Best Portable Fire Pits for Camping & Backyard Use

If you want a portable fire pit that works for both campsite duty and backyard evenings, the short answer is a propane-powered unit in the 19- to 21-inch range. Propane models light instantly, produce almost no smoke, are legal under most burn bans, and pack up in a carry kit. The Outland Living 19-inch 58,000 BTU model hits the sweet spot of size, heat output, and portability for most people. What that means for your next purchase: you can stop comparing wood pits and focus on fuel logistics and carry weight – the decision is mostly between the 19-inch Outland and a cheaper alternative, not between gas and wood.

The main contenders at a glance

Product	Price	Brand	Heat (BTU)	Diameter	Key accessories
Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19-inch, 58,000 BTU with Fire Pit Cover & Carry Kit	Check current	Outland Living	58,000	19 in	Cover & carry kit, smokeless gas firebowl
GasBRUH Outdoor Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19-inch, 60,000 BTU with Cover & Carry Kit	Check current	GasBRUH	60,000	19 in	Cover & carry kit (simpler build)
Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 21-inch, 58,000 BTU with Fire Pit Cover & Carry Kit	Check current	Outland Living	58,000	21 in	Cover & carry kit, larger bowl

Top Pick: Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19-inch, 58,000 BTU – Best balance of portability, heat output, and included accessories for campers and backyard users who don’t want to deal with wood. If you buy this, expect to be able to pack it in a car trunk with room to spare, and plan on using a 20-lb propane tank for most evenings to avoid swapping 1-lb canisters every 90 minutes.

Best-fit picks by use case

For campsite and RV use (most portable all-rounder)

The Outland Living 19-inch is lightweight enough (around 20 lb) to carry in its included bag, packs small in a car trunk, and runs on standard 1-lb propane canisters or a 20-lb tank with an adapter hose. The 58,000 BTU output throws noticeable heat in a 6–8 foot radius. It’s also smokeless – a big deal if you’re in a tight campground where wind shifts send wood smoke into neighbors’ tents.

For backyard patios and deck use (larger fire ring)

If you mostly want a fire pit you can leave on the patio but still move when needed, the Outland Living 21-inch trades a little portability for a wider fire bowl. The extra two inches look better in a permanent setup, but because the BTU rating is the same as the 19-inch, you won’t get hotter flames – just a bigger visible fire surface. The carry kit still works, but it’s a tighter fit.

For budget-conscious buyers with high heat needs

The GasBRUH 19-inch offers a slightly higher BTU (60,000 vs 58,000) at a lower price point. Build quality is decent, but the included cover and carry kit feel less durable than Outland Living’s. If you need to pinch pennies and aren’t rough on gear, this is a solid pick.

How to confirm this pit fits your setup

Before clicking buy, verify you can physically use the pit with your gear in under 30 seconds: measure the trunk or bed of your vehicle to ensure a 19-inch diameter bowl (plus 4–5 inches for the carry bag) fits. For the Outland 19-inch, the full kit is roughly 20 inches wide and 10 inches tall. If you have a compact car, the GasBRUH uses a thinner bag and may squeeze into a smaller gap.

Next, check your propane tank connection: all three models use a standard 1-lb disposable canister connection and come with a hose for a 20-lb tank. If you have an old BBQ tank with an OPD valve, confirm the hose uses a Type-1 connection (CGA 791) – it does, but if you have a different fitting (like a bulk tank with a POL fitting), you’ll need an adapter. A quick visual: the included hose should have a plastic handwheel with a small T-handle; if yours doesn’t match, pick up an inexpensive adapter from any camping store.

Trade-offs to know

Why the 19-inch Outland Living beats the 21-inch for most people

The 21-inch model costs more and weighs about 24 lb with the carry kit, yet it produces the same 58,000 BTU. That means the larger fire bowl doesn’t give you more heat – just a wider flame pattern. Unless you’re deliberately styling a permanent patio setup, the 19-inch is easier to transport and heats just as well.

