Smoke in your eyes, scorched ground and fire bans that wreck your plans are the three reasons most campers start shopping for a portable fire pit for camping. A good one contains the fire, keeps it off the ground, and packs into a trunk or a bag.
I compared seven portable fire pits for camping sold on Amazon.com. Three are low-smoke designs: a smokeless wood pit, a tabletop pit and a propane bowl. The other four are open pits that trade smoke control for light weight and flat folding. This is a research-based comparison, not a hands-on test. Every spec comes from manufacturer and retailer listings, and every score follows the method explained below. I say where a pit is not smokeless.
Quick Verdict
Short on time? Here is how the seven break down by use case. Scores are out of 10.
- Best Overall: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 (8.3). Strong smoke control, a roomy 19.5-inch firebox and easy cleanup, as long as you have trunk space.
- Best Propane Option: Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe (8.1). No smoke and no ash, but you haul a 20 lb propane tank.
- Best Tabletop: Solo Stove Mesa (7.4). A 1.4 lb ambience fire for a picnic table, not a heat source.
- Best Lightweight Full-Size Pit: Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit (7.2). A 24-inch burn area at about 8 lb.
- Best for Cooking and Car Camping: Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit (7.1). Folds flat and comes with a grill grate.
- Best Premium Folding Pit: Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace (7.0). Stainless steel, folds flat, and priced like a buy-once item.
- Best Budget and Most Packable: UCO Flatpack Grill and Firepit (6.6). The lowest price tier and the smallest packed size, with trade-offs in heat and durability.
Comparison Table
| # | Fire Pit | Best For | Fuel | Weight | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 | 🏆 Best Overall | Wood | ~20 lb | 8.3/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
| 2 | Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe | 🔥 Best Propane | Propane | 23 lb | 8.1/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
| 3 | Solo Stove Mesa XL 7″ Tabletop Fire Pit | 🏕️ Best Tabletop | Wood / Pellets | 1.4 lb* | 7.4/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
| 4 | Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit | 🎒 Lightweight Full-Size | Wood / Charcoal | ~8 lb | 7.2/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
| 5 | Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit | 🍳 Cooking & Car Camping | Wood / Charcoal | 13.9–21.2 lb | 7.1/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
| 6 | Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace | ⭐ Premium Folding | Wood / Charcoal | 7.7–12.1 lb | 7.0/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
| 7 | UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill | 💰 Budget & Packable | Wood / Charcoal | 3.3–9.5 lb | 6.6/10 | Buy on Amazon → |
* Solo Stove Mesa weight can vary by model and configuration. Check the current Amazon listing for the exact product, size, and specifications before purchasing.
“`Full Specs Comparison
| Product | Set-up Size | Packed Size | Carry Bag or Case | Smoke Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 | 19.5 in diameter, about 17 in tall with stand | Does not collapse | Carry case included in the with-stand listings checked | Double wall with bottom vents |
| Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe | 19 x 19 x 11 in | Does not collapse | Cover and carry kit included | None (propane) |
| Solo Stove Mesa | 5.1 in diameter, 6.8 in tall (Mesa XL: 7 x 7 x 8.6 in) | Parts nest together | Nylon carry bag and stand included | Airflow design, small fire |
| Fireside Pop-Up Fire Pit | 24 x 24 x 15 in | About 5 x 5 x 27 in | Zippered carry bag included | Open mesh airflow (maker claims 80% less smoke) |
| Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit | Small: 15.3 x 12.8 x 20.9 in. Large: 18.5 x 15.7 x 25.6 in | Small: 15.3 x 2.4 x 20.9 in. Large: 18.5 x 2.4 x 25.6 in | Built-in handle and storage strap, no bag listed | Open fire with windshields and an air inlet |
| Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace | M: 13.75 x 13.75 x 9.75 in. L: about 17.9 x 17.9 x 12.4 in | Folds flat | Nylon carry case included with S, M and L | Open fire with air holes |
| UCO Flatpack Grill and Firepit | Medium: 13.5 x 10 x 11 in | Medium: 13.5 x 10 x 1.1 in. Large: 20 x 16.5 x 1.75 in | Canvas case listed with the Large, so confirm for your size | Open fire with wind-break sides |
1. Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 (Best Overall)

Best for: Car campers and overlanders who want the most proven smokeless wood burner and have the room to carry it. Rating: 8.3/10
The Bonfire 2.0 is the pit most other smokeless fire pits get compared against. Its double-wall body pulls air in through bottom vents and sends it back through the fire, which cuts smoke without a battery or fan. Setup is a flip of the ring, with no assembly.
