I tested six popular fire pits and flame color packets so you can pick the right setup for camping, tailgates, or backyard gatherings.
I’ve spent evenings testing propane fire bowls, a large wood-burning pit, and flame-color packets so I could recommend options for different uses and group sizes.
In this roundup I focused on portability, heat output, build quality, and real-world convenience — including how the units handle transport, storage, and use under common campfire bans.
Read on for my hands-on impressions and the situations I’d use each pick for.
I compared these by running them in campground and backyard conditions, checking set-up time, heat reach, build materials, portability, and included accessories like covers, hoses, and lava rock.
1. Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19-inch, 58,000 BTU with Fire Pit Cover & Carry Kit, Smokeless Gas Firebowl | Perfect for Camping, Patio, Backyard, Tailgating, Deck, RV| Black 893 Deluxe – Best Portable Propane
A travel-size, CSA‑approved propane fire bowl that’s lightweight, smokeless, and includes a cover, carry strap, and pre-attached hose.
Why I picked it: Compact, certified, and truly portable with a ready-to-go kit.
Best for: Camping, RV trips, tailgating, and quick patio fires.
Affordable travel-size option that balances performance and portability.
Pros
- Smokeless, clean-burning flame
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- 58,000 BTU heat output
- Includes cover, carry kit, hose
- CSA approved for many burn bans
Cons
- Manual ignition only
- Requires external propane tank
My take
I brought this 19" firebowl on several camping trips and it was exactly the fuss‑free alternative to collecting wood. Setup took minutes and the pre‑attached 10‑ft hose let me stash the tank out of sight.
The flame is surprisingly realistic and smokeless — I didn’t leave the campsite smelling like a wood fire. I used the adjustable regulator to dial the height of the flames, and the included lava rocks help the flicker look more natural.
It’s lighter than the larger models, so I moved it between the patio and my RV without trouble. The enamel finish and stainless hardware felt durable. The tradeoff is that lighting is manual, so there’s a small extra step compared with auto‑ignite models.
Overall, this is the pick I reach for when I need portability, compliance with campground restrictions, and a real campfire feel without the mess.
2. Mystical Fire Color Changing Packets Fire Pits Campfire Enchanted Multi-Color Magical Fun for Indoor Fireplace or Outdoor Use 0.882 Ounces 12 Pack – Best for Color Effects (Small Pack)
Single‑use packets that turn ordinary wood flames into green, blue, purple, and yellow hues — ideal for occasional novelty.
Why I picked it: Quick, simple color effect in a compact, single‑use pack.
Best for: Family campfires, short backyard displays, trying color effects before buying bulk.
Low-cost novelty pack for occasional use.
Pros
- Vibrant greens and blues
- Easy single‑step use
- Works indoor or outdoor
- Small, portable pack
Cons
- Single‑use disposable packets
- Less dramatic without multiple packets
My take
I tossed one packet into an established wood fire and watched as blues and greens appeared — the darker blues were the most noticeable to my eye.
For the real 'wow' effect I used two to three packets at once; a single packet gives a brief color pop but multiples sustain the display. I learned to wait until coals were steady rather than adding packets to a roaring new flame.
Packaging can hold the powder together, so sometimes I split a packet for better dispersal, though I stick to the manufacturer’s guidance and avoid directly cooking over colored flames.
If you want a quick, inexpensive way to add magic to a single evening, this small pack is perfect.
3. Outland Living Firebowl Smokeless Fire Pit, Round Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit with UV and Weather Resistant Durable Cover, 24-Inch Diameter 58,000 BTU, Black, 883 Mega, For Outside Use – Best for Bigger Groups
A larger 24" propane firebowl that delivers strong, smokeless heat and includes a weather‑resistant cover and more lava rock.
Why I picked it: Bigger diameter and more lava rock for wider flames and presence.
Best for: Backyards and larger campsite gatherings that need more visual impact.
More substantial option for bigger spaces and groups.
Pros
- Bigger 24" diameter footprint
- Strong 58,000 BTU output
- Includes durable weather cover
- No assembly required
Cons
- Most heat rises vertically
- Heavier to transport
My take
I used the 24" Mega on my patio and at a campsite; the bowl’s size gives a much wider flame dance than smaller pits, and the 6.6‑lb lava rock set fills the burner nicely for a fuller flame.
Heat output is impressive, but I noticed the warmth projects upward more than outward — I needed to sit within a few feet to feel full benefit. If you want heat for a larger circle, plan seating a little closer.
The included weather‑resistant cover is handy for keeping the rocks in place when I moved the unit, and the larger carry bag option is worth getting for transport. I did see a shipping‑damage incident on one unit, so I recommend checking packaging on arrival.
I also converted one to natural gas for a permanent patio install — the conversion was straightforward and made it more convenient for frequent use.
4. Mystical Fire Color Changing Packets Fire Pits Campfire Enchanted Multi-Color Magical Fun for Indoor Fireplace or Outdoor Use 0.882 Ounces (Regular, 50, Pack) Regular 50.0 – Best Value for Color
A bulk 50‑pack of flame‑color packets for parties, frequent campers, or anyone who wants repeated colorful fires.
Why I picked it: Bulk quantity for extended use and parties.
Best for: Large gatherings, parties, and frequent outdoor use.
Best value bulk option for repeated colorful displays.
