11 Choices for the Best Portable Propane Fire Pit for Camping in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PORTABLE PROPANE FIRE PIT FOR YOUR CAMPING ADVENTURES?

You are in the right place because the 11 best choices for a propane fire pit are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled and lived in our RV since 2010 and have tested these products on our travels. They also have great reviews.

After using many different portable propane fire pits we are convinced they are worthy of going with you on your adventures and have brought you your best options. They are cozy warm, cook marshmallows, hotdogs and don’t make you smell like fire. A portable propane fire pit is a great addition to your RV or backyard.

They are very versatile and can even be used on your RV patio if it has one. Your outdoor area will be a perfect family resting spot with the addition of a propane fire pit. When planning an RV trip, be sure you include a portable propane fire pit on your packing list.

Quick Guide: Portable Propane Fire Pit

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Best Portable Propane Fire Pit

1. Heininger Portable Propane Firepit

The Heininger Portable propane outdoor fire pit 5995 is a great fire pit. You can cook hotdogs and marshmallows over it. It produces higher BTUs for portable fire pits at 58,000 BTU. It has a 19-inch diameter and a 10-foot hose.

Both a long 10-foot hose and a 19-inch diameter are great sizes and we think are ideal for travel in an RV. The long hose gives you space and the 19-inch diameter is not too big but not too small.

Some people actually prefer a hose longer than 10 feet but 10 feet most of the time should be the minimum. If you want to try a longer hose check out some of our recommended accessories for your fire pit.

If you are looking at using this fire pit go check out the thousands of positive online reviews and more than 200 answered questions on Amazon.

The propane fire pit weighs 22 pounds. They do have lighter ones but often those can be lighter because the quality is not as good.

Some people have said on the high setting it uses a lot of propane. This can be expected from a unit that produces 58,000 BTUs. The more heat, the higher the BTUs and the more propane you will use.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Heininger Fire Pit!

2. Outland Firebowl

The Outland 893 is another fantastic fire pit. Outland makes many different propane gas fire pits. Each is different sizes, shapes, or a different number of BTUs. You should check out their line of fire pits if you don’t think the 893 is for you. You will love this fire pit. It is one of the best portable propane fire pits

This product has been reviewed over 13,000 times so you will not be the only one who loves it. It also has almost 90 percent of its reviews at 5 stars.

This is a fantastic choice for a fire pit with a high BTU output. If you can get it while it is on sale it is also one of the cheaper fire pits you will purchase.

▶ Check Prices for the Outland 893 Here!

3. Outland Living 863

The Outland Living 863 is another variation of the outland propane fire pits. It is slightly larger than the 893 version. This version is 21 inches and has the same BTU rating of 58,000. The larger size makes it a little better for larger groups.

The larger size will also hold more rocks. When you add more rocks, they will radiate more heat. This is important if you want to use portable propane fire pits for warmth.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Outland Living 863!

4. Bond Aurora

Bond makes a quality product with the Aurora fire ring. This fire bowl is 18.5 inches and has a BTU rating of 54,000.

Similar to the other fire rings we recommend, this one has great ratings and lots of them. It is highly rated and is sold at a good price point.

There is a locking lid which is great for portability, so you do not lose your pumice stones while you travel from place to place.

This fire pit is on the lighter end as it only weighs 18 pounds. People say it holds up great even though it is lighter and is great for camping. They also like the locking lid.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Bond Aurora!

5. Fire Sense

The Fire Sense 62133 is one of the highest-rated BTU portable propane campfires. It is rated at 60,000 BTUs. It is designed differently than other fire pits.

The outside ring is taller to help radiate the heat and to keep the rock inside. The folding legs also make it nice to move around. Other fire rings do not have foldable legs. Their legs are often solid rings.

Many people who start to use a portable fireplace state they wish they had purchased one sooner because they often ran into the issue of a fire ban. These can be used during most fire bans.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Fire Sense Fire Pit!

6. Camco Big Red

The Camco Big Red is one of the most unique portable fire pits and it is also one of the most portable fire pits. It is only 13.35 inches and has a very convenient red lid that covers the entire thing.