At 19.5 inches across, it fits a real group around it. The trade-off is size and weight, which put it firmly in the car camping category.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood |
| Diameter | 19.5 in |
| Height | About 17 in with stand (retail listings range from 16.75 to 17.5 in) |
| Weight | About 20 lb for the pit alone, 25.1 lb with stand |
| Material | Stainless steel (ceramic-coated colors also sold) |
| Cleanup | Removable base plate and ash pan |
| Carry case | Included in the with-stand listings checked, so confirm the bundle |
| Warranty | Solo Stove advertises a lifetime warranty (confirm terms on the listing) |
Pros
- Strong smoke reduction by design, no batteries or fans
- Large enough for a group, not just a couple
- Removable ash pan makes cleanup simple
- Quick setup with no assembly
- Stainless steel body with an advertised lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy at 25.1 lb with the stand, and bulky in a small trunk
- Premium price tier compared with most pits on this list
- Wood burning only (a pellet adapter is sold separately)
- Not made to be left outside permanently
- Still a wood fire, so it is restricted wherever wood fires are banned
Who should buy: Car campers with trunk space, small groups, and anyone who wants a dependable smokeless wood pit that also works in the backyard. Who should skip: Backpackers, buyers on a tight budget, and campers who often camp under full wood-fire bans.
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2. Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe (Best Propane Option)

Best for: RV and car campers who want an on/off flame with no smoke, no ash and no firewood to buy. Rating: 8.1/10
If you want a portable propane fire pit for camping, the Firebowl 893 Deluxe is the practical pick. It is a 19-inch steel bowl rated at 58,000 BTU, and it comes with a cover and carry kit, a 10-foot hose with regulator, a tank stabilizer ring and a decorative rock set.
Propane means no embers to manage and no ash to dump. It also means you carry the fuel.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Propane (owner write-ups say the manufacturer supports 20 lb tanks only, so confirm in the manual) |
| Output | 58,000 BTU |
| Size | 19 x 19 x 11 in |
| Weight | 23 lb |
| Material | Steel with powder coat and enamel finish |
| Included | Cover and carry kit with strap, 10 ft hose with regulator, tank stabilizer ring, decorative rock set |
| Certification | CSA approved |
| Not included | Propane tank, carry bag 760 (sold separately) |
Pros
- No smoke and no ash cleanup
- Instant on and off, with no fire building
- Often usable where wood fires are restricted, though rules vary
- Hose, regulator, lid and carry strap included
- Tool-free setup
Cons
- A 20 lb propane tank adds weight and bulk on top of the 23 lb bowl
- Owners report it uses a lot of propane
- No wood smell or crackle
- Does not fold down, and the dedicated carry bag is sold separately
- Some fire bans cover gas devices too
Who should buy: RV and car campers who regularly hit fire restrictions, and anyone who wants a fire without ash or smoke. Who should skip: Backpackers, campers with no room for a propane tank, and anyone who wants a real wood fire.
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3. Solo Stove Mesa (Best Tabletop Fire Pit)

Best for: Solo campers, couples and van or RV campers who want a small, controlled flame at the table. Rating: 7.4/10
The Mesa is a different tool from every other pit here. It is a small tabletop fire that burns pellets or mini firewood, and it nests inside its stand for storage. A stand and nylon carry bag are included.
Think of it as ambience, not warmth. Independent testing found short burn times, so you will be feeding it often.
