Best Camping Heater for 2025: Types, Top Picks & Safety Tips
Cold nights are part of UK camping, even in summer. A reliable camping heater can make the difference between cutting a trip short and actually enjoying the evening chill. Whether you’re planning a winter wild-camp or just want a bit of extra warmth for early-morning coffees, it helps to know what types of heaters exist, what features matter, and how to use them safely. This guide walks you through the essentials and highlights the best models for 2025, so you can pick the right heater with confidence.
Types of Camping Heaters Available
Before you pick a heater for camping, it helps to know what’s actually out there. Most models fall into a few main groups, based on how they’re powered and where they’re meant to be used.
Electric camping heaters
These run on mains power, usually through an electric hook-up (EHU) on a UK campsite. Most electric heaters made for tents sit between 500W and 1,500W (0.5–1.5 kW). Some larger units reach around 2 kW, which suits bigger awnings or draughty spaces.
What they are
Small fan heaters: They use a fan to blow warm air out. They heat a space quickly but make some noise.
Ceramic or oil-filled radiators: Ceramic heaters warm a solid block and give steady heat. Oil-filled radiators warm internal oil and release slow, gentle heat. Both are quieter than traditional fan heaters.
Infrared panel or bar heaters: They warm people and objects directly instead of heating the air. The heat feels focused and they run quietly.
Electric heaters don’t burn fuel, so they don’t produce exhaust gases like carbon monoxide during normal use. That makes them the safest option for enclosed spaces, as long as wiring and sockets are sound.
Pros
No fumes or cylinders to store
Simple on/off and thermostat controls
Often lighter and more compact than gas patio heaters
Cons
Useless off-grid unless you carry a generator or portable power station
Higher-wattage heaters can trip low-amp campsite hook-ups
Fan models add some noise at night
Camping gas heaters (propane or butane)
Gas heaters use either small screw-on cartridges or a hose connected to a larger cylinder. Their heat output usually falls between 1 kW and 3 kW, which is typical for portable outdoor camping models.
Common styles
Radiant heaters with a hot metal grid
Catalytic heaters that warm a panel instead of an open flame
2-in-1 heater–stove units for outdoor cooking and warmth
Pros
Strong heat output for their compact size
Work well off-grid for wild camping and simple sites
Some models can run on either propane or butane, giving fuel flexibility
Cons
Fire and burn risk from hot surfaces and flames
Gas bottles are bulky and need safe storage
Butane struggles in low temperatures; propane works better in the cold
Diesel camping heaters
Diesel heaters are more common in campervans, motorhomes and larger setups than in small backpacking tents. Many are “parking heaters” adapted from vehicle use.
Pros
Very efficient heat for the amount of fuel used
Can be plumbed into a vehicle fuel tank or a separate jerry can
Usually thermostatic, so they cycle on and off to keep a steady temperature
Cons
Need careful installation with a proper exhaust routed outside
Louder than electric heaters because of the pump and fan
Higher upfront cost than a simple electric or gas heater
A diesel heater makes sense if you camp in a van or trailer all year and want “home-like” warmth.
Wood-burning tent stoves
These are metal stoves with a flue pipe that exits through a fire-resistant “stove jack” in the roof or wall of a suitable tent, usually canvas. They double up as a cooking surface.
Pros
Strong radiant heat that dries out damp kit
Can burn logs, briquettes or pellets, depending on the model
Very cosy, “cabin” feel on long autumn and winter trips
Cons
Only safe in tents designed for stoves (e.g. bell tents, tipis with stove jacks)
Heavy and bulky compared with a small gas or electric heater
Still produce CO and need good ventilation and a sound flue setup
These are specialist bits of kit. They’re great if you’ve invested in a stove-ready tent. They’re not for standard nylon dome tents.
Key Features to Look for When Buying a Camping Heater
Once you know the type, the next step is comparing features. These are the things that matter most when choosing a heater to add to your camping equipment.
1. Safety
Safety should always be the starting point.
Check the intended use
Look for clear labels that say whether the heater is for outdoors, awnings, or indoor spaces. Many camping heaters are not designed for enclosed tents. Fuel-burning heaters in particular must never run in sealed sleeping areas.
Helpful safety features
Tip-over switch: cuts power if knocked over.
