You wake up, pull the blankets tight, and see your breath in the air. The walls feel like ice. You reach for the thermostat, but you already know what happens next: the furnace roars like a jet engine and drains your propane faster than you can refill it. If you want quiet, steady heat without burning through fuel, you need the best space heater for a camper.
Built-in RV furnaces waste a ton of energy through long, uninsulated ducts. Plus, burning propane adds moisture, which leads to foggy windows and “weeping walls.” A small electric heater solves both problems instantly. It lets you save propane, cut the noise, and stay warm using campground power.
But not every heater is safe or efficient in tight RV spaces. We reviewed safety features, amp draw, and real user feedback to find the ones that actually work. Whether you’re boondocking or plugged into 50-amp service, this guide will help you choose the right heater to stay warm all night long.
Contents
Why Your RV Furnace Needs Backup
Before we get to the heaters, here’s why so many campers add a portable unit to their setup.
Condensation Control
Propane heat creates moisture. Every time your furnace runs, you’re adding water vapor that fogs windows and makes your walls sweat. A good electric heater produces dry heat, which helps keep your rig warm and reduces damp air.
Quiet Nights
RV furnaces are loud. They kick on like a jet engine, cycle all night, and ruin your sleep. Portable ceramic or oil-filled heaters run almost silently, giving you steady, gentle warmth.
Save Your Propane
Propane isn’t cheap, and refilling in winter can be a hassle. Campground electricity is usually free or already included. Using a portable heater lets you save your propane for cooking and hot water while staying warm for less.
Expert Picks: The Top 5 Camper Heaters
We selected these products based on safety ratings, power efficiency, and real user feedback from the RV community.
1. De’Longhi Dragon Digital Oil Filled Radiator (TRD40615E)
Best for Silent, Steady Heat
If you are staying in one spot for a while and want the most comfortable heat possible, the De’Longhi Dragon Digital is the best space heater for a camper on the market. Unlike fan-forced units that blast hot air and then shut off, this oil-filled radiator radiates steady warmth that permeates the room.
Why It Wins: The “chimney effect” design pulls cool air from the bottom and pushes warm air out the top vents faster than traditional radiators. It features a digital thermostat and a 24-hour programmable timer, letting you set it to warm up the rig before you wake up.
What Users Like: It is completely silent—no fan noise to ruin your movie night. The “Eco” function automatically adjusts heat and power settings to save energy, which is perfect for managing RV heating costs. The enclosed fins are safer for pets than exposed metal coils.
What Users Dislike: It is heavy and bulky. You need a dedicated spot for it, so it is better for Class As or Fifth Wheels than small vans. It also takes about 15 minutes to fully heat up.
2. Mr. Heater Buddy (Portable Propane)
Best for Boondocking
When you are camped miles away from the nearest power outlet, a portable electric heater is a useless paperweight. The Mr. Heater Buddy is the gold standard for off-grid warmth. It runs on 1-pound propane cylinders or can be connected to a larger tank with a hose.
Why It Wins: It puts out between 4,000 and 9,000 BTUs, which is enough to roast you out of a small camper. It includes an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and a tip-over switch, making it safe for indoor use.
What Users Like: It works instantly. Real users love having a backup heat source for emergencies or winter camping. It is rugged, portable, and simple to use.
What Users Dislike: It emits moisture, so you must crack a roof vent to prevent condensation buildup. It consumes propane quickly on the high setting (about 3 hours per 1lb tank).
3. Dreo Solaris Slim H3 Space Heater
Best Modern Ceramic Heater
For those who want a sleek, high-tech option, the Dreo Solaris is a fantastic choice. It is a tower-style ceramic space heater that oscillates to spread heat evenly throughout the RV.
Why It Wins: It is whisper-quiet (around 40dB) and heats up in seconds. The digital thermostat is precise, allowing you to set a specific temperature rather than just “High” or “Low.” It also features a remote control, so you can adjust the heat from your bunk.
What Users Like: The footprint is small (about the size of a dinner plate), saving precious floor space. The “Eco” mode is brilliant for maintaining temperature without tripping breakers. It feels like a premium appliance rather than a cheap plastic toy.
What Users Dislike: The beep when changing settings can be loud at night. Some users find the LED display a bit bright in a dark sleeping area.
4. GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater
Best Budget & Compact Pick
Sometimes you just need a simple, cheap heater to tuck under the dinette table. The GiveBest is an Amazon best-seller because it delivers massive heat in a tiny package.
Why It Wins: It offers two heat settings (750W and 1500W) and a cool air fan mode. The dedicated tip-over switch on the bottom ensures it shuts off if your dog knocks it over. It is lightweight and easy to store in a cupboard when not in use.
What Users Like: It is a powerhouse for its size. Users report it warms up a bathroom or bunk area in minutes. It is the ideal “spot heater” for when you are sitting reading a book.
What Users Dislike: The fan is audible. It acts like a white noise machine. The thermostat is a simple dial, so it is harder to dial in a precise temperature compared to digital models.
5. Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
Best for Air Circulation
In an RV, heat tends to get trapped at the ceiling while the floor stays freezing. The Vornado MVH uses “vortex” technology to circulate all the air in the room, creating an even temperature from floor to ceiling.
Why It Wins: It doesn’t just blow hot air; it moves the air. It has three heat settings (750W, 1125W, 1500W), giving you more control over your power usage. The case stays cool to the touch, which is a major safety plus for families.
What Users Like: It eliminates cold spots. Users love the medium heat setting (1125W) because it provides good warmth without maxing out the 15-amp circuit breaker. It is a very efficient RV heating tool.
What Users Dislike: It lacks a tip-over switch (some models have it, but verify the specific MVH version). It also does not oscillate, though the vortex action makes oscillation unnecessary.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Safely
Safety comes first when you’re heating a small RV. Here’s what to watch for.
Tip-Over Protection
Things shift in a camper—pets, kids, and uneven floors happen. Make sure the heater shuts off instantly if it gets knocked over.
Amp Draw
Most RV outlets are 15 amps. A 1500W heater pulls around 12.5 amps, so pairing it with a coffee maker or microwave on the same circuit will blow a breaker. Look for “Low” or “Eco” modes (750–900W) to stay safe.
Heating Styles
- Ceramic: Fast, fan-powered heat for quick warm-ups.
- Oil-Filled: Slow to start, but silent and great for steady warmth.
- Portable Propane: Ideal when boondocking with no shore power.
Managing Power in Your Rig
Portable heaters are amazing, but you need to watch your power draw. On a 30-amp hookup, you get about 3,600 watts total—so a 1,500-watt heater can eat up almost half your capacity.
How to Avoid Tripping Breakers
- Use Low Mode: Running the heater at 750W keeps things warm without overloading your system.
- Split Your Outlets: If you’re using two heaters, plug them into different zones (like the kitchen and bedroom) since they often run on separate circuits.
- Use a Heavy-Duty Cord: If allowed, plug a 12-gauge extension cord into the 20-amp outlet on the power pedestal. This lets your heater run on its own dedicated power source instead of your RV’s panel.
Heating Up
Staying warm on the road shouldn’t mean dealing with noise, moisture, or wasted propane. The right heater turns your camper into a genuine four-season home.
For steady, silent warmth, the De’Longhi Dragon Digital is the standout pick. If you camp off-grid, the Mr. Heater Buddy is the go-to option. And if you want quick heat in a small footprint, the Dreo Solaris and GiveBest models deliver excellent performance.
Ready to stretch your camping season? Measure your space, choose your power source, and pick the heater that fits your style so you can stay cozy all winter.