This post contains affiliate links, meaning we receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
If you’re planning to camp in the great outdoors during winters, then battery powered tent heaters should come at the top of your checklist.
They will aid you in the cold to make your overall experience more comfortable by enabling you to rest during your expeditions.
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as only battery powered heaters as almost all on the market today use some sort of fuel to continuously heat up a tent so that you can be warm and cozy all the time.
These include propane heaters that use and burn propane to continuously provide heat or Kerosene heaters that use kerosene fuel to keep burning and producing heat.
Although there are a few 12V electric heaters that run on battery alone, they are too small to effectively heat up a slightly larger tent.
However, there’s no reason to worry because we’ve included the best of the best from all of these different types of heaters in the list below to provide you with all the options that’ll make your trip a memorable one.
So without further ado, let’s dive straight into it!
Battery Operated Heaters for Camping — What Options Do We Have?
Propane Heaters
Seeing as there aren’t many battery powered heaters that can warm up an entire tent, the next best option is propane heaters.
However, there are a few safety tips you should be aware of before we get into the actual list. First and foremost you must look for those heaters that are safe to use in enclosed spaces.
Luckily, most heaters available today provide that necessary piece of information so it isn’t too hard to find safe propane heaters.
Moreover, propane heaters produce small amounts of carbon monoxide so installing a carbon monoxide detector in your tent would be wise since large amounts of carbon monoxide can be poisonous.
Lastly, you should look for propane heaters that have a pre-installed overheating detector, so that the heater switches off automatically when it reaches a specified temperature to avoid overheating.
Kerosene Heaters
When you think about top-quality heaters, there are a few kerosene heaters that come to mind as well, but just like with propane heaters, there are some safety tips you should follow if you decide to use them.
Unlike propane heaters, kerosene heaters use actual fuel to fire up the heater so if you decide to use one of these, always keep an extra tank of fuel outside your tent because running out of fuel mid-trip can be a serious deal-breaker.
Moreover, just like you would do for a propane heater, install a carbon monoxide detector in your tent, or keep one with you when you go out on a camping trip.
Some kerosene heaters also come with a built-in oxygen sensor so it would be wise to look for those when you’re out shopping for one.
Another extra bit of advice that we’d like to provide is to use kerosene heaters only if you have a large tent because kerosene can catch your tent on fire pretty easily if you’re using it in a small tent.
Portable Batteries Used for Other Types of Heaters
In the end if you do decide to use a battery powered heater, you’ll need some portable batteries in case the original batteries run out. This is where portable batteries come in.
However, there are a couple of safety tips you should follow with these as well. First of all, it may seem like a no-brainer but keep your portable batteries away from water at all costs.
Secondly, be wary of overcharging them because that can cause a decrease in their overall battery life which means you won’t be able to run your heater for a long period of time.
Battery Tent Heater Alternatives – Propane Heaters
Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor Safe Propane Heater by Mr. Heater
When talking about good space heaters, tent heaters, and heaters in general, you cannot leave Mr. Heater out of the conversation.
That’s partly because they continuously keep coming out with more energy-conserving and portable heaters. Just like this little buddy 3800-BTU propane heater.
This heater especially is one of Mr. Heater’s most durable and user-friendly models. Additionally, the heater also has fold-down capabilities which make it easier to carry and store.
However, its most unique feature is that it can supply 4000 to 9000 BTU for up to 225 sq ft. What makes it perfect for a small to medium-sized tent.
Also, if the BTU level is kept high then the battery of the heater runs for almost 3 hours. Beware of one thing though, users have reported that it takes some time to heat up when it’s first turned on.
Since we’re on the topic, you should also know that high altitudes don’t favor it as it stops working in altitudes more than 7000 sq ft.
Other than those few tiny issues it works extremely well. Lastly, we would recommend you keep your tent well ventilated to keep up oxygen levels so that the heater doesn’t shut off.
Pros
- The heater shuts off automatically when oxygen levels are low.
- Incredibly durable and sturdy
- Has a foldable and ergonomic handle making it easy to carry and store.
- Has a 45-degree heating angle
Cons
- It can take a while to ignite initially.
Check Amazon price here.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Portable Propane Heater
Next up we have another heater from the mainstream brand Mr. Heater. Just like all the other heaters in this list, this one is also incredibly durable and built for both indoor and outdoor use.
This cordless heater for the tent is made of Nickel, Steel, and plastic making it safe and portable for extended periods of use.
It also comes equipped with an ergonomic handle that can fold down, empowering you to hold it and carry it however you want.
Furthermore, it possesses a tip-over shut-off switch that gives assurances when the pilot light goes out or when the oxygen level is low.
