Campfire Container?

[Dean_A]

I'm planning on doing some primitive camping in a location that does not allow ground fires, but does allow campfires in metal containers.

Does anybody have ideas or recommendations for a good, compact metal campfire container? I've seen washing machine tubs used, but I'm looking for something that doesn't take up a huge amount of space. Maybe something collapsible? And it has to have a bottom.

Thanks!

 

[iplay10us2]

2 options. Sort of pricey.


http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/little-red-portable-campfire/34763


http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/coleman-roadtrip-pack-away-portable-fireplace/34368

 

[iplay10us2]

I like this one because it can also be used as a beverage container.


http://www.target.com/Fire-Ice-Fold...TF8&frombrowse=0&rh=k:folding_fire_pit&page=1

 

[madjack]

...why not get a small weber style grill...small enough...light enough...big enough for a decent fire...also...I believe Coleman and others make a "portable" fire pit as well...there are also some propane fired versions for those dealing with burn bans...although a "bit" on the heavy side a rim from a big rig or a turning disk would make a great fire ring.........
madjack

 

[Elumia]

I was going to suggest the weber smoky joe too. Use it to cook dinner and then add wood to the coals, easy fire starter. When you are done, put the lid on it to put out the fire. only downside is that you won't be burning big logs.

Washing machine tubs let sparks and ash out the bottom and burn ground underneath them.

Mark

 

[Gary and Cheri]

I once went to a campground in Bar Harbor, Maine, that did not allow ground fires. If you wanted a fire they brought out a steel truck tire rim. Best fire pit I ever saw.

Gary

 

[Chorizon]

The one from Target looks pretty cool.

 

[Dean_A]

Thanks for the ideas!

A cheap charcoal grill is a good idea. Being able to close the lid is a good feature, as you have to pack out your ashes.

A truck wheel sounds pretty cool, but I don't think it really passes the compact test.

 

[bobhenry-TNT]

Ask them about below ground fires !

I remember times when leaves and pine needles were everywhere and we were instructed by our scout master to dig a trench and build the fire in it . The over dig was banked and scattered to protect the ground clutter and the wind couldn't really get at the fire. When we mover on, the earth was replaced and the pit was no more.

 

[cherokeegeorge]

Cut the bottom third off of a 55 gal steel drum

 

[wannabefree-TNT]

If you can stand a small fire, go to your local HF store and get one of their ultra cheap dutch ovens. Build the fire inside. Put on the lid when you go to bed. And you don't even have to spend 3 hours cleaning the goo out of it first!!

 

[Laredo-TNT]

if you can find a farm sale get a couple of used disks off a plow. (They're about 12'' around by about 3'' deep usually, and while they're heavy, they're also cheap.)

The HF DO idea is good -- but I'd go for a steel vessel rather than aluminum.

If you can stand a really small fire, try this:

get a quart-and-a-half OJ can (or pineapple or apple or tomato -- you get the idea) and open with a church-key to drain the contents. Once it's empty, take a hacksaw or a coping saw and cut it in half lengthwise. Take a pair of snips and cut 1/3'' or so off both edges of one half, tuck that half inside the other, and you have a compact firebowl.

 

[br8945]

Drums from an old washing machine or dryer work well

 

[Laredo-TNT]

you might check out grilliput if you don't mind spending a little money.
they have a nice little compact firebowl

and a grill that fits it well.

http://camping.about.com/od/campinggearreviews/gr/grilliput.htm[/list]

now, if you're basically a cheapskate like me, you can toddle down to the hardware / cooking gear store and pick up a stainless steel folding steamer basket and a cooling rack, and there you are ...

 

[Nitetimes]

I cut the bottom off one of those blue water tanks, I think I cut it just below where the diaphram attaches inside. Works good and it comes complete with a stand to keep it up off the ground. Mine's a little big tho...it was an 80 gallon tank!

 

[CAJUN LADY-TNT]

I just had to share this with ya'll. This morning when I got to work, my welder buddy, who works across the street, stopped me and told me he had something for me. Said his neighbor was throwing it away and he took it thinking I might like to use it when I camp. Well, it will serve two purposes...one is a contained fire pit and the other is use as a Dutch Oven stand. I thought it was a pretty cool freebie.

Dimensions are: barrel top is 22" round, plow disk is 23". Stand is 10" high but I didn't measure it around.

Plow disk part is kinda heavy.

 

[fpoole]

I've got this one and love it more and more... the colder and colder it gets...
It' great, puts out good heat, but goes through propane quickly.... about a quarter 20lb (5lb?) per night but it's on full blast.

I just pour the lava rocks in and out of orange HOme Depot plastic bucket, wipe the insides down and it's clean, nice and ready to go.

A little bulky so the smaller CampInn one listed earlier would probably work fine to.

I like them, just start it up in the morning am, no fuss, no muss... and no problem on the fire bans nor snow..

It's a Camp chef.. or you can build your own although it starts to get a little pricey.. for various logs etc...

 

[mikeschn]

you might check out grilliput if you don't mind spending a little money.
they have a nice little compact firebowl

and a grill that fits it well.

http://camping.about.com/od/campinggearreviews/gr/grilliput.htm[/list]

now, if you're basically a cheapskate like me, you can toddle down to the hardware / cooking gear store and pick up a stainless steel folding steamer basket and a cooling rack, and there you are ...

That looks like one of them stainless steel veggie steamers...

Mike...

 

[Laredo-TNT]

Uh, Mike?

I'm confused. Were you agreeing with me?

 

[caseydog]

I'll second the Weber Smokey Joe. Get the Smokey Joe Gold,,,

http://www.weber.com/grills/?glid=7&mid=31

It is like the smokey Joe, but no bottom holes (air comes in through vents on side that can be closed). All your ash stays inside the grill. It also has a hoop that keeps the lid on while traveling.

I have used mine many times to cook on, and then use the cooking coals to start some six-inch chunks of firewood. When you go to bed, you close it up and let the coals burn out.