7 Best Camping Fire Pit UK Picks for Portable Warmth (2025)

Camping in the UK without a proper fire pit means huddling in your tent once the sun drops. You miss out on those evening gatherings where stories get shared and marshmallows get toasted. Most permanent fire pits stay at home in the garden, and dragging a heavy metal bowl to your campsite just isn't practical. You need something that actually fits in your car boot alongside your tent, sleeping bag, and the rest of your camping gear without taking up half the space or weighing down your pack.

We tested seven portable camping fire pits you can actually buy in the UK right now. Each one gets judged on how easy it packs down, what fuel it burns, whether you can cook on it, and how much smoke you'll breathe in while sitting around it. You'll find options from lightweight mesh designs under 1kg to sturdy steel bowls that handle proper logs. We've included prices, UK stockists, and honest thoughts on which campsites will welcome each one and which might get you asked to leave.

1. Compact flat-pack steel fire pit

This portable steel camping fire pit breaks down into five flat pieces that stack together with wing nuts. You get a full-size cooking grate included in the package, and the whole thing weighs around 3kg when assembled. The design uses 3mm mild steel for the frame, which handles the heat from wood fires without warping or bending during use.

Take a Hike UK camping fire pit range overview

Take a Hike UK stocks several portable camping fire pits designed for car camping and weekend trips. This flat-pack model sits in their camping essentials category alongside sleeping bags and emergency gear. The five-piece construction means you can slot it together in seconds without tools or complicated instructions.

Size, weight and packability

Your fire pit measures 58cm across when fully assembled, giving you enough space for proper logs rather than just twigs. Each piece stacks flat onto the welded bolts, and you secure everything with the included wing nuts. The compact storage profile fits easily in your car boot or caravan storage compartment without taking up valuable space.

Fuel options and smoke level

You burn wood logs only in this fire pit, as the design doesn't suit charcoal briquettes. The integrated airflow holes around the base feed oxygen to your fire, keeping it burning steadily. Smoke levels depend entirely on the wood you choose, with dry hardwood producing less smoke than damp softwood.

Cooking and versatility

The drop-on cooking grate turns your fire pit into a proper barbecue surface. You'll find integrated skewer notches cut into the rim, perfect for holding marshmallow sticks or kebab skewers at the right height. The carbon steel grate needs seasoning before your first cook to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface.

Season your grate with vegetable oil over maximum heat until it turns black, just like cast iron cookware.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

Assembly takes under a minute once you've done it once. Cleaning requires you to let the ash cool completely, then tip it out and wipe down the steel surfaces. Store your cooking grate undercover between trips to prevent surface rust from forming on the carbon steel.

Best for and campsite suitability

This fire pit works best on established campsites with designated fire areas. You'll need to place it on a fireproof surface like a paving slab or large log, as the heat will scorch grass and ground underneath. Wild camping sites that allow fires can accommodate this design, but check local regulations first.

Price and where to buy in the UK

Retailers stock this style of camping fire pit UK customers can buy for around £100 to £130. Take a Hike UK offers competitive pricing on their camping range, and you'll find similar designs from outdoor specialists and garden centres across the country.

How it compares to other fire pits

Compared to mesh tripod designs, this steel pit handles larger logs and creates more heat for group gatherings. It weighs more than ultralight backpacking options but costs significantly less than premium smokeless models. The flat-pack design beats fixed bowls for storage space, though setup takes slightly longer than pop-up alternatives.

2. Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe collapsible pit

This collapsible camping fire pit folds flat into a carry case you can slip into your rucksack. The stainless steel frame pops open in seconds, and the removable insert sits inside to contain your fire. You get a proper fire pit that weighs just 1.1kg, making it one of the lightest full-size options available to UK campers.

Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe overview

Wolf and Grizzly designed their Fire Safe specifically for backpackers and wild campers who count every gram. The three-piece construction includes the collapsible outer frame, a foldable fire insert, and a storage pouch. Stainless steel construction handles repeated heating and cooling cycles without warping, and the simple design means fewer parts to lose or break on the trail.

