Cold nights can quickly ruin a camping trip, but a reliable portable propane heater is the perfect solution. Propane models are the most popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts because they are portable, provide powerful heat, and are fuel-efficient.
Choosing the best propane heater for camping, however, requires balancing portability, heat output (BTUs), fuel source, and—most importantly—critical safety features, especially when heating an enclosed space like a tent or RV.
Choose the best propane heater for camping today!
Top Picks for Propane Camping Heaters
Based on reliability, safety features, and user reviews, one brand dominates the camping heater market. The “Buddy” series from Mr. Heater is widely recognized as the industry standard for safe, indoor-approved portable propane heat.
🥇 Best Overall & Most Versatile: Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy Heater
This is the gold standard for camping. Its size and heat output make it suitable for nearly all tent and RV applications.
| Feature | Detail | Best For |
| BTU Output | $4,000$ or $9,000$ BTUs (adjustable) | Medium to large tents, small to medium RVs/campers, ice shacks. |
| Fuel Source | $1$ lb propane cylinder (or larger tank with optional hose/filter) | Versatile short and extended trips. |
| Run Time | Up to $5.4$ hours on a $1$ lb cylinder (at $4,000$ BTU) | Overnight warmth. |
| Safety | Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and Tip-Over Shut-off | Indoor-safe (with proper ventilation). |
| Weight | Approx. $9$ lbs | Excellent portability for car camping. |
🥈 Best for Small Tents & Solo Use: Mr. Heater MH4B Little Buddy Heater
The smaller, more budget-friendly option, perfect for a quick blast of heat or smaller spaces.
| Feature | Detail | Best For |
| BTU Output | $3,800$ BTUs (fixed) | Small tents, single-person ground blinds, or emergency spot heating. |
| Fuel Source | $1$ lb propane cylinder | Backpacking (lighter model), quick trips. |
| Run Time | Up to $5.6$ hours on a $1$ lb cylinder | Light, easy setup. |
| Safety | ODS and Tip-Over Shut-off | Indoor-safe (with proper ventilation). |
| Weight | Approx. $5$ lbs | Max portability. |
🥉 Best for Large RVs & Extreme Cold: Mr. Heater MH18B Big Buddy Heater
The most powerful option in the line, designed to heat large, enclosed spaces.
| Feature | Detail | Best For |
| BTU Output | $4,000$, $9,000$, or $18,000$ BTUs (adjustable) | Large RVs, outfitter tents, large group cabins/garages. |
| Fuel Source | Dual $1$ lb propane cylinders (or large tank with hose/filter) | Extended group camping in cold weather. |
| Run Time | Up to $10.8$ hours on two $1$ lb cylinders (at $4,000$ BTU) | Maximum heating power. |
| Safety | ODS and Tip-Over Shut-off, plus integrated blower fan | Indoor-safe (with proper ventilation). |
| Weight | Approx. $16$ lbs | Basecamp or RV use only (not backpacking). |
Essential Buying Guide: Propane Heaters for Camping
When selecting a propane heater, you must consider the heating technology, required heat output, and the crucial safety mechanisms.
1. Types of Propane Heaters
| Heater Type | How It Works | Best Use Case |
| Radiant (e.g., Buddy Heaters) | Heats objects and people directly in its path, similar to the sun. | Tents, RVs, and Enclosed Spaces. Highly efficient because it heats you and the air near you. |
| Convection | Heats the air, which then circulates to warm the entire space. | Open or Semi-Open Areas like patios, garages, or large tents where the heater can be placed centrally. |
| Catalytic | Flameless combustion using a platinum surface. Operates at a lower surface temperature. | Maximum Safety and efficiency for long-term RV or boat use. Produces very low levels of CO but still consumes oxygen. |
| Tank Top | Screws directly onto a large $20$ lb propane tank, usually with a reflector dish. | Outdoor Use ONLY (patios, tailgating, construction sites). Very high BTU and never safe for indoor/tent use. |
2. BTU Calculation: Finding the Right Power
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the standard measurement for heat output. Selecting the right BTU is vital for both warmth and safety.
