Cold nights can make camping miserable. A portable tent heater allows you to get a good night’s rest instead of shivering. This guide covers how to choose the best tent camping heater plus safety tips.
Benefits of a Tent Heater
A tent heater provides:
- Warmer air temperature for sleeping comfort
- Takes the chill out of mornings and evenings
- Allows camping in colder weather
- Dries out damp tent interiors
- Heats tent without needing to run vehicle
- Comfortable temporary heat source
- More flexibility in sleeping bag warmth rating needs
Tent Heater Types
Common types of camping tent heaters include:
Portable Propane Heaters
- Compact tanks attach directly to the unit
- Radiant, convection, or combination heat
- Low oxygen shut off for safety
Electric Space Heaters
- Powered by generators or hooked up to shore power
- Fan-forced or radiant heating elements
- Tip over auto shut-off protection
Wood Burning Stoves
- Contained metal wood stove units
- Chimney vented out tent roof or wall
- Authentic wood heat source
Chemical Hand Warmers
- Single-use air-activated heat packets
- Disposable and lightweight
- Place in pockets or sleeping bags
- Low heat output
Key Features to Look For
Ideal tent heaters offer:
- Enclosed heating elements
- Tip or tilt auto shut-off
- Overheat protection
- Well-protected fuel/power connections
- Sturdy stable bases
- Sufficient BTU output for tent size
- Easy temperature controls
- Portability and transportability
Safety Tips for Tent Heaters
When using any tent heater:
- Review all manufacturer safety guidelines
- Allow airflow – never block vents
- Keep away from fabric surfaces
- Sit on the floor, not on surfaces
- Monitor fuel levels
- Refill/change tanks outside the tent
- Keep exit clear in case of emergency
- Use a fire extinguisher and first aid kit
- Avoid running while asleep
- Store fuel safely outside the tent when not in use
Best Propane Tent Heaters
These propane models are portable, efficient, and clean:
- Mr. Heater Little Buddy
- Coleman BlackCat PerfecTemp
- Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3
- Texsport Portable Outdoor Propane Heater
- Zodi Hot Tap HPSS Hot Tent Heater
Best Electric Tent Heaters
Top performing electric tent heaters include:
- Honeywell HHF370B 360 Degree Surround Fan Forced Heater
- Dr. Infrared 1500W Carbon Fiber Heater
- Brightown Portable Ceramic Space Heater
- Comfort Zone 300W Personal Ceramic Utility Heater
- Lasko MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater
Best Wood Stoves for Tent Camping
These wood stoves allow heating directly with natural fuel:
- Lil’ Heater Portable Folding Wood Stove
- Tiny Wood Stove Model T
- Winner will Nomad Medium Tent Stove
- Bushbox Ultralight Outdoor Pocket Stove
- Primus Kuchoma Compact Wood Stove
Tent Heater Comparison
| Type | Heat Source | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane | Self-contained canisters | No electricity needed
Portable Adjustable heat |
Requires fuel
CO risk if the inefficient burn Tank refills |
| Electric | Generators Outlet adapters |
Consistent ambient warmth
Automatic controls |
Power source required
Limited run time on batteries |
| Wood Stove | Natural fuel harvested on-site | Self-reliant heat
Pleasant ambiance |
Smoke and venting considerations
Wood gathering labor |
| Hand Warmers | Air activated packets | Lightweight Simple Disposable | Very limited heat
Temporary effect Potential choking hazard |
Tent Heater Safety Tips
Follow these precautions when running a heater inside a tent:
- Operate only in awake attendance
- Position away from fabric
- Maintain ventilation
- Confirm external exhausting
- Inspect for damage pre-use
- Keep fuel supply external
- Equip with a fire extinguisher
- Avoid tripping hazards
- Keep exit clear
- Rotate locations intent
- Store heating elements safely when not in use
FAQs About Tent Heaters
Q: What is the safest tent camping heater?
A: Small propane heaters made specifically for tent use with auto shut-off tips-overs and low O2 sensors are generally the safest option.
Q: How do you use a propane heater in a tent safely?
A: Maintain ventilation, run only while awake, position carefully, attach externally, keep away from walls, and refill tanks outside the tent.
Q: Can you put a propane heater in a small tent?
A: Yes, provided it is rated for the tent size. The tent must have adequate airflow and the heater must have safety auto-off features enabled.
Q: What is the best emergency tent heat source?
A: Chemical hand warmer packets are very portable and easy for emergency tent heating. But they provide limited heat.
Q: Are tent wood stoves safe?
A: Used properly with a good venting system, clearance, and spark protection, wood stoves can safely add radiant ambiance heat.
Q: Can you use a propane camping heater in a canvas tent?
A: Yes, as long as adequate ventilation is maintained by opening vents or windows. Avoid direct contact with the canvas.
Q: How do you stay warm camping in cold weather?
A: Use a 4 season tent, insulated sleeping pads, quality sleeping bags, layered clothing, and a tent heater. Eat plenty of calories.
Q: What does a 1lb propane tank last with a tent heater?
A: Approximately 4-9 hours on low or 2-5 hours on high depending on heater efficiency and desired temperature.
My Final Thoughts
Adding a tent heater to your camping kit allows you to extend the camping season into colder weather. Small propane models designed for enclosed tent use offer portable, efficient heating with key safety features. With proper ventilation, clearance, and operating procedures, heaters allow you to get a good night’s rest instead of shivering all night long.
Just be sure to select the right capacity heater for your tent size and never leave it unattended. Stay toasty and enjoy camping into the cooler months!