Overheat protection: stops electric heaters if they get too hot.
Oxygen depletion sensor (ODS): shuts gas heaters off in low oxygen.
Flame failure device: cuts gas if the flame goes out.
Cool-touch guards and stable bases: reduce burn risk and wobble.
2. Heat output and coverage
Camping tent heaters list heat in kilowatts (kW), watts (W), or BTU.
A heat output of 0.5–1.5 kW is usually enough for small tents. Bigger tents or awnings may need 2–3 kW to feel warm. Patio-style heaters can reach 10 kW or more, but they’re built for large open areas, not for use beside a small tent.
More heat isn’t always better. Bigger heaters use more fuel or power and can feel overwhelming in small spaces.
3. Fuel or power source and running costs
Your choice depends on where you camp most.
Electric: Great for serviced sites or if you carry a portable power station or a solar generator. No fumes, no gas bottles, and predictable running costs.
Gas (propane / butane): Flexible and widely available. Running costs depend on cartridge size, heat setting and burn time. Propane works better in cold weather.
Diesel: Efficient for vans and motorhomes, especially on long trips.
Wood: Can be cheap if you already own a stove-ready tent. The weight and setup effort are the main trade-offs.
4. Portability and size
Consider how far you need to carry it. A light heater is easier to move between car, pitch and awning. A handle or storage case is also useful. Backpackers usually skip heaters altogether and focus on clothing and sleeping bags. Car campers can afford a heavier unit, but it still needs to be practical to move around the pitch.
5. Noise and comfort
Noise affects how pleasant a heater feels at night.
Electric fan heaters and diesel heaters have constant hums.
Radiant gas heaters are quieter but may hiss slightly.
If you’re noise-sensitive, check reviews or stick to quieter designs.
6. Weather resistance and build quality
Outdoor gear takes a beating. Look for solid construction, a wide base, and—if you plan to use it outdoors—an IP rating for dust or splash resistance. On uneven ground, stability matters as much as heat output.
5 Best Camping Heaters in 2025
Below are some of the best camping heaters for tents, awnings and outdoor setups. To keep things simple and safe, the list covers four reliable electric heaters and one trusted gas option.
1. Kampa Diddy Portable Heater (Electric fan heater)
The Kampa Diddy is a small ceramic fan heater that fits easily in tents, awnings and caravans. It offers two settings—750W and 1,500W—so you can switch between gentle heat or a stronger boost on colder nights.
It uses a cool-touch outer shell and includes both overheat protection and a tip-over switch, which adds peace of mind on busy pitches. At around a kilo in weight, it’s easy to move around and doesn’t take up much packing space.
What’s good:
Two heat settings: 750W / 1,500W
Heats up quickly thanks to the fan
Cool-touch casing, thermal cut-out and tip-over safety
Very light and compact
2. Outdoor Revolution Electric Eco Heater 600/1200W (Electric fan heater)
This heater is made for small tents and awnings, especially on sites with low-amp hook-ups. It runs at 600W or 1,200W, giving you a low and a medium setting that won’t overload your EHU.
The tall, slim shape is easy to place in corners, and the oscillating fan helps move warm air around instead of blasting one spot. You also get simple digital controls, an overheat cut-out and a built-in safety trip.
What’s good:
Two wattage options: 600W / 1,200W
Safe for tents and awnings with low-power limits
Slim, compact body
Oscillation spreads heat more evenly
Digital controls plus overheat and trip protection
3. Quest Bahama Dual Purpose Oscillating Fan Heater (Electric fan + cool fan)
The Quest Bahama works as both a heater and a cooling fan, so it earns a place in your camping kit all year. It has two heat levels (around 1,000–2,000W) plus a fan-only mode for summer days.
The head rotates about 90°, which helps warm or cool a larger area. Safety cut-outs shut it down if it overheats or gets knocked. A built-in handle makes it easy to move between tents, awnings and caravans.
What’s good:
Heater in winter, cooling fan in summer
Two heat settings plus fan-only mode
90° oscillation to move air across the space
Overheat and tip-over protection
Lightweight design with a carry handle
4. Quest Oil Filled Radiator (800W) (Electric oil-filled radiator)
The Quest 800W oil-filled radiator gives slow, steady heat rather than a direct blast. It draws around 800W, which sits comfortably within most campsite limits. It takes longer to warm up, but once hot it stays warm for a while, even after switching it off.
