Our top camping fire pit picks
| Model | Fuel Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit | Wood | 8lbs / 3.6kg |
| SuchDeco | Wood | 2.1lbs / 0.9kg |
| Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe | Wood | 2lbs / 0.9kg |
| Solo Stove Bonfire | Wood | 20lbs / 9kg |
| BioLite | Wood / Charcoal | 20lbs / 9kg |
| AmazonBasic | Wood / Propane | 12lbs / 5.4kg |
| Camp Chef Sequoia | Propane | 24lbs / 10.8kg |
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit
- Fuel Type : Wood
- Weight : 8lbs / 3.6kg
The Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit started as a Kickstarter campaign and exploded into one of the most popular fire pits on the market. Now sold by REI and other major camping gear retail chains, there is plenty to like about this lightweight, portable and durable fire pit.
First, it’s such a simple, but smart design, all of which fits into a nice carrying case. Then, there’s the setup. The manufacturer promises a 60-second startup time. Once your fire is extinguished, it only takes 90 seconds to cool down and then to take down and pack back up.
This fire pit can hold 125lbs of weight, which is more than enough, even if you’re doing some cooking on it. The heat shield on the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Pit has inconsistent quality problems, but the manufacturer has improved the product and has sent replacement shields to campers who have experienced that issue.
What we like
- Lightweight. For a fire pit, 8lbs is extremely lightweight.
- Large. This is a perfect fire pit for a family or group of friends who camp often.
- Rust-proof. This fire pit should last you several years, even with heavy use.
What we don't like
- Heat shield quality. Stitching on the heat shield is inconsistent.
SuchDeco
- Fuel Type : Wood
- Weight : 2.1lbs / 0.9kg
Designed for the camper who wants an ultra-portable fire pit, the SuchDeco Portable Fire Pit is also a great budget-friendly option that safely allows you and a small group to enjoy a lovely campfire.
Made of stainless steel and heat-resistant mesh, this fire pit looks more like a camping chair at first glance. It has a capacity of 11lbs, which is enough weight for a few pieces of nice, dry wood.
Be careful not to overdo it on weight, because it could damage the mesh table.
Because it’s wide open, you have no issues with air circulation. But because of this, be careful on windy nights, as embers have an opportunity to blow off the side.
If portability and weight is your main concern, don’t hesitate to check out the SuchDeco Portable Fire Pit.
What we like
- Ultra-portable. Great for backpacking or motorcycle campers who are on-the-go.
- Lightweight. At 2.1lbs, there isn’t a fire pit on the market that’s lighter.
- Budget-friendly. You can afford to buy a couple of these fire pits as gifts for your camping friends.
What we don't like
- Durability. Ash can fall through the mesh setting, but that’s not consistent.
Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe
- Fuel Type : Wood
- Weight : 2lbs / 0.9kg
Place it on the beach, a picnic table, or your uneven campground, the Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe is a well-engineered fire pit that’s as portable as it is useful.
Made of tough stainless steel, this fire pit comes in two pieces, making setup and packing it away pretty easy after a few practice rounds. Even better, the base bends into a scoop that allows for easy cleanup of ashes, which should be buried after a fire.
The real magic of this fire pit, though, is how it’s engineered for optimal airflow, which is critical with any campfire. The product’s windshield also prevents any embers or ash from flying out of the pit.
As one camper said about this Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe; it’s just plain awesome.
What we like
- Ultra-portable. There are two pieces to this fire pit, and they fold up quite nicely.
- Wind shield. The frame is designed for optimal air circulation, but also safety.
- Company guarantee. If anything fails in the first year, the company promises to replace the part, no questions asked.
What we don't like
- A little expensive for the size of the fire pit.
Solo Stove Bonfire
- Fuel Type : Wood
- Weight : 20lbs / 9kg
Designed with the luxury camper in mind, the Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit is a beautifully engineered fire pit that allows you to burn strong, long-lasting fires, while drastically cutting down on smoke in the process.
