Camping Panda
Eating outdoors doesn’t have to be daunting. All you need is a set of the best camping plates. These plates must be impact-resistant, easy to carry, and easy to clean.
Some plates can even be used for multiple purposes. With this in mind, are you wondering which are the best camping plates around? Check them out in our rundown.
Impact-Resistant
Is it shock-absorbent?
Wear
Is it scratch resistant?
Design
Is it multipurpose?
Washing
Is it dishwasher safe?
Portability
Is it easy to carry?
Safety
Is it non-toxic?
Lifespan
Is it build for years to come?
Durability
Is it sturdy enough?
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Hours Researched
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Versatile and functional, the STANSPORT Deluxe is a convenient set for four designed with car campers and tailgaters in mind. It comes with all needed for a seamless dining experience under the stars.
The set includes four plates, four bowls, and four 12-ounce mugs, alongside silverware. Made from enameled metal, the plates, bowls, and mugs have excellent heat resistance, and can be used for heating food or hot drinks directly over a flame. The set is also easy to carry and comes at an attractive price point. No doubt, the best choice for most campers.
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The Camping Mess Kit from UCO appeals to backpackers, but it’s also a great choice for car campers who like to travel light. Coming with all you need to serve and eat your food, the kit comprises a bowl, a plate, a spork utensils, as well as bungee rope designed to hold everything together.
What makes this combo special are the connecting plate and bowl. An airtight seal turns the items into functional Tupperware, so you can even use the kit to store and transport food. Affordable and functional, it’s an excellent choice for campers on a budget.
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This dinnerware set from Coleman may look like STANSPORT’s at first glance, but it’s made from more resistant materials. It lasts longer and is quality is also higher, features reflected by the higher price tag.
The set is ideal for families of four or group camping. It comes with four plates, four bowls, four 12-ounce cups, as well as a set of cutlery packed in its own carrying pouch. Ideal for car campers and tailgaters, this set is also dishwasher friendly and very easy to clean. Versatile and durable, these are undeniably the best camping plates you can get your hands on.
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Perfect for two and light enough for backpacking, the Wealers set of camping plates impresses with its minimalist approach. It contains nothing but two multifunctional plates that are deep enough to use as bowls, too.
A carrying pouch is easy to hang onto a backpack loop. The plates are lightweight and very easy to carry, while the pouch is big enough to also accommodate cutlery. No doubt, a great solution for no-frills camping and hiking trips.
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GSI Outdoors is renowned for its quality camping products, and the Cascadian table set doesn’t disappoint. It’s made from plastic, but is designed to withstand most camping situations.
Made for one, it comprises a plate, a bowl, one 12-ounce mug, as well as a set of full-size silverware. It comes in various colors and is affordable. A great choice for hikers and scouters.
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Using several plates for various foods when camping could be cumbersome. But we all know the struggles of keeping hot and cold foods separate when eating out of the same dish. Or, perhaps you don’t want the fries to get soaked in the sauce you’re serving them with. In all these instances, the round divided plates by Bisgear could be the answer to your needs.
Inspired by military and tactical tableware, these plates boast dividers that create three separate areas. You can prevent hot foods from touching the cold ones, and even serve a soup and solid food in the same dish at the same time. They come in a set of six and are perfect for car camping.
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Designed to last for a lifetime, the Snow Peak trek plate is an ultra-lightweight camping dish designed with hikers in mind, but equally suitable for car camping. It is sturdy and resistant, as well as big enough to hold a hearty lunch or dinner.
Raised edges keep food contained, although it is not suitable for soup or liquid foods. It is expensive compared to some full sets, but its quality is unrivaled. No doubt, an excellent choice for all those who like to travel light.
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It is designed for four people, but equally suitable for larger gangs. This tableware set from Wealers impresses with a wide assortments of stainless steel bowls and plates you can use to serve most kinds of dishes.
The thing we like best is that you can easily nest them, reducing their dimension to a small carrying case, for easy storage and transport. The material is on the thinner side and the edges are a bit sharp, but all in all, this is a high-value set of camping plates to consider.
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Made from thick stainless steel, the Anbers dinner plates are another excellent choice for car camping and tailgating. They come in a set of four, and are both wide and deep enough to use for all kinds of foods.