The seven fins help spread heat, and the compact frame includes a carry handle and tidy cord storage. It works well in tents, awnings and vans where gentle, even heat feels better than a strong fan.
What’s good:
Low 800W draw, ideal for low-amp hook-ups
Smooth, consistent heat that lingers
Seven fins for better heat spread
Built-in handle and cord storage
CE/GE/ROHS compliant
5. Mr. Heater Portable Buddy (Gas heater – outdoor use)
The Portable Buddy is a well-known propane/butane gas heater for outdoor and off-grid camping. It typically outputs 1.2–2.4 kW, which is strong enough to warm seating areas, open shelters or awnings with lots of airflow.
It runs on EN417 gas canisters and includes an oxygen depletion sensor and a tip-over shut-off. A folding handle makes it easy to carry. On a 450 g canister, you can get up to roughly six hours on a lower setting.
What’s good:
Adjustable output around 1.2–2.4 kW
Works with common EN417 propane/butane canisters
Oxygen depletion sensor and automatic tip-over shut-off
Up to ~6 hours on one 450 g canister (on lower heat)
Folding handle and compact build
How to Use a Camping Heater Safely and Effectively
Using a heater in camping can make a big difference on cold nights, but it needs careful handling. The aim is to stay warm without creating fire risks or carbon monoxide problems. Follow these tips:
1. Start with basic safety
These rules apply no matter what heater you use.
Read the instructions first. Check where the heater is designed to be used—indoors, outdoors, in an awning or in a van—and stick to that guidance.
Give the heater space. Keep at least a metre between the heater and anything that can melt or catch fire.
Use a stable, level surface. Soft or uneven ground makes heaters easier to knock over. A solid board on the floor works well.
Never cover the heater. Don’t dry socks, towels or clothes over it. Covering vents or grilles is a common cause of overheating and fires.
Don’t leave it running unattended. Turn the heater off when you leave the pitch or go to sleep, especially with gas or other fuel-burning models.
2. Keep fuel-burning heaters out of tents
UK fire and camping safety bodies repeatedly warn against using any fuel-burning device inside a tent or small enclosed shelter, including camping heaters, stoves and barbecues, because of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire risk.
In practical terms, that means you should treat gas camping heaters as outdoor-only, not as “sleep with it running in a closed tent” devices, even if the product description sounds relaxed about indoor use.
If you ever run a fuel-burning heater near an awning, keep big ventilation gaps, never zip everything fully shut, and place the heater at the open side, not deep inside.
A portable camping CO detector/alarm can add a layer of protection in vans, pods and cabins.
3. Use electric heaters on hook-up (EHU) safely
Electric hook-up is usually the safest way to run a heater in a tent or awning, as long as you stay within the power limits and use proper kit.
Check the amp limit. While large campsites now typically offer 16A hook-ups, many UK sites still use 6A or 10A. 6A at 230V gives you roughly 1,300–1,400W total. 10A gives you about 2,300 W total. This includes your heater, fridge, chargers and lights. Go over these limits and you’ll trip the supply.
Use a proper outdoor-rated EHU cable with built-in RCD (residual current device).
Run cables along the ground edges, not across doorways, and keep all plugs and sockets off wet ground.
4. Use a solar generator to run an electric heater off-grid
If you often camp away from electric hook-up, you can still use a low-watt electric heater by pairing it with a solar generator. A solar generator is basically a portable power station with AC sockets, plus a solar panel you can use to recharge during the day. You charge the battery at home or with the panel on-site, then plug your heater straight into the AC outlet.
As discussed above, heaters use a lot of energy. A 1,000W heater running for an hour uses roughly 1,000 Wh. So, you’ll need to choose the best solar generator for camping to run it effectively.
The benefit is clear though. You get the convenience of electric heat (no fumes, no carbon monoxide from the heater itself) even when you’re nowhere near mains power. The same power station can run lights, phones, a cool box or a laptop, so it’s useful throughout your trip.