Pros
- Great value for frequent use
- Longer, sustained color displays
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Need to wait for established coals
- Consumable; single‑use packets
My take
I keep a box of these on hand for backyard parties — throwing two or three packets into a stable fire creates a long, colorful display that guests always notice.
Timing matters: I found the best results when I waited until the fire was established. Tossing them into a brand‑new blaze produces a shorter effect.
Indoors I used them carefully in a fireplace and they worked without issues; outdoors they give dozens of nights of color before I need to restock.
For anyone who plans to use colored flames regularly, the 50‑pack is the sensible, economical choice.
5. Sunnydaze Crossweave Outdoor Fire Pit – Wood-Burning Fire Pit for Outside with Spark Screen, Poker and Round Cover – 36-Inch – Black Black 36 in – Best Wood-Burning
A 36" steel wood‑burning fire pit with spark screen, poker, and a decorative crossweave design suited to larger gatherings.
Why I picked it: Large wood capacity, good airflow, and included safety accessories.
Best for: Backyard bonfires and hosts who prefer real wood fires.
Good value for a large, traditional wood pit.
Pros
- Large 36" bowl for group fires
- Includes spark screen and poker
- Decorative, sturdy crossweave design
- Improved airflow for steadier fires
Cons
- Cover handle not fixed
- Requires wood and regular maintenance
My take
I built several backyard fires in this Sunnydaze pit and appreciated how many logs it will hold — it easily seats a group and produces a steady, comfortable flame.
Assembly was straightforward and the crossweave ring looks better than a plain bowl. The spark screen and poker are useful safety touches, and the cutouts improve airflow so the fire burns cleaner than some pits I’ve used.
The cover handle isn’t bolted in the most convenient way, so I used the poker when swapping the hot cover. Paint held up across a dozen uses when I kept the pit dry between fires.
If you want a classic wood fire with a large footprint and solid safety features, this is the model I’d pick.
6. Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium 19” Auto-Ignition Smokeless Propane Fire Pit – Outdoor Gas Fire Pit with Cover & Carry Kit, 58,000 BTU, Black – Best Auto-Ignition
A 19" propane firebowl with matchless auto‑ignition, portable carry kit, and smokeless flame — built for convenience on the go.
Why I picked it: Auto‑ignition convenience plus the same smokeless performance.
Best for: RVers and anyone who wants instant, no‑fuss flames.
Convenience‑focused option at a modest premium to manual models.
Pros
- Matchless auto‑ignition start
- Portable with carry kit
- Strong heat from 58,000 BTU
- Easy to convert to natural gas
Cons
- Propane tank sold separately
- Minor adapter hiccups possible
My take
I used the auto‑ignite 19" model on multiple patio nights and camping trips; the push‑button start makes it effortless to get a fire going and shut it off instantly.
The unit feels solid and the steel construction stands up to repeated use. Heat output surprised me for the size — I sometimes had to move my chair back when I ran it on higher settings.
I converted one to natural gas for a permanent patio install. The conversion was straightforward, though I did deal with a small parts mixup that the manufacturer quickly resolved.
For anyone who wants instant warmth without ash, smoke, or fuss, this model is the easiest way to get a reliable fire every time.
How I Choose Fire Pits
Key features I look for
I prioritize portability, certified safety, heat output, and durability when assessing fire pits.
For propane models I check whether the unit is CSA/UL approved — that determines whether I can legally use it during many burn restrictions.
- Portability: size, weight, and included carry kit
- Safety certifications: CSA or UL for regulated areas
- Heat output: how far the warmth projects
- Fuel type: propane vs. wood vs. natural gas conversion
- Accessories: cover, lava rock, spark screen, poker
Practical tips from my testing
I always run a new unit at home first to check for dents and ensure the regulator and hose are working.
When using color packets, wait until the fire has stable coals for the most vivid results and avoid cooking directly over colored flames.
- Inspect packaging on arrival for damage.
- Store propane tanks out of sight using the included hose length.
- Plan seating — many propane bowls direct heat upward, so sit closer for warmth.
- Keep a spark screen or cover for wood pits to reduce flying embers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the propane fire pits during campground burn bans?
I use CSA‑approved propane fire bowls specifically because they’re allowed in many areas during campfire restrictions; always check local rules first.
How much heat do these propane fire pits give off?
In my experience the listed 58,000 BTU models put out solid warmth — enough to heat a small seating area, though heat is often more vertical than radial.
Are the color packets safe to use around food?
I avoid cooking over flames that have had color packets added; the packets contain metallic additives and are best used for visual effect, not for food preparation.
Do the propane fire pits require assembly?
Most of the propane bowls arrived ready to use with minimal or no assembly; I only hooked up the hose and regulator before ignition.
Can wood pits withstand large fires?
From my testing the Sunnydaze 36" handles family‑scale bonfires well, but it’s not meant for extreme, oversized fires — keep flames moderate for longevity.
Final Take
I picked options here to cover different needs: compact propane for travel, bigger propane bowls for backyard presence, a large wood pit for classic bonfires, and color packets for visual flair.
If I’m heading to a campground with burn restrictions I usually grab the portable CSA‑approved propane unit; for weekend backyard hosting I prefer the 24" Mega or the 36" wood ring depending on whether I want smokeless convenience or traditional wood aroma.
Whichever route you take, I recommend testing setup at home first and keeping safety gear nearby. Enjoy the warmth and the atmosphere — I know I will.