Even though it’s pretty small in size, its heating capability matches that of any large heater. It conveys 4000 to 9000 BTU for up to 225 sq ft which is the standard for most heaters manufactured by Mr. Heater.
It has a relatively long battery time as well when compared to other heaters of its size.
If used on the highest setting, the battery powered heater can run continuously for three hours. And on the lowest setting, it can function for a total of 6 hours which is more than enough time for your tent to heat up properly.
Just one minor inconvenience is that like most propane heaters, it may close off when used at altitudes higher than 7000 ft above sea level.
Pros
- On the low setting, the heater can run for a total of 6 continuous hours.
- Unlike other small heaters, its heating capability is much greater.
- It also possesses a tip over the shut-off switch.
Cons
- Some users have complained of it heating up quickly.
Check Amazon price here.
DEWALT DXH12B Portable Heater
For those of you who are in the market looking for heaters that supply more than just heat then the DEWALT DXH12B is for you.
This specific heater is a part of a very exclusive club, the multi-purpose heaters. Not only is it an incredible cordless heater for camping with rechargeable DeWalt 20V MAX or FlexVolt batteries, but it can also be used as a LED flashlight
What’s more, is that it also possesses three separate USB charging ports to charge all your electronics when you’re in a bind.
Furthermore, its energy consumption rate is so slow that you won’t even need to recharge the battery if you’re just using it as a heater.
That’s not the end of it either, as built into the heater is a small fan that fans the heat coming out in your desired direction. But how much heat does it give off?
Well, regardless of its small size, on its highest heat setting, the heater can give off 12,00 BTU and on a low setting, it produces more than 6000 BTU.
One thing to note is that the heater uses propane to produce heat so if you’re using it indoors in your tent make sure it’s well ventilated to keep the oxygen level high.
Pros
- Has multi-purpose capabilities which include 3 separate ports for charging.
- Its dual tank can provide up to 7 hours of uninterrupted heat.
- Can work as a very efficient light source as well due to its built-in powerful LED light bar.
Cons
- It May not work properly in windy conditions
Check Amazon price here.
Kerosene Heaters
Sengoku Kerosene Heater
The list up till this point has contained heaters that are suitable for medium to small-sized tents.
However, this specific camping battery operated heater provides ample heat for a larger tent.
You wouldn’t have to keep this heater on for too long as you would start to feel warm regardless of the temperature outside.
However, the thing we most like is that it comes with a 2-year warranty so if you face any problems while using it, you can easily replace it or give it back for a full refund.
Speaking of its capabilities, this wireless heater for camping can provide up to 12 hours of warmth due to its 1.9-gallon kerosene fuel tank.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the fact that the size of the heater is rather large so carrying it and storing it could be a bit of a problem.
But in our opinion, its amazing heating ability makes up for it.
Pros
- Its extra-large 1.9-gallon fuel tank can provide warmth for up to 12 hours.
- Amazingly the heater comes with a 2-year warranty.
- The heater can heat a 1000 sq ft space easily.
Cons
- Although it’s built to serve both as a cooker and heater, users have complained about its cooking functionality.
Check Amazon price here.
Heat Mate HMC-23K Kerosene Heater
While we’re on the subject of kerosene heaters, one excellent example is the Heat Mate HMC-23K which can easily heat up the largest of tents.
The unique thing about it that separates it from the rest is its unique heating method that uses convection currents to generate that heat.
Like most kerosene heaters for large tents, it has a 1.9-gallon fuel capacity which can provide up to 12 hours of uninterrupted heat.
Regardless of the temperature outside, extended use of this heater will make you start feeling warm enough to stop it for a little while.
Moreover, it’s pretty safe to use as well as it has a three-way safety shutoff and built-in safety guards to save your hand from getting burned.
All in all, it may be a little on the expensive side but it’s incredibly useful for keeping you warm and functioning on long camping trips.
Pros
- A 1.9-gallon fuel tank can provide 12 hours of uninterrupted heat.
- A 3-way safety shutoff system and built-in safety guards save you from accidental burns.
- Has a manual siphon pump included.
Cons
- This option is costly.
Check Amazon price here.
Portable Batteries for Camping
Almost everyone uses and knows what a power bank is nowadays.
So, just think of portable batteries as a very large power bank that can be used to recharge all of your devices and electronics while staying off the grid as well.
This amazing functionality makes it an invaluable item on camping trips that take a few days because nowadays our electronics are just as necessary for our survival as the food we eat.
You could also use these portable batteries to charge up your electric heater. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a pretty big battery to keep your tent warm for a few hours.
Fortunately for you, we’ve already found a long-lasting portable power station in the BALDR Portable Power Station Pioneer that can keep your heater running for at least 3 hours.
