Staying warm in the middle of a cold snap or the dead of winter can be a real challenge. Putting on layers will only help so much before you need something to produce some actual heat. This is where propane camping heaters can come in hand.
These small devices help warm you up on the coldest nights and earliest mornings, making you more comfortable than ever. We wanted to make your purchase decision easier, so this objective review of the best propane camping heaters will help you with your shopping.
If you want to know the best propane camping heater without reading, we recommend the Campy Gear Chubby 2-in-1 Portable Propane Heater and Stove.
Best Propane Heaters For Camping
- Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
- Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater
- Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy
- Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Infrared Radiant Heater (Budget Buy)
- Mr. Heater MH60QFAV (High End)
- Campy Gear Chubby 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove (Top Pick)
Compare Top Propane Camping Heaters
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Mr. Heater F232000 | 82 | Most powerful indoor heater | Check Out On Amazon |
Texsport Sportsmate | 76 | Basic model with good heat output | Check Out on Amazon |
Mr. Heater F215100 | 82 | Great for heating small indoor spaces | Check Out on Amazon |
Stansport Portable Outdoor | 78 | 
Best for personal use outdoors | Check Out on Amazon |
Mr. Heater MH60QFAV | 80 | 
Most heat output | Check Out on Amazon |
Campy Gear Chubby | 86 | 
Most features and best value | Check Out on Amazon |
A Word of Caution
Before we dive into the reviews of the best propane camping heaters, it’s important to note that you’ll want to use them in areas with plenty of ventilation.
Running a propane heater comes with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so you won’t be able to smell or tell when levels become dangerously high.
Unless a heater is specifically noted for indoor use (Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy and the Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy), it is intended for outdoor use only.
Detailed Analysis Of The Best Propane Camping Heaters
1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Can be used indoors or in a tent
- Good heat output
- Long run time
Disadvantages
- Heavier than many models
Size
For the heat output that you’ll find with the Mr. Heater Buddy, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that it won’t weigh you down.
It remains robust and thoroughly heats the interior of your campsite, but it only weighs 9 pounds. The unit comes in at 7.7″ x 13.4″ x 15″.
If you’re concerned about camping in the dead of winter and staying warm, this heater is worth every inch.
Heat Output
This is perhaps the most important feature to consider if you’re camping in colder weather. It also happens to be one area where this portable propane camping heater shines.
You’ll find that it has a great range of 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs of radiant heat. Not only that, but it covers a relatively large area.
This heater is rated for use in 225-square foot areas, enabling it to heat even mid to large-size tents. However, it doesn’t work as well in higher altitudes.
It may shut off if you’re camping in an area above 7,000 feet above sea level.
Features
While many propane camping heaters aren’t designed for indoor use, Mr. Heater’s Buddy design is.
Every aspect of this heater is designed to ensure your safety from the auto shut-off if the unit is tipped over to the low-oxygen safety shut-off system.
You won’t have to worry as much about carbon monoxide with this smart heater. To save space, it also comes with a fold-down handle.
When the handle is folded, the unit can generate heat more efficiently with maximum output.
Another great feature is the ability to use a remote gas supply with the swivel regulator instead of just the disposable cylinder it typically runs on.
You’ll have to purchase a hose and filter, but it could be worth it if you want longer run times.
Runtime
If you’re looking for something that’ll keep you warm through most winter nights, you’ll be happy with the runtime of the Mr. Heater Buddy system.
On the lowest setting, it can run for up to 5.4 hours with the one-pound cylinder. You’ll get less runtime if you operate it on high, coming in at just 2.4 hours.
Price
For campers who want a solid propane heater but don’t want to break the bank, Mr. Heater is a great option.
It’s affordable and packs a powerful punch regarding heat output, runtime, and additional features. This is one heater that should make your short list of potential products.
2. Texsport Sportsmate Portable Propane Heater
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Great for personal use
- Auto shutoff valve
Disadvantages
- Lower heat output
Size
You might not be able to effectively pack this propane heater into your pack, but you’ll love how light it weighs. Carrying this 2-pound heater won’t require much from you.
However, its design means you won’t be able to cram it into a full backpack with dimensions of 10.7″ x 7.4″ x 7.4″.
This heater is long and narrow with a paddle-foot base and a reflector grid that makes it a bit of an awkward shape.
