For regular winter RV camping, consider investing in an RV heater. While most RVs have a built-in furnace, an electric or propane space heater can supplement or act as an emergency backup. Some campers also use portable heaters as their main heating source while boondocking. When choosing a portable heater, ensure it meets your specific needs for RV camping.
Here’s what you need to know to buy the best RV heater for cold-weather camping!
Our Top Picks
Best Electric Heater
Lasko Oscillating Digital Ceramic Tower Heater
Best Low-Cost Electric Heater
Lasko Ceramic Portable Heater
Best Gas Heater
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
Most Powerful Gas Heater
Mr. Heater Big Buddy
Best Electric Heater
Lasko Oscillating Digital Ceramic Tower Heater
Lasko does it yet again with another fantastic catalytic heater in the Lasko Oscillating Digital Ceramic Tower Heater.
With an adjustable timer, remote, and quiet operation, along with safety features like overheat protection, tip-over shut off, and cool touch, this heater is our top pick electric heater for your RV.
What We Like
- Extremely Quiet
- Remote Controlled
- Excellent Safety Features
What We Don’t Like
- We like it all
Best Cheap Electric Heater
Lasko Ceramic Portable Heater
This Lasko portable heater is the best budget option electric heater for RV camping.
Not only is this RV heater extremely portable thanks to its lightweight and compact design, but it’s also very efficient. It weighs just 3.5 pounds in total.
The Lasko 754200 is notable for its 1,500-watt ceramic element. It boasts 11 different heat settings to achieve the exact temperature you prefer. Plus, the 3 fan settings enable you to better fine-tune the heating action. It comes with built-in safety features like a cool-touch exterior and overheat protection.
What We Like
- Lightweight
- 11 Heat Settings (+ 3 Fan Settings)
- Heats Very Quickly
What We Don’t Like
- No Tip-Over Safety Switch
Best Gas Heater
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is the mid-level offering from Mr. Heater, perhaps our favorite portable propane heater manufacturer.
This heater is one of the most popular options to use in RVs and campers as well as tents, shops, garages, and pretty much anywhere else you need to heat.
The Portable Buddy is relatively lightweight at just over 10 pounds. A built-in handle makes it easy to transport. It runs off propane and has a heat output of 4,000 BTUs to 9,000 BTUs, depending on the setting. It’s quite efficient and is capable of heating spaces around 225 square feet. It has an automatic tip-over shut-off switch and an oxygen depletion sensor.
What We Like
- Almost 100% Efficient
- High Heat Output (Up to 9,000 BTUs)
- Built-In Safety Features
What We Don’t Like
- Only Two Heat Settings (High & Low)
Most Powerful Gas Heater
Mr. Heater Big Buddy
The Big Buddy is Mr. Heater’s largest and most powerful offering when it comes to RV propane heaters.
At just 16.7 pounds (not including the propane canister), this propane heater is actually quite small while still packing a big punch. Its maximum heat output is 18,000 BTUs per hour, although it does have two additional lower settings (4,000 BTUs on low and 9,000 BTUs on medium).
The Mr. Heater Big Buddy is one of the safest heaters for RVing. It has an automatic tip-over shut-off switch and oxygen depletion sensor. Of course, as a propane heater, it’s important to properly ventilate your RV while it’s in use. This heater is designed to heat spaces up to 450 square feet so rest assured that it will keep your RV toasty warm.
What We Like
- High Heat Output
- Three Heat Settings
- Built-In Safety Features
What We Don’t Like
- Not as Adjustable as Other Models
Mr. Heater Little Buddy
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy is a powerful portable heater in a small package.
The propane-powered heater is ideal for RVs thanks to its small size, efficient heating, and multiple built-in safety features.
The Little Buddy produces 3,800 BTUs and has a single heat setting. Although we prefer higher heat output and more adjustability, this is more than enough for radiant heat. This Mr. Heater device has a built-in oxygen depletion sensor and an automatic tip-over shut-off switch. It weighs just 5.85 pounds (not including the required propane canister).
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Simple Design
- Built-In Safety Features
What We Don’t Like
- Not as Powerful as Other Propane Heaters
Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater
The Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater is an efficient RV heater in a stylish package.