Here are two EcoFlow setups that work well:
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station + 220W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station + 220W Portable Solar Panel pairs the DELTA 2 power station with a 220W bifacial solar panel. The power station gives you 1,024 Wh of LFP battery capacity, 1,800W AC output and X-Boost up to 2,200W, which means it can handle a low-watt electric heater, cooking appliances or campsite gadgets without strain.
The bifacial panel captures light on both sides, improving efficiency, and can recharge the unit in about 5.8 hours with one panel or around 2.9 hours with two in good sunlight.
Together, the bundle can generate up to roughly 3 kWh per day depending on weather and how you position the panel, which is enough to top up after some evening heater use. The LFP battery is rated for 3,000+ cycles to 80%, so you can rely on it for years of trips.
This setup suits campers who want a light, dependable system for short heater use plus everyday essentials like lights, coolers and electronics.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station + 220W Portable Solar Panel
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station + 220W Portable Solar Panel
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station + 220W Portable Solar Panel comes with the DELTA 3 Plus power station and the same 220W bifacial panel, but it offers more headroom. Like the DELTA 2, it has a 1,024 Wh LFP battery, yet it adds an expandable capacity up to 5 kWh with extra batteries. That extra space extends heater runtime and gives you more backup for long trips.
The AC output matches the DELTA 2 at 1,800W, with 3,600W surge and X-Boost up to 2,400W, so it can easily run a low-watt heater or other resistive loads like kettles and hotplates.
It supports faster charging too: up to 1,500W AC input, which can recharge it from empty to full in about 56 minutes. There’s also a 10 ms UPS mode, which makes it a practical home backup device when you’re not camping.
This bundle is a strong choice if you want more room to grow your setup, plan to add extra batteries later, or want a single power station that works for both camping and home backup.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station + 220W Portable Solar Panel
5. Pre-warm, use insulation, then turn down or off
Some sources say you can sleep with a modern, certified electric heater in a tent if it’s stable, has tip-over and overheat protection, and is used correctly. But it’s still not recommended.
A safer approach is simple:
Run the heater on a higher setting while you’re up and about.
Turn it down or switch it off before bed.
Rely on insulation overnight.
Warm clothing, a good sleeping bag, an insulated mat and a blanket will keep you comfortable for hours without needing to run the heater while you sleep.
Conclusion
A good camping heater can turn cold nights into comfortable ones, as long as you choose the right type and use it safely. Electric heaters work best on hook-up, while gas models suit outdoor use and off-grid trips. Paying attention to heat output, safety features and power needs helps you avoid problems and pick a model that genuinely fits your style of camping. With smart setup, good insulation and the option of a solar generator for extra flexibility, you can stay warm, relaxed and ready for every trip.
*The brands referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and do not indicate any partnership with EcoFlow.
FAQs
Do 12-volt car heaters really work?
Most 12V plug-in car heaters are only mildly effective. They draw limited power from the cigarette lighter socket, so they can help demist a small area of the windscreen or provide a gentle warm flow if your car’s heater is weak. They won’t properly heat a cold vehicle, especially in UK winter conditions.
Many cheap models are poorly built and can blow fuses or overheat. For most drivers, fixing the car’s main heating system or using proper screen de-icer and a good ice scraper is far more effective and reliable than relying on a 12V heater.
What kind of heater is safe to use inside a tent?
The safest option inside a tent is usually an electric camping heater designed for indoor or tent use, used with a portable power station or on a campsite with proper mains hook-up and RCD protection. These produce no fumes, and good models include overheat and tip-over cut-offs.
If you use a gas heater, it must be clearly rated as suitable for enclosed or tent use, kept well-ventilated, and never left running while you’re asleep. In the UK, fire and rescue services strongly warn against using stoves, BBQs, or open-flame heaters in tents because of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire risk, even if they look “small” or “safe.”
Can you get a battery-powered heater?
You can find battery-powered heaters for camping, but they’re not the magic tent-warmers people often hope for. Most true battery heaters are tiny 150–200W units or cordless jobsite fans that run from tool batteries or a separate power pack, giving only gentle warmth in a very small area for a short time.
A lot of what’s sold as battery heating is actually hand warmers or heated clothing, which are great for keeping you toasty but won’t heat a whole tent. To properly warm a camping space you usually need mains hook-up with an electric heater, or a big portable power station plus a low-watt heater.