Key specifications
| Spec | Original Mesa | Mesa XL |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood or pellets | Wood or pellets |
| Size | 5.1 in diameter x 6.8 in tall | 7 x 7 x 8.6 in |
| Weight | 1.4 lb | 2.3 lb |
| Included | Stand, nylon carry bag | Stand, nylon carry bag |
| Notes | Max firewood size of 5 in listed | No charcoal |
Pros
- Weighs just 1.4 lb and is the most portable option here by far
- Stand and carry bag included
- Smokeless airflow design in a tiny body
- Quick to light
Cons
- Gives off little heat and will not warm a group
- Short burn time: GearJunkie measured roughly 22 minutes on half fuel and 40 on a full load, and Solo Stove’s own pellet tests landed in the 30 to 45 minute range
- Cannot burn charcoal
- Needs a stable, non-flammable surface and constant supervision
- Not a cooking tool
Who should buy: Campers who want a small flame at the picnic table, and van or RV campers with little space. Who should skip: Anyone who needs real heat, groups, and campers who want to cook over the fire.
Variant check: Amazon sells both the original Mesa and the larger Mesa XL, and the dimensions above differ. Confirm which one your link opens.
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4. Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit (Best Lightweight Full-Size Pit)

Best for: Overlanders, RV campers and paddlers who want a full-size fire surface that folds small. Rating: 7.2/10
The Pop-Up is a stainless steel mesh on an aluminum frame that opens to 24 x 24 x 15 inches. Listings put it at about 8 lb, and it folds to roughly 5 x 5 x 27 inches in its zippered carry bag. That makes it the lightest pit in this guide with a full-size burn area.
Be clear about what it is. This is an open mesh fire, not an enclosed smokeless pit. Fireside claims its airflow design cuts smoke by 80%, which is the maker’s figure, not an independent one.
Key specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood or charcoal (the maker recommends wood only, and warns against lighter fluid and trash) |
| Set-up size | 24 x 24 x 15 in |
| Folded size | About 5 x 5 x 27 in |
| Weight | About 8 lb (listings range from 7.2 to 8 lb) |
| Material | Stainless steel mesh, aluminum frame |
| Weight capacity | 125 lb, per the maker |
| Included | Zippered carry bag. A heat shield comes in the bundle version, so check which one you order |
| Setup time | Roughly 60 seconds, per the maker |
Pros
- Lightest full-size burn area in this guide
- Folds to a small package with a carry bag included
- Fast setup
- Wide 24-inch burn area
- Maker states it meets USFS and BLM fire pan requirements
Cons
- Open fire with exposed embers, so not truly smokeless
- The mesh is a consumable part, and owners mention buying replacements
- The heat shield attachment gets mixed owner reviews, and some owners lay a separate fire blanket underneath
- Not enclosed, so wind and embers need attention
- Rules for fire pans do not override a fire ban
Who should buy: Overlanders, RV campers and paddlers who want a big, light, packable pit. Who should skip: Anyone who wants a smokeless fire, backyard users who want a permanent centerpiece, and backpackers (it is light, but not backpack-small).
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5. Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit (Best for Cooking and Car Camping)

Best for: Car campers and overlanders who want a folding fire pit that doubles as a grill. Rating: 7.1/10
The Kamoto is a scissor-style pit that unfolds in about a minute and packs down to roughly 2.4 inches thick. The stainless steel fire basin has wind-blocking sides and an air inlet tray, and an integrated ash tray and base protect the ground. A stainless steel grill grate is included.
Outdoors Magic named it its best fire pit overall in a hands-on test. Overland Journal noted it works best as a grill and handles charcoal easily, which is worth knowing if you mainly want a big social fire.
Key specifications
| Spec | Kamoto Small | Kamoto Large |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood or charcoal | Wood or charcoal |
| Set-up size | 15.3 x 12.8 x 20.9 in | 18.5 x 15.7 x 25.6 in |
| Folded size | 15.3 x 2.4 x 20.9 in | 18.5 x 2.4 x 25.6 in |
| Weight | 13.9 lb | 21.2 lb |
| Material | Stainless steel basin, powder-coated steel frame | Same |
| Included | Grill grate and storage strap | Grill grate and storage strap |
| Notes | Built-in carry handle | Takes standard US 16 in logs |
| Warranty | One retailer lists a lifetime warranty (confirm on the listing) | Same |
Pros
- Grill grate included, so it cooks as well as warms
- Folds flat to 2.4 inches thick, with a built-in carry handle
- Integrated ash tray and base protect the ground
- Burns wood or charcoal
- The Large takes standard 16-inch logs
Cons
- Open fire, not a smokeless design
- Heavy for a folding pit: 13.9 lb for the Small and 21.2 lb for the Large
- The single storage strap is easy to lose, and the serrated top edge can snag you during setup, according to Tread
- Better suited to grilling than to a large social fire
- No carry bag listed, only a strap and handle
Who should buy: Car campers and overlanders who cook over their fire and want it to fold flat. Who should skip: Anyone who wants a smokeless fire, backpackers, and groups who need a large flame from the Small size.
