There’s nothing like a campfire to bring people together. Add some marshmallows & s’mores, a guitar or two, and you’ve got the makings of a beautiful evening spent with friends and family that will bring warmth to both body and soul… from the fire and from the experience itself. Unfortunately, in many areas, wood fires are prohibited for various reasons. The most obvious, perhaps, is the issue of dry conditions that can make traditional campfires hazardous, as well as the fact that transporting firewood can spread pests and diseases from one area to another.
Because of these considerations, we’re following up our post about folding camp grills with other ways to enjoy a campfire wherever you go… without the wood or fire danger. In this post, we’re examining a great option – the portable propane fire pit. We’ll discuss what they are, how they work, and we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the best portable propane fire pits on the market.
- 1) What Is a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
- 2) What Are the Advantages of a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
- 3) How Long Does a 20lb Propane Tank Last With a Fire Pit?
- 4) Do Propane Fire Pits Give Off Enough Heat?
- 5) Which Propane Fire Pit Gives Off the Most Heat?
- 6) Are There Portable Propane Fire Pits with Logs?
- 7) What to Look For When Buying a Portable Propane Fire Pit
- 8) What About the Propane?
- 9) 5 of the Best Portable Propane Fire Pit Kit Options
- 10) Tell Us About Your Portable Propane Fire Pits
What Is a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
A portable propane fire pit is a lightweight campfire structure powered by propane gas. There are various sizes, shapes, and types of propane fire pits, but they all utilize propane as the fuel to generate the fire. Portable propane fire pits are smokeless, easy to ignite, can be turned off immediately, and don’t require wood.
What Are the Advantages of a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
There is a long and well-supported list of advantages to using a propane fire pit. Let’s take a look!
- No need to buy or collect dry firewood
- Simple to start with the push of a button
- Easy to turn off with the turn of a knob
- Clean, smokeless flames are far easier on the lungs and eyes (for you AND your neighbors)
- No need to tend the fire
- No need to use water to extinguish the fire
- No bugs are transported as with firewood
- No flying embers and sparks (fire hazard)
- No risk of embers burning for hours
- No smell lingering on clothing, hair, chairs, etc.
- You can have a fire pit almost anywhere, including where wood-burning pits are banned
How Long Does a 20lb Propane Tank Last With a Fire Pit?
This depends on the BTU output of the fire pit and the flame settings you typically use (BTU = British Thermal Unit – a measurement of fuel-based heat). Depending on your fire pit’s BTU rating, a tank can last anywhere from 9 hours to as little as 1-1/2 hours.
A 20-pound propane canister easily connects to a portable propane fire pit to provide fuel for the fire.
We’ve found that the average gas fire pit typically lasts from 3 to 6 hours on a 20-pound propane tank, but because the fire pits themselves and their use vary significantly, it’s challenging to make generalizations.
However, if you’re looking at a particular portable propane fire pit with a certain BTU rating, what you should know is that a 20-pound propane tank contains approximately 430,000 BTUs. You can figure your prospective propane usage by giving due consideration to the flame settings (high, moderate, low) you’ll typically use and for how long you generally like to sit by the campfire.
For example, an Outland Firebowl will run for between 7 and 11 hours off one 20-pound propane tank. However, there are several sizes of Outland Firebowls with various BTUs, so you’ll have to factor in how you use your Firebowl as well. In the options listed below, we provide the BTU information to help you estimate your typical propane consumption based on your general usage.
Do Propane Fire Pits Give Off Enough Heat?
This again depends on the BTU rating of the propane fire pit, but some can produce a substantial amount of heat, particularly if they emit more than 10,000 BTUs. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the unit will put out and the larger area it will warm. The average fire pit has an output of around 30,000 BTUs, and in some cases, the heat from a propane fire pit can reach approximately 70,000 BTUs (now that’s pretty warm!).
Depending on the BTU output on any given unit, a portable propane fire pit can give off a LOT of heat – enough to warm your family and cook your dinner.
Which Propane Fire Pit Gives Off the Most Heat?
