6 Best Pellet Grills For Gourmet Camping That Deliver Backyard Flavor

The sun is dipping below the canyon rim, painting the cliffs in shades of orange and purple. The campfire is crackling, but tonight, a different aroma fills the air—the unmistakable, mouth-watering scent of slow-smoked brisket. This isn’t your typical camp fare; this is bringing the best of your backyard barbecue deep into the wild.

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Bringing Backyard BBQ Flavor to the Backcountry

You’ve spent the day hiking, paddling, or just soaking in the quiet of the woods. Now, you’re back at camp, and the thought of another round of hot dogs and beans just isn’t cutting it. This is where a portable pellet grill completely changes the game for car camping, overlanding, and RV adventures. It transforms your basecamp into a gourmet kitchen.

So, what is a pellet grill? Think of it as an outdoor convection oven powered by hardwood pellets. An automated auger feeds tiny wood pellets into a fire pot, while a fan circulates heat and smoke. This gives you precise temperature control for true low-and-slow smoking, roasting, and baking—things a simple propane camp stove could never dream of.

Let’s be clear: this is not backpacking gear. These grills are heavy, require a power source, and take up significant space in your vehicle. This is a luxury item, a piece of kit you plan your trip around. But for those who believe a memorable meal is a non-negotiable part of a great adventure, the trade-off in weight and logistics is absolutely worth it.

Traeger Ranger: The Ultimate Go-Anywhere Smoker

When you think of pellet grills, you probably think of Traeger. The Ranger is their answer for the adventurer, built with the same reliability as their full-sized models but packed into a rugged, suitcase-style body. It’s the kind of gear that feels solid the moment you unlatch the heavy-duty lid.

The Ranger is all about straightforward, high-quality performance. It features a Digital Arc Controller that keeps temperatures steady, which is critical for a long smoke on a pork shoulder. It also comes with a cast iron griddle, instantly adding bacon-and-egg breakfasts to your camp menu. With 184 square inches of cooking space, it’s ideal for feeding a small family or a couple of hungry friends.

The primary consideration here is its weight and power dependency. At 60 pounds, it’s a two-handed carry from the truck to the picnic table. It also requires a standard 120V AC outlet, meaning you’ll need a campsite with power, a portable power station, or a generator. It’s a premium tool with a price to match, but its build quality is designed to last for years of adventures.

Green Mountain Grills Trek for Off-Grid Power

You’re deep down a forest service road, miles from the nearest outlet, and you have a rack of ribs that needs smoking. This is the exact scenario the Green Mountain Grills Trek (formerly the Davy Crockett) was built for. Its standout feature is its incredible power flexibility, making it a favorite among the overlanding crowd.

The Trek can run on 12V DC power straight from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, a 120V AC wall outlet, or a generator. This versatility is its superpower. It also includes Wi-Fi smart control, allowing you to monitor and adjust grill temps from your phone—whether you’re setting up a tent or relaxing by the fire. It’s tech-forward cooking for the backcountry.

Its design is clever, with legs that fold up to double as carrying handles, but it’s still a hefty piece of equipment. The Wi-Fi is a fantastic tool when you have a signal, but don’t become totally reliant on it in remote areas. If your adventures often take you off-grid, the Trek’s 12V capability makes it one of the most practical options available.

Camp Chef Pursuit 20: For Larger Camp Groups

Your annual fishing trip involves a half-dozen friends, and everyone is counting on you for the post-trip feast. A tiny tabletop grill just won’t do. The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 steps up to meet the demand, offering a generous 501 square inches of cooking space in a portable-ish package.

The Pursuit 20 brings features from full-sized grills, like collapsible legs with wheels for easier maneuvering around a larger campsite. Its best feature is Camp Chef’s Slide and Grill Technology, which allows you to slide a plate to expose the flame for direct-heat searing. This means you can smoke ribs low-and-slow, then crank the heat to get a perfect char on some steaks.

Of course, with more capacity comes more bulk. Weighing in at 82 pounds, this grill pushes the limits of portability and is best suited for those with a truck bed, toy hauler, or RV. It’s less of a spontaneous weekend grill and more of a dedicated basecamp kitchen for feeding a hungry crew.

