8 Best Camping Fire Pits Reviewed & Buying Guide

Camping isn’t complete without a fire.

However, not all campsites, particularly those off the usual road, come equipped with fire pits. But you already know that, which is why you’re looking for a new fire pit to take on your next camping trip. 

There are a variety of solutions available today that will suffice, but it’s vital to consider a few factors before making a final decision.

• Size. Do you need a fire pit to keep a small party warm or a large group warm? If the latter is the case, you’ll want to go for something a little bigger. Fire pits, thankfully, come in a variety of designs and sizes. 
• Cooking. Do you intend to cook in your lovely new fire pit over an open flame? Check to see whether your fire pit can handle it and if it comes with any cooking gear. 

We hope you’ll be impressed with some of the best fire pits on the market right now. 

Types of Fire Pits to Consider

Propane and wood are the two most common fuel sources for fire pits. Gas-powered pits are simple to connect to a propane tank via a pre-attached hose and turn on and off, so there’s no need to wait for your fire to burn out or find water to douse it when it’s time to retire for the night.

A normal propane tank can weigh up to 20 pounds, but you won’t have to lug around any firewood bundles. Propane pits also allow you to light a fire even if burn bans are in effect in your region (but you should still check for fire regulations where you plan to use one).

In addition, propane fire pits produce less heat than a huge wood-burning fire pit. 

Many firms claim that their wood and propane pits would reduce smoke, so you won’t have to keep moving your chair around the pit as the breeze shifts. And if you’re not a fan of smelling like a campfire, it means less of the smokey odor that generally lingers for days on your clothes and hair.

Easy to bring pits to come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some resemble classic non-portable fire pits but are lighter, while others feature folding legs and carry bags. For backpackers or serious campers who need to keep their flames off the ground, options like the UCO Flatpack fold flat.

Furthermore, some pits contain more practical amenities for cooking and grilling, like cooking grates. If you want to barbeque with charcoal, BioLite can accommodate that as well. When reviewing the alternatives below, keep in mind how you intend to use your fire pit.

8 of the best fire pits for camping.

UCO Flatpack

Dimensions: 13.5 in. long, 11 in. tall (when packed) | Weight: 3.2 lb. | Fuel: Wood, charcoal

The Flatpack may pass for a laptop in its elegant canvas carrying cover. When folded down, it’s that little. The Flatpack is strong with legs deployed, despite being the smallest of the full fore pits we examined.

Keep in mind that the stainless-steel body can only sustain 10 pounds of wood or charcoal due to its thinness. This also implies that if you start a fire with small wood, you’ll have to keep an eye on it because you can’t pile large logs on top of it.

For the size of the pit, the load rests rather high off the ground, so it’s better to maintain it on flat, even surfaces. 

Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit

• Fuel Type: Wood
• Weight : 8lbs / 3.6kg

The Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit began as a Kickstart project and has now grown to become one of the most popular fire pits available.

This lightweight, portable, and robust fire pit, which is now carried by REI and other major camping gear retail stores, has a lot to offer.

To begin with, it has a simple yet effective design that all fits into a convenient carrying case.

After that, there’s the set-up. The manufacturer claims a startup time of 60 seconds. It only takes 90 seconds to cool down and then take down and pack away your fire after it has been extinguished.

Even if you’re doing some cooking on it, this fire pit can hold 125 pounds of weight, which is more than plenty. The heat shield on the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit has inconsistencies in quality. However, the manufacturer has upgraded the product and is sending replacement shields to campers who have had this problem. 

SuchDeco Portable Fire Pit

• Fuel Type: Wood
• Weight : 2.1lbs / 0.9kg

The SuchDeco Portable Fire Pit is a terrific budget-friendly solution for the camper who needs an ultra-portable fire pit. It safely lets you and a small group enjoy a lovely bonfire.

At first glance, the fire pit, which is made of stainless steel and heat-resistant mesh, resembles a camping chair. It has an 11-pound capacity, which is sufficient for a couple of pieces of quality, dry wood.

It’s important not to put too much weight on the mesh table, as this could harm it.

You won’t have any problems with air circulation because it’s wide open. However, be cautious on windy nights because embers have a tendency to blow off the edge. 

If portability and weight are important to you, the SuchDeco Portable Fire Pit is a great option.

Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe

• Fuel Type: Wood
• Weight : 2lbs / 0.9kg

The Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe is a well-engineered fire pit that’s as portable as it is handy. Place it on the beach, on a picnic table, or on your uneven campground. 

Assembly and packing up is a breeze after a few practice rounds since this fire pit is made of strong stainless steel and comes in two sections. Even better, the base bends into a scoop for quick ash removal after a fire, which should be buried. 

The real magic of this fire pit, though, is the way it’s designed for maximum airflow, which is essential for any campfire. The windshield on the device also keeps embers and ash from blowing out of the fire pit. 

Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit

• Fuel Type: Wood
• Weight : 20lbs / 9kg

The Solo Stove Bonfire Pit is a superbly crafted fire pit that allows you to burn strong, long-lasting fires while substantially reducing smoke. It was designed with the luxury camper in mind. 

This stainless steel fire pit is only 20 pounds, so it’s still rather portable. However, it’s clearly intended for backyard campfires and car campers with plenty of space and cash.

The precision base plate is the key to this fire pit’s success, as it permits ample of oxygen to keep the fire alive. The vent holes at the top of the pit aid in full combustion, reducing smoke. You won’t have to move with the breeze to avoid smelling like a blaze as a result.

When it comes to drawbacks, only one stands out: the price. The cost of this Solo fire pit is more than three times that of a typical fire pit. 

BioLite Fire Pit

• Fuel Type : Wood / Charcoal
• Weight : 20lbs / 9kg

The BioLite Fire Pit is a tech-savvy fire pit that’s the right size for intimate campfires or cooking hibachi-style dinners. It’s a one-of-a-kind product that leans on its revolutionary features.

For starters, it can hold four regular firewood logs. After lighting it, rely on the proprietary airflow technology of the brand, which is powered by a 10,400mAh battery. That’ll keep the fire running for another 24 hours.

That powerpack allows you to manage the fire’s heat either directly on the fire pit or via Bluetooth using the BioLite Energy App.

AmazonBasic Portable Fire Pit

• Fuel Type : Wood / Propane
• Weight : 12lbs / 5.4kg

With the AmazonBasic Portable Fire Pit, Amazon continues its entry into branded camping and outdoor gear.

This is an excellent illustration of what a basic fire pit should look like, with its circular form and mesh grate cover. It’s light enough to go to the beach or camping, weighing only 12 pounds. The grate cover is a useful safety element that allows you to enjoy a fire even if your campsite has severe fire regulations.

We wouldn’t expect perfection from AmazonBasics because it’s a budget firepit. For entry-level, casual campers, though, it should be enough.

Camp Chef Sequoia Fire Pit

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Weight : 24lbs / 10.8kg

The Sequoia Fire Pit, the only propane-powered fire pit on this list, is built for the camper who wants convenience and is willing to spend a little additional money on propane.

This fire pit contains a robust foundation, high-pressure burner, lava rock, and two roasting sticks for preparing marshmallows or hotdogs and is designed for RV campers who may have fire restrictions in their park.

Obviously, the drawback is having to buy propane for each journey. You don’t want to run out in the middle of a camping vacation, so be sure you have plenty.

However, the quality and simplicity of the Sequoia Fire Pit make it well worth the money.

Why Do I Need A Fire Pit for Camping?

Let’s get one thing straight: no camper requires a fire pit; you can camp without one just fine. However, there are numerous reasons why you would desire one, and a fire pit is a must if you want to have a rustic, classic camping experience.

Using this type of equipment will help you to construct a proper fire without the inconvenience of having to start from scratch. Furthermore, a roaring fire gives your campsite a much more authentic sense, but it is safely contained inside the fire pit, which is ideal if you have little campers.

Furthermore, many people are unaware that sitting near a fire might be helpful to one’s health. Being in the presence of a fire has been demonstrated to reduce blood pressure in studies!

Camping is already a calming and delightful experience, but add this health advantage to the mix, and you’ve got a winning formula!

In the spirit of recipes, your camping fire pit will also serve as an excellent cooking surface. There are gas stoves that will do the work (our guide to the best camping stoves is a terrific read! ), but nothing beats meals cooked over an open fire for flavor and comfort.

We could go on, but even with just these few benefits, it’s easy to see how a camping fire pit could help you on your next excursion. Let’s take a look at some of the best with that in mind.

Benefits Of A Fire Pit Over Traditional Fire

Although a fire pit is not required, it can add to the enjoyment of your trip.

Using a fire pit eliminates the need to start a fire from scratch. You must consider all areas of safety.

It’s wonderfully relaxing to sit around a fire pit and watch the flames dance. They’re also a terrific way to cook; you can use your gas stove, but nothing beats the flavor of food cooked over an open fire.

Portability

When looking for a camping fire pit, one of the most crucial factors to consider is how easy it will be to travel. You should also consider how you intend to use it. For example, if you plan on staying in one place for two weeks, a larger fire pit may be more beneficial.

If, on the other hand, you plan on hiking and camping in a new location every night, portability is critical. You should seek a lightweight, collapsible camping fire pit. Some fire pits come with a carrying bag, while others fold up so little that they may fit in your pocket.

We wrote an article about having a fire pit on grass that you should read. 

