What are campfire alternatives, and why should you consider one? After all, campfires have been part of RV camping ever since our “wheeled” forefathers traveled west in their covered wagons. But nowadays this classic camping treat is not always possible where you camp.
Common Situations When a Typical Campfire is Not a Good Idea
Roasting marshmallows over a roaring fire is an essential part of the camping experience. But today, traditional campfires are often banned for a host of reasons such as:
- There could be a burn ban restriction, prohibiting open flames from wood burning fires.
- Someone in your group may be asthmatic and unable to tolerate wood smoke from a real fire.
- You may not be able to afford the cost of campfire wood.
- Some RV parks have fire bans on wood campfires (spaces are often too close together).
- There may not be a campfire ring in your campsite (and fire restrictions are in place).
- You don’t want your clothes to smell like smoke.
- It might be too windy to risk lighting a wood fire.
In cases like these, when you still want the cozy atmosphere of a campfire-like experience, you may want to employ a campfire alternative. Options exist with RV accessories like portable firepits. Even when restrictions are in place, these safe alternatives to campfires can add the comforting warmth without the worries of setting off wildland fires.
5 Campfire Alternatives for RV Camping
These non-wood burning campfire options are great way for RVers to enjoy the camping spirit regardless of whether or not there is not a traditional fire ring at the campsite.
Portable Wood Burning Firepits
Sometimes the location of the existing fire ring is less than ideal. Portable wood burning firepits like those made by Firebrand are a fantastic alternative. They have the ambiance of a real campfire without the hassles. For example:
- You can locate them downwind from your RV so the wood smoke blows away from your campsite.
- They come in all sizes from small foldable ones that are easy to store to quite large.
- Allow cooking a complete meal over a wood fire away from the RV.
- Provide ample amount of heat to keep everyone warm in cold weather wherever you choose to locate it.
- They are handy cooking devices to roast a hot dog or toast a marshmallow for chocolate smores.
- Many include a cooking grate and screened spark cover for gourmet campfire cooking.
A Chimenea is another campfire alternative for consideration.
Although not exactly portable, a chimnea works well for certain camping situations, such as seasonal RV lots. Here are some things to consider about this type of campfire setup.
- Chimneas burn wood, which are easy to get started burning with these DIY campfire starters.
- Flames and smoke are directed up and out of the chimney. This allows those at the gathering spot to enjoy the evening in a safe way, rather than worry about wind blown flames and smoke.
- A chimnea is not very portable, however. It’s best suited for a seasonal campsite.
- Traditional chimeneas are made of fired clay, which is heavy and prone to breakage. But buyers may also choose from lighter sheet metal, stainless steel and other durable metals.
Propane burning firepits.
A portable propane firepit is another great campfire alternative when there is not a traditional fire ring at your campsite. Or when the location of the existing fire ring is less than ideal. Portable propane fire pits come in handy when there is a ban on wood campfires, too.
Here are the primary advantages of camping with gas fire pits.
- They come in all sizes. You’ll find them in small and easy to store “campfire in a can” sizes, to large portable pits that allow the whole clan to circle around.
- The best propane firepits provide heat nearly instantly.
- At the end of the night, you turn off the gas and the fire is out. No need to quench or worry about floating embers sparking unintentional fires.
- Propane firepits are typically allowed when wood and charcoal fires are banned.
- There’s no wood smoke to stink up your clothes, blow into your RV (or your neighbors RV!).
- No campfire wood is required. You won’t worry about transporting bug-infested wood. And no more paying for overpriced firewood at the campground.
- Portable smokeless fire pits are just safer. When you switch to a controlled flame, there is no need to worry about sparks jumping into your lap. The laps of children sitting around the fire are safe, too!
- Unlike a portable wood burning firepit, you leave no trace with a propane firepit. There is no need to dispose of ash or charred wood when you break camp.
Charcoal firepits
These are another campfire alternative to the conventional firepit found in campgrounds. They can add a welcoming environment to your next camping trip because:
- Flying embers from charcoal don’t pose the risk of spreading fire as a wood campfire would.
- Charcoal fires and grills are often permitted when wood burning fires are banned.
- A charcoal fire is much more controllable than a wood campfire, making it easier to cook over. Bring on the hot dogs and delicious s’mores!
Other reasons to consider carrying a campfire alternative
- Campfire alternatives are often visually appealing. They create an inviting atmosphere to any campsite gathering.
- Since they are elevated, they are unlikely to ignite dry leaves and twigs on the ground.
- Campfire alternatives are typically allowed where campfires on the ground are prohibited.
- Plus, these camping accessories are socially appealing. Everyone likes to gather around a campfire.
- It’s worth repeating: you can locate them where you want to take advantage of a view, seating, RV placement, privacy from other campsites, out of the wind, etc. You are no longer restricted to having your fire at the existing, often poorly placed, campfire ring at your site.
- Campfire alternatives offer versatility. You can also use a portable firepit at home or at a friend’s house.
With portable fire pits, there’s less mess left behind! You might end up with a little soot on the fake logs or lava rock. Once cool, the ashes from a portable wood burning firepit can be dumped in the provided charcoal disposal container found at many campgrounds or placed in an ash bucket and taken home.
An electric fireplace works too.
If none of the campfire alternatives listed above meet your needs or environmental conditions, you can always retreat into the RV to enjoy an evening in front of an electric fireplace.
If your RV doesn’t have one, you could always add an indoor fireplace with electric flames. One big plus of enjoying a cozy fire like this in the RV is it is always out of the rain. There are no mosquitoes in your surroundings, and the natural world is just steps away.
There you have it, five campfire alternatives to consider that are a fantastic way to enjoy the touch of magic from the fire pit experience, regardless of park rules or burn bans.
