Nothing matches the flavor of food cooked over real charcoal. Gas grills are convenient, sure, but they miss that smoky depth you get from burning coals. I've tried both and keep coming back to charcoal for camping and tailgating. The right grill is portable, holds heat well, and doesn't fight you when you're trying to manage airflow.
Look for locking lids that trap heat and adjustable vents that let you control temperature. Collapsible frames save space in your vehicle. Size depends on your needs, but something between 14 and 18 inches works for most situations without being too bulky. These grills balance flavor, portability, and ease of use.
1. Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill
This Gas One grill is compact enough to take anywhere but still cooks real food. The 3-point locking lid keeps heat inside even when wind picks up, which matters when you're cooking outside. I've used it on boat trips where space is tight and it performs well.
The dual venting system gives you decent control over temperature. Open the vents for high heat searing, close them partway for slower cooking. At 4 pounds it's light enough to carry without thinking about it. The 14-inch cooking surface handles burgers or a few steaks at once. Not big enough for a crowd but perfect for small groups. The bright red color makes it easy to spot in your gear pile.
Pros:
- 3-point locking lid traps heat effectively in wind
- Dual vents offer good temperature control
- Only 4 pounds so it travels easily
- Compact size fits in tight spaces
- Durable construction for the price
Cons:
- Small cooking surface limits group size
- No built-in thermometer to monitor heat
2. Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
Cuisinart knows how to build gear that lasts. This 14-inch grill is stupid simple but that's what works. Locking lid keeps everything secure during transport and holds heat when you're cooking. Dual vents let you adjust airflow without fuss.
The chrome-plated cooking grate distributes heat evenly and cleans up without much scrubbing. At 2 pounds this is one of the lighter options out there. Good for backpack camping or quick tailgate meals where you don't want to haul heavy gear. It's small, so plan accordingly. Works great for two people, gets tight with more.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at 2 pounds
- Locking lid secures during travel
- Chrome grate heats evenly and cleans easily
- Dual vents for airflow control
- Cuisinart quality at a fair price
Cons:
- Small size not ideal for larger groups
- Charcoal management takes more attention than gas
3. Royal Gourmet Cd1519 Portable Charcoal Grill
The 303 square inches of cooking space on this Royal Gourmet makes a real difference. You can actually cook for a family without doing it in shifts. The warming rack is smarter than it sounds. Keep finished food warm while you finish the rest, which prevents things from getting cold.
At 25 pounds this is heavier than ultra-portable options but the trade-off is cooking capacity. It's built solid and feels stable when you're working over it. The tabletop design sits well on picnic tables or tailgate setups. Good for car camping or backyard use where you're not hauling it far. Black finish hides grease and wear better than lighter colors.
Pros:
- 303 square inches handles larger meals
- Warming rack keeps food hot while cooking continues
- Solid construction feels stable during use
- Tabletop design works well at campsites
- Royal Gourmet builds durable gear
Cons:
- 25 pounds is heavy for hiking or long carries
- Charcoal prep takes time compared to gas grills
4. Odoland Camping Campfire Grill
The folding design on this Odoland grill makes it more packable than rigid options. It sets up fast and breaks down just as quick. The heavy-duty frame handles charcoal or works directly over a campfire, which gives you options depending on your setup.
At 9.4 pounds it's reasonable for car camping or backyard use. The included carry bag keeps everything together during transport. I like the versatility of using it with charcoal or positioning it over coals from a fire. Works well for camping, bonfires, or patio cooking. Stable enough that you're not worried about it tipping when you flip burgers.
Pros:
- Folding design packs smaller than rigid grills
- Works with charcoal or over campfire coals
- Heavy-duty construction holds up to heat
- Carry bag included for transport
- Quick setup and breakdown
Cons:
- 9.4 pounds is too heavy for ultralight backpacking
- Smaller cooking surface than tabletop models
5. Barbecue Charcoal Grill Stainless Steel Folding Portable Bbq Tool Kits
Stainless steel construction means this grill resists rust better than cheaper materials. The 29.5-inch length when unfolded gives you serious cooking space. It's big enough to grill for a group without crowding. The included BBQ tool kit is a nice touch so you're not scrambling for spatulas and tongs.
At 6.6 pounds it's portable enough for most uses but has real cooking capability. The folding mechanism works smoothly and locks solid when set up. Stainless steel cleans up easily after use. Good for tailgating, picnics, or camping where you want to cook for several people at once. Durable enough to last through many seasons.
Pros:
- Stainless steel resists rust and lasts
- 29.5-inch cooking surface handles groups
- BBQ tools included eliminates separate purchases
- Folds for reasonable portability at 6.6 pounds
- Easy cleanup with stainless construction
Cons:
- Requires some assembly before first use
- Large unfolded size won't fit in small packs
6. Gasone Portable Tabletop Bbq Grill
The 2-tiered grilling surface on this GasOne grill is smarter than a single level. Cook meat on the bottom tier, keep vegetables or finished food on top. Side handles make it easy to move even when it's hot. The 18-inch size is a good middle ground between compact and capable.
The lid locks tight and retains heat well. I've used it for tailgating where you set up fast and need the grill working quickly. It fits on most picnic tables without taking up too much space. Good heat distribution across the cooking surface. Black finish holds up to outdoor use without showing every scratch.
Pros:
- 2-tiered surface offers cooking versatility
- Side handles make moving it safer
- 18-inch size balances capacity and portability
- Lid retains heat effectively
- Fits well on standard picnic tables
Cons:
- Charcoal takes longer to prep than gas
- Limited cooking space for very large groups
7. Char-griller King-griller Gambler Portable Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller makes solid grills and this one carries the tradition. At 39.6 pounds it's the heaviest option here but you get serious cooking capability for the weight. The 40-inch height and 39-inch width give you a real grilling surface. This is for car camping or tailgating where you drive right up, not backpacking.
The charcoal flavor comes through strong and the heat distribution is even across the grill. Black steel construction holds up to heavy use. Temperature control requires manual charcoal management but that's true for any charcoal grill. If you want portable but still want a full grilling experience, this delivers. Just know you're trading portability for cooking power. While you're at it, take a look at our fire starters for charcoal. While you're at it, take a look at our grilling gloves. While you're at it, take a look at our folding table for your grill setup.
Pros:
- Large cooking surface for serious grilling
- Char-Griller quality construction
- Even heat distribution across grill
- Authentic charcoal flavor
- Durable black steel build
Cons:
- 39.6 pounds too heavy for most portable use
- Manual charcoal management required for temperature control
How to Pick the Right One
- Size matters. Small grills work for two people, larger surfaces feed groups.
- Weight affects portability. Under 10 pounds works for most camping, heavier models need vehicle access.
- Locking lids preserve heat and secure the grill during transport.
- Adjustable vents give you temperature control with charcoal.
- Material choice impacts durability. Stainless steel lasts longest, lighter materials save weight.
- Folding or collapsible designs pack smaller but may sacrifice stability.
- Consider cooking surface area based on typical group size.
Bottom Line
Charcoal grills deliver flavor gas can't match. For camping and tailgating, pick based on portability needs and group size. Light options like Cuisinart or Gas One work for backpack trips. Heavier models like Royal Gourmet or Char-Griller suit car camping where cooking capacity matters more than weight.
