Camping season is here, and that means that it’s time to pack up the RV or travel trailer, grab your grilling gear, and head out on a camping trip with friends and family. And what’s better than grilling up juicy and delicious burgers over an open flame? 

In this recipe, we’ll share some tips and tricks for grilling burgers on a camping trip, so you can enjoy a classic American meal while surrounded by nature’s beauty.

1. Choose the Right Grill

Before you start thinking about preparing this recipe, you need to make sure you have the right grill for the job. There are several options available, depending on your preferences and the type of camping you’ll be doing.

For car camping, a portable propane grill like the Weber Q 1200 may be the perfect choice. This grill can easily be transported in the trunk of your car and set up at your campsite. It has a large cooking area, a built-in thermometer, and porcelain-coated grates that prevent food from sticking.

For those who prefer a more traditional method of cooking, a charcoal grill might be the way to go. The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is a classic choice for camping trips. It’s lightweight and durable, and its compact design makes it easy to pack. Plus, there’s something special about cooking burgers over hot coals and watching the flames dance.

2. Choose the Right Meat

The secret to making great burgers is to start with high-quality meat. Look for fresh, lean ground beef (preferably grass-fed) with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio. This will give you a juicy, flavorful patty that won’t fall apart on the grill.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try using other types of meat for your burgers. Ground turkey or chicken can be a healthy and tasty alternative, while ground pork can add an extra level of flavor. You can even mix different types of meat together to create your own unique blend.

3. Season Your Burgers

Adding the right seasonings to your burgers can make all the difference. Keep it simple with just salt and pepper or get creative with different spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme. One of our favorites is McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning.

When seasoning your burgers, be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want to overpower the flavor of the meat.

4. Form Your Patties

When it comes to forming your patties, there are a few things to keep in mind. Start by dividing your meat into equally sized portions.

Gently form each portion into a ball, then flatten it out into a patty that’s about 1/2-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of the patty with your thumb. This will help the burger cook evenly and prevent it from puffing up too much on the grill.

PRO TIP:
You can also pre-patty your burgers before you hit the road and store them in the fridge or freezer of your camper. Using the Mr. Bar-B-Q Patty Press Set makes this process simple and convenient. We found the included storage containers to be high quality and keep our patties fresh for the grill.

5. Get Your Grill Hot

Before you start grilling, you need to get your grill nice and hot. This will help sear the meat and lock in the juices. For a charcoal grill, this means letting the coals heat up until they’re covered in white ash. For a gas grill, turn the heat up to high and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes.

6. Oil Your Grill Grates

To prevent your burgers from sticking to the grill, it’s important to oil your grill grates. You can do this by brushing a little bit of oil onto the grates using a paper towel or a silicone brush.

7. Grill Your Burgers

Now it’s time to grill your burgers! Place the patties on the grill and let them cook for 3-6 minutes on each side. Avoid flipping them too much, as this can cause them to fall apart. Use a spatula to gently flip the burgers and be careful not to press down on them too hard, as this can also cause them to lose their juices.

The internal temperature of a properly cooked burger should be 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature as the burgers cook. If you’re adding cheese to your burgers, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking and let it melt.

8. Toast Your Buns

While your burgers are cooking, you can prepare your buns. Brush them lightly with butter or oil and place them cut side down on the grill for 30 seconds to a minute, until they’re lightly toasted.

9. Assemble Your Burgers

Finally, it’s time to assemble.

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