10 Portable Electric Camping Heaters Great for Camping
Camping and outdoor enthusiasts use electric campers to enjoy the warmth of an electric heater and vehicle while exploring the great outdoors. Outdoor electric campers are popular because of the ease of use and more efficiency than gas and charcoal campers. It’s not always easy to find the right electric campers for your needs. These outdoor electric campers have either an electric heater or a fan and can be found in the travel or utility campers’ categories. Some electric campers are designed with more power and greater space to accommodate people or goods that you wish to transport.
These outdoor electric campers have been proven to be popular with families or with businesses that need a recreational vehicle for a specific event. These electric camping car camping models use a built-in or plug-in electric heater. An electric camp stove is also available. Using electric campers is great for your wallet, too. Camping out of the elements with electric campers is more eco-friendly. This means you won’t have to leave dirty litter behind from your campfire. Let’s review 10 of the best portable electric camping heaters great for camping as below:
1. Sportsman Portable Electric Propane Camping Heater
The Sportsman portable electric campers have been used by the military and is designed for off-the-grid locations such as in military bases or off-road locations that do not have reliable electric power, such as in the desert. With its powerful electric heater, this RV camping portable heater can heat your RV interior.
This portable electric camper is available in multiple configurations and battery sizes. You can find portable electric campers ranging from 12 to 21.4 kWh, which is the largest battery size among the other portable camping campers listed above.
The Sportsman portable electric campers have a range of up to 500 miles. This camping heaters has been tested to make sure it can handle harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures.
Pros:
- Rated 4.8 out of five stars by buyers
- Great for off-the-grid locations such as military bases or off-road locations
- 15-inch metal coils are used to heat
- Perfect for colder temperatures
Cons:
- Not a lot of power when compared to some portable campers
- Small interior footprint
- Some reports of problems with the unit overcharging the battery
2. GO OUTLAST Portable Electric Propane Camping Heater
The GO OUTLAST portable electric campers uses the standard natural gas propane gas to generate enough heat to heat a typical RV. It’s the most economical option for a portable camping heater that runs on propane. The GO OUTLAST portable electric campers is compact, lightweight and can easily be towed with the car. The GO OUTLAST portable electric campers has an electric motor that can quickly heat the cabin or RV while you’re out sightseeing.
The GO OUTLAST portable electric campers is especially great for off-road travel. It’s ideal for family and adventurous campers. When not in use, this portable camper converts into a standard propane camp stove. You can use the GO OUTLAST portable electric campers to provide hot meals, heat up drinks and create a more comfortable RV or camper interior when it’s freezing outside.
Pros:
- Rated 4.2 out of five stars by buyers
- Lightweight and easily towed with the car
- Compact, with a light-weight propane burner
Cons:
- Electric heater works best in warm weather
- Not a lot of space for large storage
- Some complaints of issues with the burner
3. Bay Lake RV Electric Camping Heater
The Bay Lake RV electric camping heaters has a natural gas (propane) burner and electric heat distribution system to deliver efficient heat to the RV cabin. It is capable of heating a full-size van or cabin interior. With a 32-inch adjustable-thickness heating element, the Bay Lake RV electric campers is easy to adjust to the ideal heat. This portable camping heater is best for electric RV owners.
Pros:
- Rated 4.2 out of five stars by buyers
- Natural gas heater
- Adjustable-thickness heating element
Cons:
- High initial cost
- Less efficient than some portable campers
- Not a good choice for smaller van owners
4. Coleman 45-Inch Portable Camping Heater
The Coleman 45-Inch Portable Camping Heater is a gas fueled portable campers with a six-burner cast-iron cooking stove that runs off a 12-volt, detachable cord. This camper has all the features you’d expect from a portable camping heater, such as a ceramic knob that provide good heat control and good weather sealing. It also has a 15,000-hour thermal fuse to extend the life of the heater. If you use the Coleman 45-Inch Portable Camping Heater with a table top or windscreen, you’ll be able to easily adjust the heat inside your van or camper.
Pros:
- Rated 4.4 out of five stars by buyers
- Good price for a portable camp heater
- 14-inch cast-iron burner offers plenty of heat
Cons:
- Lack of an electric connection
- Engine takes some getting used to
- The unit takes a bit of time to reach maximum heat
5. Calandrea Cooling Camping Heater
The Calandrea Cooling Camping Heater works with regular propane and can heat your van or tent or provide hot water for outdoor needs. The heater uses the gas to warm the van or tent and provides the necessary propane to operate the heater. When it’s not in use, the Calandrea Cooling Camping Heater can be placed outside or placed inside the cabin. The unit is simple to use, and can be operated by a single-button switch. The Calandrea Cooling Camping Heater has an electric-only version as well. The heater works with RVs, cars and other smaller RVs.
