15 Best Portable Smokers For Camping in 2023
Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for the best portable smokers for camping?
You’re in the right spot! I’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best portable smokers out there, so you can enjoy mouthwatering smoked food no matter where your adventures take you.
If you follow my culinary blogging then you know I strongly believe being a foodie or a lover of the great outdoors doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive wants or desires! It’s possible to cook excellent meals even at the base of an 80-million-year-old Fruitland Formation in New Mexico.
One of the best ways to achieve great flavor while “roughing it” is to have a portable smoker for camping along for the ride. You don’t even need to be in an official campground. Boondocking with your RV will do just fine.
Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
✔️ Holds Temperatures Flawlessly
✔️ Wi-Fi Controlled
✔️ Works right out of the box
Whether you opt for a portable pellet smoker for camping or a portable electric smoker for camping, these small, lightweight devices provide a great way to cook up delicious meals in areas where traditional barbecuing isn’t allowed.
You can bring along your meat or hunt for it if it’s in the proper season. And, if you have a fishing license, then smoking the “catch of the day” would make it extra delicious.
Best Portable Smokers for Camping
Pellet smokers offer the convenience of digital temperature control and precise smoke levels, while electric smokers are ideal for those who don’t have access to electricity in their camping area. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy a great meal with smoky flavors wherever your travels take you.
Everyone will have a favorite smoker and there are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming to choose one!
Unfortunately, some of these items are too heavy to schlep around by hand, so “best” generally means the “best portable smoker for RV camping.” There is a class called “mini portable smokers,” however, one of which weighs just 2 pounds!
1. Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is the very best due to its versatility, portability and performance! It truly is the ultimate portable grill and smoker.
It has a digital control board that allows you to set temperature, smoke time, and desired flavors with ease. It also comes with a built-in grease management system to minimize flare ups, as well as a removable ash cleanout system.
Additionally, it’s compact size makes it easy to transport and store away when not in use. On top of all these features, the Green Mountain Trek Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Small Smoker delivers superior wood-fired flavor that will make any BBQ dish extraordinary.
PROS
- Achieves and maintains temperatures flawlessly
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Versatile cooking options for smoking and grilling
- Foldable legs for easy storage and transportation
CONS
- Heavy
- Requires access to electricity for use
- Smoke leaks the lid when using fan
2. Weber 14-Inch Smokey Mountain Charcoal Smoker
The Weber has a ton of user experience and it’s one of the best out there. The Smokey Mountain Cooker is terrific for both small families and veritable wilderness jamborees with all your RVing friends!
This smoker has a porcelain-enameled lid that provides superior heat retention and makes it perfect for low-and-slow BBQ’ing.
Its unique design features two cooking grates, a built-in thermometer, and a water pan that helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the smoking process. With the water pan filled, the smoker will keep an even low temperature for hours!
PROS
- Comparatively lightweight
- Easy to use and very durable
- Perfect for all-day smoking
CONS
- Won’t accommodate large pieces of meat
- Reduces charcoal quickly so unsupervised night smoking is not recommended
- The quality of the access door is questionable and may need adjustments.
3. Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill And Smoker
The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker is a compact and versatile charcoal grill and smoker that can help you achieve delicious, smoky flavors in your food. Its insulated steel construction retains heat and moisture, allowing you to grill, smoke, roast, and bake with ease.
You can even cook pizzas on a small pizza stone with this combination grill and smoker. It can heat up to 700 F and its triple walls hold in the heat very well. This is a portable charcoal smoker with an affordable price tag.
With its compact size and durable construction, the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker is a great option for anyone who wants a high-quality grill and smoker that won’t take up too much space.
PROS
- Large cooking space
- 22-gauge steel
- Easy to carry portable size
CONS
- Handle is persnickety
- Too small for large groups
- Prone to rust so it needs more care
4. Ninja Woodfire Portable Outdoor Grill & Smoker
This little grill is actually pretty amazing! The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker is a versatile 7-in-1 master grill that allows you to grill, air fry, smoke, roast, and sear your food to perfection. It features a durable stainless steel construction and an easy-to-use control panel with a digital temperature display.
Food comes out of this little grill juicy and tender. The versatility is incredible! It’s a bit like an electric Blackstone griddle crossed with a smoker and an air fryer.
PROS
- Versatile with 7 different cooking functions
- Durable: Made of high-quality stainless steel, this grill is built to last.
- Easy to clean
CONS
- Short power cord
- Heavy for its size
- Produces a lot of smoke!
5. Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Sense Mate Electric Foldable Portable Grill
When it comes to portable grills Davy Crockett delivers and with Wifi capabilities! The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Sense Mate is a portable, foldable wood pellet grill that’s perfect for tailgating, camping, and outdoor cooking. It combines the ease of use of a sous vide machine (accurate temperature control) with the flavor of a wood-fired smoker!
