Camping is great, but it’s even better if you have the best camping fire pit. To me, it almost seems pointless to go camping without some sort of fire, whether it’s for cooking for just ambiance and some marshmallows.
How do you find the best camping fire pit, though? There are several types. Some are wood-burning, some propane, and some for cooking.
This post will discuss the 9 best camping fire pits, why you should invest in a portable camping fire pit, what kind might best fit your needs, and of course, campfire safety.
Here’s a quick look at our top 3 best camping fire pits:
Best camping fire pit
When it comes to fire pits for camping, there are a lot of choices. We will help you narrow down the field and share how these models stack up to one another.
With that, let’s get to it.
Outland Living Firebowl 870
- ✓ PERFECT NO MESS CAMPFIRE: Say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive firewood, and...
- ✓ COMPACT AND EASY TO TRANSPORT: Travel size fire pit is lightweight and portable;...
- ✓ BEAT THE CAMPFIRE BAN: CSA approved fire pit is safe to use during most campfire...
- ✓ COMPLETE FIRE PIT KIT: Includes Cover & Carry Kit, pre-attached 10-Ft hose to...
- ✓ SIGNATURE OUTLAND LIVING QUALITY: Durable high quality steel construction with...
For many reasons, the Outland Living Firebowl 870 portable propane gas fire pit is one of our favorite propane fire pits. This fire pit gets excellent reviews for its quality materials, smokeless flame, and ease of use.
It is 19 inches in diameter and 11 inches high, weighing 25 pounds. This propane fire pit has an output of 58,000 BTU/HR. It is straightforward to use, hook it up to a 20-pound propane tank, turn the dial to low, and light the center ring with a lighter.
No more gathering messy wood that smokes everyone out. Just light and enjoy this fire pit. The flame is very natural-looking, and the lava rocks that are included add a nice touch.
Most importantly, it produces a smokeless flame and is CSA approved, which can be used during most fire bans. In addition, the Outland Living Firebowl is a spark-free propane campfire, making it a safer option than a wood-burning fire.
This fire pit is made with durable, high-quality steel and a protective enamel finish. It comes with a cover, a carrying kit, a pre-attached 10-foot hose, lava rocks, and an adjustable regulator for varying flame height.
You can do some simple cooking over this fire pit, such as marshmallows and hot dogs. Be sure to not let anything drop on the lava rocks though, you wouldn’t want to ruin the look of them.
PROS
Easy to use
Smokeless flame
No assembly required
Includes a carry and cover kit
CONS
Can use a lot of propane
No auto-shutoff
UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit
- Stainless steel grill folds to 1.5 inches thick and fits in a backpack; can be used...
- Regular size features 13 x 10-inch grilling area for up to 6 servings; mini features...
- Stable base for safe grilling; quick 30-second setup; sides of grill serve as a...
- Safely contains fire and keeps fire off the ground; constructed from durable...
We love the UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit because it is such an excellent value for what you get. It folds down very small and only weighs 3.3 pounds, yet it can provide a nice campfire and grill for your food.
This portable fire pit is a wood-burning fire pit that is also designed for grilling. It is a perfect camping fire pit for anyone needing to take less heavy gear. Excellent for backpackers, or car camping, anyone needing a very lightweight, portable, and functional fire pit/grill.
This grill is made of high-quality stainless steel and folds down to 1.5 inches thick. So it can fit in a backpack! The size of the grilling space is 13 x 10 inches and can feed 3-6 people depending on what’s cooking.
The base of this fire pit is very stable and keeps the fire off the ground. With only a 30 second setup, you can get your fire going in no time. In addition, the quality stainless steel construction will help with rust and corrosion.
The UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit is such a great value. It is one of the most affordable fire pit/grills out there, and you can’t beat the fact that it weighs 3.3 pounds.
PROS
Very affordable
Extremely lightweight
Doubles as a fire pit and a grill
Contains the fire off the ground
CONS
The grill top can rust over time
Kind of small for some users
Pop-Up Fire Pit
- The Pop-Up Fire Pit is the first truly portable wood or charcoal burning fire pit.
- ENGINEERING SIMPLE - The Pop-Up Pit sets-up in just under 60 seconds without the use...
- PERFECT BURNS - Burning on a fire-rated Stainless Steel Mesh (Fire Mesh) means our...