Assembly

When you arrive at your campsite, the last thing you want to do is fiddle with complicated equipment. Some of the best camping fire pits come with an easy-to-assemble design that takes only a few minutes to complete. It’s also crucial to consider whether you’ll need any particular tools or equipment to erect the fire pit.

Materials

Because the fire pit will be exposed to tremendous heat, it must be made of durable materials that will not deform from the flames. In a nutshell, the fire pit should be composed of metal, although the sort of metal used will vary depending on the product.

• Iron has a highly strong design that is unbeatable in terms of durability. However, because it is significantly heavier, it may not be appropriate for campers who spend a lot of time moving between sites.
• Steel is significantly lighter and more portable, making it excellent for individuals on the road. While this is a tough metal, it pales in comparison to iron in terms of toughness.

You might also want to look for features like powder coating, which adds an extra layer of toughness and protection to the material. Furthermore, galvanized metal has a far longer lifespan and is extremely resistant to moisture and rust.

To Grill Or Not To Grill

For the most part, the campfire will be used to cook. However, this isn’t true for everyone. If you want to cook over an open fire, it’s best to seek one that comes with a grill or at least the possibility to install one.

If you only want to utilize the fire pit for heat, though, an open design might be better.

Airflow

To get your flames to get hot and bright, you’ll need a lot of airflows. Your fire will continue burning out and a lot of smoke will fly in your face if your fire pit doesn’t let in enough oxygen.

Your fire pit’s foundation should be mesh or have some holes to allow air to pass through. There’s a chance that hot ashes will fall through larger holes, burning the ground beneath them.

So, while mesh may be more effective in the short term, it will need to be replaced after a few journeys since it will begin to burn through.

Fuel Source

There are a variety of fuel sources available for portable fire pits, including wood, charcoal, gas, and ethanol. Because we at Queensland Camping believe that nothing surpasses a real wood campfire, all of the portable fire pits in this guide are powered by wood (or charcoal).

However, if you have a different idea in mind, we’ve outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel source below.

1. Wood

For lighting a portable fire pit – or any form of fire pit, for that matter – wood is one of the most preferred fuel sources. With a strong heat, a delightful crackling sound, and those gorgeous darting amber flames, wood creates a lovely atmosphere. In comparison to other fuel sources, a fire pit made of wood is relatively cheaply priced.

The disadvantage of a wood-fueled campfire is that it is more difficult to start and extinguish, though I believe many campers would agree that this is half the charm.

2. Charcoal

​​In general, charcoal is a safer fuel source than wood because it does not produce the same amount of sparks and burning debris. When it’s windy, charcoal is unquestionably the better choice. Furthermore, charcoal is easier to start and maintain than wood.

Charcoal is also less smokey than wood fires, which is beneficial for both individuals sitting around the fire and those cooking food.

On the other hand, charcoal has a lesser heat content than wood, which can burn for hours. Also, dealing with charcoal is much messier since it leaves black powdered dust everywhere it comes into touch.

3. Gas

One of the key advantages of a gas campfire over a wood fire pit is that it is much easier to set up and put out. However, running a gas fire pit is more expensive than running a wood fire pit, and it’s another thing to lug about while camping.

Furthermore, gas does not appear to produce the same amount of heat as a wood fire and therefore is not suitable for cooking. If not utilized properly, they can potentially be harmful.

4. Ethanol

Another fuel source for portable campfires is ethanol, often known as biofuel. This form of fuel, which is made entirely of alcohol, is much safer than wood or gas, and it burns cleanly without producing smoke or disagreeable odors.

The disadvantage of ethanol fuel is that it is more expensive than wood or gas, and it does not produce a lot of heat, making it unsuitable for camp cooking.

Efficiency

Another factor to consider is the design of the fire pit to ensure that the fire burns efficiently. Some fire pits are simple and lack any genuine efficiency characteristics.

Look for features like high sides to aid with windy weather, air vents, air holes to help with a more efficient burn, and fire pits made of thick metal to better conduct and retain heat for a fire that burns effectively.

Ash Tray and Clean Up

When a fire burns, ash is produced. So, where does the ash go? That’s an excellent question. Is it going to fall to the ground and make a large mess, or is it going to stay in the fire pit and choke up the burning area?

The best portable fire pits will feature an ashtray or other mechanism to catch the ash as it burns. Rather than shoveling the ash once the fire has been extinguished, this helps you dispose of it quickly.

Safety and Ground Protection

Finally, you want a fire pit that is safe to use and will not pollute the environment. You don’t want a fire pit that leaves the earth black and burnt, nor do you want to be worried that the flames will escape while you’re using it.

All good portable fire pits are designed with the fire sitting off the ground to ensure ground protection. Also, seek ones with high sides so that the fire can be contained and the wood doesn’t fall out. Investing in a heat shield for the fire pit is also a good idea.

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