Always know when your meat is done with the nifty built-in meat probe, which is one reason this is one of the best portable pellet grills available. It lets you check the internal temperature of your food without having to open the lid. Your meat will be juicy every time.
PROS
- It has solid construction but is also foldable
- Wi-Fi compatible and it works flawlessly
- Sense-Mate monitors grill temperature
CONS
- Needs hookups
- Small hopper so it burns through pellets pretty fast
- It is heavy and weighs 68 pounds
6. CampMaid Grill And Smoker With Carry Bag
This grill and smoker feature a collapsible design that makes it easy to transport and store plus it comes with a carry bag for added convenience. That way, two people can carry the parts so that it’s not too heavy for one person.
The CampMaid has a very versatile setup and it does a little of everything! You can steam, fry, smoke, and bake. The grill and smoker also come with a range of accessories, including a charcoal holder, flip grill, and smoke stack, which allows you to cook a variety of different dishes.
PROS
- Very versatile
- Dutch oven compatible
- Sturdy tripod stand
CONS
- The accessory bag is too small for some Dutch ovens (with legs)
- Legs are prone to rusting
- Only for small Dutch ovens (14″ or less)
7. Z Grills Pioneer 450B Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
The Z Grills Smoker has a large cooking area, digital temperature control, and a hopper that can hold up to 15 pounds of wood pellets, which provides heat and smoke for the grill.
The grill also comes with a range of convenient features, including a meat probe, a grease management system, and an easy-to-clean porcelain-coated grilling grate.
People who are new to outdoor grilling will love the automatic starter, which also means that there is less of a fire hazard. It also requires no babysitting so you can start it up and relax.
PROS
- Long-lasting and durable
- Versatile
- Easy to use
CONS
- Requires frequent cleaning
- Some issues with inaccurate temperature gauge
- Blower sometimes overheats
8. Cuisinart COS-118 Charcoal Smoker
The Cuisinart Smoker features two steel cooking grates that provide plenty of space for food and a built-in thermometer that allows you to monitor the cooking temperature.
It also comes with a side air vent and adjustable dampers that allow for precise temperature control, while the porcelain enamel water bowl helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the smoking process.
Low-temperature smoking is tricky, but this smoker can even do cheese and vegetables without burning or melting. The supplemental vents allow you to control the amount of smoke too!
PROS
- Good for delicate smoking
- Comparatively spacious
- Economical
CONS
- Door leaks smoke
- Water pan drips
- Inaccurate temperature gauge
9. Char-Broil Vertical Liquid Propane Gas Smoker
The Char-Broil Gas Smoker features a vertical design that allows for efficient heat distribution and a large cooking area with multiple adjustable racks. It also comes with a built-in thermometer, a porcelain-coated wood chip tray, and a water pan that helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the smoking process.
Three smoking racks mean that you can smoke lots at once in this propane-powered smoker. It also comes with two temperature gauges.
PROS
- Easy to refill with water
- Even heat distribution
- Cool handles
CONS
- Inaccurate temperature gauge
- Messy drip pan
- Water pan boils early
10. Cameron’s Large Stovetop and Campfire Smoker
Cameron’s Large Stovetop Smoker is a compact and portable smoking device that’s small enough to fit in a large backpack for camping trips. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry so it’s a versatile option for outdoor cooking.
I love this one because it works well over a campfire and is super portable and lightweight! It also delivers quality results which is of utmost importance.
The smoker comes with a drip tray, smoking rack, and wood chips, and it can be used to smoke meat, fish, vegetables, and more. With its durable stainless steel construction and easy-to-use design this smoker will work well over a campfire or camp stove. All you have to do is add the wood chips you want to use for flavor.
PROS
- Super-convenient
- Dishwasher-safe
- Foldaway handles
CONS
- Not for large groups
- Only fits small cuts
- Lots of exterior smoke
11. Traeger Grills Tailgater 20 Portable Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Among the best portable smokers for RVs, this item stands out for ease of use and versatility. The accurate temperature gauge is a great feature too. When it’s too hot for cooking in an RV, move outdoors and enjoy using your Traeger!
It features a digital controller that allows you to set the cooking temperature with precision and a hopper that can hold up to 8 pounds of wood pellets, which provide the heat and smoke for the grill. The grill also comes with a range of convenient features, including a meat probe, a porcelain-coated grilling grate that’s easy to clean, and folding legs for easy transport and storage.
PROS
- Keep Warm feature
- Easy to store
- Heats quickly
CONS
- Confusing instructions
- Very expensive
- Comparatively heavy
12. Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker
The Masterbuilt smoker has four chrome-coated smoking racks that provide plenty of space for food, and a side-loading wood chip system that allows you to add wood chips without opening the door.
The interior of the smoker is fully insulated to ensure consistent temperatures, and the smoker also comes with a removable drip pan for easy cleanup. Digital controls lead to accurate temperatures with this portable electric smoker. You can smoke lots of food at once for fun parties at the RV park!