This electric heater is unique in that it utilizes infrared heat. Basically, this type of heat warms objects instead of the air surrounding it. Notable about this style of heating is that the heater itself doesn’t get hot or even warm except for the small fan section. Thanks to this and the sturdy design, this is one of the best RV heaters for those with children or pets.
This Dr. Infrared heater is also unique because it comes with a built-in thermostat. Simply put, you’re able to set the heater to keep your RV at a specific temperature. Most other heaters for RVs don’t have this function. This heater produces a maximum of 1,500 watts but is fully adjustable for heating at lower temperatures.
What We Like
- Fully Adjustable
- Built-In Thermostat
- Safe, Sturdy Design
What We Don’t Like
- Takes Up More Space Than Other Models
DeLonghi Radiator Space Heater
DeLonghi sells an extensive line of radiator space heaters but their TRH0715 is one of the best for RVing.
This oil-filled radiator heater is efficient. Of course, it’s powerful too. It has a high maximum heat output of 5,120 BTUs thanks to its 1,500 watts of power. It’s fully adjustable to achieve the exact temperature you prefer in your RV.
As one of the best heaters for RVs, the heater is relatively compact. Several built-in safety features like a thermal shutoff and antifreeze setting give you peace of mind. The heater is designed for spaces up to 250 square feet.
What We Like
- 1,500-Watts
- Multiple Heat Settings
- Adjustable Thermostat
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively Noisy Operation
RV Heater Buyer’s Guide
There isn’t a single RV heater that’s best for everyone. Instead, the best model for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are a few of the most important considerations:
- Type of RV: Consider the size and type of your RV, as larger RVs require more powerful heaters.
- Expected Weather: Choose a heater based on the weather conditions you’ll encounter. Cold weather camping requires a robust heater, especially without shore power.
- Style of Camping: Consider if you usually camp with or without RV hookups. Electric heaters are practical with hookups, while fuel-powered heaters are preferred by many dry campers.
- Comfort Level: Determine your desired warmth level. A more powerful heater is necessary for those who like it warm, while a smaller heater may suffice for those who prefer just taking the chill off.
- Your Budget: Quality RV heaters range from $25 to well over $100. Ensure your heater fits your budget and meets your needs; don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.
Stay Warm Out There!
Choosing the best RV heater for winter camping depends on several factors, including the size of your RV, the expected weather conditions, your camping style, desired comfort level, and budget.
Whether you opt for a powerful electric heater for convenience with hookups or a fuel-powered portable heater for off-grid adventures, selecting the right heater can greatly enhance your winter camping experience. Consider these factors carefully to ensure a warm and comfortable journey on your next winter RV adventure. For more information, be sure to check out our Winter Camping Archive!
Iris Thomas
Saturday 25th of July 2020
I also like Mr. Heater Portable Buddy because these Heaters are very useful. Their size and output are perfect for any camping needs. The biggest downside to this Heater is consumption. There is no setting that will get you through an entire night of sleep. The amount of heat is great in either setting, but there is no feature that promotes the circulation of the heat. Heat rises, so plan accordingly.
Jake Walnut
Tuesday 28th of July 2020
Thanks for the comment. Agreed about the consumption. My go-to is to use the Mr Heater to warm the space before bed, crawl into my sleeping bag or blankets, and turn the heater off before I fall asleep. I then turn the heater back on to rewarm the space before getting out of bed in the morning. Not the ideal solution for everyone - but it works well for me, even in very cold weather!
Iris Thomas
Sunday 12th of July 2020
I have a Lasko Ceramic Portable Heater. For quality, I will give it five stars. However, I want to warn that it is not really safe, it means that if it falls it continues to be on. This is the reason why my floor burnt.
Mark Wilcox
Saturday 23rd of November 2019
Totally agree to be prepared to augment the RV heater with a portable heater.
My wife and I rented a renovated Airstream located on a ranch in Dallas, TX area last January. While there wasn't snow, it was in the low 30s.
The first night, we only had the internal heater and about froze. The next day, we found out the fake fireplace had a heater that we could turn on.
It was much warmer.
If you're going to RV camp in the winter, I'd definitely look into getting an extra heater as a backup.