Size check: The Small and Large differ by more than 7 lb. Make sure your link opens the size you want.
- Versatile top of the line
- Another quality product
- Home Outdoor Portable Fire Pits
6. Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace (Best Premium Folding Pit)

Best for: Campers who want a durable, flat-folding stainless pit and will pay for build quality. Rating: 7.0/10
The Pack & Carry Fireplace is a hinged stainless steel pit made in Japan. It folds flat into a nylon carry case, and it keeps the fire raised off the ground. Retailer listings date the original design to 1996, and Expedition Portal says its team has used it for over a decade.
It is an open design with air holes and no smoke-control features. Grills, bridges and fire pans are sold separately, and they add up.
Key specifications
| Spec | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood or charcoal | Wood or charcoal |
| Set-up size | 13.75 x 13.75 x 9.75 in | About 17.9 x 17.9 x 12.4 in |
| Weight | About 7.7 to 7.9 lb | About 12 lb |
| Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Carry case | Nylon case included | Nylon case included |
| Other sizes | Small: about 4 lb. XL: about 24 lb and no carry bag | Same |
| Warranty | One retailer lists a lifetime warranty (confirm on the listing) | Same |
Pros
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Durable stainless steel build with a long track record
- Carry case included with the Small, Medium and Large
- Raises the fire off the ground, which limits ground damage and speeds cleanup
- Four sizes, from solo to group
Cons
- Premium price, and grills and accessories cost extra
- Open fire with no smoke control
- Expedition Portal’s reviewer questioned how well the Small sustains a fire, since the lower half has few vent holes
- Modest heat from the smaller sizes
- The XL is about 24 lb and does not include a carry bag
Who should buy: Campers who want a buy-once folding pit, and solo or duo campers choosing the Small or Medium. Who should skip: Anyone who wants smoke reduction, buyers on a budget, and campers who want a grill included.
Size check: Snow Peak sells four sizes with very different weights. Confirm the size and whether the carry case is included.
- Foldable: Folds flat for easy storage and transportation
- All In One: Integrates with a variety of cooking and grilling accessories for a fire pit solution
- Durable: High-quality stainless steel fireplace, used as the centerpiece of gatherings
7. UCO Flatpack Grill and Firepit (Best Budget and Most Packable)

Best for: Budget-minded campers, tailgaters, and anyone who needs the smallest possible packed size. Rating: 6.6/10
The Flatpack is a hinged stainless steel grill that doubles as a small, above-ground firepit. It comes in Mini, Medium and Large sizes. The Medium folds to about 1.1 inches thick, and the Large takes logs up to 18 inches long.
It is the cheapest and most packable pit on this list, and it shows in the heat and durability scores. A 2019 Tread test of the Medium found the grill warped with only a few hot coals, so treat it as a light-duty grill and fire pit, not a heavy-use heat source.
Key specifications
| Spec | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Wood or charcoal | Wood or charcoal |
| Opened size | 13.5 x 10 x 11 in | 20 x 16 x 7.5 in |
| Packed size | 13.5 x 10 x 1.1 in | 20 x 16.5 x 1.75 in |
| Weight | 3.3 lb | 9.5 lb |
| Grilling area | 13 x 10 in, cooks for 3 to 5 per UCO | 20 x 16 in, cooks for 6 to 8 per UCO |
| Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Notes | 30-second setup | Charcoal insert tray, logs up to 18 in. Canvas carry case listed |
| Other sizes | Mini: about 2 lb | Same |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year on the Large | Limited 1-year |
Pros
- Lowest price tier and smallest packed size in this guide
- Sets up in about 30 seconds
- Grill grates included, so it cooks as well as holds a fire
- Sides act as a wind break
- Three sizes, with the Medium light enough for a backpack
Cons
- Open fire with no smoke control
- A Tread test found the Medium grill warped under a few hot coals
- Small sizes give limited warmth, and the Mini needs firewood cut to about 8 inches
- No ash pan, and UCO warns not to store or transport it while the steel is hot
- Only a limited 1-year warranty is listed for the Large
Who should buy: Budget campers, tailgaters, and solo or duo campers who want a tiny packed size. Who should skip: Anyone who wants warmth for a group from the smaller sizes, and campers who want a long-term, heavy-use pit.