Size, weight and packability

Your assembled fire pit measures 28.6cm wide by 27.8cm deep, giving you enough space for a decent fire without excessive bulk. The frame collapses down to around 10.5cm thick when packed, fitting easily into the side pocket of most hiking rucksacks. At barely over a kilogram, this camping fire pit UK backpackers actually use won't slow you down on long distance trails.

Fuel options and smoke level

You can burn either wood or charcoal in this fire pit, unlike many portable designs that restrict you to one fuel type. Charcoal gives you more consistent heat for cooking, while wood creates that proper campfire atmosphere. Smoke production stays moderate with dry fuel, though the compact size means you'll need to feed it frequently to maintain heat.

Cooking and versatility

The Fire Safe accepts most camping grills and trivets you place on top. You won't find integrated cooking surfaces or grates included, so you'll need to bring your own pot supports or grilling equipment. The compact diameter suits single pans or small kettles better than full barbecue spreads.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

You unfold the frame, drop in the fire insert, and you're ready to light up. The removable insert lifts straight out once cool, letting you dump ash without touching the main structure. Wipe down the stainless steel surfaces occasionally to prevent residue buildup, and store everything dry to avoid water spots.

Remove the fire insert while it's still warm to make ash disposal easier at your campsite.

Best for and campsite suitability

Wild camping and backpacking trips suit this fire pit perfectly. The lightweight design works for long distance trails where you're covering serious mileage each day. Established campsites welcome it too, though you'll still need a heat-resistant base underneath to protect the ground.

Price and where to buy in the UK

Expect to pay around £120 to £140 for the Wolf and Grizzly Fire Safe from UK outdoor retailers. Amazon UK stocks it regularly, and specialist camping shops often carry the brand. The price reflects the quality stainless steel construction and thoughtful design features.

How it compares to other fire pits

This pit beats heavy steel bowls on weight but costs more than basic mesh designs. You get better build quality than budget tripods while staying lighter than smokeless models. The dual fuel capability gives you more flexibility than wood-only alternatives, though you sacrifice the larger cooking surface of heavier options.

3. FENNEK Hexagon collapsible fire pit

The FENNEK Hexagon uses a unique slot-together design that assembles without tools or bolts. You get six stainless steel panels that interlock to form a hexagonal fire pit, and the whole structure weighs just under 4kg. The panels break down completely flat for storage, making this one of the most packable options for campers with limited boot space.

FENNEK Hexagon camping fire pit overview

FENNEK designed this hexagon fire pit specifically for UK caravanners and motorhome owners who need reliable heat without permanent fixtures. The heatproof stainless steel construction handles repeated use without degrading, and the hexagonal shape provides stable edges for placing cooking equipment. Six individual panels connect using the brand's patented stick-together system, which requires no separate fasteners or complicated assembly steps.

Size, weight and packability

Your assembled fire pit spans 59cm across, giving you similar burning capacity to traditional round bowls. Each panel stores flat against the others, creating a stack around 18cm thick when fully collapsed. The 3.99kg total weight sits comfortably between ultralight backpacking options and heavy garden fire pits.

Fuel options and smoke level

This fire pit burns wood logs only, as the panel design doesn't accommodate charcoal effectively. Airflow comes from the gaps between panels rather than dedicated vents, producing moderate smoke levels with properly dried hardwood. Green or damp wood creates excessive smoke, so bring seasoned firewood to your campsite.

Cooking and versatility

You can rest a cooking grate across the hexagonal rim, though FENNEK doesn't include one in the package. The six flat edges provide stable surfaces for positioning pots and pans directly on the rim. Balance smaller items carefully, as the panels can shift slightly under heavy weight.

Position your cookware over the centre of a panel edge rather than at connection points for better stability.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

Assembly takes around two minutes once you understand the interlocking system. Cleaning involves letting ash cool completely, then separating panels for individual wiping. The stainless steel resists rust, though you should dry panels thoroughly before storing them in your vehicle.

Best for and campsite suitability

Caravan sites and established campsites suit this fire pit perfectly. The moderate weight makes it practical for car camping rather than backpacking trips. You'll still need a heat-resistant base underneath to prevent ground scorching at your pitch.

