6 Best RV Outdoor Propane Heaters That Maximize Campsite Comfort

The sun dips below the horizon, and that perfect 70-degree day suddenly develops a sharp, chilly edge. You’re not ready to retreat into the RV, but the thought of huddling in a thick coat isn’t appealing either. This is the moment that separates a good campsite experience from a great one, and the right outdoor propane heater is the tool that makes all the difference.

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Why an Outdoor Heater is an RV Campsite Essential

The whole point of RVing is to live closer to the outdoors. An outdoor heater isn’t a luxury; it’s a core piece of gear that extends your living space and your camping season. It transforms your patio mat from a simple entryway into a functional evening lounge.

Think about the shoulder seasons—those crisp days in April or October when the sun is warm but the evenings are cold. Without a heater, you’re forced inside as soon as dusk hits. With one, you can comfortably sit outside, share a meal, or just enjoy the quiet of the campground for hours longer. It fundamentally changes the usability of your site.

The key is realizing there isn’t one "best" heater, but rather the right heater for a specific need. Are you trying to warm two chairs under the awning, or create a social hub for the whole family? Do you prioritize portability and low fuel use, or raw heating power and ambiance? Understanding your goal is the first step to choosing the right tool for the job.

Mr. Heater Buddy: The Go-To Portable Solution

For years, the Mr. Heater "Buddy" line has been the default portable heater for a reason. It’s compact, incredibly reliable, and packed with safety features like a tip-over switch and an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). This is the heater you grab to knock the chill off a small, defined area.

Its real genius is its fuel flexibility. It runs perfectly on a small 1lb green propane cylinder for ultimate portability, making it easy to move from the picnic table to your camp chair. But for RVers, the magic is in the optional adapter hose that connects it to a standard 20lb tank. This gives you long-lasting, affordable heat without constantly swapping small canisters.

The Buddy isn’t designed to heat your entire campsite. Wind is its enemy, and its radiant heat is directional. Think of it as a personal space heater for the outdoors. It’s perfect for one or two people who want to stay warm while sitting close together, but it will struggle to make a large group comfortable on a truly cold night.

Outland Living Firebowl: Ambiance and Warmth

If you miss the flicker and communal feel of a real campfire, the propane firebowl is your answer. The Outland Living Firebowl is a leader in this category, offering the mesmerizing ambiance of a wood fire without any of the smoke, ash, or hassle. It’s an instant gathering spot.

The biggest advantage here is its usability. Many campgrounds and regions now have frequent burn bans, making traditional wood fires impossible. A propane firebowl is almost always permitted because it doesn’t produce sparks or embers. You get all the social benefits of a fire—a warm, glowing centerpiece for conversation—with the on/off convenience of a gas grill.

Of course, there are tradeoffs. A firebowl is thirsty for propane, consuming fuel much faster than a small catalytic or radiant heater. It’s also heavier and bulkier than a Buddy heater, making it less of a "grab-and-go" solution. This isn’t for targeted heating; it’s for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for a group.

Dyna-Glo HeatAround 360: For Focused Heat

The Dyna-Glo HeatAround 360 solves a common problem with portable heaters: they only heat what’s in front of them. This unit is designed to sit directly on top of a 20lb propane tank, creating a stable, 360-degree heat source. It’s the perfect solution for a group of people sitting in a circle of camp chairs.

This design is brilliant for RVers. You’re already carrying 20lb propane tanks, so the fuel source is integrated into the heater’s stand, creating a single, easy-to-place unit. It puts out significantly more BTUs than a standard Buddy heater, distributing that warmth evenly in all directions. No more rotating the heater every ten minutes to make sure everyone gets some warmth.

While it offers superior area heating, it’s less portable than a Buddy. You’re moving a 20lb tank and the heater unit, not just a small box. It’s a "set it and forget it" solution for your main seating area, not something you’d carry over to a neighbor’s site for a quick chat. It’s a dedicated zone heater.

Camco Olympian Wave-3: Efficient Catalytic Heat

Catalytic heaters like the Camco Olympian Wave series are a completely different animal. They produce heat without a visible flame, using a chemical reaction to create low-intensity infrared waves. The result is silent, incredibly efficient, and a very gentle, pervasive warmth.