Once again, when you’re shopping for a portable propane fire pit, you’ve gotta look at the BTU ratings and keep in mind that the fire pit with the highest BTU ratings will give off the most heat. For reference, generally speaking, 30,000 BTUs warms a radius of roughly 5 to 8 feet from the center of the fire pit. By comparison, if you opt for a 50,000 BTU unit, your fire pit should be able to heat a radius of roughly 8 to 10 feet.
Are There Portable Propane Fire Pits with Logs?
There are portable propane fire pits with logs on the market, but of course, these are fake logs. These are designed to create the illusion of a log or wood campfire, with the fake “logs” generally being a one-piece unit.
Fake logs like these are available to be used in portable propane fire pits or gas fireplaces.
However, it’s more common to find portable propane fire pits with lava rocks. Lava rocks not only radiate heat well but also help to disperse the flame. Their only drawback emerges if the fire pit gets flipped over (and the lava rocks tumble out) or if they get thrown around when your RV is in transit. This is one reason why a securable cover or case is an excellent accessory for any propane fire pit. Keep that in mind as you shop, too!
What to Look For When Buying a Portable Propane Fire Pit
There are a number of features you’ll want to keep your eye on when considering the purchase of a portable propane fire pit.
Size
First, of course, is size. Depending on the size of your RV and the amount of storage room available for your new fire pit, you’ll want to consider the size of the units you’re considering. If possible, measure the area you have available in the storage bay where you intend to carry your fire pit and its accessories, and shop accordingly.
Weight
Weight/carrying capacity is always an issue for RVers, so when we shop for new gear, its weight is always a consideration. Another issue to consider, particularly in terms of weight, is how much you can comfortably carry. Remember – this is a portable unit, and you’ll be moving it from place to place regularly.
BTUs
As discussed in detail in previous sections of this post, BTUs (a measure of fuel-based heat) are crucial to consider when purchasing a portable propane fire pit. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the unit will put out. However, you’ll also want to keep in mind that higher BTUs will burn through your propane faster, especially if you’re running the unit on high.
Accessories
When considering your options, take a look at the accessories that come with the fire pit. You’ll undoubtedly want the propane hose & regulator included, and you’ll want to take note of its length. If you find a high-quality unit that comes with a carrying case or even a cover, that’s definitely a nice bonus.
When looking at portable propane fire pits, consider what accessories come along with the unit. At the very least, you should receive a propane hose with a regulator. Be sure to take note of the length of the hose, depending on how far away from the fire you’d like your propane tank to be.
Automatic Ignition
Take special note of how the propane fire pits you’re looking at ignite. If you want automatic ignition (which means you’ll push a button and your fire pit will ignite instantly), you’ll want to ensure that feature is available.
What About the Propane?
Should you decide to purchase a portable propane fire pit, you have a couple of options regarding the propane itself. You can use a standard 20-pound tank (the consensus is that these fire pits won’t run long enough to make a couple of s’mores on those little 5-pound tanks). If you choose to carry a 20-pound propane tank for your fire pit, you may want to consider one of these inexpensive propane gas tank covers. You don’t need to remove these covers to use the tank with your fire pit.
- DRESS UP YOUR TANK - Transforms ugly standard 20 lb (5 gallon) propane tank into a functional tabletop and attractive outdoor feature for your yard...
- CONVENIENT DESIGN - Perimeter zippered top allows for quick access to valve, elasticized stretch bands on both sides ensure easy & effortless fit, and...
- ✓ MAKE YOUR TANK STYLISH AND LONG-LASTING – Our unique cover protects your tank and extends the service life of the tank. Get the most out of your...
- ✓ ALL WEATHER PROTECTION – Not only does our cover add a stylish flair to your tank, but it also adds protection from the elements. Tank Cozy is...
Alternatively, you can connect the unit to your RV’s onboard propane tank(s), similar to how we connected our BBQ grill. Just be aware that propane pits require large volumes of high-pressure propane to operate correctly. Therefore, using your RV’s low-pressure supply (from a factory-installed quick connect, for instance) is unlikely to work.
