If you love the aura of a campfire but could do without all the work, consider a portable propane fire pit for camping. Starting a campfire is not always an easy task. You must begin with small timbers and work up to larger logs, all while keeping a steady supply of firewood nearby. If it rained the night before and you didn’t keep your firewood covered, you can forget about getting anything to catch.
A portable propane fire pit provides the same features as a real fire, such as warmth and keeping the bugs away, without all the extra work of gathering firewood or escaping the smoke trail. In this article, we’ll review selecting the perfect portable propane fire pit for camping and highlight some of the best fire pits for RV camping.
Are Propane Fire Pits Safe for Camping?
Portable propane fire pits are great for camping because they’re much safer than traditional campfires. We’ve all heard horror stories of people getting impatient and pouring gas on a fire, only to then find themselves on fire. This is all avoided with a propane fire pit.
A propane fire pit is not only safer for you, but it’s also safer for the environment. In some states with particularly long dry months, you may find yourself in a situation where campfires are not allowed, which makes for a boring night at camp. Thankfully, a propane camping fire pit is still allowed during fire bans in most states, so you can still enjoy your favorite pastime without risking the environment’s safety.
Safety Tip: Always check regional fire regulations to ensure you aren’t violating local laws or endangering yourself and others.
What Is the Best Portable Propane Fire Pit for Camping?
Now, let’s look at some of our most popular portable propane camping fire pits.
Venture Forward Portable Outdoor Fire Pit
| Weight (Lbs) | Dimensions (Diameter) | Tank Size (Lbs) | Output (BTUs) |
| 29 | 18.5″ | 20 | 58,000 |
This Venture Forward portable fire pit with a lid is one of the best all-around options for the campsite and backyard. It’s the perfect size, measuring just under 20” in diameter and boasting an impressive output of 58,000 BTUs. The locking cover makes for easy transport, and it uses a standard propane cylinder.
The push-and-turn ignition makes it easy to light, but it’s always smart to have a stick lighter on hand as a backup. In addition to the fire pit, the package includes a propane tank stand, a 10’ regulator hose, and lava rock for added ambiance.
Camco Portable Propane Little Red Campfire
| Weight (Lbs) | Dimensions (Diameter) | Tank Size (Lbs) | Output (BTUs) |
| 16 | 11.25″ | 20 | 65,000 |
If you’re looking for the best portable fire pit with logs, check out the Camco Little Red. It has a very handy dual-purpose cover/handle for easy transport and a manageable weight. It’s one of the most compact portable propane fire pits for camping, making it perfect for storing under an RV without taking up too much storage space.
The 65,000-BTU output supplies plenty of heat on cold camping nights. The 8’ propane hose includes a regulator dial that allows you to control the propane flow and, thus, the flame height. It also comes with realistic-looking logs for that final touch of campfire atmosphere. If you choose this fire pit, make sure you get a few of the best Little Red Campfire accessories.
DestinationGear Portable Propane Fire Pit
| Weight (Lbs) | Dimensions (Diameter) | Tank Size (Lbs) | Output (BTUs) |
| 22 | 19″ | 20 | 58,000 |
Another backyard and campsite favorite is this smokeless fire pit from DestinationGear. It’s on the larger side at 19”, but still very manageable at less than 25 pounds. This pit uses lava rocks instead of logs to create your ideal fire-like environment.
It also features galvanized steel construction with a glossed enamel finish that provides enhanced protection and durability. In addition to the fire pit and lava rocks, it comes with a propane tank stand, a 10’ LP hose, and an adjustable chrome valve knob.
Voyager Portable Fire Pit
| Weight (Lbs) | Dimensions (Diameter) | Tank Size (Lbs) | Output (BTUs) |
| 24 | 15″ | 20 | 54,000 |
This Voyager portable fire pit is the perfect option for those looking for a campsite centerpiece. This steel fire pit with red paint and white pumice stones stands out and will bring a new level of style to the party.
In addition to the sleek style, it’s also very portable and compact, perfect for limited storage space. The legs collapse down into the frame for an ultra-compact footprint. The 8’ hose lets you keep the propane tank a safe distance away.
Portable Propane Fire Pit Buying Guide
Portable fire pits have many uses. Some prefer them in their backyard or when tailgating before their favorite sporting event. Others stick to the more traditional use at the campsite.
No matter your use, you’ll need to consider space, output, tank size, and features to get the correct one for you and your family.
Space
The first choice you’ll have to make when picking out a portable propane fire pit is how much space you have to store it. The larger the fire pit, the more storage space it will require in your RV and the harder it will be to move. However, a larger portable bonfire pit also produces more heat.
Your ideal RV fire pit will be large enough to keep everyone warm and compact enough to leave room for your other RV essentials. Larger families with larger RVs will likely choose a larger fire pit than couples or solo travelers with small campers.
Output & Tank Size
The most common measure of output for a gas appliance is BTU, otherwise known as “British thermal units”. This is used to describe heat output. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the fire pit will produce.
Remember that the more heat the fire pit emits, the more gas it will consume. So, while you might be tempted to choose a propane fire pit with a higher BTU rating, consider whether you have an extra 20-pound cylinder to supply enough propane or whether you’d like a pit that works with smaller LP containers.
Most propane fire pits use a standard 20-lb propane cylinder, which allows you to utilize your onboard propane tanks without worrying about carrying extra fuel. However, you might prefer a pit that uses green disposable cylinders. In that case, you’d need to choose a fire pit compatible with this tank size, either directly or through an adapter.
Features
Some portable propane fire pits have a lid for protection from the elements, others have a carrying case for easy transport, and some models come with a cooking grate and other accessories. Once you’ve narrowed your options based on the pit size, your available space, and your preferred output, these add-on features are often the final factor when comparing similar portable fire pits for camping.
Can You Eat Food Cooked Over a Propane Fire Pit?
Yes, most portable propane fire pits allow you to cook food over them, and you can even roast marshmallows on a propane fire pit. It’s really no different than cooking over a gas grill. However, it’s important to check with the manufacturer of your exact model to see if this is allowed. One possible issue is grease or food debris falling into the pit and causing issues with the flame or ignitor.
How Long Will a 20 Lb Propane Tank Run a Fire Pit?
The run time of a fire pit varies based on several factors, such as heat setting, output, etc. Some can last as little as a few hours on high heat and up to 8-9 hours on a lower setting. If you want a longer run time, consider a lower setting or a larger propane tank.
If you’re tired of dealing with the trouble of starting a fire at the campsite, it’s time to upgrade to one of the best propane fire pits for camping. Make sure to check out some of these other propane articles below.
- What Are Some Warning Signs My RV Propane Regulator Has Gone Bad?
- Tips for Conserving Propane
- How To Estimate How Much Propane You Need in Your RV
Let us know in the comments below if you have a propane fire pit and what you like or dislike about it.
