Spring is finally here and with it comes the invitation to slow down, step outside, and truly enjoy the world around you. The evenings are cool and comfortable, the skies are clear, and there is a certain magic in the air that only comes around once a year. It is the perfect season to breathe new life into your outdoor living space, dust off the patio furniture, and create an atmosphere that draws friends and family together night after night.
One of the single best investments you can make in your outdoor entertainment space is a quality fire feature. Whether it is a sleek gas fire pit, a rustic wood-burning fire bowl, or a stunning gas log set nestled inside your outdoor fireplace, the right fire transforms an ordinary backyard into an extraordinary gathering place. Fire adds warmth, ambiance, and a natural focal point that keeps guests lingering long after the sun goes down.
At Smoky Mountain General Store, we have spent years helping homeowners find the perfect fire solutions for every outdoor space, style, and budget. In this guide, we are taking a deep dive into our three most popular outdoor fire collections, outdoor gas fire pits, outdoor wood burning fire pits, and outdoor gas log sets, so you can make an informed choice and head into spring ready to entertain in style.
1. Outdoor Gas Fire Pits — Effortless Ambiance at the Push of a Button
If convenience and elegance are at the top of your wish list, an outdoor gas fire pit is the ideal solution. No wood to split, no ash to clean up, no waiting for the fire to catch, just turn a dial or press a button and enjoy instant, consistent warmth within seconds. Gas fire pits operate on either natural gas or liquid propane, giving you the flexibility to connect to your home's existing gas line or simply hook up a portable propane tank.
Modern gas fire pits have come a long way in terms of design. Today's models are available in round, square, and rectangular silhouettes, with finishes ranging from weathered bronze to sleek powder-coated steel. Many feature decorative fire media, glass beads, lava rocks, ceramic logs, or polished river stones, that glow beautifully in the flames and elevate the overall aesthetic. Whether your outdoor style is contemporary minimalist or rustic farmhouse, there is a gas fire pit that will feel right at home on your patio.
Why Choose a Gas Fire Pit?
• Instant ignition, fire on demand, any evening you want it
• Adjustable flame height to set the perfect mood
• No smoke, no sparks, cleaner and safer for guests, children, and pets
• Zero cleanup,no ash, no soot, no debris
• Sleek, modern designs that complement contemporary outdoor spaces
• Available in natural gas and propane configurations for maximum flexibility
Gas fire pits are also a great option if you live in an area with burn bans or HOA restrictions on wood-burning fires. Since they produce no open flame sparks and emit no particulate smoke, they are far more widely permitted in residential communities and suburban neighborhoods. You get all the atmosphere of a fire with far fewer restrictions.
From intimate two-seater bistro setups to sprawling conversation pits built around a large central fire bowl, gas fire pits work beautifully in virtually any outdoor footprint. Pair yours with comfortable all-weather seating, a few string lights overhead, and your favorite spring beverage, and you have the makings of an unforgettable backyard gathering.
Some of the bestselling Outdoor Gas Fire pits are:
Browse our full collection of Outdoor Gas Fire Pits at Smoky Mountain General Store and find the perfect fit for your outdoor entertaining space.
2. Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits — The Classic, Authentic Backyard Experience
For many people, there is simply no substitute for the real thing. The smell of burning wood drifting through the cool spring air, the satisfying crack and pop of logs catching flame, the hypnotic dance of orange and red embers glowing in the dark, a wood-burning fire pit offers a sensory experience that goes far beyond just heat and light. It connects us to something primal, something ancient, and something deeply satisfying.
Wood-burning fire pits are an outstanding choice for homeowners who love the traditional campfire aesthetic and want maximum versatility from their outdoor fire feature. Unlike gas models, wood fire pits do not require any connections to a fuel supply, just gather your logs, light the kindling, and you are off. They work equally well in a manicured suburban backyard, a rustic country property, or a lakeside cabin setting.
Key Benefits of Wood Burning Fire Pits
• Authentic campfire experience with real wood crackle, aroma, and character
• Versatile, perfect for roasting marshmallows, cooking hot dogs, and making s'mores
• Cost-effective, firewood is inexpensive, especially if you have your own supply
• No gas line or propane tank needed, completely self-sufficient
• Wide variety of sizes from compact portable models to large statement pieces
• Durable steel and cast iron construction built for long-term outdoor use
Our wood-burning fire pit collection features a wide range of models crafted from heavy-gauge steel, cast iron, and other weather-resistant materials. Many designs include spark screens and pokers for safer use, as well as sturdy legs or feet that keep the fire bowl elevated off your deck or patio surface. From classic round fire bowls to decorative laser-cut designs that cast stunning shadow patterns on your surroundings, there is a wood-burning fire pit to suit every taste.