Price and where to buy in the UK

This camping fire pit UK customers can find costs around £55 to £65 from outdoor retailers. Amazon UK stocks the FENNEK Hexagon regularly, and you'll occasionally find it discounted during seasonal sales. The price point positions it between budget mesh designs and premium smokeless models.

How it compares to other fire pits

The hexagonal design stands out visually from round alternatives while providing similar functionality. It packs flatter than the Wolf and Grizzly but weighs more for backpacking purposes. You get easier assembly than bolt-together flat-pack models, though cleaning takes longer than designs with removable inserts.

4. Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 smokeless pit

The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 delivers near-smokeless burning through its double-wall airflow system. You get a 19.5cm tall stainless steel cylinder that channels oxygen through bottom vents and out through top vents, creating secondary combustion that burns smoke before it reaches your face. The premium construction handles intense heat without warping, and you'll spend more time enjoying your fire than waving smoke away.

Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 overview

Solo Stove built its reputation on eliminating the smoke that ruins outdoor gatherings. This camping fire pit UK customers rate highly uses 304 stainless steel construction throughout, with a patent-pending design that forces hot air upward through inner wall vents. The secondary burn system consumes particles that normally create smoke, leaving you with cleaner air and more complete combustion.

Size, weight and packability

Your assembled fire pit stands 19.5cm tall with a 38cm diameter, providing enough burning capacity for groups of four to six people. The solid construction weighs around 6.8kg, making this better suited to car camping than backpacking trips. You won't get any folding or collapsible features, so plan your storage space accordingly before purchasing.

Fuel options and smoke level

This pit burns wood only, requiring properly dried hardwood for best results. The double-wall design reduces smoke output by roughly 80% compared to traditional fire pits, though you'll still see some smoke during initial lighting and when adding fresh logs. Feed your fire smaller pieces of wood more frequently rather than large logs that smother the airflow system.

Add wood pieces no thicker than your wrist to maintain optimal airflow through the double-wall vents.

Cooking and versatility

Solo Stove sells optional cooking accessories separately, including grills and pot stands designed specifically for the Ranger. You can balance pots directly on the rim, though the heat concentration at the top creates intense cooking temperatures. The efficient burn leaves minimal ash, reducing cleanup time after cooking sessions.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

You place the fire pit on a heat-resistant surface and start burning immediately. The removable ash pan underneath catches debris, making disposal straightforward once everything cools. Wipe down the stainless steel surfaces occasionally to maintain appearance, and store your pit in a dry location between camping trips.

Best for and campsite suitability

Established campsites welcome this fire pit, particularly those with restrictions on smoke production. The smokeless operation works perfectly for pitches close to other campers who might complain about traditional smoky fires. You'll need vehicle access to transport the weight comfortably.

Price and where to buy in the UK

This premium camping fire pit costs around £200 to £230 from UK retailers. Amazon UK and Lakeland stock Solo Stove products regularly, and the brand's official website ships to the UK. The higher price reflects the engineered airflow system and quality stainless steel construction.

How it compares to other fire pits

The Solo Stove produces dramatically less smoke than any other pit we tested. You pay significantly more than basic steel bowls or mesh designs, but you gain proper smokeless performance. The fixed cylindrical shape takes up more storage space than collapsible alternatives, though build quality exceeds budget options substantially.

5. Ultralight mesh tripod fire pit

This mesh tripod design weighs under 600g, making it the lightest camping fire pit UK backpackers can actually use for proper fires. Three folding legs support a stainless steel mesh bowl that sits elevated above the ground. You get a carry bag and heat-resistant gloves included, protecting your hands when adjusting hot components during use.

Ultralight mesh tripod fire pit overview

Budget-conscious campers choose this tripod fire pit for its minimal weight and simple construction. The mesh bowl allows airflow from all sides, feeding oxygen to your fire without complex vent systems. Three steel legs fold inward for compact storage, and the whole package costs less than premium alternatives while delivering functional performance.

