A wobbly cook plate, a burner that won't stay lit in the wind, a snag that rolls off into the sand — almost every frustrating camp cook comes down to setup, not the food. Get the base right and everything else gets easier.
The problem is that most portable BBQs assume perfectly flat, hard ground and still air. Real campsites rarely deliver either. Here's how to set up your camp BBQ so it stays level, stable and shielded, wherever you pull up.
Step 1: Choose the right spot
Before you unpack anything, pick where you're cooking. Two minutes here saves twenty later.
- Look for shelter. Park the 4WD so it blocks the wind, or set up behind a dune, rock, tree line or tarp.
- Avoid dry grass, leaf litter and overhanging branches. Even a gas BBQ near tinder-dry fuel is a risk.
- Check the rules. Fire restrictions and park regulations vary between states, so know what applies before you light up.
- Keep clear of tent lines, guy ropes and the main walking path so nobody trips over a hot plate in the dark.
Step 2: Level up with adjustable legs
This is the single biggest difference between a stressful cook and an easy one. A BBQ that needs a table or flat ground ties you to the picnic area. A freestanding BBQ with independently adjustable legs lets you cook exactly where the group already is.
The iKSPLOR Adventure BBQ has aluminium legs that adjust from 460mm to 1095mm, so you can sit and cook, or stand at full height. Because each leg moves on its own, you can dial in a level plate even when the ground underneath isn't.
How to get it level:
- Set the BBQ roughly in position and loosen the legs.
- Extend or shorten each leg until the plate sits level. On a slope, the downhill legs run longer, the uphill legs shorter.
- Give the plate a gentle nudge. If it wobbles, adjust again — a stable plate is a safe plate.
- Set your cooking height. Low and seated for a relaxed camp cook, high and standing for a full outdoor kitchen feel.
Terrain - What to do
Sloped ground Lengthen the downhill legs, shorten the uphill legs until the plate is level.
Soft sand Push each foot down until it bites, then re-level. Keep the plate out of the sea breeze.
Rock or gravel Use the adjustable legs to compensate for high and low points. A stone under a foot adds stability.
Long grass Clear a small patch first so heat and sparks stay away from dry fuel.
Step 3: Win the war on wind
Spring is prime camping weather, and it's also prime wind. Wind does three annoying things: it blows your flame out, it steals your heat, and it turns a gentle cook into a flare-up fight.
How to cook in the wind:
- Position the BBQ so the wind hits the side of the burner, not straight into it. Total block is better than head-on.
- Use your vehicle, a windbreak or a tarp as a shield. A simple three-panel windbreak is one of the most useful camp accessories you can own.
- Keep the flame lower and cook a little longer. A roaring flame in the wind wastes gas and burns food.
- If it's really blowing, a dedicated windshield around the burner makes the biggest difference.
Step 4: Sort your gas before you light up
Check your bottle is full, the connection is tight and the seal is clean before you start cooking. Don't want to run out halfway through the sausages.
Step 5: Build a proper cooking zone
A good camp BBQ setup is really a small outdoor kitchen. Once the BBQ is level and sheltered, build around it:
- Side tables for prep, plates and hot pans — keeps food off the ground and out of the sand.
- Utensil holders so your tongs aren't lost in the dirt between flips.
- A cutting board and knife for prepping as you go.
- A spot for the gas bottle and a spare, so you're never mid-cook without fuel.
- A rubbish bag tied nearby. Leave no trace.
Step 6: Cook, then pack down clean
When you're done, let the plate cool, scrape it down and give it a wipe while it's still warm — it's far easier than scrubbing baked-on grease later. For the full routine, see our tips for maintaining your 4WD portable BBQ
Common camp BBQ setup mistakes
- Cooking on a wobbly plate because it was "good enough".
- Setting up in the wind and fighting the flame all night.
- Forgetting to check the gas before the first cook.
- Leaving the BBQ in the open with food and gear scattered on the ground.
- Not checking fire restrictions before lighting up.
Frequently asked questions
How do you level a camping BBQ on uneven ground?
Use a BBQ with independently adjustable legs. Lengthen the downhill legs and shorten the uphill ones until the cook plate sits level, then test for wobble before you cook.
Can you use a portable BBQ on sand?
Yes. Push the feet into the sand until they bite, re-level, and position the BBQ out of the direct sea breeze. Keep the burner clean of sand after use.
How do you stop a camp BBQ blowing out in the wind?
Shield the burner with a windshield, position the BBQ side-on to the wind, use a vehicle or tarp as a windbreak, and cook on a lower flame.
Do you need a table for a camping BBQ?
No. A freestanding BBQ with adjustable legs sits directly on the ground at your chosen height, so you can leave the table at home.
The bottom line
Great camp cooking starts with a stable, sheltered setup. Get the BBQ level, block the wind, sort your gas and build a simple cooking zone, and you'll cook properly anywhere — no table, no flat ground, no worries.
Ready to cook anywhere?
- See the full portable BBQ range
- Shop the Adventure BBQ
- Best Portable BBQ for Camping in Australia
