Classic Coleman Camping Gear: What We Still Love 7 Years Later

Updated November 2026 — Seven years later, we're still using our classic Coleman camping gear!

There is something about the iconic green Coleman two-burner camp stove and matching lantern that just feels like camping. These classics bring back memories of simple adventures and meals outdoors. Even though we have a kitchen inside our RV, I still love cooking outside.

Seven years ago, we purchased a restored vintage Coleman stove and lantern for just $50. Today, that stove is still one of my favorite pieces of camping gear. Our setup has become simpler over time, but my love for this stove hasn't changed!

Our Coleman camp stove set up.

How Our Classic Coleman Camping Gear Story Began

For months, I watched Facebook Marketplace for just the right Coleman camp stove. I could have purchased a new one, but I loved the idea of giving a classic piece of camping equipment another life.

Just as we were selling our pop-up camper, Peggy Sue, and buying our travel trailer, I found a local gentleman who restored Coleman stoves and lanterns as a hobby. His spotless workshop was filled with rows of beautifully restored equipment. I was amazed!

The rows of Coleman camp lanterns and stoves restored by a local seller.

He showed us how the equipment worked and even taught us a little about dating the lanterns. I explained that I loved cooking outdoors and cared more about function than appearance. He chose a two-burner stove and lantern for us, and we went home with both for $50. Seven years later, I still think that was a fantastic purchase.

The seller took the time to show us how to use our lantern and stove.

Our Coleman Camp Stove: Seven Years Later

I'll admit it: I was intimidated by this stove at first! Learning to fill the tank, operate the pump and light the burners took some practice. I even spent a frustrating first session trying to get it going. But once I learned how to use it, I fell in love with it.

Now I wouldn't trade it for anything. We've cooked burgers, steaks, tacos, pancakes, breakfast tacos and so many other campground meals on this stove. I love having two burners, and I especially love cooking on my Lodge cast iron griddle.

Unlike a big outdoor griddle, this stove closes into its own compact metal case. It is easy to store in our RV and doesn't take over our campsite.

Should You Buy a Vintage Stove or a New Coleman Stove?

My first recommendation is to look for a good used Coleman stove. Check estate sales, yard sales and Facebook Marketplace. If you buy vintage equipment, inspect it for damage and fuel leaks, and have it serviced by someone familiar with the model before using it.

If you prefer to buy new, I recommend looking at the Coleman Guide Series Dual-Fuel Stove. It's a great option for anyone who loves the classic two-burner style but would rather start with a new stove.

What Fuel Do We Use?

We use white gas (camp fuel) in our Coleman stove. It's what I'm comfortable with and what has worked well for our setup. Here's the white gas we use from Walmart.

We also use a small fuel funnel for filling. If you're new to liquid-fuel camp stoves, practice at home first and follow the instructions for your particular model. Never refill a hot or lit stove, and always operate fuel-burning camp stoves outdoors, away from tents, RV interiors and anything flammable.

I picked up the white gas and funnel at a local big box store, but you can order these items online if you cannot find them locally.

When we purchased our stove, the seller demonstrated how to use it. That hands-on lesson was a huge help. Every model is a little different, so I recommend relying on the correct Coleman instructions rather than guessing at the lighting procedure.

We learned how to use our Coleman camp stove from the seller before we left.

Cooking With Our Lodge Cast Iron Griddle

One of my favorite companions to the stove is our Lodge cast iron griddle. It fits across our two burners and gives me a wonderful surface for pancakes, burgers and more. Just be sure any cookware you use is stable and compatible with your stove.

A Lodge Cast Iron Griddle fits over the two-burner stove perfectly.

I especially love the flat side of the griddle for smash burgers. It gives us so many options without having to pack another large cooking appliance.

I like cooking burgers on the solid griddle side to do smash burgers.

Do You Need a Coleman Camp Kitchen?

When we first started using our Coleman stove, we had a Coleman camp kitchen with a spot for the stove and a separate food-prep area. It was nice to have, and depending on your camping setup, it may be just what you need.

But over time we realized we didn't need quite so much equipment. These days, we use a simple compact camping table, and it works just fine. It takes up less room and keeps our outdoor kitchen easy to set up and pack away.

My advice? Start with a sturdy, heat-safe surface appropriate for your stove, and add extra kitchen furniture only if you really need it.

The Coleman Folding Camp Oven

Another classic piece of camping gear worth considering is the Coleman folding camp oven. When we camped in our pop-up camper, it was such a handy tool! It gives you an additional way to bake outdoors with a compatible camp stove, and it folds flat when you're finished.

If you have a small camper without an oven, or you want a second oven for campground meals, this can be a wonderful addition. Check compatibility with your stove and use it only as directed by the manufacturer.

Compact Bakeware Makes a Difference

If you use a Coleman camp oven, you'll want smaller baking pans that fit inside. There are several sets available, but I really liked the brand I used. Here's a compact bakeware option to consider. Always measure the inside of your oven and allow the clearance recommended in its instructions.

What Seven Years of Camping Have Taught Us

We've changed campers and changed the way we set up our campsite. We've also learned that we don't need every accessory on the market. A dependable stove, a cast iron griddle, a compact table and a few favorite utensils can make a wonderful outdoor kitchen.

Our Coleman stove has stayed with us through all of those changes. It's practical, compact, versatile and full of character. I love that something we bought used has continued to serve our family so well.

Would I Buy Classic Coleman Camping Gear Again?

Absolutely! I would look for a restored vintage dual-fuel Coleman stove first, and I'd happily consider the new Coleman Guide Series model too. I would keep the rest of our camp kitchen simple and add the folding oven only if we needed that extra baking space.

From burgers and steaks to pancakes and breakfast tacos, this stove has been part of so many family camping memories. Seven years later, we're still using and loving our classic Coleman gear, and I recommend this simple approach to outdoor cooking for any camper willing to learn how to use it safely.

Do you have a vintage Coleman stove or lantern you still use? I'd love to hear about it!

You can also explore more of our favorite camping gear and camp kitchen ideas.

Until next time, happy camping!

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