When the evenings turn cold, warmth is one of the first things campers and caravanners think about. Many UK campsites offer electric hook-up, but plenty don't, and on a hook-up-free pitch you can't simply plug in an electric heater. A portable gas heater can fill that gap, whether you're heating a caravan or motorhome without electric, warming an awning before an early breakfast, or keeping a camping area comfortable on a chilly evening.
In this guide we cover when a portable gas heater makes sense, what features to look for, and what to check on your specific campsite before you light one. If your pitch has electric hook-up and you mainly need a low-draw heater, see our companion guide on best low-wattage heaters for caravans, motorhomes and camping.
When does a portable gas heater make sense?
- Hook-up-free pitches. If your campsite has no electric supply, a gas heater gives you heat without needing a socket.
- Morning and evening warm-ups. Lighting a heater briefly to take the chill off an awning or sitting area can be more practical than running a heater all night.
- Emergencies. A small portable gas heater is a useful backup for fishing trips, events and unexpected cold snaps, as well as being handy around the garden.
What to look for before you buy
Safety features
With any fuel-burning appliance, safety features should come first. On a portable gas heater, the features worth checking for are:
- An oxygen depletion sensor (ODS), which is designed to shut the heater down if oxygen levels in the surrounding air drop.
- An anti-tilt shutoff, which cuts the gas if the heater is knocked over.
- Flameout protection, so the gas is cut if the flame goes out.
Ignition
Built-in piezo auto ignition means you can start the heater with a push button rather than juggling matches or a lighter, which is a small thing that makes a big difference on a cold morning.
Run time and fuel
Check how long the heater runs on one gas cartridge and what type of cartridge it uses, because cartridge types vary between models. Note that many portable gas heaters are supplied without cartridges, so budget for fuel on top of the heater itself and check the manufacturer's specification for the correct cartridge before ordering.
Size and weight
If you're carrying the heater to a pitch or packing it into a motorhome locker, look at its dimensions and weight as well as its output. A compact heater that's easy to move and stow is usually the more practical choice for touring.
Our current in-stock pick: the Dynasty Gas Heater with ODS System
At the time of writing (checked on 2 October 2026), the Dynasty Gas Heater with ODS System is our in-stock portable gas heater. It's a compact heater suited to camping, fishing, outdoor entertaining and emergencies, and it brings together the safety features we'd want to see on a heater in this category.
- Oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) to monitor the air around the heater
- Anti-tilt shutoff switch that cuts the gas if the heater is knocked over
- Flameout protection that stops the gas if the flame goes out
- Built-in piezo auto ignition for push-button starting
- Long-lasting ceramic burner, described by the manufacturer as running for about an hour and a half on one gas cartridge
- Gas cartridges sold separately, so check the manufacturer's specification for the correct cartridge type
Safety first: check your campsite and follow the manufacturer
Portable gas heaters burn fuel, and burning fuel affects the air around them, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, ventilation and placement, and never leave a lit heater unattended. Before your trip, check whether your campsite permits gas heaters, as some sites have their own rules about where and how fuel-burning appliances may be used, particularly inside tents and awnings. Treat the manufacturer's guidance and your campsite's rules as the final word on where a heater can be used.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a portable gas heater in my tent?
That depends on the manufacturer's instructions and your campsite's rules, and both can differ between models and sites. Check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific heater, and check with the campsite before your trip. Never leave a lit heater unattended or use one while sleeping, and always follow the ventilation advice in the instructions.
How long does a gas heater run on one cartridge?
It varies by model and setting. The Dynasty Gas Heater's listing describes about an hour and a half of running on one cartridge, so for longer evenings it's worth packing spares. Check the manufacturer's specification for the model you choose.
Do gas heaters come with the gas cartridge included?
Not always. The Dynasty Gas Heater, for example, is supplied without cartridges, and they are sold separately, so plan for fuel when you budget for the heater.
Gas or electric: which should I choose?
If your pitch has electric hook-up, a low-wattage electric heater is often the simpler option, and our low-wattage heater guide covers that route. If you camp without hook-up, a portable gas heater is the way to get heat on a pitch with no socket. Some campers do both, choosing based on the site.