Size, weight and packability

Your assembled fire pit measures 42cm wide by 34cm tall, creating enough burning space for small group gatherings. The legs collapse completely flat against the mesh bowl, reducing packed dimensions to roughly the size of a dinner plate. At barely 600g total weight, you won't notice this fire pit in your rucksack alongside your tent and sleeping bag.

Fuel options and smoke level

You burn small wood pieces and twigs in this mesh design, as the open structure doesn't suit charcoal or large logs. Smoke production stays moderate when you use dry kindling, though the exposed fire creates more visible smoke than enclosed designs. The mesh allows sparks to escape, so keep your fire modest to prevent safety issues.

Use wood pieces no thicker than your thumb to maintain airflow through the mesh without overloading the structure.

Cooking and versatility

The included mesh surface works for lightweight pots and kettles, though you'll need to balance items carefully. Heavy cookware can bend the mesh or tip the tripod legs, limiting your cooking options to single-person meals rather than group feasts. Boiling water works better than frying food on this delicate surface.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

You unfold the three legs, position the mesh bowl on top, and start your fire. Cleaning requires cooling completely, then tapping out ash residue from the mesh. Inspect the leg joints regularly for looseness, as repeated folding can weaken connection points over time.

Best for and campsite suitability

Wild camping trips and ultralight backpacking adventures suit this fire pit perfectly. You sacrifice durability and cooking capacity for extreme portability, making this ideal for solo hikers covering long distances. Established campsites accept this design, though you'll still need heat-resistant ground protection underneath.

Price and where to buy in the UK

This budget camping fire pit costs around £15 to £25 from UK outdoor retailers. Amazon UK stocks multiple variations from different brands, all following similar tripod mesh designs. The low price point reflects basic construction rather than premium engineering.

How it compares to other fire pits

This pit beats all competitors on weight and price but loses on durability and cooking capability. You get the absolute minimum fire pit that actually functions, perfect for counting grams on thru-hikes. Build quality trails far behind stainless steel designs, though you pay roughly one-tenth the cost of premium alternatives.

6. BioLite FirePit plus outdoor cooking pit

The BioLite FirePit combines smart technology with traditional fire pit design. You get a rechargeable battery pack that powers an airflow fan for over 30 hours, and a bluetooth app on your phone controls flame intensity. The included grill grate transforms this fire pit into a hibachi-style cooking surface, giving you proper temperature control for outdoor meals.

BioLite FirePit plus overview

BioLite engineered this camping fire pit UK customers can control from their smartphones. The 51 airjets around the fire chamber boost combustion, reducing smoke while increasing heat output. Battery power runs the fan system independently of your fire, meaning you adjust airflow without physically touching hot components during cooking sessions.

Size, weight and packability

Your fire pit measures approximately 68cm long by 33cm wide, creating a rectangular burning surface rather than a traditional circular bowl. The unit weighs around 9.5kg with battery attached, making this strictly a car camping option. Folding legs reduce height for transport, though you'll need significant boot space compared to collapsible alternatives.

Fuel options and smoke level

You burn either wood or charcoal in this versatile pit. The powered airflow system dramatically reduces smoke compared to passive designs, though you'll still see some during initial lighting. Charcoal provides consistent cooking temperatures, while wood delivers traditional campfire atmosphere with better flame control than unpowered alternatives.

Cooking and versatility

The included hibachi-style grill grate sits directly over your fire, giving you proper barbecue capability. Adjustable fan speeds let you increase heat for searing meat or reduce airflow for gentle warming. The rectangular shape accommodates multiple burgers or kebabs simultaneously, making this camping fire pit practical for group cooking.

Control flame height through the app rather than constantly adding or removing fuel during meal preparation.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

You unfold the legs, charge the battery pack via USB, and download the control app to your phone. Cleaning requires emptying the removable ash pan underneath once cool. Keep the battery pack dry and charged between trips, and wipe down the fire chamber periodically to maintain airflow through the jets.

Best for and campsite suitability

Established campsites with electrical hookups suit this fire pit perfectly, as you can recharge the battery overnight. The powered airflow makes this ideal for sites with smoke restrictions. You'll appreciate the cooking control on family camping trips where meal preparation matters as much as ambiance.

