Camping in cool weather calls for reliable warmth. This guide reviews five electric heaters and portable immersion heaters suitable for camping setups—covering compact ceramic units, heavy-duty jobsite heaters useful in larger tents or RVs, and immersion coils for boiling water. Below is a quick comparison table of the products reviewed.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Lerat Electric Space Heater | Compact Ceramic (500W) | Fast PTC heating, tip-over & overheat protection |
| GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater | Ceramic (1500W/750W) | Two heat levels, thermostat control |
| Remington 1500W Heavy-Duty Electric Heater | Heavy-Duty Electric (1500W) | Two heat settings, adjustable thermostat |
| Immersion Water Heater Electric Camping Accessories (Diximus) | Immersion Coil (300W) | Dual voltage, fast water heating for beverages |
| Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater | Compact Ceramic (500W) | Lightweight, tip-over protection |
Lerat Electric Space Heater, Portable 500W
The Lerat unit is a small ceramic PTC heater that advertises rapid warm-up in under three seconds and a single 500W setting. Its compact dimensions (4.72 x 5.69 x 3.5 inches) make it highly portable for brief campsite use, tent corners, or inside dry campers with available electrical power.
Notable safety features include overheat protection and tilt/shock shutoff, both important for unstable camping environments. The ABS flame-retardant shell is designed to withstand continuous operation. Because it is single-power and low wattage, it’s best used for personal heating—near a sleeping bag, chair, or desk—rather than warming large enclosed spaces.
GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater, 1500W/750W
The GiveBest heater is a multi-function ceramic heater with two heat settings (1500W and 750W) plus a cool-fan mode. An adjustable thermostat allows the unit to cycle to maintain set temperatures, which can improve efficiency when running off a limited power source such as a generator or shore power at an RV park.
Safety features include a multi-protection system—flame retardant housing, automatic overheat shutoff, and tip-over protection. The built-in carry handle enhances portability. Because this model provides a higher heat output, it is more effective for warming medium-sized tents or small RV interiors when adequate electrical capacity exists.
Remington 1500W Heavy-Duty Electric Heater
Designed for jobsite or workshop use, the Remington 1500W heater offers fast heat output and two heat settings with an adjustable thermostat. Its construction is aimed at durability and continuous operation, which can be valuable for longer camping stints where a sturdier unit is needed.
Useful features include an accessible control layout and quick warm-up. Because it is marketed for garages and jobsites, users should verify ventilation and enclosure compatibility if using it inside tents or confined camper spaces. This heater is best matched to powered RVs, large enclosed tents with proper ventilation, or covered camp shelters.
Immersion Water Heater Electric Camping Accessories (300W)
This immersion coil is a travel-focused device that rapidly heats water for beverages, small cooking tasks, or compact wash setups. At 300W (110V) it provides boiling water in minutes for a mug or small pot. The unit’s dual-voltage capability and included travel pouch make it a lightweight addition to a camping kit.
Important safety guidance is provided: never immerse or touch the element while powered and follow the included manual. An immersion heater differs from air heaters—it heats water directly rather than air, making it a useful complement for campers who need hot water quickly without a stove or large power draw.
Amazon Basics Ceramic Space Heater, Mini 500W
The Amazon Basics mini ceramic heater is compact and lightweight, optimized for desk or personal use. At 500W it produces quick, localized warmth and includes tip-over protection, making it suitable for short-term use inside small, dry camping spaces or insulated tents connected to electrical supply.
Its small footprint and low weight allow easy packing. Because of limited wattage, expect useful results for one or two occupants in a close vicinity rather than heating a larger tent or cabin. For campers seeking a low-draw personal heater, this unit provides a balance between portability and quick heat.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Electric Camping Heater
Selecting the right electric camping heater depends on power availability, intended use, safety needs, and portability. The key factors below help compare models across multiple perspectives—personal warmth, space heating, water heating, and campsite power constraints.
Power Source And Electrical Capacity
- Shore Power Or Generator? Confirm campsite power: many compact heaters require standard AC 110-120V. Higher-watt heaters (1500W) need robust supply; small portable models (300–500W) run on limited circuits or inverter output.
- Battery/Inverter Limits If using a battery/inverter, check continuous watt ratings. Running a 1500W heater requires a sizable inverter and battery bank; smaller 500W units are more inverter-friendly.
Heating Needs And Coverage
- Personal vs. Space Heating Personal ceramic heaters (500W) warm a small area quickly. Higher-output units (1500W) can heat medium tents or an RV interior more effectively.
- Air vs. Water Heating Immersion heaters are for hot water and not meant to heat air. Consider carrying both types if you want warm beverages and ambient warmth.
Portability And Size
- Packable Dimensions Smaller ceramic heaters and immersion coils are lightweight and easy to pack. Heavy-duty jobsite heaters weigh more but offer durability.
- Handle And Mounting Look for carry handles or compact footprints if you’ll move the heater frequently.
Safety Features
- Tip-Over Protection Essential for uneven campsite surfaces; units that cut power if tipped reduce fire risk.
- Overheat Shutoff Prevents continuous high-temperature operation when blocked or left unattended.
- Proper Enclosure Use Many electric space heaters are designed for indoor/dry use—avoid use in wet environments and verify manufacturer guidance before tent use.
Efficiency And Thermal Control
- Thermostat And Cycling A thermostat helps maintain set temperatures and reduces runtime, conserving power.
- PTC Ceramic Technology Offers quick heat generation and self-regulating temperature behavior for many personal heaters.
Durability And Use Cases
- Jobsite-Style Heaters Often sturdier for long-term or heavy use in camp shelters or heated gear storage areas.
- Travel-Focused Units Immersion coils and mini ceramic heaters favor portability and fast utility use on the trail.
Multiple Comparison Perspectives
- Low-Power, High Portability: 300–500W ceramic heaters or immersion coils—best for personal warmth and beverage heating with limited power.
- Moderate Power, Versatile Use: 750–1500W ceramic heaters—balance between warming a small group and manageable power draw.
- High-Durability, Continuous Use: Heavy-duty 1500W units—suitable for larger tents, RVs, workshops; require reliable power and ventilation checks.
Practical Tips For Safe Camping Use
- Always follow manufacturer instructions and campsite electrical rules.
- Place heaters on stable, non-flammable surfaces and keep clearances from sleeping bags and fabrics.
- Use a working smoke detector in enclosed campers and ensure ventilation when operating heaters in partially enclosed spaces.
- Prefer low-watt or thermostat-equipped units when relying on generators or inverter systems to avoid tripping circuits.