- EXCEEDS THE REGS - With 576sq inches of burn area, an elevated base, and 3.5inch...
- FIRESIDE GUARANTEE - While limited in its lifespan, the Fire Mesh comes with our...
This portable Pop-Up Fire Pit is great because it can handle a good-sized fire but is lightweight and very portable. In addition, it’s designed to handle both wood or charcoal.
It only weighs about 8 pounds and is 24 inches by 24 inches with a height of 15 inches. It collapses down into a nice carrying case that is included and can be set up in 1 minute without any extra tools.
The bottom of the fire pit is stainless steel mesh surface meaning your campfire will get excellent airflow. It can hold up to 125 pounds of wood or charcoal and prevents ash from slipping through.
The unique design of this camping fire pit creates less smoke, making sitting around the fire even more relaxing. It also exceeds the US Forest Service regulations on fire pans.
It does not come with a grill for cooking, but you absolutely could put marshmallows, hot dogs, or whatever stays on a stick over the fire for cooking.
Honestly, this is just a cool-looking fire pit with sleek, clean lines, stainless steel construction, and how your fire is up off the ground. It looks good, works even better, and is perfect for camping, the beach, or your own backyard.
PROS
Lightweight
Collapses down nicely for storage
Comes with a carry bag
Sleek design
CONS
Does not come with a fire shield
SUCHDECO Portable Fire Pit for Camping
- 🔥2021 UPGRADE PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIRE PIT 2.0: Suchdeco upgrade package size is 9.4"...
- 🔥EASY TO ASSEMBLE: No tools required. You just need to connect the stainless steel...
- 🔥ECO-FRIENDLY & CONVENIENT: The net of the outdoor fire pit is constructed with...
- 🔥BEST CHOICE FOR OUTDOOR: Our portable fire pit is best choice for outdoor wood...
- 🔥REUSABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: The 0.96mm heat-resistant mesh of our foldable fire...
This Portable Fire Pit is my favorite camping fire pit for backpackers due to its extremely lightweight and portability. It’s a safe and quick way to have a campfire in a short time and can go just about anywhere. Just need to light your firewood and enjoy!
The medium 16.5-inch model fire pit weighs about 2 pounds, but it can handle about 11 pounds of wood. That is plenty of wood for a nice hot fire.
When assembled, it is 16.5 inches by 16.5 inches with a height of about 13 inches. It collapses down very small and fits nicely in a carrying case that can be attached to your backpack straps.
The fire pit is available in multiple size options.
You don’t need any tools to assemble the fire pit, just connect the stainless tubes to the support frame. It’s easy to assemble, especially if you like puzzles or origami :).
The fire pit is made with anti-heating stainless steel material and limits the amount of ash that slips through to the ground. You can take the fire pit with you camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, or even to the beach.
The stainless steel mesh design allows for perfect airflow, which also makes for an easy start. No need to perfectly arrange the wood to allow for airflow. The mesh takes care of it. The setup is quick, just minutes, and you can get your campfire going.
PROS
Very lightweight
Comes with a carry bag
Great for backpacking
Designed for great airflow
CONS
A few customers had issues with the mesh tearing over time
Fire Sense Portable Folding Round Black Steel 22 Inch Fire Pit
- FIRE SENSE FIREPIT PORTABLE FOLDING 22": This folding fire pit features 22" heat...
- SAFE & EFFICIENT: This fire pit comes complete with heat resistant mesh fire screen,...
- Also included is a carrying bag and screen lift tool.
- FEATURES: Heat-resistant painted 5" deep steel bowl and spark screen | Log grate,...
- FIREPIT ASSEMBLED DIMENSIONS: 22"Diameter. x 15"H; Bowl Depth: 5"; Weight: 9 lbs |...
The Fire Sense Portable Folding Round Black Steel 22 Inch Fire Pit is a great dual-purpose camping fire pit in that it can just be a nice campfire, but it can also grill up your camping meals. This grill is designed to be used with wood and not charcoal because of how the grill is positioned.
This fire pit is 22 inches in diameter and is about 15 inches high, weighing in at about 7 pounds. We love that the legs collapse down and fit nicely in the included carrying case. It is made of quality alloy steel.
It also comes with a one-piece, dome steel mesh fire screen, and a screen lift tool that is very handy. This is one of my favorite features because it keeps the sparks contained, creating a safer fire.
