Tips for cooking on your campervan road trip
One of the underrated joys of campervan travel? Cooking up your own meals wherever the road takes you. Sure, dining out can be fun, but it’s not always practical — especially when you’re on remote highways, sticking to a budget, or just craving a home-cooked meal. Skip the overpriced pit-stops and take-away and embrace the beauty of cooking in your own tiny, mobile kitchen.
Imagine this: the sun’s setting over a quiet beach, you’ve got music playing, and dinner’s sizzling on the stove — all from the comfort of your campervan. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just yourself, cooking on the road is easier (and more rewarding) than you think. Here are some tips to help you master cooking in your campervan, even if you’re new to whipping up meals on the road.
Image: Couple enjoying a meal in GoCheap Campervan
1. Plan Ahead
When you’re on the road, your campervan kitchen isn’t just a convenience—it’s your trusty sidekick. Whether you’re making a delicious meal or just craving a quick snack, it’s got everything you need to fuel the adventure.
Meal Prep: A little planning goes a long way when cooking on the road. Having a rough meal plan before you set off helps you pack only the essentials and avoid food waste. Think about your travel itinerary—opt for quick, easy meals on busy drive days and save the more indulgent recipes for when you’re parked up at a scenic caravan site. Mapping out your meals ahead of time also helps you maximize your storage and make the most of your campervan kitchen.
Pro Tip: Cook meals that are filling.
Stock your kitchen: A well-stocked campervan kitchen is your secret weapon for stress-free cooking on the road. Before you hit the highway, take the time to gather your pantry staples—think olive oil, salt, pepper, dried herbs, eggs, rice, pasta, and other versatile essentials. Non-perishables like canned beans, tomatoes, and packet meals are space-saving heroes and budget-friendly too. With a solid base of ingredients ready to go, you’ll find cooking meals in your home-on-wheels without the constant grocery stops.
Pro Tip: Bring Your Condiments from Home.
Plan your Shopping: While stocking up before you hit the road is key to avoiding too many supermarket runs, chances are you’ll still need to top up along the way. Luckily, travelling through Australia means you’re never far from fresh, local produce. From farmers’ markets to local vendors, there’s plenty of options. Plan to leave a few meals open for spontaneity and keep an eye out for supermarket deals!
Pro tip: Pack a fishing line—you might just catch dinner, Australia’s coastlines are teeming with fresh, local seafood waiting to be reeled in.
Image: Preparing dinner in cosy GoCheap Campervan
2. Choosing the Right Campervan
When it comes to cooking on the road, your campervan kitchen can make all the difference. The right fit depends on how much cooking you plan to do and how much space you need to do it comfortably. GoCheap Campervans offers a variety of fully equipped options.
If it’s just you and a plus one, planning light meals, the 2 Berth Hi Top Campervan is compact and efficient. Want a bit more room to move? The 4 Berth Hi Top gives you upgraded comfort without going overboard. For small families or groups (1–4 people), the 2 Berth Tamar or 4 Berth Henty models offer that extra breathing room for culinary creativity. The spacious 6 Berth Derwent is your mobile kitchen dream—perfect for families, friends, or even couples wanting a more luxurious experience on a budget. ‘
No matter which camper you choose, all GoCheap options are road-ready and meal-prep friendly. Just remember: if you’re planning to cook often, don’t sacrifice space—comfort is key!
Image: GoCheap 6 Berth Derwent set up for a meal
3. Utilize Your Space
Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a group, it’s important to remember storage is a bit limited, and every inch counts. You’ll thank yourself later for packing smart and light. Stick to versatile ingredients that work across multiple meals and ditch the bulky packaging. Decant grains, spices, and dry goods into small, stackable containers, and embrace collapsible kitchenware like bowls and strainers to save space. By being selective and strategic, you’ll make your campervan kitchen a lot more convenient and without the clutter.
Know what is included with your Campervan: From cookware to kitchen essentials, knowing exactly what’s onboard helps you avoid overpacking.
Image: Campervan kitchen
4. Cooking Outdoors
One of the biggest perks of campervan life? The great outdoors is your dining room. While your campervan’s kitchen is a trusty companion, sometimes the real magic happens under open skies. Most campgrounds offer BBQ facilities in their communal areas, so you can whip up a feast while taking in the scenery or socializing with fellow travellers. Prefer peace and quiet? Pack a portable gas cooker and find a scenic nook to grill up dinner with a view. Plus, cooking outside keeps those strong food smells out of your camper.
GoCheap also offers additional hire items including outdoor tables and chairs for your convenience.
Image: Dinning outdoors on your campervan road trip
5. Cooking Appliances
GoCheap campervans come fully equipped with all the cooking essentials, meaning you can leave the bulky appliances at home. Each van is fitted with a fridge/freezer, gas stove, and microwave—giving you the feel of a real kitchen, just on wheels. You’ll also find all the basics ready to go pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, mugs, glasses, a cutting board, toaster, kettle, utensils, food containers, can opener, corkscrew—you name it. And don’t forget one golden rule of campervan cooking: crack those windows open! Good ventilation makes a world of difference in keeping things safe.
Image: Cooking a delicious meal in campervan kitchen
6. Save your Leftovers
When you’re cooking on the go, leftovers aren’t just handy—they’re a game-changer. One of the golden rules of campervan cooking? No food goes to waste. Your mobile kitchen makes it easier than ever to store, remix, and reheat meals.
Prep Containers: Before you hit the road, arm yourself with a few trusty Tupperware or reusable food containers. They’re perfect for saving last night’s dinner, prepping snacks, or whipping up lunch with minimal fuss. Trust us—yesterday’s Mac & Cheese tastes even better beach.
Cook Once, Eat Twice: Double up your portions with intention. Grilled steak for dinner? Slice it up for wraps the next day. That hearty Bolognese sauce? Turn it into nachos with beans, avocado, and corn chips. It’s a budget-friendly, time-saving hack that means fewer dishes and more time exploring.
Get Creative: Leftover veggies, some rice, and half an onion can become a brand-new dish with a little imagination. Stir-fry it, stuff it, wrap it—your mini kitchen is a goldmine of possibilities.
Image: Dinner is served
7. Clean Up
When your sleeping space is only a step away from your stovetop, staying on top of tidiness becomes a non-negotiable. A clean campervan feels like a home away from home. Wash up right after meals to prevent buildup, avoid unwanted smells, and keep things feeling fresh and comfortable. A quick daily wipe-down, keeping food sealed, and drying dishes straight after washing will go a long way in keeping your camper fresh and functional.
Image: Cleaning up
Why dine out when your campervan comes with a view and a stove?
Cooking on the road doesn’t have to be a compromise — in fact, it can be one of the most rewarding parts of van life. With a little planning, creativity, and the comforts of your GoCheap campervan kitchen, every meal becomes a chance to connect with nature, experiment with local flavours, and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating well with nature. Pack those Tupperware containers, fire up the stove, and let your next adventure roll wherever the road takes you. Bon appétit!
For some culinary inspiration check out our other blog:
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
