The Best Camping Bowls And Plates of 2025, for Every Type of Budget

Our pick: Amazon Basics 16-Piece Cafe Stripe Kitchen Dinnerware Set

Also great: Stansport 24-Piece Enamel Camping Tableware Set

I recently put this 24-piece steel tableware set to the test during a family camping trip, and it delivered exactly what I hoped for—durability, classic camp style, and reliable performance. The double-coated blue enamel looks great and holds up well to rough outdoor use while staying lightweight and easy to pack.

Pros:
Sturdy Steel with Double-Coated Enamel
Compact and Lightweight for Travel
Complete Settings for Four
Timeless Blue with Stainless Steel Edges

Cons:
Handles Can Get Hot with Hot Drinks
This enamel dinnerware set is a solid choice for campers, RV owners, or anyone who loves the charm of classic camp-style dishes. Tough enough for the outdoors yet stylish enough for backyard meals—an easy recommendation for adventurers and families alike.

Also great: Stainless Steel Camping Mess Kit - Person's Complete Picnic & Camp Dish Set

I brought this all-in-one stainless steel mess kit on a recent camping weekend, and it really simplified our outdoor dining. With plates, bowls, cups, and utensils included, there was no need to pack mismatched gear. It’s sturdy, practical, and easy to clean—exactly what you want at a campsite.

Pros:
Complete Kit with All Essentials
Compact and Lightweight for Backpacking
Stainless Steel Durability
Collapsible for Easy Packing

Cons:
No Insulated Cups for Hot Drinks
If you want a fuss-free, space-saving mess kit that covers all the basics for outdoor meals, this stainless steel set is a smart pick. Reliable, packable, and versatile—perfect for camping, picnics, or minimalist travel.

Source: Amazon

The best material for camping plates depends on how and where you camp, but the top choices are usually melamine, enamelware, or stainless steel.

• Melamine is a favorite for car camping and RV trips — it’s lightweight, won’t shatter if dropped, and stacks well for easy packing.

• Enamel-coated metal plates are a classic camping choice — they’re durable, heat-resistant, and give off that nostalgic campfire vibe.

• Stainless steel plates are nearly indestructible, easy to clean, and perfect for rough camping where gear gets knocked around.

For an eco-friendly alternative, bamboo fiber plates are also popular — they’re lightweight, reusable, and biodegradable if properly composted.

Why do people use enamel for camping?

People love enamelware for camping because it’s tough, practical, and timeless. Enamel camping plates and mugs are made by coating metal (usually steel or iron) with a layer of enamel, which makes them resistant to rust, scratches, and stains. They can handle heat well, so they’re great near a campfire or portable stove. Plus, enamelware is easy to clean and light enough to pack without much hassle. Many campers also love the classic look — it brings a bit of nostalgic charm to meals outdoors.

What are camping plates made of?

Camping plates are typically made of melamine, enamel-coated metal, stainless steel, or bamboo fiber:

• Melamine: Lightweight, durable plastic that’s shatter-resistant and comes in many colors.

• Enamelware: Metal (usually steel) coated with enamel for durability and heat resistance.

• Stainless steel: Extremely tough, rust-resistant, and long-lasting — good for rugged trips.

• Bamboo fiber: Lightweight, reusable, and biodegradable — a sustainable choice for low-impact camping.

Each material has its pros: melamine is light and colorful, enamel is sturdy and heat-friendly, stainless steel is nearly indestructible, and bamboo fiber is better for the planet.

Why do I prefer bowls over plates?

Many campers — and even home cooks — prefer bowls over plates because they’re simply more versatile. Bowls hold both liquids and solids, so you can eat soup, stew, cereal, pasta, rice dishes, or a salad without worrying about spills. They’re also great for one-pot camping meals where everything’s mixed together. Bowls often pack more neatly than wide plates and can double as storage containers in a pinch. Plus, when you’re eating outdoors, a bowl is just easier to hold in your hand while you stand or sit around the campfire — no balancing act required! 

A good set should be lightweight, sturdy, and easy to wash — whether you’re eating chili by the fire or having breakfast at a picnic table. Materials like enamel, stainless steel, melamine, or BPA-free plastic all get the job done; it really comes down to how you pack, how you camp, and how much weight you’re willing to carry. Pick pieces that stack well, clean up fast, and fit the way you adventure — so you can focus on the fun, not the dishes.