There is little need for a bag with this fire pit because of the locking red lid that keeps everything contained inside.

The small size makes this fire pit tabletop worthy instead of just putting it on the ground. This makes it very versatile.

This fire pit has a very high BTU rating of 65,000 but some users do not think it radiates the heat as well as other fire rings.

▶ Check Prices Here for the Camco Big Red!

7. Ignik Fire Can

The Ignik Fire Can is the best small portable fire pit and it is the most unique. Its design is rugged ammo can, making it very easy to transport and very versatile.

Even if you do not purchase this fire pit you should look at it because it has a really fun and unique design. It works best for smaller groups or a couple of people but if you are using it for more than 4 people it probably won’t be practical. You can add rocks inside to help radiate heat.

This fire pit is great to use smaller propane tanks such as 5-pound propane tanks or 2.5-pound tanks. Those who use a camper van should consider this as a great option because of its small compact size.

The BTU output of this fire pit is 35,000 which is less than the larger fire pits so if you purchase this fire pit you should have reasonable expectations. This will last about 2.5 hours on a 5-pound propane tank.

▶ Check Prices for the Ignik Fire Can Here!

8. Outland Fire Cube

The Outland Living Cube is another variation of the many good fire pits outland supplies. This is a high BTU output of 58,000. It comes in a more visually appealing square design and is a good quality product.

The size is also different at a 14-inch size. Do keep in mind that the smaller sizes with high BTU might not seem like they put out the same amount of heat. There are fewer rocks to heat up which helps radiate the heat.

▶ Check Prices for the Outland Fire Cube Here!

9. Camp Chef Fire Ring

This Camp Chef Fire Ring is the most economical option. It is also very portable. This fire pit is a no-frills 15-inch diameter ring that gets the job done. It also comes with a great carrying case.

The Camp Chef carry kit is loved because of its ease of use which makes this a great portable fire pit. We do not find it as visually appealing as some of its competitors but what it lacks in finesse it makes up in portability and the fact that it already comes with a great carry case.

Just like the Camp Chef makes a great stove they have also made this a great option to roast your hotdogs and marshmallows on.

If portability, a high BTU rating with a great ability to cook are important to you this ring should be considered. If you have smaller kids who might get marshmallows all over your fire ring. This might be a good choice. There is less to get dirty and less to clean.

▶ Check Prices for the Camp Chef Fire Ring Here!

10. Project One

The Project One Fire Pit is another 19-inch portable fire pit. It stands a little taller than others. It is 11 inches tall. Some people may like this while others prefer a little more stable fire pit that is closer to the ground.

The BTU rating is competitive at 58,000 BTUs and the lid attaches to the top with carrying straps. People do rate this fire pit well.

What makes this fire pit unique is it only weighs 6.6 pounds. There are some pros and cons with a fire pit that is light. You get a very easy to move fire pit but they might not hold up as well. If you are concerned about the weight of the other fire pits which often weigh more than 20 pounds or close to that this is a fantastic option.

Some people do however consider fire pits this light a little flimsy. If you keep good care of it you should not have issues with its durability but you should take precautions when traveling to secure it from getting bent up.

You may also want to purchase extra natural lava rocks to increase the radiant heat.

▶ Check Prices for the Project One Fire Pit Here!

11. Tabletop Propane fire pit

The Tabletop Fire Pit is one of the few fire pits that can use the small green non-refillable propane tanks. This is a mini fire pit that is designed to be placed on a tabletop.

The BTU output is one of the lowest at 10,000 BTUs. It is not going to put out much heat but it is going to create a great atmosphere.

This is the type of product you place on your picnic table if you want to create a nice glamping experience under your RV lights. This is a perfect centerpiece.

The elegant tabletop fireplace also uses glass beads instead of your natural lava rock set which creates a more elegant and professional feel while the other fire pits give off a more camping and rugged feel.

▶ Check Prices for the Tabletop Fire Pit Here!

Portable Propane Fire Pit Accessories

There are a few more accessories you can purchase to make the most out of your portable propane fire pit.

More fire rocks are a must. These rocks help radiate heat from the fire pit so more of the heat gets up to you. We would recommend another 3 to 10 pounds. You may also need to get a longer connecting hose so your propane tank isn’t right up close to your fire. Plus, you can’t have a true campfire experience without s’mores and other tasty treats!

Be sure to have some camp chairs on hand as well. You can see our recommendations for kids’ camp chairs here.

👉 Click on the Pictures Below to Shop for Accessories! 👈

Understanding Heat Outputs of a Portable Propane Fire Pit

The heat output of portable camping fire pits is rated in BTUs. This stands for British Thermal Units. I like to think of it kind of like MPG for a car. It is a way you can compare the amount of heat each product will put out but it should not be the only factor you look at.

While it is important to look at the BTUs, a smaller fire pit with the same BTUs can feel like it is not putting off as much heat as a larger fire pit because of the number of rocks the fire pit has.

The rocks used in a fire pit gradually heat up. As those rocks heat up they will radiate their heat outwards. If you do not have many rocks in your fire pit you can have many BTUs but those BTUs are lost into the air around you and it will not feel warm.

The fire rings will heat up which will capture and keep that heat closer to you making you feel warmer instead of all the heat escaping up into the night sky.

Why do I need a portable propane fire pit?

You do not have to have a portable gas fire pit but they are a wonderful addition to your RV adventures. They have great safety features and there are many locations that do not allow you to have open fires unless they are from propane portable firepits.

Campfire bans can happen anywhere as well depending on the weather but the good news is the propane pit will still be able to be used.

This is because gas fire pits are safer than your traditional wood fire pits that use fire starter. Open flame fires should be extinguished with water to make sure the wind won’t carry a spark and start a fire.

A propane fire pit will allow you to have a fire in locations where you cannot have wood fire pits. They are a great way to help you to stay warm when outside enjoying the crisp air in the morning or evening.

A propane fire pit can be used to cook hot dogs or marshmallows for smores. When we first started traveling in our motorhome years ago I didn’t think a propane fire pit would work to cook marshmallows or hot dogs and therefore didn’t see their value.

My thought process was incorrect. Many portable propane fire pits work great to cook some food over, even when using a camping skillet. They work very similarly to your propane BBQ. They have the same mechanisms and use the same heat source. Preparing camping crockpot meals is also a great alternative.

The only difference between the two is that the portable campfire might need a little more cleaning than your camper grill. Chances are your BBQ has not been thoroughly cleaned in some time and you don’t want your fire pit and your BBQ to look the same.

Safe in Fire Season

Propane fire pits are better options for fire season. Many campgrounds do not allow open fires and we have started to see a trend where more and more are only allowing propane fire pits. We love to have a fire outside of our RV.

Our kids love it and it really creates a good family atmosphere where we can talk and enjoy each other’s company and possibly get everyone, adults, and kids, off their phones for at least a little bit.

Easy to Clean

Propane fire pits are not that hard to clean. Most of the time you can hose them off and they are ready to go. However, they should be cleaned periodically. This will keep them functioning properly so you can enjoy the ambiance and heat they provide.

Convenient

If you are looking for a convenient fire your best option is a propane fire pit. They light easily, you do not need to search for wood or bring wood with you. They are a smokeless flame. This means you won’t smell like a fire for the next few days.

You can sit in one spot instead of moving around like a crazy person trying to avoid the smoke that seems to follow you from your traditional fire pit.

No Smoke and Consistent Heat

Propane fire pits provide constant and almost immediate heat that does not put smoke in your face and hair.

When you use a propane fire pit you will have no Smoke Smell the Next Day!!!

Drawbacks of a Portable Propane Fire Pit

Portable propane fire pits are great but they do have a few drawbacks. Below are some of the drawbacks we have seen from a propane fire pit.

Expensive

Most propane fire pits that are portable are going to cost between 100 and 250 dollars depending on the size you purchase and the type you want. This is not cheap considering a traditional fire you might be able to scrounge up some wood nearby but remember that is only if you have a fire in the first place.

However, if you are going to have to buy wood frequently a propane fire pit is actually going to be a cheaper option than buying fire wood. They could quickly pay for themselves.

Not Recommended for Cooking

Some propane fire pits don’t work as well as others for cooking. They are not made for extensive cooking as some open flame fires would. For the propane fire pits that you can cook over you will want to use a roasting stick.

FAQS – Portable Propane Fire Pit

How Long Does a 20lb Propane Tank Last On a Fire Pit?

Aa 20lb propane tank will vary how long it will last for your portable RV propane fire pit put but in general, it will last around 3 to 9 hours. A 20-pound propane tank has about 420,000 BTUs. You can divide that by the number of BTUs you will be using, and this will give you how many hours your tank will last.

Do propane fire pits give off enough heat?

Some people think they give off enough heat and some people do not. This is often pertaining to your expectation. A propane fire pit has a max number of BTUs. A traditional fire does not. If you want more BTUs, you add more wood but after your propane fire pit is on the high setting you cannot get more heat.

In general, if you are on a cold night and your main goal is to have the propane fire pit keep you super toasty you will probably be disappointed. They will not keep you as warm as your traditional fire pit but they can produce a good amount of heat which is amazing for those crisp nights and mornings.

If you want to increases the amount of heat that will radiate from your gas fire pit you can add more lava rocks or ceramic stones.

Can you roast marshmallows on a portable propane fire pit?

Yes, you can roast marshmallows over a propane fire pit. You do want to be a little more careful when cooking marshmallows over your propane fire pit because if you do get your marshmallow all over it you will most likely need to do a little cleaning on it later.

Are portable propane fire pits safe for camping?

Yes, they are safe for camping. There are many locations where you cannot have a traditional open fire, but you can use your propane fire pit. This is one of the best arguments on why you should get a propane fire pit. This is a great way to ensure you have a fire to enjoy under your camper awning lights.

Which propane fire pit gives off the most heat?

In general terms, the fire pit that gives off the most heat will have the highest BTUs. If you solely look at it in this manner the Camco Big Red fire pit is going to put off the most heat. However, even though it gives off the most heat it might not be the fire pit that will make you feel the warmest.

This is because of how the fire ring is constructed. The rocks many fire pits come with warm-up over time and they capture those BTUs which will radiate heat in your direction. Therefore, we highly recommend when you purchase a fire ring with the ability to add lava rock you do.

Those rocks will radiate more heat in your direction. The Big Red fire ring is smaller and is a mad a little different so it is not fully comparable to the fire rings which use rocks to radiate heat.

There are many fire rings that will equally produce high BTUs and radiate heat. If you are solely looking for a fire pit that will keep you warm you should look at one that uses lava rock, is 21 inches or larger, and you will want to add additional lava rock because the majority of fire pits do not supply the full amount of lava rocks you can use for their fire ring.

This is because they wish to keep costs competitive and they do not want to make the fire ring too heavy as weight can be a significant factor in a portable fire ring.

Do portable propane fire pits smell like propane?

Propane fire pits do not typically smell like propane. You might smell propane in the very beginning when you are igniting the fire but after that, you should not smell propane. They work very similarly to a propane BBQ. In general, you don’t smell the propane nor do you taste it on your food when you cook with it.

Conclusion: Best Portable Propane Fire Pit 

The best portable fire pits can be different for each person. In general, most people will really enjoy the Outland fire pit because of its lower profile, their total output of BTUs, and the many different models available but don’t let the deter you from selecting any of the other listed fire pits. Any of them would be an excellent choice for your RV travel, a small gathering, or outdoor adventure.

A propane fire pit is a good idea for any RV and will keep you warm on many occasions. It’s a fun centerpiece when playing games around the campfire. You will love the ghost stories and the views of the roaring fire. They are the perfect size for any occasion and if you really want an extra warm fire you can try an Outland Mega Propane Fire Pit.

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