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10 Best Camping Fire Pits
Having a campfire is a part of camping. Camping fire pits can allow you to have a fire without exposing hot coals to the ground. It has to be said camping without a campfire, is kind of like having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, without the peanut butter.
It’s just not the same. So, it can be very frustrating to get to your campground, only to discover that there are no fire rings, or they are in disrepair and unusable. To add to the frustration, many places have laws that prohibit open burning (for good reason). That means a traditional log fire, without a ring, or pit, is out of the question. We want everyone to enjoy their camping trips and their campfires, that’s why we’ve reviewed the 10 best camping fire pits, for you.
Rootless Large Portable Outdoor Fire Pit
This fire pit looks a little different than you’d expect, but its innovative design allows it to be folded and stored easily. Four sturdy legs support the steel mesh screen, keeping your campfire away from the ground, this is great when camping during the dry season, or the rainy seasons.
It can support plenty of wood and it is easy to clean. The ash does not compact into the mesh, or fall through onto the ground. Cleaning is as easy as dumping the pit and brushing, or wiping it off. Storage is easy too, simply collapse the fire pit and place it into its carrying bag.
Rootless folding camping fire pit
Dimensions – Assembled 22” (L) x 22” (W) x 12.6” (H) – Folded 25.6” (L) x 2.5” (W) x 2.5” (H)
Weight – 2.25 Lbs
Materials – Anti Heating Stainless Steel
Fuel Source – Wood
Pros:
Rust Resistant
Fold-able
Easy to Clean
Sturdy
Cons:
Fire is very exposed
Could be knocked over
Landmann 28312 Big Sky Steel Fire Ring
This fire pit adds a decorative touch and a nice ambient glow. It has wildlife cutouts along the ring, that serve to allow more oxygen into the fire, while providing a nice view. The ring is sturdy and can be taken apart after use and stored back in its box, or in another storage container.
You can also lay a grate over this fire pit, for grilling. It’s 28 inch diameter provides enough space for a decent sized fire, but you could also join two of these together to create a 56 inch ring, for an even larger campfire. The sides of the ring are about 10 inches high, which allows a good amount of wood to be stacked in it.
Landmann big sky camping fire pit
Dimensions – 28’’ (D) x 10’’ (H)
Weight – 5.7 Lbs
Materials – Steel
Fuel Source – Wood
Pros:
Comes apart for storage
Decorative Design
Can be used to grill
High Sides
Cons:
Will Rust
Need tools to assemble/disassemble
Outland Firebowl 823
The Outland Firebowl offers a realistic campfire experience, without the mess, or smoke of an actual fire. It is propane fueled and features a 10 ft. hose, allowing you to keep your propane tank out of sight and safely away from the fire.
It also includes lava rocks, which can be placed inside the pit to add to the realism, as the flames dance around them. You could place a grate over this fire pit for grilling, or roast over fire on a stick, or spit. A natural gas adapter, cover and carry kit and a carrying bag can be purchased separately for this fire pit.
Dimensions – 19” (L) x 19” (W) x 11” (H)
Weight – 22 Lbs
Output – 58,000 BTU/HR.
Materials – Enamel Coated Steel
Fuel Source – 20 Lb Propane Tank, or Natural Gas
Pros:
No smoke, or mess
Realistic campfire experience
Can be grilled on
Durable
Cons:
Heavy
Accessories sold separately
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Fire Pit
This little fire pit is anything, except basic. It has a simple, attractive design and it comes with everything you need to enjoy a small campfire. It features dual grates for easy grilling and a mesh lid to keep sparks contained, while allowing a full view of the fire.
This camping fire pit is easy to assemble, it requires no tools and it also comes with a fire tool. Clean up is easy, just remove the grates and dump the cold ashes and leftover wood. When you’re done using this fire pit, fold the legs and slide it into its carrying bag, for easy storage.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Fire Pit
Dimensions – 26.3” (D) x 16.5” (H)
Weight – 11.2 pounds
Materials – Painted, Heat Resistant Steel
Fuel Source – Wood, Pellets or charcoal
Pros:
Fold-able
Includes everything you need
Mesh lid to contain fire
Dual racks
Cons:
Paint may chip
Landmann 28345 Big Sky Stars and Moons Fire Pit
This fire pit has something unique to offer. It has cutouts around the pit, that are visually appealing and serve as vents for the fire. The Sky, Stars and Moons fire pit also comes with a grilling rack, as well as a mesh lid, to keep hot sparks contained, without obstructing the view of the fire, or food you may be grilling.
It does not fold down, but it does have a sturdy carrying handle that encircles the entire fire pit. The carrying handle can also double as a foot rest. The steel body of this fire pit is finished in Georgia clay, to prevent premature rusting, it is recommended to clear coat this fire pit with a high temp spray paint.
