There’s something timeless about a summer evening beside a motorhome, the sun slowly dropping behind the trees, camping chairs unfolded, and the unmistakable aroma of a charcoal barbecue drifting through the air. Travelling in a motorhome gives you freedom, flexibility and a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful places, and for many travellers, in the warmer months, a barbecue becomes part of the ritual that turns a simple stopover into a memorable experience.
Whether you’re parked beside a coastal cliff, tucked into a woodland campsite, or enjoying a lakeside pitch, cooking outdoors adds another layer to the adventure. Meals become slower, conversations last longer, and even the simplest burger somehow tastes better under the open sky.
Why I Prefer Charcoal Over Gas
For me, charcoal barbecuing is all about the experience. Gas grills are undeniably practical, but charcoal brings atmosphere and flavour that simply can’t be replicated. The crackle of the coals, the smoky aroma, and the satisfaction of getting the fire just right all become part of the enjoyment.
Charcoal also creates a more authentic cooking flavour. From sizzling sausages to marinated vegetables and thick steaks, food cooked over charcoal develops that unmistakable smoky depth that many barbecue lovers crave. There’s also a sense of slowing down and reconnecting with the outdoors. You cannot rush charcoal cooking in the same way as gas – and that is exactly the point!
Another benefit is portability. Many compact charcoal grills designed for motorhome travel are lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for touring life. A small bag of charcoal can last several evenings and takes up very little space in your storage locker.
We have a Napoleon charcoal barbecue, it’s 47cm size is ideal to “live” in our boot, and light enough to pull in and out, and wheel around. Being elevated, means no grass burns or fire risk, and you can use the barbecue as a fire pit, when the cooking is done, top up for hours of warmth of a fire pit into the night to be cozied around.
47cm Napoleon charcoal barbecue
There’s also a larger 56cm Napoleon charcoal barbecue if you have big enough boot storage.
56cm Napoleon charcoal barbecue
Or if you’re looking for something smaller, this portable Napoleon 35cm diameter mini charcoal cooking grill is ideal to take up limited space, but still bring the smokey flavours!
35cm Napoleon mini charcoal barbecue
This Green Egg charcoal grill is so aesthetically pleasing and will be a hot topic with other fellow campers. I personally find it very heavy, which means yes, it is great quality, therefore not necessarily ideal for hauling in and out of your motorhome boot. But it’s worth a mention, as a beautiful barbecue!
55cm Green Egg charcoal barbecue grill
Why Gas Barbecues Still Have Their Place
Gas barbecues do have some serious advantages, especially when travelling. Convenience is the biggest one. With gas, you can cook almost instantly without waiting for coals to heat up, which is ideal after a long day on the road or during unpredictable British weather.
Gas grills are also easier to control. You can adjust the temperature quickly and cook with more precision, which many people appreciate when preparing breakfast or quicker meals. Cleanup is generally simpler too, with no ash to dispose of afterward.
For campsite hopping or overnight stops where you may only want a quick meal, a gas barbecue can be incredibly practical. Many motorhome owners even carry both – using gas for convenience and charcoal when they want to create a more relaxed evening atmosphere.
This Weber gas grill is perfect for ease of use.
You can also simply buy the Weber gass grill on it’s own, without the stand.
The Social Side of Barbecuing
One of the best things about barbecuing while motorhoming is how naturally it brings people together. Campsites have a wonderful way of encouraging conversation and the smell of food cooking outdoors often sparks friendly chats with neighbouring campers.
Children gather around waiting for toasted marshmallows, adults exchange cooking tips, and evenings stretch long into the warm summer air. In a world that often feels rushed, these simple moments become the memories people treasure most from their travels.
What Not to Do on a Campsite
While barbecues are part of camping culture, it’s important to respect campsite rules and safety guidelines. Never place a barbecue directly on grass, especially during dry weather, as heat can scorch the ground or even start a fire. Always use a raised barbecue or heatproof stand where possible.
Avoid lighting open fires unless the campsite specifically allows them. Many campsites prohibit fire pits and wood-burning fires entirely, particularly during summer months when conditions are dry. It’s also important to keep smoke under control. Nobody wants thick smoke drifting into their awning while they are trying to relax or eat dinner.
Never leave a barbecue unattended, particularly if children or pets are nearby and always ensure coals are completely extinguished before disposing of ash. Finally, be considerate with noise late into the evening. A good barbecue creates great memories, but respecting fellow campers ensures everyone enjoys their stay.
Essential Barbecue Accessories for Motorhome Travel
A few smart accessories can make outdoor cooking much easier and more enjoyable. Foldable barbecue tools are perfect for saving storage space, while heatproof gloves are invaluable when handling hot grills or charcoal trays. And a sturdy grill cleaner and grate cleaner spray will be your best friends to make tidying up quicker.
Reusable plates and enamel cookware work brilliantly for campsite dining, and a compact preparation table can transform your cooking setup. Many motorhome travellers also swear by portable LED lanterns for evening cooking sessions once daylight fades.
For charcoal users specifically, a chimney starter is a fantastic investment. It lights coals quickly and evenly without relying heavily on lighter fluid, giving you a cleaner burn and better cooking flavour. A small ash container or metal bucket is also useful for safely disposing of cooled charcoal remains.
This barbecue tool set also makes a perfect gift.
Quality briquettes won’t let you down.
Safety First, Always
Keeping a portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket close at hand is essential whenever cooking outdoors or lighting a fire. From unexpected flare-ups on the grill to accidents involving hot oil, gas canisters, or nearby camping equipment, having the right fire safety gear can prevent a small incident from becoming a serious emergency. Compact, easy to store, and potentially lifesaving, they offer peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy great food, fresh air, and the freedom of the open road.
Bring On The BBQ Season Ahead
With good food, warm evenings and the open road ahead, few things capture the spirit of summer travel quite like a barbecue evening under the stars.
Comment some of your favourite barbecue memories, and what you’re looking forward to grilling this BBQ season ahead?
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The Hive by Melissa 
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