5 of the Best Portable Propane Fire Pit Kit Options
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best portable propane fire pit kits on the market:
Outland Living Firebowl 19” Portable Fire Pit
Outland is a leading name in the portable propane fire pit industry. Their “firebowls” have become very popular among RVers over the years, and owners seem to be very pleased with their units. Outland offers a number of models. This one is 19 inches in diameter and is known as the “Living Firebowl 870”.
This is a 58,000 BTU unit that measures 19 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 11 inches tall, weighing 23 pounds. It comes with a 10-foot propane hose, a 4.4-pound set of natural lava rocks, a cover, and carrying straps. Additionally, it fits in the Outland Carry Bag 760 (sold separately); however, there are also quality aftermarket carry bags available that fit this fire pit (we’ll link to both below).
The Outland Living Firebowl 870 sets up in minutes, requiring no tools. It’s made of high-quality steel with a protective powder coating and an enamel finish. It ignites automatically by pushing and turning the dial.
We should note here that Outland also makes a larger portable propane fire pit, the Living Firebowl 883 Mega 24”. This is also a 58,000 BTU fire pit, but it is larger (24″ x 24″ x 13″) and heavier (34 pounds), and thus a bit more challenging to store and carry.
- ✓ PERFECT NO MESS CAMPFIRE: Say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive firewood, and bothersome smoke and enjoy a clean realistic propane campfire. The...
- ✓ COMPACT AND EASY TO TRANSPORT: Travel size fire pit is lightweight and portable; easily set up in minutes with no tools required. Matchless...
- ✓ PERFECT FIT: designed for the 19" diameter standard Outland Firebowl, Outland Firebowl Deluxe and Outland Firebowl Premium portable propane fire...
- ✓ EASY TRANSPORT: quickly pack up your portable propane fire pit and take camping, tailgating, to the beach, on a picnic, to family barbecue...
- [ Dimensions and material ]: 19.5” in diameter, 12” in height. Special design fits for 19-inch diameter outdoor portable propane gas fire pit...
- [ Large Capacity Design ]: Fire Pit Carrying Bag adopt double-opening zipper design, you can open the bag with a large enough opening, convenient to...
Outland Living Firecube 805 Portable 14” Square Fire Pit
This Outland product is the Living Firecube 805. At 14” square (14″ x 14″ x 9″), it’s smaller than the Firebowls, weighs 19.4 pounds, and produces the same 58,000 BTUs as Outland’s larger units. Made of the same enamel-coated steel as the Firebowls are made of, the Firecube is the smallest and lightest of Overland’s portable propane fire pits.
This portable propane fire pit kit also comes with a 10-foot hose, a 4.4-pound set of lava rocks, a cover, carrying straps, and features the same automatic ignition as other Outland fire pits (simply push in and turn the dial to set your flame levels).
- PORTABLE AND EASY TO TRANSPORT – The Firecube is our smallest, lightest and most portable fire pit yet. Travel sized propane fire pits are a must...
- SMOKELESS FIRE PIT – Say goodbye to messy dirty ash and bothersome smoke. With the firecube you can enjoy a clean realistic campfire, all powered...
Camco 58041 Portable Campfire
This 14.5” diameter “fire tray” has a maximum BTU output of 65,000 BTUs per hour, and weighs only 10 pounds empty. The kit comes with lava rocks (which add another 4.4 pounds) and an 8-foot propane hose. It features legs that fold for storage and includes a storage bag.
- PORTABLE CAMPFIRE PIT: Portable propane campfire pit with 14.5-inch fire tray diameter and maximum BTU output of 65,000 BTU/HR
- INCLUDES PROPANE HOSE: Includes 8-foot propane hose for connecting fire pit to standard LP gas cylinder for maximum convenience
Flame King Outdoor Portable Fire Pit Bowl
Flame King’s 58,000 BTU portable propane fire pit is 19” in diameter (19 x 19 x 11) and weighs 18 pounds. This self-igniting unit comes with a 10-foot propane hose, lava rocks, and a fabric strap handle (but please note that the two carrying cases linked above for the 19” Firebowl will also fit this unit).
This is another portable propane fire pit that people seem to love.
