Why A Portable Propane Fire Pit Belongs On Every Camping Trip

August 11, 2026 -

News

Why A Portable Propane Fire Pit Belongs On Every Camping Trip

There are few things better than ending the day gathered around a campfire. Whether you're swapping stories, warming up after a long hike, or simply enjoying the quiet outdoors, a fire has always been at the heart of camping.

Unfortunately, traditional wood fires aren't always practical—or even allowed. Seasonal burn bans, wet firewood, campground restrictions, smoke, and cleanup can all make building a campfire more difficult than it's worth.

That's where portable propane fire pits have become one of our favorite camping upgrades.

Brands like Howl and Ignik have completely changed what a campfire can look like, giving campers and overlanders an easy way to enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a fire almost anywhere local regulations permit.

Why More Campers Are Switching to Propane Fire Pits

Ready in Seconds

Forget collecting firewood, splitting logs, or waiting for damp wood to ignite.

A propane fire pit sets up in just a few minutes. Connect your propane tank, ignite the burner, and you're enjoying a campfire almost immediately. When it's time to leave camp, simply turn the valve off and you're packed up in moments.

That convenience makes them perfect for:

Weekend camping
Overlanding
Truck campers
Van life
RV travel
Tailgating
Beach trips
Backyard gatherings

Cleaner Than Traditional Campfires

One of the biggest advantages of propane is how clean it burns.

Unlike wood fires, propane produces:

No smoke in your face
No lingering campfire smell on clothes
Little to no ash to clean up
No flying embers
No partially burned logs left behind

While propane is still a fossil fuel, it burns much cleaner than wood, producing significantly fewer particulate emissions and helping reduce airborne smoke around camp. It's also less likely to scar campsites with leftover ash or burn marks when used responsibly.

Often Allowed During Fire Restrictions

One of the biggest reasons portable propane fire pits have become so popular is that they're frequently permitted during seasonal burn bans where traditional wood fires are prohibited.

Because propane flames can be turned off instantly and don't create blowing embers, many land managers consider them a lower wildfire risk than wood fires. That said, regulations vary by campground, state, national forest, and local jurisdiction, so it's always important to verify current restrictions before your trip.

Cost Effective Over Time

Buying bundles of campground firewood every weekend adds up quickly.

With a refillable propane tank, you'll likely spend less over the long run while avoiding overpriced or poor-quality firewood found near many campgrounds.

If you already carry propane for your camp stove, heater, or camper, adding a fire pit often means you're using the same fuel source for multiple pieces of gear.

Easier to Transport

Portable propane fire pits are designed specifically for travel.

Compared to hauling firewood, kindling, axes, and fire starters, everything packs neatly into a compact carrying case or integrated design.

They're especially popular among:

Four Wheel Camper owners
Truck campers
Van campers
Overlanders
RV travelers
Anyone with limited storage space

Enjoy a Fire Year Round

Camping doesn't stop when temperatures drop.

Portable propane fire pits make shoulder-season and winter camping much more enjoyable by providing instant warmth without the hassle of finding dry firewood after rain or snow.

Whether you're relaxing after skiing, enjoying a crisp fall evening, or spending time around camp on a cool summer night, a propane fire pit extends the amount of time you'll actually want to spend outside.

Ignik and Howl: Two Great Ways to Enjoy Camp

At MULE, we carry both Ignik and Howl because they each offer something a little different depending on how you camp.

Ignik

Ignik's FireCan lineup is known for being compact, lightweight, and incredibly easy to use. With a folding design, quick setup, adjustable flame, and compatibility with Ignik's refillable propane systems, it's a great choice for campers looking for maximum portability and convenience. Certain FireCan models even include grilling capabilities for campers who want a fire pit that can also handle cooking duties.

Howl

Howl takes a different approach by focusing on creating one of the most authentic campfire experiences available in a portable propane fire pit. Built in Colorado, Howl fire pits are designed to produce exceptional radiant heat while maintaining a rugged, durable construction that stands up to years of adventure. Their lineup ranges from ultra-portable options like the R1 to larger models built for colder conditions and bigger groups. Howl's mission centers around helping people continue enjoying campfires while reducing wildfire risk where propane fires are permitted.

Rather than one being "better" than the other, it really comes down to your camping style. Some campers prioritize compact storage and versatility, while others want maximum heat output and a campfire experience that feels as close to wood as possible.

Are Portable Propane Fire Pits Worth It?

For many campers, absolutely.

The convenience alone makes them one of the most-used pieces of camp gear.

You'll spend less time searching for firewood, avoid smoke-filled clothes, enjoy faster setup and cleanup, and often still get to enjoy a campfire even when wood fires aren't an option.

If you camp regularly throughout the year, a portable propane fire pit can quickly become one of those items you wonder how you ever camped without.

Find the Right Fire Pit at MULE

Whether you're building out a new overland vehicle, outfitting your truck camper, or simply looking for a cleaner, more convenient way to enjoy evenings around camp, portable propane fire pits are a worthwhile addition to your gear.

At MULE, we proudly carry premium options from both Ignik and Howl, giving you the flexibility to choose the fire pit that best fits your adventures.

Stop by one of our showrooms or reach out to our team—we're always happy to help you find the right gear for your next trip.