Pit Boss Navigator 150: Compact and Powerful

Space in your rig is always at a premium. You need a grill that can deliver authentic smoke flavor without demanding the entire trunk of your Subaru. The Pit Boss Navigator 150 is a compact, tabletop warrior designed for exactly this purpose. It’s proof that good things come in small packages.

Despite its small footprint, the Navigator 150 can still reach temperatures up to 500°F, giving you the ability to sear and grill effectively. It’s lightweight enough for one person to manage easily and features a simple dial-in temperature control and a built-in meat probe. For a solo adventurer or a couple, its 256 square inches of cooking surface is more than enough.

The main tradeoff is capacity, both in cooking area and the 5-pound pellet hopper. On a long, 8-hour smoke, you will likely need to top off the pellets. But for grilling burgers, smoking a tri-tip, or cooking a few chicken breasts, it’s an incredibly efficient and space-conscious choice.

Z Grills Cruiser 200A: Simple for Beginners

You’re intrigued by the idea of smoking at your campsite, but the tech, Wi-Fi apps, and high price tags feel intimidating. The Z Grills Cruiser 200A is the perfect entry point. It strips away the complex features and focuses on one thing: making pellet grilling simple, accessible, and affordable.

The Cruiser 200A typically uses a straightforward digital controller—just turn the dial to your desired temperature and let the grill do the work. It’s a true “set it and forget it” machine. This simplicity is its greatest strength, allowing you to focus on the cooking and the adventure, not on troubleshooting a Bluetooth connection.

To hit its attractive price point, there are compromises in materials and overall heft compared to more premium brands. However, for the weekend warrior or someone who wants to try pellet smoking without a major investment, it provides incredible value. It’s a reliable workhorse that will get you started on your gourmet camping journey.

ASMOKE AS350: All-Natural Flavor on the Trail

For the camp chef who is truly a food enthusiast, the details matter. The ASMOKE AS350 brings a unique approach, focusing on enhancing flavor with all-natural applewood pellets and a distinctive vapor system. This grill is for those who want to experiment and fine-tune the taste of their outdoor cooking.

The AS350 differentiates itself with a venting system designed for both smoking and searing, plus a dedicated tray for adding moisture—think water, apple juice, or beer—to infuse your food. This, combined with their 100% natural fruitwood pellets, aims to deliver a richer, smokier flavor profile. It’s a fun, hands-on approach to outdoor barbecue.

This grill is solidly built but is on the heavier side for its cooking area, tipping the scales at around 55 pounds. Its unique cooking system might be more involved than a simple set-and-forget grill, but for the foodie who loves to tinker, that’s part of the appeal. It’s a great choice for someone who values flavor innovation above all else.

Key Features for Your Portable Pellet Grill

Before you pull the trigger, let’s break down the critical decision points. Getting this right means the difference between a treasured piece of camp kit and a heavy dust collector.

• Power Source: This is the most important factor. Most portable grills require a 120V AC outlet. If you camp at powered sites, you’re set. If you’re going off-grid, you’ll need a portable power station (like a Jackery or Goal Zero) or a gas generator. A few models, like the GMG Trek, offer 12V DC power, a massive advantage for vehicle-based adventures. Know your power situation before you buy.

• Weight and Portability: "Portable" is a relative term in the pellet grill world. Most of these grills weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. Think realistically about how you’ll move it. Look for secure lid latches so you don’t spill pellets everywhere, and consider designs with folding legs or wheels if you have to move it more than a few feet from your vehicle.

• Cooking Area & Hopper Size: How many people are you cooking for? A grill with around 200 square inches is great for 2-4 people. If you’re feeding a larger group or want to cook a full rack of ribs without cutting it, you’ll need to look closer to the 500 square inch mark. A larger pellet hopper (8+ pounds) is also crucial for long, uninterrupted smokes.

• Temperature Control & Features: A basic dial controller is simple and reliable. A more advanced PID controller will hold your target temperature with much greater accuracy, which is key for perfect barbecue. Extra features like direct-flame searing, included griddles, or Wi-Fi control add versatility but also complexity and cost. Decide if you want a simple smoker or a multi-function outdoor cooker.

Ultimately, the best pellet grill isn’t the one with the most features; it’s the one that gets you outside, sharing an incredible meal with people you care about. Don’t let the gear get in the way of the experience. Pick the grill that fits your adventure style, load it up, and go make some memories—and some amazing food—under the open sky.