Heat Output
The Texsport Sportsmate may not release as much heat as the Mr. Heater Buddy, but it still has enough power to knock the chill off.
It can produce up to 3,000 BTUs of heat, but it isn’t an option that you’ll be able to use inside your tent. It’s great for those long nights when you want to sit out and enjoy the stars.
Features
Despite the unit’s awkward size, it has some great features that make it a great option for camping.
First, it comes with a large paddle-foot base that offers increased stability, great for allowing it to sit on its own without much help from you.
When it comes to safety, Texsport has a little something to offer as well. It features an auto shut-off valve if the flame goes out. This model also boasts an aluminum reflector safety grid.
It is for outdoor use only.
Runtime
The runtime will vary depending on the size of the cylinder used. This model supports the use of both 16.4-ounce and 14.1-ounce propane containers.
Most users note that it doesn’t burn as much as expected, ensuring that the heat will last longer than you might imagine depending on how high you run it.
Price
This stainless steel propane heater is a great addition to your camping pack if you want something you can use outdoors. It won’t break the budget and packs a powerful remedy for the cold.
If you’re looking for something budget-friendly and powerful, consider the Texsport Sportsmate.
3. Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Great for indoor or tent use
- Low oxygen safety system
- Lots of safety features
- 45-degree tilt
Disadvantages
- A little on the heavy side
Size
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is great if you want something easy to carry. It weighs less than five pounds and has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to tie to your pack or carry by hand.
It may not fit comfortably inside a backpack at 11″ high, deep, and wide, though.
Heat Output
The heat output on this product places it solidly in the middle of the pack at 3,800 BTUs. It’s a bit less powerful than the Mr. Heater Buddy, but it’s still powerful enough to knock the chill off on a cold evening.
It’s even more powerful than the Texsport Sportsmate by a small amount. It should safely heat about 95 square feet surrounding the unit.
Features
In addition to its powerful heating abilities, the Little Buddy has some great features. It’ll take no time to get it up and to run with an easy on-and-off push button.
It also boasts an 8-inch floor stand to give it more stability on uneven terrain. One of the unique features of this heater is its angle. You’ll enjoy a 45-degree heating angle, forcing the air toward your upper body.
Keep in mind that this is one of the few propane heaters considered indoor safe, and it comes with some features for this usage.
For example, it has an emergency low oxygen safety system with a low oxygen sensor. You’ll also get an accidental tip-over switch and an auto shut-off.
Runtime
This propane heater runs on a one-pound disposable propane cylinder, but a cylinder will last you for a little while. It runs for approximately 5.6 hours at the maximum BTU.
While it may not last you all night, it’s enough to keep you warm as you fall asleep or knock the chill off an early morning wakeup call.
Price
Given the impressive safety features found on the Little Buddy, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the price. It’s not the cheapest model on this ranking, but it’s still quite affordable.
Don’t worry too much about breaking the bank on this one.
4. Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane Infrared Radiant Heater
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Metal dish allows you to direct heat
- Very lightweight
- Four heat settings
Disadvantages
- Not rated for indoor use
Size
The size of the Stansport Portable Outdoor Propane heater might not be enough to put you off, but it’s something to consider when packing your gear.
It weighs very little (1.8 pounds), but it’s another model with an awkward shape. Much like the Texsport, this Stansport model has a wider base, narrow neck, and large metal dish.
The overall dimensions of the unit are 8.8″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″. It isn’t enough to make or break a large backpack, but it’s something you’ll have to pack carefully to avoid breaking.
Heat Output
This model comes with four adjustable levels of heat output to customize how warm you want your campsite and how much propane you’ll go through.
This propane heater can put off up to 3,100 BTUs at its maximum capacity, placing it firmly in the middle of the heat outputs found in this ranking.
Features
While this heater isn’t designed for indoor use, it can still be a great addition to winter camping. The design includes a metal dish that allows you to adjust exactly where you want the heat to go.
This makes it great if you’re using it as a personal heater, directing the heat to where you happen to be sitting.
It also comes with four heat settings that are easy to adjust with the turn of a knob. Starting this unit will be a breeze with its matchless electronic ignition.
The base is wide and features fold-out feet that grant it a bit more stability.
Runtime
While they don’t guarantee a specific runtime for this model, most people find that they need about two propane tanks if they plan to stay up all night and keep warm.
