Nothing finishes off a long day exploring the outdoors like a campfire. Whether you’re singing to old tunes with your friends or toasting marshmallows with your other half, a campfire can be magical. However, to enjoy the experience with peace of mind, you’ll need a portable fire pit for camping.
7 best portable fire pits for camping are:
- Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit
- La Hacienda 58106 Camping Firebowl
- Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace
- UCO Grilliput Flatpack Grill
- Outwell Cazal Fire Pit
- BioLite FirePit
- Höfats Beer Box Fire Pit And BBQ
This list of portable fire pits for camping details some of the best products on the market right now. However, which one you purchase will be determined by your individual needs as a camper. To help you decide which portable camping fire pit is best for you, we dive into all the features below.
Table of Contents
7 Top Portable Fire Pits For Camping
1. Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit
Upon first glance, it is easy to see why the Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit has become a favorite among campers. It packs down flat, making it easy to transport, and is uncomplicated to unfold once you arrive at your destination.
Leave No Trace
This camping fire pit can be used with either charcoal or wood and is ideal for open-flame cooking. After all, no camping trip is complete without a grilled steak in the evening! There is an integrated base that protects the ground from embers, meaning you can abide by camping etiquette and truly leave no trace.
Long-Lasting
The Primus Kamoto is made from highly durable materials such as stainless and powder-coated steel. This means that it will become a treasured camping companion that you are likely to use for years. There are two different sizes of this portable fire pit available so you can choose what is most suitable for you depending on the usual size of your camping party.
PROS:
- Compact when stowed
- Usable with either charcoal or wood
- Different sizes available
CONS:
- Sharp edges
- Slightly too heavy for hikers
2. La Hacienda 58106 Camping Firebowl
Appearance isn’t the most important factor when considering what portable fire pit to buy. However, there is no denying that an aesthetically pleasing fire pit does bring an element of sophistication to camping! Made from black steel, La Hacienda uses a bowl-shaped design with a mesh lid.
BBQ Grill
The mesh lid helps to protect campers from sparks and makes it easier to leave your camp spot as pristine as when you found it. As well as acting as a normal campfire, La Hacienda also comes with a BBQ grill, meaning you can enjoy a delicious feast while you sit under the stars. It is highly portable, with easy to fold legs and its own carry bag.
Limited Capacity
The main downside of this portable fit pit is that it doesn’t allow for much fuel. The width of the product is advertised as 56 cm, but some users say that this includes the legs when extended so it is actually a little smaller. This fire pit for camping would best suit couples and probably isn’t ideal for large groups.
PROS:
- Stylish and chic
- Legs easily fold away
- Easy to assemble
CONS:
- Small capacity
- Grill isn’t close-fitting enough
3. Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace
This fire pit is an example of Japanese brand Snow Peak delivering exactly what the consumer is searching for. The Pack & Carry Fireplace folds flat for convenient transportation and comes with a nylon carry case.
Lightweight
If weight is your main consideration when choosing your fire pit for camping, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace. Coming in three sizes – small, medium, and large – the tiniest of these clocks in at just 1.8kg! This makes it ideal for those mixing hiking and camping on their trips.
Customizable
Although as standard your purchase will include the unit and case, it is easy to buy add-ons for this fire pit so you can customize it to really meet your needs. There are a number of accessories available, including a base plate, base plate stand, and grill bridge.
PROS:
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Different sizes available
CONS:
- Expensive with add-ons
4. UCO Grilliput Flatpack Grill
This free-standing portable grill and fire pit is ideal for the campsite, beach, or even the garden! When it is packed down, it compresses so small that you would have no idea you were even carrying a fire pit. Although this makes it ideal to transport, this naturally means that it can’t support a huge pile of fuel.
Practical
The compact design is easy to assemble and will take the initiated just 30 seconds to get up and running! The UCO Grilliput Flatpack Grill is made from high-quality stainless steel. The design of this portable fire pit fulfills its purpose perfectly and keeps the flames contained, with the sides acting as a wind break in breezy conditions.
Convenience
Although the main function of your portable fire pit should be keeping the fire contained, the second most important factor should be convenience. Those out on family trips will be relieved to know that this camping fire pit is dishwasher safe, making it as easy to clean as it is to assemble.
PROS:
- Dishwasher safe
- Quick setup
CONS:
- Produces a lot of smoke
- Limited fuel capacity
5. Outwell Cazal Fire Pit
Another popular choice is the Outwell Cazal Fire Pit. For the price, a lot is included in the bundle. You get the unit, a poker, and a mesh lid as standard. This makes it a great option for campers on a budget.
Keeps Campers Warm
The bowl-shaped design means that the Outwell Cazal kicks out a good level of heat, keeping your family warm on those fireside evenings. This fire basket also comes with a griddle, making it suitable for cooking.
Fire Stays Contained
The fold-away legs make this a great portable option while at the same time still being easy to assemble once you arrive at your campsite. The legs are taller than some of the alternatives, so the bowl sits a decent level off of the ground. This, combined with the mesh guard, contains campfire sparks very effectively.
PROS:
- Highly portable
- Comes with poker
- Affordable
CONS:
- May not be as reliable as the competition
6. BioLite FirePit+
The BioLite FirePit+ has long been a favorite among campers but the latest version (released in 2021) is even better. Its main selling point is that it claims to be a ‘smokeless’ fire pit, something all campers know is a bold claim.
Smokeless
The mesh walls of the BioLite FirePit+ largely succeed in their function to block out the wind. This, combined with the four-speed fan system feeding oxygen to the fire, keeps the flames hot and produces less smoke. Although the term smokeless is a bit of a stretch, it certainly keeps the fumes to a minimum when compared to other fire pits for camping.
Better For Groups
The size of this portable fire pit and the amount of heat that it emits makes it perfect for larger groups of campers. Despite it being large enough to hold an ample size fire, the legs fold up to compress it, also making it convenient to stow and transport.
Built-In USB Charger
Perhaps the coolest thing about the BioLite FirePit+ is the built-in USB charging port for your devices. This sits on the side next to the light-up battery indicator. Just remember that you will need to keep this neat piece of kit charged to get the most out of it.
PROS:
- USB charging
- Ideal for larger camp parties
- Less smoke
CONS:
- Expensive
- Requires charging
7. Höfats Beer Box Fire Pit And BBQ
For many, it is the ultimate pairing. Devouring freshly cooked meat from the BBQ and cracking open a cold beer. The Höfats Beer Box Fire Pit And BBQ really does offer campers the best of both worlds while still delivering on everything that a fire pit should.
Multi-Purpose
This product is incredibly versatile, acting as a fire container, stool, grill, and beer crate all at the same time! However, bear in mind that you’ll need to purchase an additional grill plate and board for the cooking and stool functions. If you’re heading out on a camping trip with your mates, none of the other products on our list are guaranteed to impress like this one!
Great For Beer Lovers
The Höfats Beer Box has the capacity for 24 standard-sized beer bottles which makes transporting the essentials easy. There is even a bottle opener integrated into the unit! Once the box has been emptied of beer, pack the space with logs and get toasting those marshmallows!
PROS:
- Great for beer lovers
- Multi-functional
CONS:
- A little expensive
- Need to buy extras (pokers, grill plates etc.) separately
Final Thoughts
By investing in a portable fire pit for camping, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your fire is contained. Many come with cooking functions so you can slap something tasty on the grill too. While there are a lot of products on the market, making the right choice doesn’t have to be confusing. The best choice is the Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit.
The main considerations when purchasing a portable fire pit for camping are weight, price, and practicality. After all, you don’t want to invest in a fire pit that doesn’t do its job properly! Regardless of the model you choose, a portable fire pit will be the icing on the cake for any camping trip.