Camping during burn bans - Campfire Options

[Bulldawg]

With the dry conditions this summer there’s obviously burn bans in place in a lot/most areas, and where I’m taking my daughter camping later this summer. Campfires are still allowed in permanent/established fire rings/pits but using portable fire pits is not allowed for wood fires, but the propane fire pits are still allowed. Does anyone have experience with any propane fire pits that would allow me to have a campfire with her? I mean as a kid a campfire is a big part of the fun and I’d like to do as much as I can for her.

From what I can find, there is the Howl campfire pits but it’s also $375+ and I’d like to keep this on a relative budget. Is there any good options out there that you guys have used?

 

[575 ELK]

I don’t know anything about a propane campfire but around here it is so dry you aren’t even allowed to smoke outside. After all the wildfires we’ve had in last few years people will report any fire they see at camps. Fire, bone dry and big winds just don’t mix as you can tell by all the national forest burn scars and burnt homes. Most camps just don’t have any fires.

 

[Randle]

We use a small propane pit from amazon $90
Clear out a large circle for it just as an extra precaution an light it up.

 

[Weldor]

Just buy an old grill at a yard sale, put the burner in the bottom of a small stock water tank and some glass beads.

 

[Bluumoon]

A buddy makes these. Throw them on top of the propane fit pit, increases the amount of felt heat and look cool!

 

[Bulldawg]

I don’t know anything about a propane campfire but around here it is so dry you aren’t even allowed to smoke outside. After all the wildfires we’ve had in last few years people will report any fire they see at camps. Fire, bone dry and big winds just don’t mix as you can tell by all the national forest burn scars and burnt homes. Most camps just don’t have any fires.

Yeah, stage one fire ban is no open fires, no smoking outside, and no portable wood/coal fire pits. Only fires in established, permanent fire pits at established campgrounds. But fire pits that have an on off “switch” are still allowed, have to clear ground all around but it is allowed.

 

[partsunavailable]

I love a campfire as much as anyone. But if there is a burn ban, there is a reason and trying to find a loophole to allow fire, seems negligent.

 

[Ucsdryder]

I love a campfire as much as anyone. But if there is a burn ban, there is a reason and trying to find a loophole to allow fire, seems negligent.

Especially this year. We went camping early knowing bans would happen and have cancelled all camping trips the rest of the summer. Just not worth it and camping without a camp fire sucks.

 

[fngTony]

Generally a portable propane pit is allowed as they have a switch, don’t burn wood and don’t throw embers. We have on our patio that we can take camping. It’s not quite the same as a fire but a decent substitute. Even when there isn’t restrictions or bans this can just be easier.