Landmann Big Sky camping Fire Pit
Dimensions – 29.5” (L) x 29.5” (W) x 23” (H)
Weight – 28.5 Lbs
Materials – Georgia Clay Finished Steel
Fuel Source – Wood, Charcoal, or Pellets
Pros:
Appealing Design
Sturdy Carrying Handle
Includes Grill Grate
Cons:
Rusts quickly if not treated
Not collapsible
Camp Chef Propane Compact Fire Ring
The Camp Chef propane fire ring offers the look of a traditional style fire, without the wood, or thick smoke. The flame is controlled, so you can get closer to the fire, without fear of the flames jumping higher, or hot ashes flying from logs. It consists of a high pressure plate and the ring, which separate for easy clean up.
This fire ring is smaller than some of the others on our list, but it gives off just as much heat. It is perfect for roasting marshmallows, or hot dogs and warming up. The included lava rocks allow the flames to dance and crackle, giving the illusion of a wood fire. It comes with a 5 ft. hose, regulator, 12 lb. bag of lava rock, 2 roasting sticks and a carrying bag.
Dimensions – 15” (D) x 6.5” (H)
Weight – 23 Lbs
Output – 50,000 BTU/Hr
Materials – Steel
Fuel – 20 Lb Propane Tank
Pros:
Usable during most fire bans
Controlled fire, needs no water to extinguish
Realistic
Cons:
Heavy
Lava rocks need to be cured
Pop-Up Fire Pit
This camping fire pit doesn’t look like much at first, but its heat shield technology allows it to be used on grass, asphalt, or wooden decks without damage. It folds down and pops up in less than a minute and it only takes 90 seconds to cool down enough to store. It is small and compact, but don’t let its small size fool you.
The pop up has a large enough pit and is sturdy enough to burn full sized logs and it can be used with a grill rack. It is also rust proof, so you won’t have to worry if it gets left out in the rain. This camping fire pit is also US Forest Service and B.L.M fire pan approved, so this fire pit is allowed in all campgrounds and you can use it without worry. It collapses and stores in its own carry bag.
Dimensions – 24” (L) x 24” (W) x 15” (H)
Weight – 7.25 Lbs
Materials – Stainless Steel
Fuel Source – Wood
Pros:
Holds up to 125 Lbs of wood
Clean Burns
Heat shield protects surface under fire pit
Cons:
Sappy woods compromise the heat shield ( Not recommended for use with wood such as ‘Fat Wood’)
Camco Portable Propane Outdoor Campfire
This propane fire pit has a simple, low profile design. However, the lack of bulk isn’t a bad thing. It has decorative cut outs along the ring, that cast an eye catching glow, while offering a conversation point.
Sturdy folding legs allow this fire pit to be collapsed and stored in its included tote bag. It has an 8 ft. hose, with regulator, that allows you to keep your propane tank a safe distance from your campfire. The included lava rocks give a realistic look to the fire, while helping to radiate heat.
Camco Portable Propane Camping Fire Pit
Dimensions – 16.3” (D) x 8” (H)
Weight – 21 Lbs.
Output – 65,000 BTU/Hr
Materials – Powder Coated Steel
Fuel Source – Propane
Pros:
Fold-able
Fire glass can be used, instead of lava rocks
Adjustable Flame
Cons:
Small
Not as much heat as a wood fire
Global Outdoors Portable Fire Pit
This fire pit has a lid that can also be used as a grill surface, so you won’t have to worry about bringing a grill grate along too. It assembles and collapses quickly, with no tools required. Once assembled, the fire is completely enclosed by the mesh sides and lid, ensuring no hot embers make their way to the sitting area. Once folded, it is compact and is similar in size to a small briefcase.
Dimensions – 19.1” (L) x 19.2” (W) x 30.8” (H)
Weight – 23.8 Lbs
Material – Steel
Fuel Source – Wood
Pros:
Large Wood Capacity
Easy to Clean
Top Doubles as a Grill
No Tools Required
Cons:
Heavy
May Rust
HY-C FG-16 Flame Genie
The flame genie offers the best of both worlds, so to speak. Like a wood fire, It offers warmth, interesting fire patterns and a cozy feeling. Like a propane fire, it has low odor, low smoke and you won’t have a lot of ash to clean up. The flame genie uses an innovative design and burns wood pellets, while implementing a gravitational afterburner system to maximize the use of your pellets.
Dimensions – 13.5” (D) x 12.5” (H)
Weight – 13.5 Lbs.
Materials – Galvanized Steel
Fuel Source – Wood Pellets
Pros:
Minimal Ash
Burns Clean
Lightweight
Cons:
Small
Our Top Picks
Overall, each of these fire pits is good at what it does and that’s why they made our list. However, each one is also a little different than the others, so depending on your needs, one may work better than you for the rest. Our favorite wood fueled fire pit is the Pop Up Fire Pit, its large burning surface and heat shield make it a great addition to any camping trip and it won’t leave scorch marks, or damage the grass.
For propane fueled fire pits, the Outland Firebowl 823 stole the show, in our opinion. Propane fire pits tend to be small, and unlike their wood fueled counterparts, there’s not much you can do to make them bigger. The Outland Firebowl 823 is large enough to sit around and enjoy, for us, that makes it a great choice. Want more opportunities to cook barbecues when camping? Why not check out our article of best camping barbecues here.
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