The GasBRUH savings come with compromises – and a real risk

The GasBRUH costs less, but early buyer reports mention the burner ring can warp slightly after extended high-heat use. The consequence is uneven flame distribution – you’ll get a hot spot on one side and a weak flame on the other – and in worst cases the warping can open a gap in the burner seal that allows unburned propane to escape. That’s not just an annoyance; it’s a safety hazard, especially if the pit is placed on a dry surface. The included carry bag is a simple nylon drawstring, not a padded case, so the burner is more vulnerable to damage during transport. If you plan to take it on rough camping trips, the Outland Living’s heavier construction and better warranty coverage justify the extra cost.

Propane vs. wood: The real cost difference

A 1-lb propane canister (about $3–$5) burns roughly 1.5–2 hours on high. A 20-lb tank (about $20) gives you 15–20 hours of runtime. Wood is free if you scavenge, but you also need a fire ring, lighter, and cleanup time. Over a season of regular use, propane can cost $30–$60 in fuel, while wood is essentially free if you have access. However, propane’s convenience – instant off, no ash, no sparks – wins for quick backyard evenings or car camping where you want to relax, not tend logs.

Quick-fit decision guide

Run through these five checks before you buy. If you fail two or more, look at a different style of pit (wood-burning or electric).

1. Fuel availability – Do you have access to propane canisters or a 20-lb tank? These pits only work with propane. If you want to burn sticks or charcoal, skip gas.
2. Burn ban compliance – Are campfire bans common where you camp? Propane pits are permitted under nearly all burn bans (always check local rules). If bans aren’t an issue, wood pits can be cheaper.
3. Carry weight and size – Can you lift 18–22 lb one-handed and fit a 19-inch diameter bowl (plus carry kit) in your vehicle? If trunk space is tight, consider a smaller foldable wood-burning model.
4. Heat radius – Do you need warmth beyond 6 feet? These units put out good heat for 1–3 people close to the fire. For a large group, you need a bigger BTU output or a wood fire.
5. Smoke sensitivity – Do you or anyone in your group hate campfire smoke? Propane is essentially smokeless. If you love the smell of wood smoke, this isn’t the pit for you.

What to expect when you set it up (first-time flow)

The first time you light a propane fire pit, follow this sequence to avoid frustration:

1. Prep: place the pit on level, non-flammable ground – not dry grass, leaves, or wooden deck without a fire-resistant pad. Keep the propane tank at least 4 feet from the pit.
2. Connect the hose – screw the regulator hand-tight onto the tank (do not use tools). Connect the other end to the pit’s quick-connect or valve – you’ll hear a click.
3. Open the tank valve slowly – a full open is fine. Then turn the pit’s control knob to the “light” position (usually a printed ignition icon).
4. Press the ignition button – if the burner doesn’t light within 5 seconds, turn the knob off, wait 2 minutes for gas to clear, and try again. Look for a blue flame; if it’s yellow and lazy, the burner may be dirty or the propane tank is low.
5. Adjust the flame – low for ambiance (flames 4–6 inches), high for heat (flames 8–12 inches). On high, the pit will be hot within 30 seconds.

Success signal: A steady blue flame with no gas smell after 30 seconds. If you smell propane, shut the tank valve immediately, check all connections with a soapy water spray (bubbles = leak), and do not relight until fixed.

Related questions

Can I use these pits on a wooden deck?
Yes, but place a fire-resistant pad underneath (most include a heat shield, and the base stays cool enough). Never leave a propane pit unattended on a wooden surface, and keep the propane tank at least 4 feet from any combustible material.

Do these pits work with a 20-lb propane tank?
Yes. All three models come with a hose adapter to connect a standard BBQ tank. For camping, you can also use 1-lb disposable canisters with the included regulator.

How long does a 1-lb propane canister last?
On high, about 1.5 to 2 hours. On low, up to 4 hours. For a full evening of use, plan on a 20-lb tank or bring several 1-lb canisters.

Are these pits safe to use inside a tent or RV?
Absolutely not. Propane fire pits produce carbon monoxide. Use them only outdoors with at least 10 feet of clearance from any structure, including tent walls.