With Vanlife there’s something uniquely special about parking up in a beautiful, wild spot, setting up my Cobb grill for outdoor cooking, and diving into the delicious challenge of creating a meal inspired by the local produce and surroundings. I just love visiting a local farm shop and cooking with produce that is unique to the area. Finding a great parkup with a beautiful view, unfolding my pullout table, setting up my Cobb and cooking with ingredients from the local farm shop, this is my happy place.
Vanlife Outdoor Cooking With Local Inspiration
Whenever I arrive at a scenic parkup, my first thought is usually, “What’s unique to this place?” Local markets, farm shops, or even foraging can open up a world of fresh ingredients and flavours that elevate the outdoor cooking experience. There’s nothing quite like preparing a dish infused with the character and authenticity of that region.
How can I safely forage or use local produce?
Always ensure you’re fully knowledgeable about local plants and fungi. When in doubt, seek guidance from local experts or guidebooks. For farm shops and markets, chat with locals about seasonal specialties.
Setting Up Outdoor Cooking Equipment
I love using the Cobb because it’s compact, efficient, and incredibly versatile. However, whatever your cooking gear, you’ll find things taste better with a view. Your equipment should be organised in case you need to pack away to move along. Obviously you’ve parked up somewhere safe and legal but you will find many local councils do not allow outdoor cooking. I like to use my pullout table which technically means the cooking equipment is attached to the van.
What makes a good Vanlife outdoor cooking setup?
Choose compact, reliable gear like portable grills or stoves, durable cookware, and utensils that are easy to clean and pack away. Your stove should always be elevated off the ground to prevent scortching the ground.
Vanlife Outdoor Cooking Etiquette & Enjoyment
Vanlife wild parkups are all about harmony and serenity with nature, local communities, and fellow campers. Keeping noise levels low, being discreet, and leaving your site pristine ensures not only your enjoyment but also preserves the experience for others.
Enjoy the moment and breathe in the fresh air, savour the sizzle of your meal cooking, and soak up the stunning views.
Your cooking fuel should be smoke free to avoid environmental impacts as well drawing attention to you.
Some music playing from within the van that doesn’t bother anyone adds to the atmsophere. I’ll stress the importance of not bothering anyone as you’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you are there blasting heavy metal with smoke pouring out into the sky!
What’s the best way to keep a low profile when cooking outdoors?
Cook during reasonable hours, avoid loud music or excessive smoke, and maintain a clean and tidy area to blend into your surroundings.
Essential Rules and Safety Considerations
While the romance of Vanlife outdoor cooking is undeniable, adhering to local regulations and safety measures is so critical!
- Check local fire restrictions: Areas prone to wildfires may prohibit open flames or charcoal grills. The New Forest is an example of this!
- Check if barbeques are allowed: Many councils ban the use of using a barbeque in public places. Check for signs and make sure you adhere to the rules.
- Always extinguish fires thoroughly: Douse fires completely and confirm all embers are cold before leaving. Dispose of the embers in suitable place, taking them away with you if necessary.
- Food Waste Disposal: Dispose of food waste in designated waste bins, particularly in areas with wildlife, and take all of your waste away with you if there is no designated dispoal areas.
How to do Outdoor Cooking The Vanlife Way
As a full time vanlifer and a passionate cook I like to think I’m perfect to answer this question.
- Find a Parkup: Use apps such as park for night and switch on the filter for “Surrounded By Nature”. Alternatively Google Maps is incredibly useful to explore the best views as well as checking to see if your van will fit in the parking area.
- Find Some Local Produce / Inspiration: Plan your meal by taking inspiration from the location you are travelling. Check for local farm shops or local foodie places of interest. Our interactive Foodie Map is a great place to find foodie hotpsots in the area.
- Find a Recipe: I always like to preplan by jotting down my recipe or looking up a recipe so that I am fully equipped once the Cobb is fired up. Theres nothing more annoying that realising you are out of Worcestershire sauce for your hotpot! Obviously you know this but here at Vanlifeeats.com we have some great van friendly recipes.
- Check the Rules: Make sure there are no signs stating you can not cook.
- Keep the Setup Minimal and Organised: You never know when you may need to drive off so keep your setup minimal and organised.
- Cook, relax, soak up the views and savour every chew!
- Leave it Better: Clear away everything, leaving no rubish and no trace. Go the extra mile and follow the ethics of the Leave It Better community!
The Joy of Cooking With a View
The enjoyment of cooking with a view is next level adventure for vanlife. If you travel alone, the serinty can detox your mind and fill you with the happiest vibes. As a couple you will find these moments hard to beat! So, next time you’re parked up in a wild spot, let yourself be inspired by your surroundings, respect the local environment, and most importantly—enjoy every moment.
Here’s to many delicious adventures in the great outdoors!
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