One tank will last roughly five hours, so you’ll get some solid use.
Price
This model falls solidly in the middle of the pack regarding price. You’ll be surprised to see that it’s feature-rich and affordable all at the same time.
While you won’t be able to use it as an indoor tent heater, this model is a great option for a budget-conscious camper who wants to expand their gear.
5. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Most heat output
- Long runtime
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Heavy and large
Size
If you intend to go camping and want something bigger than a personal heater, you can’t go wrong with the Mr. Heater MH60QFAV.
It’s a bit bigger and heavier than other models designed for personal use, coming in at around 13 pounds. It’ll also be a bit more to carry with dimensions of 16″ x 9″ x 13.5″ approximately.
This isn’t one of the heaters that you’ll be able to fit into a backpack, but it does come equipped with a handle that should be relatively comfortable to carry.
Heat Output
There’s no competition regarding how much heat this forced air heater can put out. Compared to the other propane heaters, this one generates variable heat from 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs.
It’s designed to heat a relatively wide area of 1,500 square feet. This makes it the best option for a large camping party where everyone wants to enjoy the warmth on a chilly night.
It runs on a 20-pound propane tank, which means that it will last for a while.
Features
In addition to the ergonomic handle that makes transporting the heater easier, it also has some great features.
The MH60QFAV features a continuous ignition so that you can run it for hours with little to no attention.
It features variable heat settings, allowing you to control how much of the cold weather you want to ward off.
It comes with the patented QBT technology that keeps noise to a minimum so you can enjoy the warmth without worrying about shouting over the powerful heater.
Keep in mind that this option from Mr. Heater isn’t designed for indoor use. Unlike the other two options from the same manufacturer, this one is meant for heating large outdoor areas only.
Runtime
The runtime on a 20-lb. propane tank depends on how high you have the heater turned up. To give you a rough idea of how much energy it takes to run this unit, it can take 1.4 to 2.8 pounds per hour.
This means that it can run from 7 to 14 hours, depending on how high you set it. This makes it firmly the winner in this category.
Price
This forced air propane heater is easily the most expensive of all the models included in this ranking. That being said, it’s also the most powerful.
If you’re looking for something to cut down on the winter chill, this model is worth every penny of the investment.
6. Campy Gear Chubby 2-in-1 Portable Propane Heater and Stove
Overall Score: 86
Advantages
- Can be used for cooking and heating
- Good heat output
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Not rated for indoor use
Size
The Campy Gear Chubby is a great addition to just about any pack. It boasts a low overall weight, but it may take up more space in your pack than you’d like.
The dimensions come in around 7″ x 7″ x 8,” but it weighs just under 2 pounds.
Heat Output
This model is great for camping with a small group of one to two people. It has one of the best heat outputs of any model at 9,000 BTUs.
You can choose whether to put it on heat only mode or cook and heat mode.
Features
One of the best features of this design is that it can be used as both a heater and a stove – the only model here to pull double-duty.
When you turn on the cook setting, it takes just a few minutes to boil a half-liter of water. The unit has a foldable pot stand that allows you to use any of your favorite cooking equipment.
It’s also easy to navigate between the two options (Cook & Heat or Heat Only) with a twist knob. The spark ignition can start the unit with one click, so you don’t have to use any matches or a lighter.
Remember that this isn’t a propane heater designed for use inside a tent. Instead, it is meant for outdoor use. It doesn’t come equipped with a carbon monoxide detector.
Runtime
While it ultimately depends on what setting you use this heater with, most people agree that it lasts for quite a while. An 8 oz. propane canister will last for roughly 2 hours.
You’ll get even more heat from a larger tank or when turned to a lower setting. Overall, this makes the Campy Gear Chubby one of the best models.
Price
Given the scope of features found on the Campy Gear Chubby, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how affordable it is.
It stacks up with the other propane heaters found here and offers more versatility due to its cooking features. This is one tool that is well worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Getting a heater that meets all of your expectations can be a challenge. You must consider the heat output, whether it’s designed for indoor use, and its safety features.
We found that the Campy Gear Chubby is the best option because it is affordable, powerful, and has the added benefit of being able to cook over top of it.
This model should be at the top of your list if you want something to warm you up while winter camping without breaking the bank.