Leave a Comment
Camper FAQs is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cold weather on a camping trip isn’t just uncomfortable – it can also be dangerous!
A tent heater is a great way to keep warm and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing some of the comforts of home.
Below, I review 7 highly rated tent heaters and help you find the best heater for your camping needs.
Comparison Chart
*Buying through links in this chart may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
1. Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy Portable Radiant Tent Heater
This small but mighty heater from Mr. Heater is a great all-around choice for an outdoor tent heater. At 9 pounds, this camping heater easily heats up to 225 square feet of space. It also claims versatility since it meets both indoor and outdoor heating needs.
This heater earns points for its ease of use. It comes with a fold-down handle for easy carrying. The heater also features a swivel regulator for easy connection to a 1-pound propane tank. While a hose is not included, it can be purchased separately if you need to accommodate a larger tank.
The output of this heater (4,000 and 9,000 BTU) ensures that your propane lasts. At the lower range, the fuel consumption is 0.044 gallons per hour. At the high end of the range, fuel consumption increases to 0.099 gallons per hour. Three hours at the maximum output burns through a full 1-pound propane tank.
The safety features make this one of the best tent heaters on the market. The Mr. Heater F232000 comes equipped with dual sensors. The sensors may leave you without heat if they trigger, but the feature could potentially save your life. Once the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) gets a reading that is too low, the heater will automatically shut off.
However, this is not the model to take if you’re camping more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The elevation is likely to cause the heater to shut off. A few other features also trigger auto shut-off, such as the heater tipping over and the pilot light going out.
Overall, the cost of this heater, with the value of its features, makes it a great option for tent heating.
Specifications
| Brand | Mr. Heater |
| Output | 4,000 and 9,000 BTU |
| Weight | 9 lbs. |
Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy Portable Radiant Tent Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
2. Honeywell 360-Degree Surround Fan Forced Space Heater
This powerful Honeywell is the best tent heater if your campsite has an electrical hook-up (EHU). Its easy-carry handle makes transporting the already light (3-pound) heater a breeze. With its cool-touch handle, you can go from heating to transporting without skipping a beat.
Another feature that makes this heater so versatile is its heating options. The 360-degree rotation and over 5,000 BTUs allow it to easily heat tents of varying sizes. The heater has high and low settings, so you have some control over how much power you’re using. This feature is useful if you share an electrical outlet with other items.
This camping heater also comes with a thermostat. Once your tent reaches the set temperature, it shuts off. Don’t worry about leaving the heater on when you use the high and low settings, either. If you’re afraid of the heater running too long, use the auto-off feature for peace of mind.
This Honeywell heater comes equipped with other features that shut the unit off automatically – for example, if it tips over. It claims to have overheating protection, too. The plastic encasing of this heater is flame resistant, but some users have had issues with it. Although it didn’t catch fire, some users noticed the plastic melting.
You’ll never have to wonder whether you left this heater on since it comes equipped with a visible power light. The wiring is also made out of high-grade silicone. At this price with so many features, this heater is a great value for your tent heating needs.
Specifications
| Brand | Honeywell |
| Output | > 5,000 BTU |
| Weight | 3 lbs. |
Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Space Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
3. Dyna-Glo WK24BK Indoor Kerosene Heater
The Dyna-Glo WK24BK indoor kerosene heater is a great option for clean, electric-free heat. Along with the ability to heat a large area, it acts as an additional light source.
The kerosene tank for this heater holds 1.9 gallons with 0.2 gallons per hour of output. The fuel gauge ensures that you never have questions about how much fuel you have left.
This heater is capable of about 12 hours of burn time with up to 23,800 BTUs. The lengthy burn time helps justify the cost of the heater and kerosene, as the DuraHeat is one of the more expensive options on this list.
There are no heat settings on this camping heater. The only control is the dial that adjusts the flame size. The insta-lite technology helps the flame come easily, though.