We particularly like the thick, rounded rims that are comfortable to hold and that boost visual appeal. The polished, mirror finish prevents food from sticking, making the plates easy to clean. Furthermore, the material also resists rust and corrosion – an excellent choice for all your camping needs.
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Camp Casual impresses with this colorful set of themed camping plates. Designed for RV lovers, they are made from high-quality melamine and come in a set of four. It comprises standard 6-inch bowls, as well as salad and dinner plates.
The dish set doesn’t come with a carrying bag, but comes neatly packed in a cardboard box with handle. The package won’t last for a lifetime, but can still keep your dishes organized if you don’t damage it. Ideal for car campers and RV lovers, this camping dish set is perfect for yourself or a gift for someone you love.
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Food plays an important role in outdoor activities, and sometimes having the perfect camping dinnerware can add to the experience. Here’s a buying guide to help you chose the best camping plates for your next trip.
You can choose from a wide range of variety of materials used for camping plates. The most commonly used are stainless steel, melamine, or titanium.
When you are out for a trek, you would want to keep the weight at a minimum. For backpacking with the family, we recommend the STANSPORT Deluxe Tableware Set. It is made from metal but is considerably light at 4.8 lbs for tableware with 24 pieces. If backpacking alone, check out GSI Outdoors Cascadian Table Set, made from plastic, it does not pack weight at 7.4 oz for a 6-piece set good for a one-person party.
You would also want to consider the packaging and portability of your camping plates. Stackable sets make it easier to carry and transport like the Wealers Stainless Steel Plates and Bowls. This 24-piece set is stackable and comes with a carrying bag.
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As you are outdoors, your camping site may not always have access to clean water. Choose a set that can be easily cleaned even without running water.
Anbers Stainless Round Dinner Plates has a polished finish that prevents food from sticking into the plates making them easy to clean. If you plan on cleaning after camping, choose dinnerware that is dishwasher compatible like Coleman Enamel Dinnerware Set.
The size across different camping plates is pretty much standard ranging between eight to ten inches. What you would want to consider here is how it fits inside your bag if backpacking. Check out Snow Peak Titanium Trek Plate for backpacking trips. It is lightweight for backpacking and has raised edges to keep the food contained.
An additional consideration when car camping is the variety of plate sizes to fit family needs on the table. Check out Camp Casual RV 12-Piece Dish Set that is enough for a family of four, without having to skimp on plates. The Wealers Stainless Steel PLates and Bowls is also an alternative with its 24-pieces.
Pick camping dishes that can serve you more than holding your food while camping. If you can find a dish set that can serve as an indoor set and outdoor set, that’s a bonus.
That is what we like about both the Coleman Ename Dinnerware Set and the Camp Casual RV 12-Piece Dish Set; both are beautifully done hence can be used outdoors for camping and indoors when entertaining guests.
We also recommend UCO 4-Piece Camping Mess Kit for the added functionality of being an airtight container by connecting the plate and bowl. You can transport left-over food without having to worry about it spilling inside your bag.
There isn’t a rule, but generally, camping dishes are dishwasher-safe. To make sure you won’t damage them, it is always advisable to check the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding care and maintenance.
Enamelware is good for camping because it’s versatile. The material is heat and cold resistant, can be used over an open fire if needed, food usually doesn’t stick to it, and is easy to clean. Enamelware also tends to be lightweight, suiting both car campers and hikers.
Camping dishes can be made from a variety of materials. Perhaps the best camping dishes are those made from enameled metal, such as the STANSPORT and Coleman. Reinforced glass nylon dishes, such as those proposed by UCO, and those made for other plastic materials are also popular, due to their low weight and long-lasting resistance. Stainless steel is also a staple, while titanium impresses with its characteristics, but it’s more expensive.
Yes. Enamel camping plates are dishwasher safe. However, you can enhance your set’s lifespan by hand washing.
Camping plates and utensils should be cleaned like all other dishes, with dish soap and a cloth or soft brush. Alternatively, you can wash them in the dishwasher. While camping, most dishes and utensils are easy to simply wipe clean with paper tissues.
