Old thread, but out west many use the inside enameled drum of a washing machine. We do. The little holes makes a very pretty sight at night! Looks like dancing fireflies.
Some call them "Glamis fire pits" after a popular SoCal desert destination.
We have several sizes. A drum from a small washing machine is perfect for camping, and we put collapsible legs on it. Think small pipe inside bigger pipe, with wingnut to tighten in place when out.
Legs aren't necessary, but nice. I used to have a small dog that would LAY UNDER the "fire machine" (as we call it) during a fire, it never gets hot underneath with legs.
Some people go to the trouble to cut out the middle metal stack, but we don't bother, there is plenty of room for the wood.
Easy to lay a grate on top to grill too.
Oh and they take a huge amount of abuse.
Ours are at least 20 years old and going strong.
Just find a dump that will let you take apart a washing machine. Our old dump used to let us, but we did so many ( for ourselves and friends) that they asked us why, then started taking them apart themselves and CHARGING for the drums...
Also there are always people trying to get rid of non working washers.
Advertise for one on craigslist, that way you can specify a small sized one.
When traveling with one, it becomes the container for your fire making materials, newspaper, wood, etc. so it doesn't really take up space. If you plan to scrounge wood, then it can hold your camping saw, hatchet etc.