The Dyna-Glo comes with a tip-over auto shut-off feature. It’s a common feature that’s especially handy with a kerosene lamp. This camping heater also comes outfitted with a protective grill around parts that get hot.
The no-lift heat chamber minimizes the start-up odor. It also allows you to light the wick safely using a barbecue lighter.
This camping heater isn’t without criticisms. It’s heavier than other options, requires you to purchase kerosene, and is generally more expensive. However, it comes in handy in emergencies and when you need serious heat.
Even with these criticisms, this kerosene camping heater is a solid and reliable option for heating and lighting. Its ability to transition from indoors to outdoors makes it a versatile and valuable home addition.
Specifications
| Brand | Dyna-Glo |
| Output | 23,800 BTU |
| Weight | 28 lbs. |
Dyna-Glo WK24BK Indoor Kerosene Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
4. Comfort Zone PowerGear CZ285 1500 Watt Portable Ceramic Utility Heater
The Comfort Zone electric personal heater is the best tent heater for powerful (1500 watts), energy-efficient, no-frills tent heating. Its heating options are versatile, with a high, low, and fan option. There’s also a thermostat that allows for more temperature options.
This portable heater is 4.35 pounds and can fill a small to medium-sized room. Between its small size and convenient carrying handle, this heater can go wherever you go. In other words, when you’re not using it to heat your tent, you can use it to heat your garage, shed, basement, house, or pretty much anywhere!
This camping heater has a few notable safety features, including power and caution indicator lights, an overheat protection sensor, and a safety tip-over switch. Outfitted with a stay-cool housing, this heater is a great option for families with young children and pets.
The features that keep the external portion of the unit cool to the touch make it a competitive option for families with young kids or pets. It minimizes the risk of accidental heater burns. If you have an EHU at your site or plan on taking a generator, this heater is a great simple option.
Specifications
| Brand | Comfort Zone |
| Output | 1,500 watts |
| Weight | 4.35 lbs. |
Comfort Zone PowerGear CZ285 1500 Watt Portable Ceramic Utility Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
5. Mr. Heater MH12B Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater
This Mr. Heater portable space heater is one of the more expensive options on the list, but its features justify the cost. It gives off 12,000 BTUs of heat, easily warming any space up to 300 square feet.
It’s easy to turn on with its built-in silent ignition. Just push the button and turn for the easiest start imaginable.
The swivel regulator on this propane tent heater makes attaching a 1-pound propane tank easy. If you purchase a hose separately, you can use the regulator to attach a larger tank.
This Mr. Heater is heavier than some portable tent heaters at 9 pounds. That size is far from unreasonable, though. Included in that 9 pounds is a storage compartment that some use for an extra 1-pound propane tank.
It has many common portable heater safety features, including automatic shut-off if it senses low oxygen or tips over. Using this heater over 7,000 feet above sea level may also trigger the auto shut-off feature.
Overall, this Mr. Heater is good for use whether you’re camping alone or at a campsite. It translates well into home use if needed, adding to the product’s value.
Specifications
| Brand | Mr. heater |
| Output | 12,000 BTU |
| Weight | 9 lbs. |
Mr. Heater MH12B Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
6. TexSport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
The TexSport portable outdoor propane heater is a rustic-looking heater perfect for camping. With 2,890 BTUs, it does well heating the surrounding area. It’s built to fit a 1-pound propane tank holding either 16.4 ounces or 14.1 ounces.
The base of this propane tent heater is a large paddle foot, making it difficult to tip over. The paddle foot makes it suitable for using the TexSport in tight spaces. As long as it’s flat on the ground, you should be fine.
The TexSport tent heater also has a few safety options among its features. They include an automatic shut-off valve and an aluminum reflector safety grid.
This is a great option for tent heating and camping. It could probably do well in the home, too, for emergency heat. This would be a good multi-use option if you have a garage workshop or shed.