Price and where to buy in the UK

This premium camping fire pit costs around £250 to £270 from UK outdoor retailers. Millets stocks the BioLite range regularly, and the brand's website ships to UK addresses. The price reflects the integrated technology and dual-purpose cooking capability.

How it compares to other fire pits

The BioLite offers unique smartphone control that no competitor matches. You sacrifice portability compared to lightweight alternatives but gain precise cooking temperature management. The battery requirement adds complexity versus simple wood-burning designs, though smoke reduction rivals Solo Stove performance when the fan runs at full power.

7. Garden Trading Foscot medium fire pit

This untreated iron fire pit develops a natural rust patina over time, giving your camping setup an authentic outdoor aesthetic. You get four sturdy legs that lift the bowl off the ground, plus handles on each side for easy repositioning once cool. The medium size balances burning capacity with reasonable portability for campers who value traditional materials over high-tech features.

Garden Trading Foscot medium fire pit overview

Garden Trading designed this fire pit for campers who appreciate natural materials that age with use. The untreated iron construction means you won't fight against rust, as the material naturally oxidises to a weathered finish that protects the underlying metal. Side handles let you move your fire pit around your pitch without complicated lifting arrangements, and the bowl depth accommodates proper logs rather than just twigs.

Size, weight and packability

Your fire pit measures approximately 50cm in diameter, providing enough space for group gatherings without excessive bulk. The four legs keep the hot bowl safely elevated above ground surfaces. You won't get any collapsible features with this traditional design, so storage requires dedicated boot space in your vehicle.

Fuel options and smoke level

This bowl burns wood logs exclusively, as the open design works best with natural timber. Smoke production follows standard patterns for open fires, increasing with damp or green wood and reducing when you burn properly seasoned hardwood. The bowl depth contains sparks reasonably well during normal burning.

Cooking and versatility

You can rest a grill grate across the rim for cooking, though Garden Trading doesn't include one in the package. The iron construction handles heat from cooking operations without concern, and the natural rust finish means spills or grease won't damage any protective coatings. Balance lighter pots directly on the rim for heating water or simple meals.

Position your cooking grate to overhang the rim slightly for easier removal when hot.

Setup, cleaning and maintenance

You place the fire pit on heat-resistant ground and start burning immediately. Cleaning involves tipping out cooled ash and wiping down the iron surfaces occasionally. The natural rust finish requires no special maintenance, and storing your pit exposed to weather actually enhances the aged appearance over time.

Best for and campsite suitability

Car camping trips where you value traditional aesthetics suit this fire pit perfectly. The natural materials fit wild camping environments where modern tech feels out of place. Established campsites accept this design readily, though you'll still need proper ground protection underneath to prevent scorching.

Price and where to buy in the UK

This camping fire pit UK customers can purchase costs around £128 from Garden Trading and selected outdoor retailers. The price reflects quality iron construction and thoughtful design details. You'll occasionally find this style discounted during end-of-season sales at garden centres.

How it compares to other fire pits

The natural rust finish distinguishes this pit from stainless steel alternatives that fight against weathering. You sacrifice portability compared to collapsible designs but gain traditional aesthetics that improve with age. Build quality exceeds budget mesh options substantially, though you'll manage more smoke than premium smokeless models.

Key takeaways

Your perfect camping fire pit uk choice depends on how you camp and what you prioritize. Backpackers need the ultralight mesh tripod at under 600g, while car campers get better value from the FENNEK Hexagon or flat-pack steel options. Solo Stove delivers near-smokeless performance if you can justify the price, and BioLite adds smartphone controls for those who want precise cooking temperatures.

Weight matters less than you think when you're loading a car boot. Choose based on setup speed and cleaning ease instead, as these factors determine whether you'll actually use your fire pit or leave it stored after the first trip. Most campsites accept any portable design provided you place it on heat-resistant ground.

Browse camping essentials at Take a Hike UK to complete your outdoor setup with sleeping bags, emergency gear, and everything else you need for comfortable nights around your new fire pit.