Spring is the prime wood-burning fire pit season. The temperatures are mild enough that you want some warmth from the fire without being overwhelmed by heat, the evenings are long enough to enjoy the fire for hours, and the fresh spring air carries the scent of wood smoke in the most nostalgic, inviting way. There is a reason the backyard bonfire is one of spring and summer's most beloved traditions.
Some of our bestselling Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits are:
Explore our full range of Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits and find the perfect model for your spring backyard setup.
3. Outdoor Gas Log Sets — Realistic Fireplace Warmth, Built to Last Outdoors
If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor fireplace, spring is the perfect time to breathe new life into it. Our outdoor gas log sets combine the beauty of a traditional wood-burning fireplace with the ease and reliability of gas, giving you stunning, lifelike flames that require zero wood, zero ash cleanup, and zero effort to light.
What sets outdoor gas log sets apart from their indoor counterparts is their construction. These sets are built specifically to handle outdoor conditions, temperature swings, humidity, wind, and rain, and feature stainless steel chassis and grates that resist rust and corrosion season after season. The result is a product that not only looks incredible but is dependably built to last.
The logs themselves are crafted to replicate the look of real split firewood, complete with detailed bark textures, natural color variations, and glowing ember beds that come alive when the gas ignites. From a distance, and even up close, an outdoor gas log set is virtually indistinguishable from a real wood fire. Your guests will be none the wiser, and you will be spending your evening enjoying the atmosphere rather than tending to a fire.
Why Outdoor Gas Log Sets Are a Spring Must-Have
• Highly realistic log and ember appearance with beautiful, lifelike flames
• Stainless steel construction engineered specifically for outdoor environments
• Keeps warmth directed where it matters most for your guests
• Easy to install in an existing outdoor fireplace, a simple, impactful upgrade
• No wood, no ash, no mess, low maintenance from day one
• Available in multiple sizes to fit a wide variety of outdoor fireplace openings
We carry outdoor gas log sets from trusted brands, including Superior, one of the most respected names in the fireplace industry. Known for their quality materials, craftsmanship, and performance, Superior outdoor gas log sets deliver long-lasting reliability paired with exceptional visual appeal. And right now, you can take 15% off all Superior Gas Logs using code SUPGASLOGS at checkout, an excellent opportunity to upgrade your outdoor fireplace at a great value.
Outdoor gas log sets are also ideal for homeowners who want to use their outdoor fireplace more frequently without the time and effort of managing a real wood fire. Simply turn on the gas, light the burner, and within moments you have a beautiful fire ready to set the scene for a spring dinner party, a family movie night outdoors, or a quiet evening for two.
Some of our bestselling Outdoor Gas Log Sets are:
Shop our full selection of Outdoor Gas Log Sets and give your outdoor fireplace a beautiful, hassle-free seasonal upgrade.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Fire Feature for Your Space
With so many great options available, it can be helpful to think through a few key questions before making your choice. Here is a simple framework to guide your decision:
Do you want maximum convenience?
If you want fire on demand with zero prep and cleanup, go with a gas fire pit or outdoor gas log set. Both ignite instantly and require very little maintenance.
Do you love the traditional campfire experience?
If the crackling sound, the wood smoke aroma, and the hands-on experience of building a fire is part of what you enjoy, a wood-burning fire pit is the way to go. It is also the best choice if you enjoy cooking over an open flame.
Do you already have an outdoor fireplace?
If so, an outdoor gas log set is the smartest upgrade you can make. It fits right into your existing fireplace opening, instantly transforming it into a low-maintenance, high-impact feature.
Whatever you choose, all three options ship free on freight carrier orders over $1,200, and our team is always available to help you find the right fit. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions about sizing, fuel type, or installation.
Ready to Fire Up Your Spring? Shop Smoky Mountain General Store Today
Spring entertaining is all about creating memories — and the right fire feature sets the mood like nothing else. Whether you gather around a gas fire pit with cocktails in hand, roast s'mores over a wood-burning fire with the kids, or host an elegant outdoor dinner party alongside a glowing gas log fireplace, Smoky Mountain General Store has everything you need to make this spring your best one yet.
Take advantage of our current promotions and save big on your spring upgrade:
• 15% off all Superior Fireplaces — use code Superior15 at checkout
• 15% off all Superior Gas Logs — use code SUPGASLOGS at checkout
• 5% off all Glass Doors — use code GlassDoors5 at checkout
• Free shipping on all freight carrier orders over $1,200
Visit Smoky Mountain General Store today to shop all three collections — Outdoor Gas Fire Pits, Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pits, and Outdoor Gas Log Sets — and start planning your perfect spring outdoor living space. The fire is waiting.
