Space Heater for Car Camping – Top Picks & Reviews

A car camping trip is fun and relaxing, especially during winter. But before you head out, you should consider buying a space heater for car camping. There are three main types of heaters, electric, battery operated and gas. Electric heaters are ideal because they don’t emit harmful fumes into the air. Gas heaters also provide warmth, but they require regular maintenance and fuel.

Car campers often choose a specific spot where they want to stay overnight. If you plan to go off road, then you should take along a portable heater. These heaters come in various sizes and shapes, so you can pick the one that fits your vehicle perfectly.

Here are the top seven best space heaters for car camping.

Top 3 Picks: Space Heater for Car Camping

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The 7 Best Space Heaters for Car Camping

Best Overall

1. Panven Outdoor Propane Patio Heater

Price: $129.99
star rating
4.4 ratings out of 5
Panven Outdoor Propane Patio Heater

If you are looking for high end space heater for car camping, then this is the right choice for you. This heater could work for 29-80 hours with a 20lb propane tank and 45 -140 hours with a 30 lb propane tank.

It’s built-in tip-over protection system will automatically shut down the heater if it falls over or the oxygen level drops below normal.

This product comes with a CSA approved regulator, keeping the safety of your family at heart.

The control knob is designed to be more convenient and easier to operate, so that you can adjust the temperature as needed. This patio heater is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

With it high-quality steel structure, it has three ceramic heating panels, providing constant warmth while you are using it.

You may like also: Electric Camping Heaters for Tents

Best Value

2. Mr. Heater MH12HB Portable Space Heater

Price: $122.26
star rating
4.7 ratings out of 5
Mr. Heater MH12HB Portable Space Heater

If you are looking for safe space heater for camping that’s operated by gas or propane, then you can consider the Mr. Heater MH12HB. This is the most popular portable heater in North America.

The Mr. Heater MH12HB Portable Space Heater comes with an automatic low oxygen shut-off sensor which ensures that it won’t run if there’s no oxygen left in the tank. It has a swivel regulator which allows you to connect it to a remote gas source.

The heater can operate on either propane or natural gas. It is easy to install and remove using its convenient handle. The heater is equipped with an emergency shut-off button. You can easily adjust the flame height using the adjustable knobs.

The patented radiant liquid propane heater heats up to 12,000 Btu per hour. The heater includes a swivel regulator and a single control.

However, the built in silent electric ignition makes sure that you don’t have to worry about any noise while operating the heater.

To know more: Best Hot Tent for Winter Camping

Best Brand

3. Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater

Price: $76.47
star rating
4.3 ratings out of 5
Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater

If you are searching for the best space heater for camping, then the Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater is the perfect choice for you. It has an adjustable thermostat, which means it will be able to keep the room at the right temperature all night long.

The heater is lightweight and compact, so you won’t have any trouble carrying it around. This heater is made of durable materials, which makes it last longer than other heaters. You can easily adjust the temperature by simply pressing on the button located on its side.

The adjustable temperature feature allows you to set the temperature according to how warm or cold the weather is outside. You can also save some electricity by using the ECO-SMART setting.

You can control this space heater with the remote that comes with it when you buy it. The eco-smart space heater can heat rooms up to 160 square feet. With a standard 9-foot ceiling height, you can easily cover most areas of your campsite. This is one of the best camping heater on our outdoor list and it’s safe tent camping.

Faster Heat Pick

4. Dreo Space Heaters for car camping

Price: $44.99
star rating
4.5 ratings out of 5
Dreo Space Heaters for car camping

If you are searching for faster space heater then Dreo Space Heaters is right for you. This heater can heats up your entire room within minutes. It has a maximum output of 1500 watts which will keep you warm throughout the cold nights. The heater uses a brushless DC motor to produce less noise than other models. You can adjust the heat setting according to your need. With its sleek design, it looks great in any home.

It features an Eco Mode which adjusts the heat level automatically to achieve the desired temperature while reducing electricity consumption.

With various modes the heat comes in many different forms, from powerful heat, to more energy-efficient eco heat.

The heater is equipped with a remote control which allows you to turn on and off the heater from anywhere in the house.

This space heater is easy to install and maintain. Its durable construction makes it ideal for commercial and residential applications.

Mini Pick

5. METKIIO Space Heater

Price: $36.99
star rating
4.4 ratings out of 5
METKIIO Space Heater

If you are searching for a mini space heater for camping, then the Metkiio space heater is what you need. It features a user-friendly design, fast and efficient heating performance, safety first function, and great looks.

