Game day always has a way of turning any campsite into a mini tailgate celebration. Whether you’re at a state park campground, boondocking with friends, or watching the action outside your rig in a posh resort, a solid portable grill makes game day food easier and a lot more fun.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your setup before game time, there’s still time. But it helps to know what actually matters in a portable grill for RVing. Let’s take a closer look at what to look for, along with a few of our favorite options that travel well and deliver on game day and beyond.
What to Look for in a Portable Grill for RVers
Not all portable grills are created equal, especially when you’re cooking in tight spaces or packing everything back into your RV. As you shop, keep these key factors in mind.
Grill Size and Cooking Area
Portable RV grills range from ultra compact to large enough to handle a full spread of burgers, brats, and wings. Bigger grills usually mean more cooking space, which is great if you’re feeding a crowd.
That said, larger grills are heavier and take up more storage space. If you love hosting campsite get-togethers or Big Game watch parties, the extra size can be worth it. If you mostly cook for one or two people, a smaller, lighter grill is often the better choice.
Freestanding or Tabletop?
Some portable grills are designed to sit on a table or picnic bench, using short feet for support. That works fine, but it also means you need to carry a table or be sure one is available wherever you camp.
Freestanding grills with longer legs can stand on their own, which is much more convenient. The tradeoff is that they tend to be bulkier and slightly harder to store in your RV.
BTUs and Cooking Power
The term “BTU” stands for British Thermal Unit, and it measures how much heat a grill can produce. Higher BTUs generally mean faster cooking and better searing.
For the most accurate comparison, look at BTUs per square inch rather than total BTUs alone. That gives you a clearer picture of how much heat you’re actually getting across the cooking surface.
Extra Features That Make Life Easier
Some portable grills come with thoughtful extras that can make a big difference at the campsite. Popular features include:
- Side tables for utensils and plates
- Built in thermometers
- Drip pans for easier cleanup
- Mounting options that attach directly to your RV
The right combination of features depends on how you like to cook and how much convenience you want on game day.
5 Great Portable Grills for RVers
Now that we know what to look for in an RV, let’s look at five great portable grills for RVing that you can buy right now.
Weber Q1200
First up on our list of the best portable grills for RVing is the compact Weber Q1200. This compact propane grill is for RVers who want a simple, classic setup for campsite tailgating. With an 8,500-BTU stainless-steel burner and 189 square inches of cooking space, it handles six burgers at a time, plus other game day basics you can think of.
Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates deliver even heat and solid sear marks, while the built-in lid thermometer helps you cook with confidence. Two side tables give the campsite cook room for trays and prep. Weighing just over 31 pounds, the Q1200 is portable enough to move easily but sturdy enough to feel dependable on those wobbly campsite picnic tables.
Cuisinart Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop Grill
The Cuisinart Chef’s Style Tabletop Grill is a great choice for RVers who want big grill performance in a portable package. With 20,000 BTUs and 275 square inches of cooking space, it can easily handle burgers, brats, and wings for a campsite tailgate party. Two independently controlled burners let campsite gourmets create separate heat zones, so you can cook different foods at the same time without juggling temperatures.
The built-in thermometer helps monitor heat without lifting the lid, and the stainless-steel finish is easy to clean after the game has ended.
Monument Grills G22 Stainless Tabletop Propane Grill
The Monument Grills G22 Stainless Tabletop Propane Gas Grill is a sleek grill that delivers all-star performance at the tailgate party. With two burners producing 15,000 BTUs and a 200-square-inch cooking area, it can handle about 10 burgers at once.
The Clearview lid lets you check food without lifting the top and losing heat, while the built in temperature gauge helps you stay in control. Stainless steel grates heat evenly and clean up easily after the crowd clears out. Its locking lid, sturdy legs, and manageable size make it easy to transport and set up anywhere you park.
Flame King BBQ Grill
The Flame King YSNHT500 is built for RVers who want to avoid intentional grounding … of their grill. Designed to mount directly to the side of an RV or trailer, it keeps the cooking area off the ground and ready to sub in whenever kickoff approaches. The 12,000-BTU burner and 221 square inches of grilling space are perfect for burgers, hot dogs, and other game day staples.
For added flexibility, the hanging rack converts into legs so the grill can be used freestanding at a picnic table or tailgate spot. Locking retainer pins and a dual locking lid keep everything secure while traveling. Weighing just 22 pounds and including a carry bag, this grill is easy to transport, store, and fire up for any campsite tailgate party.
Blackstone On the Go Combo Grill
Need to call an audible and switch up cooking styles? With a rating of 12,500 BTUs and 267 square inches of grilling surface, the Blackstone On the Go Combo is just the ticket. Featuring a 17-inch griddle and a removable 17-inch grill box with cast-iron grates, this griddle/grill combo unit lets you cook everything from burgers and quesadillas to pancakes and grilled corn. The included grill grate adds char lines when you want them, while the griddle handles larger batches with ease.
Flexfold legs and a roll-and-go design make it easy to move and store between stops. Built-in grease management keeps cleanup simple, and electric ignition makes startup quick. With access to range top burners under the cooking surfaces, this combo handles grilling, boiling, and skillet cooking in one compact, travel-friendly unit.
A Portable Grill is a Must-Have for Your Game Day Campground Party
There’s a wide range of portable grills for RVing available on the market. Whether you want something to cook for two, or a grill big enough for the entire secondary, there’s an option for you. All that’s left is to pick-off your favorite from our list and start planning your next game day watch party!