Specifications
| Brand | Texsport |
| Output | 3,000 BTU |
| Weight | 1 lb. |
TexSport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
7. Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C Cooker
This Mr. Heater is a versatile heater-cooker duo. It puts out 15,000 BTUs max and runs using standard 1-pound cylinders. Some heaters boast many features, but this propane tent heater thrives on its simplicity.
The metal stand and the rest of the heater don’t come assembled, so you’ll have to do that. Otherwise, all you need to do is attach your propane tank to start heating. If you’re using your Mr. Heater for heating purposes (as opposed to cooking), expect to heat a space up to 375 square feet. A 1-pound tank will last about two hours.
This heater has only one safety feature, and it’s an auto safety shut-off.
Overall, this is the best tent heater for you if you want something with a shallow learning curve. It’s a simple yet effective option for small spaces. It also gives you a backup cooking heat source if you have issues with a live fire.
Specifications
| Brand | Mr. Heater |
| Output | 15,000 BTU |
| Weight | 1 lb. |
Mr. Heater F242300 MH15C Cooker
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
What to Look For in a Tent Heater
Part of the difficulty of picking out a heater is knowing what to look for. In this buyer’s guide, we break down the features of a tent heater. Understanding what is important about a heater helps you make an informed decision about your purchase.
Types of Tent Heaters
There are generally two types of heaters you’ll want for your tent – propane and electric. The main difference is the energy source they use. Kerosene heaters are another less-common option.
Propane
Propane heaters are the most common type of tent heater. They are appealing because they are lightweight and portable. As long as you pick up a couple of 1-pound cylinders (or one 20-pound cylinder), you can power your heater from wherever you are.
Mr. Heater MH9BX Buddy Portable Radiant Tent Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Electric
Electric heaters require an electrical hook-up at a campsite for power. If you plan on taking a generator, that will suffice as a power source, too. Electric heaters are nice, but they have a downside. If you’re not pitching your tent at an actual campsite, there’s likely no power source.
Depending on the size of your tent, you have two options for electrical heaters – radiant heaters or convection heaters. Convection heaters are for larger spaces. Radiant heaters work best for small ones.
Honeywell 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Space Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Kerosene
Like other tent heaters, kerosene tent heaters use an outside power source and translate well from outdoors to indoors. The only downside is that the kerosene required for the cleanest, longest-lasting burn time is the most expensive. Also, there is no instant setup. You have to let the wick inside soak in the kerosene for about one hour before you light it.
It’s also more difficult to control the temperature on kerosene tent heaters. Since they have an open flame, they will make the inside of your tent very hot. They have control dials to adjust the size of the flame and, therefore, the heat and light output, but you can’t fine-tune the heat level as much as you can with other heaters.
Dyna-Glo WK24BK Indoor Kerosene Heater
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Important Features
Low oxygen shut-off
Low oxygen shut-off is one of the most important features a heater can have. Most heaters have an oxygen detection system (ODS) to monitor carbon monoxide levels, shutting the heater off if it gets too high.
Tipping feature
If a tent heater tips over, bad things can happen. If it’s hot enough, it could set your tent on fire. That’s why you want to find a heater with a tipping feature. This is another auto shut-off feature triggered by a fire hazard.
Overheat protection
This feature is another fire hazard protection. If your heater gets too hot, the auto shut-off feature triggers. By turning your tent heater off, it allows the unit to cool.
Timer shut-off feature
Some heaters feature a timer shut-off, preventing it from running too long in case you forget to turn it off before bed or leaving.
Other Important Considerations
Size
There are a few size considerations you want to make before purchasing a space heater. First, you want to make sure that the tent heater can effectively heat the size of your tent. Heater output is measured in British thermal units (BTU.) To calculate what BTU is appropriate for your tent, use this formula:
(desired inside temperature – estimated outside temperature) x (tent length x width x height).
