There’s something magical about gathering around a campfire after a long day on the road. The crackling flames, the warmth on your face, and the stories shared with family and friends create memories that last a lifetime.
But as any experienced RVer knows, traditional campfires aren’t always an option. Fire restrictions, burn bans, and campground rules can quickly put a damper on your evening plans.
That’s where portable campfires come in, offering the ambiance and warmth of a real fire without the restrictions.
I’ve been RVing for over a decade, and portable campfires have become one of my must-have accessories. Whether I’m boondocking in the desert during fire season or staying at a campground that prohibits ground fires, having a portable propane campfire means I never have to miss out on that quintessential camping experience.
After testing numerous options over the years, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect portable campfire for your RV adventures.
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick summary of the best portable campfires for RVers:
Pros:
Cons:
When you want the full campfire experience without any compromises, the Camco Big Red Portable Campfire delivers in every way. This is the flagship model in Camco’s portable campfire lineup, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a favorite among serious RVers and campers.
The Big Red’s most impressive feature is its 65,000 BTU output, which provides serious heat that you can feel from several feet away. On chilly mountain evenings or cool desert nights, this kind of heat output makes a real difference. The full burner ring ensures even flame distribution, creating that authentic campfire look with realistic ceramic logs that glow and flicker just like the real thing.
I brought the Big Red on a trip to Colorado last fall, and even at 9,000 feet elevation with temperatures dropping into the 40s, everyone stayed comfortable gathered around the fire. The 13.25-inch fire tray provides plenty of visual presence, and the included 10-foot propane hose gives you flexibility in positioning relative to your propane tank.
Buy Camco Big Red Portable Campfire
For RVers who want excellent performance without breaking the bank, the Camco Portable Propane Smokeless Campfire hits the sweet spot between features and value. This model has become my go-to recommendation for first-time portable campfire buyers, and I keep one in my own RV as a backup unit.
Despite its lower price point, this campfire doesn’t skimp on heat output. The 65,000 BTU maximum matches the Big Red, though the slightly smaller 14.5-inch fire tray means the heat is more concentrated. The folding legs make setup incredibly quick, and the included storage bag keeps everything organized in your RV’s storage compartment.
What I particularly appreciate about this model is its thoughtful design for RV life. The lava rocks heat up quickly and retain warmth efficiently, and the adjustable regulator lets you dial in exactly the flame size you want. During a recent trip to Big Bend, I used this campfire every evening for a week, and it performed flawlessly each time.
Buy Camco Portable Propane Smokeless Campfire With 8 Ft Hose And Regulator
Space is always at a premium in an RV, and the Camco Little Red Portable Campfire was designed with that reality in mind. This compact powerhouse delivers impressive performance in a package that’s easy to store and transport, making it ideal for smaller RVs, van conversions, or anyone who values efficiency.
The Little Red produces up to 18,200 BTU per hour, which is plenty for creating ambiance and taking the edge off cool evenings. While it won’t heat a large gathering like the Big Red, it’s perfect for intimate settings with two to four people. The 9.5-inch diameter ring burner and realistic ceramic logs create an authentic campfire appearance that belies its compact size.
I’ve used the Little Red extensively in my travel trailer, and its self-storing design is genuinely clever. The lid doubles as a carrying case, and at just 7 pounds, it’s easy to grab and go. The 8-foot propane hose provides good flexibility, and the easily adjustable flame height lets you set the perfect mood.
Buy Camco Little Red Portable Campfire
Sometimes you want more than just ambiance from your outdoor fire, and the Flame King YSN-HT-500 delivers both the warmth of flames and the functionality of a quality grill. This versatile unit can be used as a tabletop grill or mounted directly to your RV, making it a practical choice for RVers who want to maximize their outdoor cooking options.
The 12,000 BTU output is optimized for cooking rather than pure heat, and the 280 square inch cooking surface provides ample room for burgers, steaks, or vegetables. The stainless steel construction is built to last, and the adjustable flame controller gives you precise temperature control for different cooking styles.
I mounted one of these on my fifth wheel last year, and it’s become my primary outdoor cooking solution. The dual locking lid keeps everything secure during travel, and the included mounting bracket makes installation straightforward. While it doesn’t provide the same campfire ambiance as the dedicated fire pits, the dancing flames while you cook add a nice touch to outdoor meals.
Buy Flame King YSN-HT-500 Barbeque Grill
For traditionalists who prefer the crackle and pop of a real wood fire, the Camco Portable Collapsible Campfire Ring offers a safe and convenient way to enjoy authentic campfires wherever they’re permitted. This heavy-duty steel ring contains your fire safely while adding a decorative touch to your campsite.
The 27-inch diameter provides plenty of room for a proper fire, and the 6-piece hinged design sets up in seconds without any tools. The tree-shaped cut-outs aren’t just decorative; they improve airflow for better burning while creating a beautiful flickering glow pattern around your campsite.
I keep this ring in my truck for trips where I know wood fires will be allowed. At just 7.5 pounds with the included storage bag, it adds minimal weight to my gear. The heavy-duty steel construction has held up well over multiple seasons, showing no signs of warping or deterioration despite regular use.
Buy Camco Portable Collapsible Campfire Ring
Choosing the right portable campfire depends on your specific needs and camping style.
Here are some factors to consider:
A portable campfire transforms your RV camping experience, providing warmth, ambiance, and a gathering point for friends and family regardless of fire restrictions or campground rules.
Whether you choose the powerful Big Red for maximum heat, the value-packed Smokeless Campfire for everyday use, or the compact Little Red for space-conscious RVing, you’ll wonder how you ever camped without one.
The key is matching your choice to your camping style. If you frequently camp in cold weather or with large groups, invest in a high-BTU model. If you’re primarily looking for ambiance and occasional warmth, a compact option will serve you well. And if you love traditional wood fires when they’re permitted, the collapsible fire ring gives you that option at a very affordable price.
Safe travels and happy camping!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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