You can cook directly on the grill or use a pot or pan for cooking. And, of course, anything on a skewer can be cooked over the flame. Get the s’mores ready!
This is a very nice-looking fire pit and will serve you well camping or even in your backyard.
PROS
Portable, great for camping and RVing
Comes with a convenient carry bag
Foldable for transport
Mesh grate cover to keep embers in
CONS
Moisture is the enemy and the fire pit can rust over time
Some users noted the fire pit is smaller than they thought it would be
Outland Living Model 863 Portable Propane Fire Pit
- Perfect no mess campfire: with our fire pit say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive...
- Compact and easy to transport: Travel size fire pit is lightweight and portable;...
- Beat the campfire ban: CSA approved fire pit is safe to use during most campfire...
- Complete fire pit kit: Includes cover & carry kit, pre-attached 10-ft hose to keep...
- Signature outland living quality: Durable high-quality steel construction with...
The Outland Living Model 863 Portable Propane Fire Pit is an excellent option for a propane fire pit. It is a very non-messy way to have a beautiful campfire, just turn the knob, light it, and enjoy.
It is a realistic campfire without the hard work and time it takes for a wood fire.
This camping fire pit is 21 inches in diameter and about 9 inches high, weighing 26 pounds. It has a total output of 58,000 BTU/HR and can run about 8-12 hours depending on how high it is set.
To save propane, run it high until the lava rocks heat up and then turn it down about ⅔ the way, and this should be nice and toasty.
This Outland fire pit is such a great addition to your camping gear or backyard BBQs in that it is an instant campfire. The included 10-foot hose is long enough to keep the 20-pound propane tank out of sight, creating a more realistic fire. The included lava rocks are also a nice touch.
This fire pit is clean and smokeless and is a CSA approved fire pit, safe to use during most campfire bans. Since there is no messy wood, there is no messy ash, no smoke, or sparks. This is a very safe alternative to wood fire pits.
We really like this fire pit because of the hot flames produced so quickly, the 10-foot hose included, and the cover and carrying case. This is such a nice fire pit that gets you quickly enjoying your clean, safe campfire in a matter of seconds. And when you are done, you just turn it off, so easy.
PROS
Realistic flame
Smokeless and clean-burning
Lightweight and portable
Comes with 10-ft hose and a carry case
CONS
Manual ignition
Heavier than other models
Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit
- PORTABLE FIRE POWER: Solo Stove Ranger is our most compact outdoor fire pits or...
- LESS SMOKE, MORE FLAME: The camping stove has double wall design which maximizes...
- A MORE EFFICIENT BURN: A more complete burn means the little particles that would...
- NO MORE SHUFFLING FROM SMOKE: Since the Ranger burns with almost no smoke, you'll...
- EASY TO USE & PORTABLE: This outdoor patio heater singular construction completely...
The Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit is by far the coolest, most modern-looking fire pit I have ever seen. The technology behind it is unique. It maximizes airflow to create a low smoke fire. Uses wood chunks, but looks like it would be some type of modern gas stove.
Because it uses real wood, this camping fire pit is super portable and can be used in many places. In addition, its sleek stainless steel, upright cylinder shape will surely catch some glances.
The bottom vent holes take in cool air, which feeds the fire and creates a blast of hot air that reduces smoke. This thing is pretty high-tech.
It is 15 inches in diameter, 12.5 inches high, and weighs only 15 pounds. It comes with a drawstring bag so you can carry it wherever you need to, camping, the beach, BBQs in your backyard.
The Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit burns so efficiently that you are only left with a few ashes that can be easily dumped in the garbage. It’s a very clean, easy, and beautiful fire pit.
You can cook marshmallows or hot dogs over this hot fire, but don’t drip on your pretty fire pit. It’s so nice to look at. I’d want to keep it shiny. This is a pricey fire pit, but you really are getting a very efficient and portable fire pit.
One thing to note is you will need to cut the wood into smaller pieces so they will fit in the fire pit.
PROS
Compact and portable
Sleek and modern
Burns efficiently and clean
Wood burning, but low smoke output
CONS
More expensive than other fire pits
Can be difficult to clean
BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit
- Multi-Functional Design: Grill swivels 360 degrees, make swing it left or right...
- Humanized and Sturdy Steel Construction: The black round fire pit designed with outer...
- Unique Log Rack: Collapsible triangle frame rack to hold logs for better ventilation,...