Because they are flameless and use very little propane, Wave heaters are popular for indoor use (with proper ventilation), but they shine in semi-enclosed outdoor spaces. Think of a screen room, a clamshell-style shelter, or a spot deep under a large awning where wind is minimal. It warms objects directly, not just the air, which feels more comfortable and is less affected by slight breezes. This is the most fuel-efficient option on the list, bar none.

The downside is the lack of ambiance and raw power. It produces no light and the heat output is modest. This is not the heater for an open-air campsite on a windy, 35-degree night. It’s a specialized tool for those who prioritize silence and fuel economy for gently warming a protected space.

Fire Sense Patio Heater: Maximum Heat Output

When you need serious, uncompromising heat over a large area, you need a full-size patio heater. The Fire Sense tower-style heater is the kind you see at restaurants, and for good reason: it works. This is the top-of-the-food-chain option for RVers who have a large patio setup or frequently host groups.

This heater is a commitment. It’s tall, requires assembly, and takes up significant space in a storage bay. It runs on a 20lb tank hidden in its base, making it a heavy, stationary unit once set up. This is not a practical choice for RVers who move every few days.

But the payoff is immense. A good patio heater can raise the ambient temperature of a 15-foot circle by 10-20 degrees. It allows you to sit outside comfortably in a t-shirt on a night that would otherwise require a winter coat. For full-timers or long-term stays where the outdoor patio is a primary living space, the fuel consumption and storage footprint are a worthy tradeoff for that level of comfort.

Campy Gear 2-in-1: Heater and Cooktop Combo

In any small living space, multi-functional gear is king. The Campy Gear 2-in-1 is a clever device that serves as both a small directional heater and a single-burner cooktop. For the solo RVer, a couple, or anyone obsessed with efficiency and space-saving, this is a fantastic piece of kit.

The design is simple: in its upright position, it’s a radiant heater perfect for aiming at your legs while you read. Pivot the head 90 degrees, and it becomes a stable platform for a small pot or kettle. It’s ideal for warming up while you make your morning coffee or heating a can of soup for lunch without firing up the main galley.

You are trading performance for versatility. It won’t put out as much heat as a dedicated heater, and it won’t boil water as fast as a dedicated camp stove. But it does both jobs well enough in one compact, fuel-sipping package. It’s the ultimate expression of practical design for minimalist travel.

Propane Heater Safety Tips for RV Campers

Propane is an incredible energy source, but it demands respect. Using these heaters safely isn’t complicated, but it is non-negotiable. A few simple habits can ensure you and your gear stay safe.

Follow these rules without fail. They are not suggestions.

• Clearance is Key: Heaters get hot. Keep them a minimum of three feet away from your RV sidewall, awnings, chairs, and anything else that can melt or burn. Read the manufacturer’s specific clearance requirements.
• Stable Ground Only: A tipped-over heater is a major fire hazard. Place it on a flat, solid surface where it can’t be easily knocked over by a pet, a child, or a misplaced step in the dark.
• Inspect Your Hoses: Before each use, especially after it’s been in storage, check the propane hose for cracks, abrasions, or brittleness. A quick leak check with soapy water on the connections takes 30 seconds and can prevent a disaster.
• Outdoor Means Outdoor: Never, ever use a heater designated for "outdoor-use only" inside your RV, a tent, or any other enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Only heaters specifically rated as "indoor-safe" with an ODS can even be considered for indoor use, and always with a window cracked for ventilation.
• Shut It All Down: When you’re done for the night or leaving the campsite, turn the heater off at the appliance control knob first. Then, close the valve on the propane tank itself.

Safety isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about having a repeatable process. A quick mental checklist before you fire up your heater ensures you can relax and enjoy the warmth without worry.

Choosing an outdoor heater is about matching the tool to your travel style. Whether you need the portable convenience of a Buddy, the campfire ambiance of a Firebowl, or the sheer power of a patio heater, the right choice will fundamentally improve your camping experience. It buys you more hours outside, more comfortable evenings, and more memories made under the stars.