Top Portable Fire Pits That Fit in Car Trunks or SUVs
If you’re like me, you want to take the cozy vibe of a campfire anywhere — without hauling a heavy steel monster or dealing with leftover ashes. That’s exactly why I started researching the best portable fire pits that are compact enough to fit in a car trunk or SUV, but still powerful enough to bring real heat and atmosphere.
These aren’t just small — they’re smart. Whether you’re heading to a beach bonfire, tailgate party, camping trip, or just chilling at the cabin, these portable fire pits make it effortless. I’ve personally tried a few, and here are my top picks that travel like a dream.
Table of Contents
Why Portable Fire Pits Are a Must-Have for Outdoor Lovers
When I first bought a traditional fire pit, I quickly realized I couldn’t take it anywhere. It was too bulky, messy, and took forever to cool down. Once I switched to a lightweight, foldable fire pit, my camping weekends and road trips leveled up. Here’s what I love most:
- Easy to pack, store, and clean
- Most models are smokeless and propane-powered
- No wood, no mess, no stress
- Perfect for national parks, RV parks, and Airbnb decks
- Fast setup — some in under 5 minutes
My Favorite Fire Pits That Fit in the Trunk
Outland Firebowl 870 – Best Overall for Car Trunks
This thing is a beast without being heavy. The Outland Firebowl 870 is propane-powered, lightweight, and completely smokeless. It comes with a carrying strap, lava rocks, and packs up in minutes. I take it camping, to family BBQs, and even Airbnb stays.
Check it on Amazon
Solo Stove Ranger – Best Smokeless Option
The Solo Stove Ranger is ultra-compact but pumps out serious heat. I can slide it into my SUV with room to spare. It’s made for wood, but burns so efficiently there’s barely any smoke. Perfect for those who love a clean-burning fire without propane tanks.
View on Amazon
Fire Sense Notebook Fire Pit – Best Folding Fire Pit
This one literally folds flat. I mean it — you can slide the Fire Sense Notebook Fire Pit under a car seat or pack it like a laptop. It’s ideal for quick beach hangs or tailgates. Not as warm as others, but unbeatable when space is tight.
Buy on Amazon
UCO Flatpack Grill & Fire Pit – Great for Backpacking & Trunks
This one doubles as a portable grill. The UCO Flatpack folds completely flat and works as a small fire pit or cooking station. I love how lightweight it is, and it fits in any trunk or backpack.
View on Amazon
What to Look for in a Travel-Friendly Fire Pit
When I shop for a portable fire pit, I make sure it checks a few boxes:
- Fits in a trunk or storage bin
- Weighs under 25 lbs
- Has a carrying bag or handles
- Works with 1 lb or 20 lb propane tanks
- Smokeless design (especially for campsites)
- Sets up and cools down fast
Tips for Transporting Safely
If you’re driving with your fire pit in the car, especially a propane model, here’s what I always do:
- Make sure the propane tank is off and disconnected
- Store everything in a heat-safe bag or crate
- Let the fire pit cool completely before packing
- Use a cover or carrying case to avoid scratching the car trunk
Use Cases: Where I Take Mine
I’ve brought my car-sized fire pit to:
- National parks (where allowed)
- Tailgating before football games
- Beachside bonfires
- Cabins without fire rings
- The backyard of a friend’s place
It gives you fire anywhere you go — without depending on what’s at the destination.
Smokeless Models Are Great for Tight Spaces
Some of the best portable fire pits I’ve tested are nearly smokeless, which is a blessing if you’re around other campers or tailgaters. The Solo Stove and Outland Firebowl really shine in this area.
Don’t Forget These Accessories
Here’s what I always pack with my travel fire pit:
- Propane hose and regulator (unless using a 1 lb tank)
- Fireproof mat to protect grass or pavement
- Marshmallow or hot dog roasting sticks
- A lighter or ignition kit (just in case)
Why I Keep One in My SUV Year-Round
True story — I keep my folding fire pit in the back of my car all year. You never know when a sunset or lake stop calls for a fire. It’s like having portable comfort on demand, and it impresses people every single time.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to lug around a massive fire pit to enjoy real warmth and ambiance. With these compact fire pits that fit in trunks or SUVs, you can take the party anywhere — from campsite to backyard to parking lot. And cleanup? Barely takes 5 minutes.
I always say: once you try a truly portable model, you’ll never go back to fixed setups. It’s freedom in fire form.
Easy Setup, No Tools Needed
One thing I can’t stand when traveling is wasting time assembling gear. That’s why I only recommend portable fire pits that don’t require tools. Most of the models on this list unfold, connect, or light up in just a few minutes. No screws, no wrenches — just relaxation.
Perfect for Road Trips and Overlanding
If you’re into overlanding or long car-based adventures like I am, a compact fire pit that fits in your trunk is an underrated essential. It turns any stop into a campsite. I’ve used mine everywhere from truck stops to remote desert pullouts.
Compact Doesn’t Mean Weak
Just because these fire pits are small doesn’t mean they’re underpowered. Many of them put out 40,000–58,000 BTUs, which is more than enough to keep a group warm. I’ve comfortably hosted 4 to 6 people around the Outland Firebowl, and no one complained about the heat.
No Fire Ring? No Problem
A lot of public lands or cabin rentals don’t have fire rings anymore. But with a contained, propane fire pit, you’re still in the clear (just check local rules). I’ve used mine in places where traditional fires were banned — and had no smoke, no sparks, and no issues.
Bring It to the Beach Without the Mess
Nothing ruins a beach trip like having to dig a pit or clean sand out of burned wood. A portable fire pit lets you enjoy a sunset fire without creating a mess. Just set it up on a heat-safe mat or concrete pad and enjoy.
Cool Down Time Is Quick
After a fun night, the last thing I want is to wait an hour for a fire pit to cool. These portable models cool down fast, especially the smokeless ones. Within 20–30 minutes, mine is cool enough to pack up and put back in the trunk.
You Can Even Cook on Some of These
Some of the folding or flat models double as grills or cooking surfaces. I’ve cooked bacon, eggs, sausages, and even toasted sandwiches right on mine. Just make sure the fire pit is rated for that kind of use, and always bring a heat-safe pan or grill top.
They’re Great for Emergency Use Too
I actually keep one of these in my trunk for emergency heat during power outages or roadside trouble. It may sound extra, but if you break down in cold weather or lose power at home, a propane fire pit can provide critical warmth for hours.
You Can Use Small 1 lb Tanks for Maximum Portability
If you don’t want to carry a 20 lb propane tank, many of these fire pits work great with the smaller 1 lb Coleman-style canisters. That makes transport even easier, and you can keep a couple of backups in your trunk or gear box.
Best for Airbnb and Cabin Rentals Without Fire Features
Sometimes Airbnb rentals look amazing — but lack fire features. I bring my own portable fire pit to give the space a real glow-up. It turns a basic rental into a high-end getaway. I’ve even had hosts thank me for not damaging their patios.
Folds Flat for RV Storage or Rooftop Tents
Some of these units, like the Fire Sense Notebook Fire Pit, fold completely flat and fit under RV seats, rooftop tent setups, or inside overland drawers. I love having it ready to go — it takes up less space than a folded camp chair.
Worth Every Penny for How Often I Use It
The truth is, I use my portable fire pit way more often than I ever used my old fixed one. Whether it’s for tailgating, beach nights, hiking trips, or backyard hangouts — it gets used all the time. And since it fits in my SUV, it’s never far away.