The Benefits Of A Portable Propane Campfire

Nothing could replace the smell and sound of a real campfire, but a portable propane fire can be a useful alternative at campgrounds where burn bans are in effect.

Camco—a popular RV products manufacturer—makes a Little Red and Big Red Campfire that you can use almost anywhere.  They’re easy to set up and don’t produce any smoke or ash.

Camco’s Little and Big Red Campfires are a safe alternative to regular campfires. Photo: iRV2 member ‘xrated’

The portable campfires put out decent heat (up to 65,000 BTUs per hour) and have an adjustable flow regulator.  They can also be used with a cooktop (sold separately) to boil water or cook with a frying pan.

To set them up, you simply put the portable campfires on a flat surface, remove the lid, and lay the fake wood logs in place.  Then you attach the included propane hose to a standard LP cylinder, making sure the connection is tight to prevent gas leaks, turn your propane gas and regulator on low, and ignite the fire by holding a flame near the burner ring.

They can easily be put out by switching off your propane and regulator.  Allow the fire to completely cool down before moving it or storing it away.  Storage is also convenient; the campfire is made with its own compact carrying case with security latches.

iRV2 member xrated bought their own Big Red Campfire recently and shared their thoughts on this forum:

“I’ve grown tired of the hassle with bringing firewood to a campground and having to buy wood from them. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the reasoning behind not bringing in firewood from other counties, etc. but it’s still a hassle to not be able to bring your own wood…..that you know will burn well and not have to worry about being green or wet and struggling with getting the fire lit. So, I bought this……

65,000 BTU when full on, but of course there is an adjustable flow regulator that allows it to be set to a lower setting. And the good news is, if you are camping in an area that has a burn ban in effect, this can still be used because it can be turned off instantly. I may have to buy some “spray smoke” smell for a dose of reality though!

Portable propane fires have many benefits:

• You can use them in places where in-ground campfires are not allowed (which can be especially useful during the summer when there are more burn bans in effect)
• They’re faster and easier to set up than regular campfires
• No smoke, ash, or smell of burning wood
• No hassle of buying or transporting firewood
• No worry of leaving the fire unattended or the firewood getting wet
• You’ll always have a campfire, no matter where you go

Camco’s propane campfires are available in two sizes: Little Red (with a 11 ¼-inch fire tray diameter) and Big Red (13 ¼ inches).  The Little Red Campfire comes with an 8-foot long propane hose and costs about $150.  A 10-foot propane hose is included with their Big Red Campfire, which retails for about $190.

See also: 15 Must-Have Items For Your Next Car Camping Trip

Nikki Cleveland

Nikki is the Managing Editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest in a converted camper van. Visit her Linktree at linktr.ee/nikkicleveland.