If you want to have warm and cozy nights then the METKIIO Space Heater is right for you. This compact space heater is safe and easy to operate. The heater uses a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) ceramic heating technology which makes it energy-efficient and durable.

It provides faster heating, up 70 degree F in only 3 seconds. You can use it to heat your office, bedroom, baby nursery, RV trailer, camper, tent, boat, etc.

Best Compact

6. Brightown Small Space Heater

Price: $22.99
star rating
4.3 ratings out of 5
Brightown Small Space Heater

This small space heater from Brightown that is designed to be used on the car or camping. It has an ETL certification, which means that it meets all federal and state standards for flammability, toxicity and electrical shock hazards.

The best part of this product is that it’s very affordable. You can get this product for $22.99.

This heater minor glow from the power light red to let you know it is on. The cord length is 5 1/2 ft. with 2 prongs. The desk heater for home office desk, tent camping desk

It’s 400 watt, 110 volts, 3.63 amps low wattage space heater is better than running a high wattage space heater and won’t overload the circuit. Great for people who live in mild climates.

Brightown electric heater put out a pretty decent amount heat, suggesting using it to space about 100 square feet, use it by the desk, taking the chill off a small cool office space. Use this for home when you don’t need to heat up the whole house with other central heaters. Office desk heater for home quiet, so it won’t affect your sleep, work, or study.

6.3 x 3.15 inches bright orange color makes it easier to see and our portable heaters are nicely compact so you won’t knock into them. This personal space heater won’t take up much space and portables that moving it from room-to-room is a breeze.

Affordable Pick

7. Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Heater

Price: $19.99
star rating
4.4 ratings out of 5
Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Heater

If you are searching for the best and safe space heater for camping in car then the Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic model is right for you. This compact space heater designed small enough for tables or desks. It has an efficient ceramic coil that heats up in seconds. The heater comes with tip over protection which makes it safer than other models. You can buy this product from Amazon.com for $19.99 on sale.

The heater is ideal for small spaces car camping and for offices. It is available in four different colors like black, white, blue and pink.

However, if you have a larger area to cover, then you may need something bigger. For example, if you are planning to drive long distances, then you will need a large space heater. So, I don’t recommend it for large areas.

See also: 11 Most Essential Gear For Outdoor Enthusiast

Why space heaters for car camping

MH12HB Hunting Buddy Portable Space Heater

Advantages of space heaters over other heating options

Space heaters offer a number of advantages over other heating options for car camping, making them the ideal choice for many campers. First, space heaters are much more portable than other types of heaters, so they can be easily moved from one location to another as needed. Second, space heaters provide a concentrated source of heat, so they can be used to quickly and efficiently raise the temperature in a small area. Finally, space heaters are typically less expensive than other types of heaters, making them a more budget-friendly option for campers.

How to choose the right space heater for your needs

When choosing a space heater for camping, it is important to consider your specific needs. For example, if you will be using the heater in an enclosed space such as a tent, you will need to choose a model that is designed for indoor use. If you plan on using the heater outdoors, make sure to select a model that is specifically designed for outdoor use and that has an automatic shut-off feature in case of rain or snow. You should also consider the size of the area you will be heating when choosing a space heater; models with higher BTU ratings are better suited for larger spaces while lower BTU ratings are sufficient for smaller areas.

Way to use your space heater safely while car camping

Place the heater on a level surface

The first step to using your space heater safely while car camping is to make sure it is placed on a level surface. This will help ensure that the heater does not tip over and cause a fire. If you are using a propane-powered space heater, be sure to place it on a stable surface away from any flammable materials, such as curtains or bedding.

Keep the heater away from flammable materials

Another important safety precaution to take when using a space heater is to keep it away from any flammable materials. This includes things like curtains, bedding, clothing, and paper products. If possible, try to keep the heater in a clear area where there is nothing close by that could catch fire.

Don’t leave the heater unattended

Finally, always make sure to turn off the space heater and unplug it before leaving it unattended. Even if you think the area around the heater is safe, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are going to be gone for more than a few minutes, it’s best to shut off the space heater completely to avoid any accidents.

Final words

Space heaters are ideal for car camping because they are efficient, safe and easy to use. When choosing a space heater, it is important to consider your needs and the features of the different models available. The Panven Outdoor Propane Patio, Mr. Heater MH12HB and Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater are all great options for car campers. To use your space heater safely, make sure to place it on a level surface away from flammable materials and never leave it unattended.

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