Heaters that Run on Portable Battery/Power Station
360 Degree Fan Forced Heater by Honeywell
Honeywell is another world-renowned brand famous for producing a wide variety of almost unmatchable items in their quality.
And their portable battery heaters for camping are the ones of such things. One of their leading options is this electric surround heater as it can be an invaluable piece of inventory for those chilly winter camping nights.
As you’d expect from Honeywell, the heater itself is very sturdy and well built but most importantly it is lightweight which makes it extremely easy to carry.
As suggested from the name, the heater provides 360-degree spiral warmth, heating medium to large size tents relatively quickly compared to other heaters in this price range.
Moreover, the user has plenty of additional options to control its settings as well as two heat modes, a flexible indoor regulator, and overheat insurance.
The energy-conserving mode is our favorite as it allows you to set the heater to run at a predefined room temperature.
All in all, it is an absolute unit and will supply just the right amount of heat for your tent in winters and in summers.
Pros
- Provides a very user-friendly interface.
- The heater provides two different temperature settings.
- One of the best energy-conserving heaters on the market today.
Cons
- Relatively pricier.
Check Amazon price here.
Lasko 6405 Space Heater
Lasko 6405 is one of the best 12v heaters for camping in the market today, .
The brand itself is not as well-known as Mr. Heater or Honeywell but the heater is still regarded as one of the best small heaters.
This 12v camping heater is plug and play so you just need a small 12v power source with you and this heater can be your best companion.
What’s more, is that its lightweight and portable build makes it incredibly handy and useful in a camper’s arsenal.
Depending on the setting you’re using it at, this heater can provide up to 1500 watts of heat for 7 continuous hours.
However, the feature that appealed to us the most was that it can oscillate to provide a broad and 360-degree range of coverage.
Moreover, unlike most tent heaters, it heats up quickly as well and it’ll only take a few minutes until you feel a considerable change in temperature.
Pros
- One of the best 12v heaters in the market because of its heating capabilities.
- On the right setting, the heater can function for 7 continuous hours.
- It also provides a 360-degree range of coverage.
Cons
- Some customers have criticized their customer service.
Check Amazon price here.
Back Seat Heat Plus 1100 BTU 12V Truck Heater
Another 12V heater is basically used as an extra truck heater but can be incredibly useful in a tent as well as the Back Seat Heat Plus.
As evident from the title, this heater can supply up to 1100 BTU of heat which is more than enough for a small to the medium-sized tent.
It takes up to 25 amp of current and has an inline fuse of 30 amp so you need not worry about it short-circuiting.
Furthermore, it also comes with a 20 ft wire harness that is attached to the 30 amp fuse wire connection.
Installation is pretty simple as well and only requires some specific tools that will be mentioned in the manual.
Overall, it’s a pretty cheap and simple option as 12V heaters go.
Pros
- Supplies 1100 BTU of heat which is adequate for a small to a medium-sized tent.
- Has a 20 ft wire mesh and inline 30 amp fuse wire connection which should remove your worries of it short-circuiting.
- Easy installation with a small number of specific tools.
Cons
- Details about the brand that provides the heater is unknown so it might not be very reliable.
Check Amazon price here.
FAQs
Are there any heaters that run on batteries?
There are some small heaters available in the market that run solely on batteries, specifically 12V heaters but they’re only good for warming your hands and feet.
So, we wouldn’t recommend using them to heat up your tent.
What kind of heaters are safe for tents?
Almost all heaters ranging from propane to kerosene are useful for heating up your tent provided you follow all the safety requirements and don’t rely on them for too long.
We’ve listed a few safe propane and kerosene heaters in the list above.
How do you keep a tent warm without electricity?
There are plenty of options when it comes to keeping a tent warm without electricity. You can use regular battery powered heaters, some of which we’ve included in our list above.
Furthermore, there are other techniques you can use to heat up your tent as well. In fact, we discuss these techniques in detail in our how to keep a tent warm article.
Is there such a thing as a tent heater?
There are no specific tent heaters available in the market right now, but you can use a variety of other heaters like propane or kerosene to do the job as well.
Just keep in mind and follow all of the safety requirements.
How long do portable power stations last?
There is no fixed battery time that could apply to all portable power stations.
However, through experience we can tell you that it can last anywhere from 3 hours to 13 hours depending on its battery life, condition and battery type.
What is a Buddy Heater?
Buddy heaters are basically small, compact but powerful portable heaters that can effectively heat up small enclosed spaces.
We’ve actually listed a buddy heater on the very top of our list, the little buddy 3800-BTU indoor propane heater by Mr. Heater.
We also recommend reading our article on how to keep a tent warm in winter.