PROS
- Adjustable feet
- Even heating
- Side-loading pellet tray
CONS
- Lots of parts to clean
- Heavy
- Not good for boondocking
13. MAISON HUIS Portable Mini Grill BBQ Smoker
Perfect for use at the campsite, beach, or backyard, this mini portable smoker is terrific! It features a simple design that’s easy to set up and use, with a chrome-plated cooking grate that provides a cooking surface of about 9 inches by 9 inches.
The grill is fueled by charcoal, which provides a traditional smoky flavor to your food, and it comes with a removable ash pan for easy cleanup.
The Maison Huise also features a sturdy, heat-resistant handle that allows you to move it around safely while it’s hot. The latch makes it easy to transport after it cools.
PROS
- Just 2 pounds
- Food for eight
- Simple assembly
CONS
- Needs nonstick spray
- Handles might crack
- Instructions not clear
14. Kamado Joe Classic Charcoal Smoker and Grill
The portable Kamado smoker is a really cool grill that’s easy to move around the campsite or garage. Its multitemperature settings let you grill and smoke at the same time! It has exceptional performance!
The grill features a ceramic body that’s designed to retain heat and moisture and an adjustable vent system that allows you to control the temperature with precision. The grill also has a two-tier cooking system that provides plenty of space for food.
In addition, it comes with a range of convenient features, including a built-in thermometer, a slide-out ash drawer for easy cleanup, and a patented slide-out ash drawer that makes it easy to add charcoal or adjust the fire.
PROS
- Airtight seal
- Quickly reaches blistering high temperatures
- Exacting temperature control for ultimate versatality
- Ergonomic features
CONS
- Super-heavy
- High price tag
- Inadequate instructions
15. Realcook Vertical Steel Charcoal Smoker
The heat-resistant handles make this smoker easy to lift and transport. It’s a really nice option for your backyard or extended camping. The three chrome-plated cooking grates provide plenty of space for food. It can also be split up into a fire pit and a grill!
The Realcook Smoker is fueled by charcoal, which provides a traditional smoky flavor to your food, and it comes with a water pan that helps to keep the temperature and humidity inside the smoker consistent.
It also has adjustable air vents that allow you to control the temperature and smoke level, and a built-in thermometer that lets you monitor the cooking temperature. Additionally, it is easy to clean, with a removable ash pan that makes it simple to dispose of ash and other debris.
PROS
- Works as a fire pit too!
- Expansive grilling area
- Chrome-plated racks
CONS
- Prone to rust
- Sensitive to wind
- Lacks regulated vent
How to Choose a Portable Smoker for Camping
When choosing a portable smoker, there are many variables to consider.
- Do you want pellets or charcoal to fuel it?
- Does it have a chimney starter so that you can keep your hands clean?
- Will it bake and roast as well as smoke?
- How much space do you have?
- What flavors do you want to add to your smoked items?
- Do you have a large family or like to host large parties?
- Do you boondock or visit campgrounds with hookups?
- Can you lift, move, and maintain a very heavy smoker?
FAQS: Portable Smokers For Camping
Buying a portable smoker for camping is an exciting venture so you may have a lot of questions when trying to rwach your final decision!
What is the best smoker for a beginner?
Because it’s small, ultimately portable, and easy to assemble, the MASON portable grill and smoker is the best smoker for beginners. It’s a small and lightweight smoker that is easy to assemble and can be taken to a campsite or backyard for convenient smoking anytime, anywhere. The adjustable vent doors allow you to regulate the amount of smoke produced, while the built-in thermometer ensures accuracy in temperature control.
What is better, propane or charcoal?
That depends on your personal preference. Charcoal adds its own flavor in addition to the wood chips, and if you like that, then charcoal is obviously better. If not, then propane is better.
Charcoal smokers take longer to heat up, but they produce a more intense smoke flavor than propane smokers. Charcoal also allows for more temperature control, since the amount of charcoal used determines the amount of heat produced. With a propane smoker, it’s harder to control the temperature when you’re smoking as the fuel easily fluctuates.
How does a portable smoker work?
The function is the same as that of regular smokers. Fire of a certain temperature burns wood, charcoal, or both, infuses water with the smoke, and the combination of the infused water vapor and smoke itself flavors the items inside the smoker. These items could be meat, fish, cheese, or vegetables.
Final Thoughts on Best Portable Smokers for Camping
I think we all agree that just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you can’t eat well! So, it’s time to get yourself a portable smoker for camping! If you are an RVer this is the perfect appliance to add to your outdoor kitchen!
Finding one of the perfect portable smokers for camping and your specific needs can be a hard decision! But with this comprehensive guide, hopefully, you now have an idea of what to look for when shopping around!
Remember, no one smoker will achieve everything you want, either so carefully think about the specific things you want in your smoker. Make sure it fits all your criteria so you get the most out of every cookout experience.
Enjoy, have fun, and happy smoking!