Size check: Choose the size on purpose. The Medium suits a backpack or small car, and the Large suits groups and car camping.
- SMOKELESS DESIGN: Burns off smoke before it gets in your eyes and clothes.
- RADIANT HEAT: Vents around the grill increase warmth and visibility of the flames
- SPACIOUS FIREBOX: Holds standard 16″ cordwood
Which One Should You Buy?
| If you want… | Pick |
|---|---|
| The best all-round smokeless wood pit | Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 |
| A fire without smoke, ash or firewood | Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe |
| A small flame at the picnic table | Solo Stove Mesa |
| The lightest pit with a full-size burn area | Fireside Pop-Up Fire Pit |
| To cook over the fire and fold the pit flat | Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit |
| A buy-once folding stainless pit | Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace |
| The lowest price and smallest packed size | UCO Flatpack Grill and Firepit |
Rating Methodology and Weights
Every pit was scored from 0 to 10 in six categories, then combined using the weights below. The same rules applied to all seven.
| Category | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Portability and packability | 20% | Weight, packed size, carry bag or case |
| Smoke control | 20% | How well the design limits smoke (propane scores highest because it produces none) |
| Heat and fire performance | 20% | Firebox size, heat output, suitability for groups |
| Durability and materials | 15% | Build materials and known weak points |
| Setup and cleanup | 15% | Assembly effort, ash handling, extra steps |
| Value | 10% | What you get relative to its price tier |
| Product | Portability | Smoke | Heat | Durability | Setup and Cleanup | Value | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 | 6.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8.3 |
| Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe | 6 | 10 | 8 | 7.5 | 9 | 8 | 8.1 |
| Solo Stove Mesa | 10 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7.4 |
| Fireside Pop-Up Fire Pit | 9.5 | 5.5 | 7 | 5.5 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
| Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit | 7.5 | 4.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
| Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace | 8.5 | 4.5 | 6.5 | 9 | 8 | 5.5 | 7.0 |
| UCO Flatpack Grill and Firepit | 9.5 | 4 | 5 | 5.5 | 8 | 9 | 6.6 |
How to read these scores: they are editorial judgments built from specifications and published reviews. They are not lab measurements or field tests. A score of 10 means best on this list, not perfect. Treat gaps of 0.1 as a tie. Open folding pits score lower on smoke control by design, which is why the three low-smoke designs lead the table.
A note on smoke: a top smoke score means the design limits smoke. It does not mean the pit is legal during a fire ban. See the fire restrictions section below.
How We Evaluated These Fire Pits
I did not field-test these pits. Here is what the evaluation is based on:
- Manufacturer documentation and product pages for dimensions, weights, fuel types and included parts
- Retailer listings, including Amazon-style product descriptions, to confirm what comes in the box
- Published hands-on reviews from outlets that tested the pits themselves. For example, Field & Stream also names the Bonfire 2.0 as its best overall smokeless pit, GearJunkie measured Mesa burn times, Outdoors Magic picked the Primus Kamoto as its best overall and the Snow Peak as its best for group trips, and Expedition Portal field-tested the Snow Peak
- Owner feedback patterns in retailer reviews, used to flag recurring problems such as the Fireside heat shield and mesh wear
- Fire safety guidance from land management and conservation groups
Why Trust CampingSaga
CampingSaga is an independent camping gear site that earns commissions through Amazon links. Here is how I keep that from bending the advice:
- Every product is scored with the same published method
- The commission does not change a score
- Real drawbacks are listed for every product, including the ones ranked first
- I say plainly when a claim comes from the maker rather than an independent test
- I flag size, availability and variant issues instead of hiding them
- This page is updated when specs, availability or fire guidance change
Portable Fire Pit Buying Guide
Wood vs. propane vs. pellets
Wood gives you the crackle, the smell and the classic campfire feel. It is also the type most often restricted during dry seasons.
