How to Choose a Portable Fire Pit for Camping: 7 Things That Matter

A portable fire pit lets you have a real wood fire at campsites without a fire ring, and it keeps the fire off the ground. That matters on grass, on sand and anywhere you want to leave no trace. But they range from flimsy folding trays to heavy steel drums. Here's what to look at before you buy.

1. Packed size

If it doesn't fit in the car with everything else, it stays home. Look at the folded dimensions, not just the set-up size. Flat-folding designs are the easiest to pack. They slide in beside a cooler or under a seat.

2. Material

Fire pits live a hard life: high heat, rain, ash and being thrown in a trunk. Stainless steel resists rust much better than plain or painted steel. 304 stainless is a common food-grade choice that holds up well to heat and moisture. Thin, cheap metal can warp after a few hot fires, so check the build quality.

3. Airflow

A fire needs oxygen from below and around the fuel. Pits with vents, mesh or a dual-combustion design burn hotter and cleaner. That means less smoke and less half-burnt wood. A solid-walled bowl with no vents tends to smoulder. We explain how this works in What Makes a Fire Pit Smokeless?

4. Fire size you actually want

A small pit is easy to carry but only fits short sticks. A large one holds real logs but weighs more. A good middle ground is a pit that can expand: compact for cooking, bigger when you want a proper campfire in the evening.

5. Fuel flexibility

Can it burn found sticks, split firewood and charcoal? Being able to switch fuels helps when firewood at the campground is wet, expensive or banned from being moved between regions. (Many parks ask you to buy firewood locally to stop the spread of invasive insects.)

6. Cooking options

Most people end up cooking over their fire pit, so check what fits on it. A grill that sits securely on top is worth a lot more than balancing a grate on rocks. A pot holder lets you boil water or make soup. See our 7 easy campfire recipes for ideas.

7. Easy to clean and carry

You'll be packing it up with ash still in it at least once. Look for a design that's easy to empty and wipe down, and a carry bag that keeps the soot off the rest of your gear.

Quick checklist

• Folds flat and fits your car
• Stainless steel, ideally 304
• Vents or dual combustion for less smoke
• Can expand for a bigger fire
• Burns wood and charcoal
• A grill and pot support that fit securely
• Comes with a carry bag

How the Campik fire pit stacks up

We designed the Campik fire pit around this list.

• Material: 304 stainless steel.
• Size: folds to 360 × 125 × 50 mm (about 14 × 5 × 2 in); stands 200 mm tall; expands to 280 mm wide.
• Burn: dual combustion for a cleaner, lower-smoke fire.
• Fuel: wood or charcoal.
• Cooking: a pot holder, plus a free grill: the 3-step, steak or family grill.
• Carry bag included.

Whatever you choose, check local fire restrictions before every trip. Use the pit on a stable, non-flammable surface and make sure the fire is fully out before you leave.