- Safe and Secure:This fire bbq grill with large enough cooking grill area, comply with...
- Easy Assembly and Approximately measure dimension: 32inch × 24inch
The BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit is perfect for a bigger family or group of friends camping. It’s bigger than others, but it does dual-duty and gives you a big wood-burning fire pit and a grill for cooking.
It is also an excellent-looking fire pit that would be great for your backyard. If you need to warm a larger group of people and feed them too, this is the fire pit for you.
The grill can swivel 360 degrees out of the way of the fire, so you can have more control of your cooking. Food can stay warm on the grill, but you can swivel it off the flame so it doesn’t overcook. The cooking grill is also adjustable, so you can get the right height needed to cook your food.
The BALI OUTDOORS Wood Burning Fire Pit is pretty big. It is 32 inches in diameter, 25 inches high, and weighs 27 pounds. Not the most portable fire pit, but it deserves a shout-out for its dual-purpose ability.
There is an outer ledge around the fire pit for you to set cooking utensils or skewers on. This fire pit comes with a poker and a log rack to help optimize airflow through your firewood.
PROS
Both a fire pit and grill
The cooking grill swivels off the flame to keep food warm
Very stable design
Poker and a log rack are included
CONS
No screen cover
Does not collapse down for storage or transport
Inno Stage Stainless Bonfire Fire Pit
- 🔥Patented double wall design of fire pit bowl- efficient hotness without...
- 🔥Practical two-tier structure with specially added handle for campfire🔥This...
- 🔥Fire pit is built from solid 304 stainless steel with pretty shape🔥 Which is...
- 🔥Handy size with portable carrying storage bag🔥Outer diameter 15"( inner...
- 🔥Maintenance 🔥 After each use, please clean it up and dry it. Although this is...
The Patented Stainless Bonfire Fire Pit is a high-tech camping fire pit that uses wood pellets. It is unique in that it uses wood pellets, burning very mess-free and creating a smokeless fire.
It has a modern 2 tiered design that allows for maximum airflow and combustion efficiency. The bottom vent holes take in air to create the perfect airflow needed to make a very hot fire. In addition, the design of this stainless steel fire pit makes for a very beautiful and smokeless flame.
It is 15 inches in diameter and is about 12.5 inches high, weighing in at under 17 pounds. It is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is resistant to high temperatures and rust. This fire pit will last you for many years.
Not only is the flame super hot and smokeless, but you won’t have to deal with any sparks. This fire pit is safer for that reason for sure. The clean-up of ashes is also very easy. They are contained in the bottom of the fire pit and can easily be dumped out when cool.
PROS
Smokeless and spark-free
Takes wood pellets
Sleek, modern design
Not messy
CONS
Can be tough to get the pellet lit
Burns pretty fast
Why take a camping fire pit with you?
Why not just build your own fire?
I think the biggest reason is the safety factor. With a portable fire pit, you control exactly where it is sitting and move it if needed. Also, since the fire pit uses wood, you have an actual metal container for the wood, usually off the ground.
The fire is also easier to put out when it is contained. In addition, many new high-tech wood-burning fire pits have better technology to help with sparks and disposal of ashes, creating a safer fire.
With propane fire pits, you really are going with a safer fire. They can be turned off instantly and are also many times allowed during fire bans.
There is nothing worse than planning a camping trip to have a fire ban at the last minute to spoil things.
In our area, if there is a burn ban, we can still use a propane fire pit most of the time.
They are mess-free, smoke-free, and can be started and shut off in seconds. So you don’t have to spend the time pouring buckets of water and stirring up the ashes to put out the fire.
Things to consider when shopping for a camping fire pit
Type of fire pit
Wood burning, propane, ability to cook or grill
Wood burning is nice because you can have family time while gathering firewood. In addition, some people really like the wood smell, the popping sound, and the natural flame.
You can cook a variety of food with a wood fire. But, you will have a smokier fire and more mess with wood. Some of the new modern designs take wood and are clean and smoke-free. Check out the Solo Stove Ranger Outdoor Fire Pit or the Patented Stainless Bonfire Fire Pit.
Propane is quick, clean, and easy. It is also by far the safer option. With so many campgrounds having fire bans, many of the propane camping fire pits are allowed.