- ENJOY A CLEAN, SMOKE-FREE CAMPFIRE: No messy ashes or costly firewood—just a simple, smokeless flame for your backyard, beach, lake, tailgates...
- 19-INCH PORTABLE FIRE PIT BOWL: Measures L 19” x W 19” x H 11” with a total output of 58,000 BTU/HR
Fire Sense Sporty Campfire Portable Fire Pit
The Fire Sense Sporty Campfire is a small portable propane fire pit (19″ x 19″ x 15″) that weighs in at 18 pounds and puts out 60,000 BTU/hour. This unit is made of heat-resistant painted steel and comes with folding legs, an LP hose & regulator, lava rocks, and a stand for a standard-size propane tank. The cover of the unit clips to the fire pit and has a handle for easy carrying. Like all the other units in our round-up, this is a self-igniting propane campfire – easy on, easy off.
While this is a nice, compact little unit with a majority of 4 and 5-star reviews, there were several complaints from reviewers about malfunctioning units and a too-small supply of lava rocks. As always, we encourage you to thoroughly read reviews of all options.
- 🔥 FIRE SENSE SPORTY CAMPFIRE PORTABLE GAS FIRE PIT: Plan your next trip to include the Sporty Campfire Portable Gas Fire Pit, a compact and...
- 🔥 PORTABLE GAS FIRE PIT: Spring-hinged legs and a removable lid with secure clamps make this 15” diameter fire pit convenient to pack in the...
Tell Us About Your Portable Propane Fire Pits
Have you used a portable propane fire pit? We’d love to hear about your experience, pros & cons, as well as which fire pit you chose. Drop us a comment!
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Nelson
Wednesday 25th of June 2025
I bought a fire pit off of Amazon. It had a special price and I said "why not". I explained to my wife what I did and she said OK. Now I don't have to worry about the fire wood or putting the fire out. Gives a nice fire to sit around and I can put it anyplace I want, not just where the campground wants. Just turn it off when you are ready to go in. I also bought a bag to put it in so it doesn't leave lava dust in the trailer.
Marc
Wednesday 25th of June 2025
I've never owned the ones you've reviewed, but I've owned a Camp Chef Redwood propane fire pit for a couple of years. Rated at 64,000 BTUs, it throws a significant amount of hear. It weighs in at 32 LBS and has a diameter of 18" and is 16" high. It comes with a 6 FT. hose. And it has an ignitor for quick start. The sturdy lid snap on so it does blow off in a storm. It ships with lava rock and a carrying bag is available.
Cory
Saturday 22nd of June 2024
Regardless of the propane fire pit you choose ( we have a camp chef), we carry a separate covered plastic container with various sizes of ceramic (fake) logs and when setting up our fire pit we "build" a realistic looking campfire with these logs. The flame burns yellow like a wood fire as well after heating up. They give off lots of stored heat. Also we use some noncombustible (I think fiberglass) wool at bottom which glows like coals. A great looking fire with all of the benefits of a propane fire pit!
John
Tuesday 6th of September 2022
You guys should check out LavaBox Portable Campfire! It has the most BTUs and is the lightest. Super portable!
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 6th of September 2022
Thanks for the suggestion, John. We'll check it out!
Craig Sandler
Sunday 26th of June 2022
Has anyone found a portable fire pit that has a quick connect hose like my BBQ grill? My propane tank is on board (15 gallons) and I don't have room for a separate propane tank. Thanks!
TheRVgeeks
Sunday 26th of June 2022
Hi Craig! We don't know of any portable fire pits that have a quick-connect hose. But you may be able to configure something that will work following the basic idea of what we did to be able to connect our Weber Q grill to our RV's onboard tank: https://www.thervgeeks.com/bbq-grill-connection/.
Basically, there should be a way to adapt the fire pit to be able to connect. Just be aware that you'll want to (1) connect it to the high-pressure side of the onboard propane supply (since the fire pit's regulator is expecting to receive full-pressure propane) and (2) that all of the connections can support the full flow of propane that a fire pit will need to burn fully (some connections may be designed for lower pressure, and therefore lower flow, than others... so be aware).
Hope this helps!