This stainless-steel fire pit weighs in at 20lbs, which is still relatively portable. But it’s certainly designed for backyard campfires and for car campers who have the luxury of space and money.
The secret to this fire pit is the precision base plate, which allows plenty of oxygen to keep the fire burning. Vent holes at the top of the pit help create complete combustion, which cuts down on smoke. As a result, you won’t have to move around with the wind to avoid smelling like a campfire.
When it comes to cons, there is only one; the price. This Solo fire pit costs more than three times the cost of average fire pits.
What we like
- More flame, less smoke. This fire pit is beautifully engineered to nearly eliminate nearly all smoke from the fire.
- Innovative ash pan. Ash falls from the fire into a pan, which is located in a spot that doesn’t block airflow, allowing the fire to keep burning strongly.
What we don't like
- Expensive. This is a luxury camping product that will set your wallet back.
BioLite
- Fuel Type : Wood / Charcoal
- Weight : 20lbs / 9kg
A tech-savvy fire pit that’s the perfect size of intimate campfires or for cooking hibachi-style meals on, the BioLite Fire Pit is certainly a unique product that leans on its innovative features.
First, it can handle about four standard firewood logs. After lighting it, rely on the brand’s patented airflow technology that’s powered via a 10,400mAh power pack. That’s enough juice to keep the fire going for 24 hours.
That powerpack lets you control the heat of the fire, either on the fire pit itself or via Bluetooth through the BioLite Energy App.
Rust could appear on the BioLite Fire Pits after a few months of use. The manufacturer recommends wiping out the pit after each use to prevent that from happening.
What we like
- Tech-savvy solution. The fire pit includes a rechargeable powerpack that keeps your fire burning evenly.
- Great for grilling. It includes a grill grate for when you want to switch from wood to charcoal for hibachi-style meals.
- See-through design. It’s kind of relaxing to watch the embers burn through the x-ray mesh container.
What we don't like
- Rust. Rust can appear about six months of use.
AmazonBasics
- Fuel Type : Wood / Propane
- Weight : 12lbs / 5.4kg
Amazon continues its foray into its branded camping and outdoor gear with its AmazonBasic Portable Fire Pit.
With its circular design and mesh grate cover, this is a great example of what a basic fire pit should look like. At 12lbs, it’s certainly light enough to take to the beach or campsite. The grate cover is a nice safety feature that helps you enjoy a fire, even at campsites with restrictive fire rules.
AmazonBasics falls into the budget category for firepits, so we wouldn’t expect perfection. It should get the job done, though, for entry-level, casual campers.
What we like
- Easy assembly. No tools required during setup.
- Good size. At 26-inches, this is plenty big for a large fire.
What we don't like
- Loose screws. Make sure your screws are tightened before and after use.
Camp Chef Sequoia
- Fuel Type : Propane
- Weight : 24lbs / 10.8kg
The only propane-powered fire pit on this list, the Sequoia Fire Pit is designed for the camper looking for convenience and who doesn’t mind spending some extra money on propane.
Designed for RV campers who may have fire restrictions in their park, this fire pit includes a sturdy base, high-pressure burner, lava rock, and two roasting sticks for making marshmallows or hotdogs.
Obviously, the downside is purchasing propane for each trip. Make sure you have enough because you don’t want to run out in the middle of a camping trip.
But the quality and convenience of this Sequoia Fire Pit certainly make it worth the price.
What we like
- Gas-powered. Propane costs extra, but you can start a fire in no time. Also, no wood required.
- Nice design. The evergreen trees cut out on the side of the base is a nice touch.
- No smoke. No wood means no smoke.
What we don't like
- Propane cost. You’ll have to bring a new can of propane for each trip if you don’t want to worry about running out of gas.
Andrew Dodson
Andrew Dodson is an avid camper who enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and two-year-old son. He resides in Colorado, where you can often find him enjoying hikes with a toddler strapped to his back and mini goldendoodle Percy nearby.