Rule of Thumb for Heating Enclosed Spaces: Multiply the square footage of the space you need to heat by a factor of $\mathbf{20}$.
$$\text{BTU required} \approx \text{Length} (\text{ft}) \times \text{Width} (\text{ft}) \times 20$$
| Space Size (Example) | Square Footage | Minimum Recommended BTU | Best Heater Match |
| Small Tent ($5′ \times 7’$ ) | $35$ sq. ft. | $700$ BTU | Little Buddy ($3,800$ BTU) |
| Medium Tent ($10′ \times 10’$) | $100$ sq. ft. | $2,000$ BTU | Portable Buddy ($4,000$ BTU setting) |
| Small RV/Large Tent ($15′ \times 15’$) | $225$ sq. ft. | $4,500$ BTU | Portable Buddy ($9,000$ BTU setting) |
| Large RV/Cabin ($15′ \times 25’$) | $375$ sq. ft. | $7,500$ BTU | Big Buddy ($9,000$ or $18,000$ BTU setting) |
3. Safety is Paramount (ODS and Tip-Over Switch)
Propane heaters produce carbon monoxide (CO) and consume oxygen as they burn fuel. NEVER use a propane heater inside a tent or RV that is not specifically rated for indoor use and equipped with the proper safety features.
The best propane heaters for camping must include:
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): This non-negotiable feature automatically shuts off the heater if the oxygen level in the space drops below a safe threshold (typically around $18.5\%$ to $19.5\%$ concentration).
- Tip-Over Safety Switch: This immediately shuts off the gas supply and turns off the burner if the unit is accidentally knocked or tipped over, preventing fire hazards.
- Automatic Shut-Off: Some units will shut off if the pilot light goes out or if a flame is detected at the base.
Propane Heater Fuel Management for Campers
Portable propane heaters typically connect to two types of fuel sources, each with its own advantages for camping.
A. $1$ lb Disposable Cylinders
- Pros: Highly portable, lightweight, easy to find at almost any grocery or hardware store. Ideal for backpacking or short trips where space is limited.
- Cons: Expensive per hour of use, creates significant canister waste, and can run out in a few hours on high settings (e.g., $9,000$ BTU).
B. $20$ lb Refillable Tanks
- Pros: Most economical and environmentally friendly (reusable). Provides significantly longer run times (a $20$ lb tank can run a $9,000$ BTU heater for over $40$ hours).
- Cons: Bulky and heavy; only practical for car camping, RVs, or base camps. Requires a separate, specialized propane hose and regulator/filter to connect to small portable heaters like the Buddy series.
Propane Tip: If connecting a Portable Buddy to a large $20$ lb tank, always use the brand-recommended fuel filter (such as the Mr. Heater F273701). Large tanks can sometimes emit trace oil/contaminants that can clog the small orifices of portable heaters.
Propane Heater Safety Guidelines for Tents and RVs
Using a propane heater in an enclosed space requires strict adherence to safety rules to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
1. Ventilation is Mandatory
Even with an ODS, proper ventilation is essential. The heater must draw fresh oxygen to operate.
- Tent: Always crack a window, the tent door, or a roof vent by at least 3-6 inches to allow for constant airflow.
- RV/Camper: Open a vent fan, a ceiling vent, or a window slightly.
2. Never Run While Sleeping
While some indoor-safe heaters are designed for low-oxygen environments, the highest safety recommendation is to never run a propane heater continuously while you are asleep. Use the heater to pre-heat the space before bed, and rely on a high-quality sleeping bag overnight.
3. Placement and Clearance
- Place the heater on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface (e.g., a plywood board, not directly on the tent floor).
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet ($\approx 1$ meter) away from all flammable materials, including the tent walls, sleeping bags, clothing, and furniture.
- Keep the area clear of foot traffic to prevent accidental tip-overs.
4. Use a CO Detector
Always supplement your heater’s ODS system with a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector near your sleeping area for an extra layer of safety.
Conclusion
The best propane heater for camping is ultimately one that matches your space size and has certified safety features. For the vast majority of campers, the Mr. Heater MH9BX Portable Buddy strikes the ideal balance of portability, heat output, and safety assurance, making it the industry’s most recommended choice for comfortable and safe heat in tents and RVs.