
Ideal For
Traditionalists, backyard chefs, and those who want a luxury cooking experience over a fire.
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than most other campfire grates; not suitable for hiking or backpacking.
- Requires maintenance to avoid rust must be oiled and seasoned like any cast iron cookware.
5. Texsport Heavy-Duty Swivel Grill
- Solid Metal Construction welded of high quality steel to go over an open campfire
- Large 24" x 16" Grilling Surface with 28" Vertical support Stake. Overall dimensions 24" L x 16" W x 17"H
- Height adjustable to 17 Inch for optimal heat
Why It Stands Out
With a tough-as-nails build and a smart swivel mechanism, the Texsport grill is a workhorse that gives you full control over cooking conditions. It’s a popular pick for frequent campers and serious outdoor cooks.
Features & Benefits
- Adjustable Cooking Surface: Swivels 360 degrees and locks in place, so you can move it as needed to avoid flare-ups or overcooking.
- Heavy-Duty Steel Frame: Rugged enough to withstand harsh environments and long-term use.
- Large Grate Size: Spacious enough for pots, pans, or direct grilling.
- Stake Mount: Easy to install near any fire ring or open pit.
Ideal For
Long-term campers, scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts who want consistent results and solid build quality.
What Could Be Better
- Assembly can be tricky the first few times.
- Heavier and not ideal for ultralight travel.
What to Look for in a Campfire Grill Grate
When choosing a campfire grill grate, it’s essential to match your pick to your camping style and cooking habits. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Portability
If you’re hiking, backpacking, or have limited vehicle space, go for foldable or lightweight grates made from stainless steel or aluminum. If weight isn’t a concern, cast iron options offer superior cooking performance.
2. Cooking Surface Area
Consider how many people you’re cooking for. A compact 10” grate is fine for solo use, but families or groups will need a larger surface something 15” x 22” or greater.
3. Adjustability
Some grates come with swivel mechanisms or height-adjustable frames, which are perfect for controlling heat and preventing burning.
4. Material Durability
Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean, while cast iron retains heat well but requires maintenance. Steel models are tough and reliable but may need coatings or treatments to avoid rust.
5. Ease of Use
Look for grates that assemble quickly, offer steady support over uneven ground, and require minimal setup tools.
Comparison Table: Top 5 Campfire Grill Grates
| Grill Grate | Material | Size (Approx) | Weight | Adjustable Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf Grizzly Backpack Grill | Stainless Steel | 11″ x 11″ | 2.2 lbs | Yes | Backpackers, minimalist travel |
| Stromberg Carlson GR-1522 | Steel | 15″ x 22″ | ~8 lbs | Yes (stake mount) | Family camping |
| RedSwing Folding Grill | Stainless Steel | 17″ x 12.6″ | ~4.4 lbs | No | Car camping, casual use |
| Steven Raichlen Tuscan BBQ Grill | Cast Iron | 14″ x 14″ | ~10 lbs | No | Backyard & gourmet grilling |
| Texsport Heavy-Duty Swivel Grill | Steel | 16″ x 24″ | ~10.5 lbs | Yes (swivel mount) | Long-term camping |
Conclusion
A campfire grill grate can elevate your outdoor cooking game from basic to brilliant. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned adventurer, investing in the right grill grate means more flavorful meals and a more enjoyable camping experience. From compact ultralight models to heavy-duty adjustable grates, there’s a perfect option for every type of camper.
Each of the five grill grates featured here has its own strengths whether it’s the portability of the Wolf Grizzly, the adjustability of the Stromberg Carlson, or the rugged performance of the Texsport Swivel Grill. Pick the one that aligns best with your needs, and let the flames do the rest.