Pros:
- Rated 4.1 out of five stars by buyers
- Very good price
- Ideal for cars, vans and RVs
Cons:
- Requires gas to operate
- Carburetor setup may be tough to clean
- Some units overheated on first use
6. Norcold Portable Residential Electric Camping Heater
This Norcold heater offers plenty of warmth and plenty of power to operate a lot of camping gadgets. The heater is powered by a 72-volt AC or 120-volt AC adapter and will run anything from a small motorhome to a monster RV. For example, it can run a coffee maker, portable refrigerator, a TV, air conditioning, etc. The Norcold campers can also help keep your RV cool in the summer. The heater has an automatic shut-off feature. The heater has a 48-hour to one-year warranty, and is suitable for all vehicles and RV types. The heater’s ten-year limited warranty also includes all parts. The heater is compact and sleek, making it easy to travel with. The Norcold RV Electrical Heater also has a standard 20-amp outlet and can operate on 12-volt from a vehicle.
Pros:
- Rated 4.6 out of five stars by buyers
- Great price for a heater
- Doesn’t require a generator
Cons:
- Must provide 240-volt electrical cord
- Requires additional electrical outlet for RV owners
- Heavy
7. Melsens TS010 Electric Portable Electric Camping Heater
The Melsens TS010 Electric Portable Camping Heater works on 120-volt AC or 220-volt AC, and will provide you with plenty of warm outdoor family fun, or will even keep your home cool during the summer. This portable camper uses 6,200-ampere hour energy for better heat control. This means it will heat your home as well as your campers. The unit also comes with a 3.2-foot cord to work in tight spaces. The heater has a removable tripod stand. The Melsens heater has a lifetime warranty. If you use a 220-volt cord, you’ll also need a booster, such as this one from DuPont.
Pros:
- Rated 4.1 out of five stars by buyers
- Large 12-volt AC outlet
- Long cord to work in tight spaces
Cons:
- Some complain about battery life
- Battery drains quickly
- Battery needed to power electronics, including heater
- Some units had issues operating over time
8. Lucid CityRV Luxury LED Portable Heater
The Lucid CityRV Luxury LED Portable Heater is a lightweight, compact electric heater that comes with a detachable power cord. You can plug in a USB outlet or use the 12-volt AC outlet. The thermostat inside the unit regulates the heater, as well as the heat it produces. This makes it easier to heat your van, tent or camper in different spots. The heater also comes with two 250-watt compact LED lamps, which can be used to illuminate your campsite, the cabin or a neighboring RV. The Lucid CityRV Luxury LED Portable Heater has a 20-year limited warranty and comes with a one-year labor.
Pros:
- Rated 4.4 out of five stars by buyers
- Good price for the features
- Adjustable thermostat
Cons:
- Only runs on 12-volt from outlet
- Lacks automatic shut-off feature
- Poor battery life
9. Dextro GS10T Carbon Fiber Portable Electric Heater
The Dextro GS10T Carbon Fiber Portable Electric Heater is an RV or camper fans should look at for their next winter trip. This compact, cordless heater runs on 120-volt or 240-volt AC power and is just 3.7-inches tall and 4.9-inches wide. This model has a heat output of 975-watts, as well as a heat output of 446-watts for long periods of time. The heater’s rectangular shape makes it easy to hold. The heat output is controlled by a pulsing thermostat. This makes it easy to adjust the heat without putting much effort into it. The heater also comes with a one-year limited warranty. If you use a 240-volt AC outlet, the Dextro GS10T Carbon Fiber Portable Electric Heater uses a 29-watt J1772 receptacle.
Pros:
- Rated 4.1 out of five stars by users
- Great electric-heat output
- Cord is detachable for easy transport
Cons:
- Don’t work with the awning on your RV
- Battery life could be better
- Not good for really cold temps
10. A-Colds Back to Camp Heater with Speaker
The A-Colds Back to Camp Heater with Speaker features a 12-volt rechargeable lithium battery for easy portability and for keeping your campsite comfortable. It also features a 4-inch-long cylindrical reflector that will keep you warm from the inside, as well as a built-in speaker for a private listening experience. The heater has an emergency sensor to kick on the heat when the tent, cabin or RV is moved. The thermostat on the heater is digital, so it’s easy to control the heater and turn it off when you want to conserve energy. It runs on 12-volt AC or 120-volt AC, and it’s easy to use, operating on a touch-tone panel. This portable heater has a 100-watt heater with a 12-volt/6.8-amp DC adapter, along with a removable DC cord and mounting brackets.
Pros:
- Rated 4.1 out of five stars by users
- Comfortable heat that keeps you warm even in the cold
- Runs on 12-volt or 120-volt AC
Cons:
- Very limited remote control
- Small size doesn’t provide a lot of room
- Lacking an on-board thermostat
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip or just want to know the best outdoor heater to make your travels easier, or even just add a little comfort to your next trip to the campground, consider these top 10 RV or Camping portable heater picks. RVers should definitely consider a portable heater as a very inexpensive way to make sure they and their guests have a warm place to rest at night and that the appliances in their RV or camper stay functioning at peak performance. If you’re planning a winter trip that involves ice or snow, some of the best portable heaters for RVs are best for snow as well, so they are a great option for your winter travel, or your next cool summer day at the lake or campground. You can also find great portable heaters that can be used indoors, like the Cordless Lava Heater. It is especially good for keeping your home or office cool in summer. It is great for outdoor patios or sitting by a campfire as well.