Most of these come with a long hose, so your 20-pound propane tank is out of sight, which helps with ambiance. In a matter of minutes, you can have a smokeless hot fire. Then, of course, there is the issue of making sure you don’t run out of propane. You cannot go into the forest and gather fallen propane tanks.
Marshmallows and hot dogs are fine for a propane fire pit, but I would do anything more than that. They can be more portable than you think too. Check out the Outland Living Firebowl.
Size, weight, and portability
Be sure to get the camping fire pit’s dimensions and actual weight (don’t forget to factor in a propane tank if needed). You need to have space in your vehicle for it and not be a burden if it’s too heavy.
Functional for your purposes
Make sure the fire pit is something you will genuinely enjoy and fits your needs on your adventures. Think about how you are going to be using it. Will it work for other situations or just camping?
Price
Obviously, price is a significant factor. You want to get your money’s worth. Get a good quality fire pit that will last you many seasons of camping. You’ll save money in the end.
Get your s’mores on!
We hope this was a helpful post and answered your questions about finding the best camping fire pit for you.
Most of all, we just want you to get out there and explore, spend time in nature with family and friends, and have a wonderful time.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
We just returned from taking my granddaughter camping for one night, and she loved it so much that we are planning our next camping trip. A bigger fire pit is one of the things we have on the list to take along next time. Unfortunately, we only had a small camping cooking stove meant for hiking. So seeing this list of the best camping fire pits will make our selection much easier.
The Bali Outdoors wood-burning fire pit is my favorite, as it can double for cooking and being a campfire. Can you use wood pellets with this fire pit, or is it better to burn logs? Thank you.
Glad you had fun camping with your granddaughter.
The Bali fire pit is designed to burn logs. If you are looking for a pellet-burning fire pit, I recommend the Inno Stage Stainless Bonfire Fire Pit as a solid alternative. Pellets are great because you can toss a bag of pellets in your vehicle and you don’t have to worry about finding wood when you get to your campsite. Logs are also good because they can be plentiful in the forest.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Hey Steve and Kris!
No mess, no fuss – that’s what I love about my Outland Living propane fire pit. I can enjoy all the benefits of a cozy fire without dealing with smoke, sparks, or ashes. Plus, it’s easy to set up and take down, so I can take it wherever I go.
Whether camping in the backwoods or hanging out in my backyard, I know I can rely on my Outland Living propane fire pit to give me a warm, inviting place to gather with friends and family.
Because it runs on propane, I don’t have to worry about running out of wood or dealing with messy charcoal. For me, the Outland Living propane fire pit is the perfect way to enjoy a hassle-free fire anywhere, anytime.
Isaac
So glad you love your fire pit!
This article was very helpful. With what is happening daily, the stress of paying bills, and the usual ups and downs, camping could help reduce all of that. We only live once in this world camping should not be excluded, in my opinion.
I absolutely love camping and one of my favorite things to do is build a fire in the campfire pit. So I’m always on the lookout for the best camping fire pits and I really like the Outland Living Firebowl 870. It is fantastic because it’s propane, so you don’t have to deal with finding, cutting, or bringing firewood with you. It also has a cover and carry kit, so it’s easy to take with you on your camping trips. I highly recommend this fire pit to anyone who loves camping as much as I do!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts ont the Outland Living Firebowl 870. I agree that is a solid option for an outdoor fireplace. However, I would also like to suggest the Outland Firebowl 893, which is a bit smaller and has a few extra features that you might find helpful, like auto-ignition. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
Hi Kris!
My husband and I are off on a cycle touring adventure. We are currently looking for a camp fire to make the journey, I guess, more authentic lol. Definitely keen on lighting a fire. So far we are just loving the UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless Steel Grill. So perfect for us, given that they are super lightweight and fold down to a flat pack. We have a trailer each and saddle bags. The sizing is also perfect for two. What a find! Thank you immensely for your review!
Kind Regards
Shelley
Great, glad to hear you found a fire pit that will work for you.
Hi Kris,
We have been looking for a new fire pit because we wore our last one out. I have my eye on the UCO Flatpack because it looks very portable. I do a lot of backpacking, so I think this would be perfect. Also, I prefer a wood-burning fire pit because I don’t have to pack propane.
Excellent collection and a thorough review with pros and cons included.
Thanks for your article it’s very helpful.
Best Regards,
Rohit
I appreciate your comment. The UCO flatpack is an excellent option for backpacking, that’s for sure. Let me know if you have any questions.