Propane gives an instant, controllable flame with no smoke or ash. You carry a tank, and some bans still apply.
Pellets burn well in tiny pits like the Mesa, but they run short and give less heat.
How smokeless fire pits work
A smokeless portable fire pit uses a double wall with vents near the bottom. Air is drawn in, heated, and released near the top rim so it burns off more of the smoke. That cuts smoke a lot. It does not remove it. Wet or unseasoned wood, a low fire and a gusty wind will all bring smoke back.
Open folding pits, such as the Primus, Snow Peak and UCO, do not work this way. They stay light and flat by skipping the double wall, so expect more smoke from them.
Weight and packed size
Check both numbers. A pit that weighs 16 lb but does not fold still needs a full spot in the trunk. A folding camping fire pit like the UCO Medium packs to about 1.1 inches thick, and the Primus folds to about 2.4 inches. Also compare weight with and without the stand, since Solo Stove listings show both.
Heat output and group size
Bigger firebox, more heat. A small folding pit suits one or two people, a 19-inch pit suits a larger circle, and a tabletop pit warms nobody. Match the size to how many people sit around it.
Ground protection
Most of these pits raise the fire off the ground, but heat still travels down. Use the included stand, a heat shield, or a fire-rated mat, and never place a pit on dry grass, a wooden deck or a picnic table unless the maker says it is designed for that.
Cooking
The Primus Kamoto and UCO Flatpack include grill grates. Snow Peak sells grills and bridges separately. For other pits, check whether the maker offers a compatible grate. For open-fire cooking gear, see our guides to campfire tripods for cooking and campfire cooking grates.
Materials and durability
Stainless steel resists rust well, and bare stainless develops a patina over time. Mesh designs like the Fireside rely on a part that wears out, so factor in replacement mesh. Thin folding grills can warp under heavy coals, so match the pit to how hard you plan to use it.
Carry bag and accessories
A portable fire pit with a carry bag is easier to pack and keeps soot off your gear. Not every listing includes one, so confirm what is in the box before you order.
Fire Bans and Camp Fire Safety
Fire restrictions are set locally and change with conditions. Some orders ban wood and charcoal fires but allow gas devices with an on/off valve. Others ban every open flame, including propane. A smokeless design, a safety certification or a “meets fire pan regulations” note on a listing does not override a restriction order.
Before every trip:
- Check the current fire order for your forest, park or campground
- Ask the ranger district or camp host if the wording is unclear
- Follow the stricter rule when two rules conflict
Basic safety habits for any pit:
- Never leave a fire or a hot pit unattended
- Keep water and a shovel within reach
- Clear flammable material from the area around the pit
- Keep sparks and embers away from tents, chairs and dry vegetation
- Make sure ashes are fully cold before you handle or dispose of them
For more on minimizing campfire impact, see the Leave No Trace guidance on campfires and Smokey Bear’s campfire safety tips.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Buying on looks and ignoring weight. The Bonfire 2.0 is 25.1 lb with the stand, and the Primus Large is 21.2 lb. Check the number before you picture it in your trunk.
- Assuming “smokeless” means ban-proof. Smokeless is a design feature. Fire restrictions are legal rules.
- Skipping the size and variant check. The Primus, Snow Peak and UCO each come in several sizes with very different weights, and the Mesa comes in two.
- Forgetting ground protection. Heat travels down, so plan for a stand, shield or mat.
- Buying a tabletop pit for group warmth. The Mesa is for ambience.
- Not budgeting for fuel and extras. Propane tanks, pellet adapters, grills and carry bags can add real cost.