Then multiply that number by a factor of 2-8, depending on how well-insulated your space is. The better insulated your tent is for winter camping, the lower the factor you multiply by. You’ve just calculated the BTU output you need. That means you’re one step closer to finding the best tent heater for you.
The other consideration is the size and weight of the tent heater. Think about how far you need to carry it. What other things do you need to carry? You don’t want to purchase a tent heater that you can’t get to your tent.
Noise output
This criterion is the most subjective. Considering noise output is purely for personal comfort. If you’re a heavy sleeper, then noise output may not affect you. Heaters tend to be quiet, but those who are sensitive to sound should look for specifications on sound.
Durability
A tent heater is an investment. You want it to last for many trips. When you’re deciding which heater to purchase, pay attention to what each unit is made of. Where do you typically like to camp? You want to pick a heater that is durable for the majority of camping trips you do. No option is perfect, but you can get close.
How Do I Pick the Best Tent Heater for Me?
You’ll find the best tent heater for you by reviewing your camping plan from a bird’s eye view. Here are a few thoughts to guide you through your decision-making process.
Consider the expenses
Each tent heater comes with expenses beyond the cost of the heater itself.
If you’re using an electric heater, you need an outdoor-compatible extension cord to connect it to your power source. How far away from the power source will you be? The price of extension cords increases with the length of the cord.
If you’re using a propane heater, you will need propane. Will you purchase 1-pound cylinders? If so, how many do you need for your trip? That depends on how long you plan to run the heater. If you decide to purchase a 20-pound cylinder instead, you will need to get a hose to connect it to the swivel regulator. The hoses don’t come with the heaters, so that is an additional cost.
If you’re using a kerosene heater, you need to purchase kerosene, which can be quite expensive. These types of heaters usually come with a wick, which has to be changed regularly. You’ll want to take extra wicks with you.
You’ll also want to purchase a carbon monoxide detector. You don’t need it until you do. When you do need it, you’ll be glad you had it.
Consider where you’re setting up camp
We mentioned earlier that when you’re choosing a heater, you should consider the size. If you’re camping several miles from where you park, you have to carry the tent heater and its accessories. That weight builds up quickly, so make sure you’re willing to carry it along with your other gear.
Consider whether you can use it for other things
Anything you buy and can use in various areas of your life multiplies the value. If you need an office heater or a backup heater for the winter, find a tent heater that functions as both. There are models that will serve all the purposes you need.
Safety Tips For Tent Heating
- Turn your heater off before bed.
- Keep your tent heater dry at all times. Electric heaters, in particular, need to be dry to prevent any electrical malfunctions.
- Make sure your heater is sitting on firm, flat ground and not in a high-traffic area
- Make sure your tent is well-ventilated if you’re using a propane heater, and purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Even heaters with built-in carbon monoxide detectors aren’t perfect.
- Keep children and pets away from all heaters. They are at risk of injury around a hot unit. They could also potentially knock the unit over.
- Keep flammable items away from your heater.
- Know your heater. Not only do you need to read through the manufacturer guidelines, but you need to understand and remember them.
FAQ
What Heaters Are Safe for Tents?
There are propane, kerosene, and electric models that are safe for tents. A heater that says it’s safe for indoor use should be safe for you to use inside your tent. If the model you’re looking at says it is an outdoor heater, look at the BTUs. Using the formula we mentioned earlier, calculate the BTUs. If they are higher than your tent can handle, look for a different model.
Is There a Safe Way to Heat a Tent?
There are many safe ways to heat a tent while camping, but there’s always a risk no matter the method you choose. You can reduce the risk by choosing a heater that has an appropriate BTU output for your tent size, following our safety recommendations as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual.
Are Propane Heaters Safe for a Tent?
Yes, propane heaters are safe for a tent. Make sure you follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations and never leave your propane heater unattended or on while you are sleeping. Check out our article Is a Mr. Buddy Heater in a Tent Safe? for some important tips on using a propane-powered heater in a tent.