Care and Maintenance
- Let the pit cool completely before you move it or empty the ash
- Empty ash only when it is cold, and keep it away from anything flammable
- Do not store or transport a folding pit while the steel is hot, as UCO warns
- Do not douse a hot stainless pit with water unless the maker says it is safe
- Keep the pit dry and covered between trips to slow rust
- Inspect the Fireside mesh for thin spots and replace it when needed
- Check hinges and the storage strap on folding pits, and watch the serrated top edge on the Primus
- For the Outland, inspect the hose and connections before each trip and follow the maker’s leak-check steps
Alternatives Worth a Look
These did not make the Amazon shortlist, but they come up in published roundups. Availability and US pricing vary, so check before you plan around any of them.
- Solo Stove Lite: a much smaller wood-gas stove that Outdoors Magic picked for hiking and backpacking. For true backpacking, look at our best backpacking stoves guide first.
- Outland Living Firecube 805: a more compact propane pit from the same maker as the Firebowl. Check its size, weight and what is included on the listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable fire pits allowed during fire bans?
It depends on the order. Many bans prohibit wood and charcoal fires, some allow gas devices with a shutoff valve, and some ban every open flame. Check the current order for your exact location, and ask the ranger district or camp host if you are unsure.
Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless?
They produce much less smoke, not zero. Dry, well-seasoned wood and a hot, steady fire help. Wet wood, a low fire and wind bring smoke back. Open folding pits are not smokeless at all.
Is a wood or propane portable fire pit better for camping?
Wood gives the classic fire but is restricted more often. Propane is clean and instant but means hauling a tank. Pick propane if you camp where wood fires are banned, and wood if you want the real campfire experience.
What is the best portable fire pit for backpacking?
None of the seven is built for ultralight backpacking, but a few are light. The Mesa is 1.4 lb but tiny. The UCO Flatpack comes in a 2 lb Mini and a 3.3 lb Medium, and the Snow Peak Small is about 4 lb. For real backpacking, a compact wood-gas stove or a backpacking stove is usually a better fit. See our best backpacking stoves.
Can you cook on a portable fire pit?
Yes, with the right setup. The Primus Kamoto and UCO Flatpack include grill grates, and Snow Peak sells grills separately. For other pits, check whether the maker sells a compatible grate, and do not improvise on thin mesh. Our camp kitchen checklist covers the other gear you will want.
How do I put out the fire and dispose of ashes?
Let the wood burn down fully, then let the pit cool until the ash is cold to the touch before disposal. Follow the maker’s instructions, because water on hot stainless steel can damage some pits. For open campfires, Smokey Bear’s guidance is to drown, stir and feel the ashes.
Can I use a portable fire pit on grass or a wooden deck?
Only with proper protection and the maker’s approval. Use the included stand, a heat shield or a fire-rated mat, and never use a pit on dry grass or an unprotected deck. Check the pit’s manual and any local rules.
How much do portable fire pits weigh?
From the pits in this guide: the Mesa weighs 1.4 lb, the UCO Medium 3.3 lb, the Snow Peak Medium about 7.7 lb, the Fireside about 8 lb, the Primus Small 13.9 lb, the Bonfire about 20 lb (25.1 lb with stand) and the Outland 23 lb. The larger Primus, Snow Peak and UCO sizes weigh more.
How do I clean a fire pit and prevent rust?
Empty cold ash after each trip, wipe off residue, and keep the pit dry and covered. Stainless steel can develop a patina, which is normal. Fireside mesh and thin folding grills have their own wear points, so check them periodically.
Do I need a fire mat or spark screen?
A mat or shield is a good idea on grass, decks and campsite surfaces you want to protect. The Fireside includes ember guards, and the Primus has an integrated ash tray and base. Check your pit’s manual for its own rules.
Final Verdict
If you want one pit and have the cargo space, buy the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. It has the strongest smoke control and the easiest cleanup of the seven.
If you camp where wood fires are banned, the Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe is the practical propane option, as long as you confirm the local rule first. If you want to cook over your fire and fold the pit flat, the Primus Kamoto is the pick. Choose the Snow Peak if you want a buy-once stainless pit and can pay for it, or the UCO Flatpack if price and packed size matter most and you accept lighter-duty heat and build.
Whatever you buy, check the current price, confirm the exact size and bundle, and read the local fire rules before you light anything.
Ready to pick one?
- Best Overall: Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
- Best Propane Option: Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe
- Best for Cooking and Car Camping: Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit


