Camping is an exciting and soul-stirring way of enjoying all the great outdoors. However, if you’ve ever spent a day or night under a tent in the middle summer season, you’ll know that it gets sweltering after a while. When the sun is up in the sky, it beats down and warms the air within. As a result, the trapped hot air stays inside day and night, becoming as uncomfortable as sticky. So, whether you want to catch forty winks during the day or wind down for the night, sleep will elude you. This is where fans for tent camping can help considerably cool the space by creating a refreshing breeze and increasing the airflow. Tent fans considerably increase your experience of staying in the outdoors in warm weather. They not only make you feel comfy but also ensure a good night’s sleep, which is essential for the next day.
It’s no wonder then that a fan is on the list of must-have camping gear and accessories. So, here’s a list of the 13 best tent fans for camping for your next trip.
Choosing the best tent fan for camping
Unfortunately, having one of the 13 Best Tents for Summer is not enough sometimes. Camping gear can make all the difference between a good and memorable experience or a bad one that has you running for the hills. Just like LED lanterns for camping, there are specific things that you need to look for in tent fans. We’ve put them together to make your experience of searching for the best ones better.
Power
Since camping gives you the flexibility to explore gorgeous but remote locations, going off the grid is tempting to boot. If you’re going to be camping with limited or no access to electricity, you’re probably better off with a battery-operated fan. It’ll also not require you to look hard for a place to camp. Then, there are others that can be charged via USB cables via solar or car chargers, or a power bank. If you want to avoid both, you even have the choice of solar-powered fans which run off the stored energy by harnessing sunlight during the day.
Size and placement
Another important factor for selecting camping fans is the size of your tent. For instance, two or four-person tents can do with a smaller, battery-operated fan. However, an eight-person tent will need something larger. Additionally, you need to think about the weight and space, as it’ll sit on your back with the rest of your camping gear. That said, larger fans using a lot of batteries are heavier than smaller portable fans made of plastic or metal. It’ll also depend on the type of camping you’re going to do. For instance, if you’re hiking with overnight kits, it’s better if everyone has smaller fans. However, if you’re going to be parked at a campsite, even a heavier one will do.
Again, some fans sit on the floor, while others are either hanging or freestanding. Finally, many fans are adjustable too, which offers flexibility since the airflow can be directed wherever it’s needed the most.
Portability
The more a fan can be carried around, the more versatile it is. Portable tent fans for your camping can also keep you cool even if you sit outside the tent. In such cases, choose sturdy fans that can easily be freestanding on uneven surfaces. Handheld or clip-on fans, on the other hand, easily attach to the top of the tent.
Speed settings and airflow
Generally, the more powerful a fan is, the more the air flows around. Consequently, it’ll do a better job of cooling the space. Some fans offer more speed settings and controls, while others only have two fixed speed settings of low and high.
Others
Aside from the above, there are lots of extras that camping fans have today. Some have a ‘quiet-to-operate’ feature that helps if you don’t like the constant whirring noise. Others have an integrated light, while yet others have USB output ports
O2Cool Treva 10-Inch Portable Fan
13
The O2Cool Treva 10-inch Portable Fan might not look much, but it offers the most value on this list. When it comes to looks, it’s a simple plastic black-and-tan frame within which sits a 10-inch fan. In reality, it’ll win your hearts with its value-for-money practicality.
The best part is that it can run on both AC power, via an adapter, and battery power. While it requires 6 D batteries to operate, it boasts a superb battery life. Even on its lowest setting, it moves around a good amount of air, while lasting a whopping 65 hours! Folding legs make portability a breeze. If that wasn’t enough, the fan even runs on an automatic made. Also, when it’s in this “energy-saving” mode, it’s possible that it’s battery life is the best in the market today.
Pros
- Durable plastic build.
- Comes with an AC power cord.
- Can run on both batteries or the mains.
Cons
- Suitable for smaller tents only.
Buy on:
Geek Aire Rechargeable Outdoor Floor Fan
12
The stand-out feature of the Geek Rechargeable Outdoor Floor Fan is – strength. When it comes to moving air around on hotter days, there’s no fan that’ll cool you as quickly as this one. Moreover, it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
There’s more to the Geek Aire than just its strength. The fan itself is rated IPX4 for splash resistance, while the rugged metal frame inspires conviction. Further, the angle is easy to adjust and the metal handle makes portability a breeze. Although it’s heavy, it also evades all kinds of abuse that usually comes with lugging it out in the outdoors. Another highlight is its adjustable airflow. It’s one of the only fans that employs a knob to control blade speed as opposed to buttons. This means that you can actually regulate the airflow to maximize battery life and/or to your preferences. When compared to the discrete adjustment levels of the other fans, this one’s more versatile.
The Geek Aire runs on a rechargeable battery as well as a power adapter. Further, three LED lights are an indication of how much battery is remaining. Overall, the fan works as the perfect camping accessory for a long trip.
Pros
- Sturdy and stable construction.
- Maximizes airflow.
- Water-resistant.
- variable speed control.
Cons
- None.
Buy on:
Odoland Portable LED Lantern Ceiling Fan
11
The Odoland Portable LED Lantern Ceiling Fan is one budget-friendly dark horse on this list of best tent fans for camping. The fan features a surprisingly nifty design with a ring of LED lights. When it’s hung at the apex of the tent, its airflow is maximized and it works best.
Even sans the hook, Odoland is extremely useful. It’s one of the lightest camping fans on the market, powered by just two D batteries and compact to boot. It’s small but strong airflow is perfect for its size. The four-inch blades help even on hot evenings and work best in a two-person tent. What’s more, the fancy light ring even works as a stand, with the fully-swiveling frame offering complete adjustability. In addition, the fan has two “on” settings discretely from the LEDs too.
Coming to its life, the Odoland fan can run continuously for 20 hours on the batteries. If you’re looking for that bit of luxury on a hot backpacking trip and have no floor space, this fan is your savior.
Pros
- The direction of both fan and light is adjustable.
- Collapsible and lightweight.
- Very portable.
- Long battery life for a fan.
Cons
- No USB charging port.
- Batteries not included.
Buy on:
OPOLAR Camping Lantern Clip-On Fan (404)
10
The 5.5-inch Opolar Camping Lantern Clip–On Fan might just be the smallest fan on this list, but it doesn’t miss packing a punch. With a non-slip rubber clip and an intuitive design, this fan is the way to go. To top that, it even has in-built lights that even convert it from a tent fan into an electric lantern!
You can’t find a better camping accessory that this. The fan has four speeds and boasts a peak rotation as well. In fact, the four speeds give out 35 hours of cool air on the lowest speed setting and on a single charge! That said, do keep some external batteries on you. If you’re someone who hates noise, then this fan is for you. Its enhanced brushless motor gives out a super-low noise, while still giving out a strong airflow.
To top it all, two wall mount holes ensure that the fan sits firmly on the tent wall. Moreover, you can pull out the metal hook and even hang it on the branches of the nearest tree. Finally, this is one of the only fans around that has lights! It even has two modes.
Pros
- The fan takes only four hours to charge.
- Features two light modes.
- The brushless motor gives out noiseless air.
Cons
- Batteries might die out fast.
COMLIFE Battery Operated Fan (404)
9
Another excellent option for a tent fan for camping is the Comlife Battery-Operated Fan. Although it has two sizes, the larger 11-inch option which is roughly the size of an iPad is better if you’re in a four-person tent.
The fan works off a low battery power of 3.4W, which is cost-effective and energy-saving at the same time. Two pieces of battery allow the fan to work continually on the highest power for four hours. What’s more, if it’s plugged in and the power goes out, it’ll automatically switch to battery mode and continue to work. So, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Additionally, the fan also works on USB. So, if you have powered electronics around, you have enough juice to operate your fan and thus conserve battery power for later.
Aside from being an extremely quiet fan, it features three speeds as well as a 360-degree rotation ability. Finally, it’s metal build, anti-vibration pads, and copper motor ensures durability.
Pros
- Excellent size yet ensures portability.
- Quiet yet powerful.
- Operates on both batteries and USB.
- 360-degree rotation.
Cons
- None, really.
OPOLAR Battery-Operated Camping Fan with Timer (404)
8
What makes the Opolar Battery-Operated Camping Fan With Timer so special? For one, it’s a noiseless fan. Secondly, it has a timer, which is very helpful for sleeping soundly throughout the night sans waking up. If that wasn’t enough, it can even rotate 180 degrees!
The fan features the new brushless motor from the brand, which ensures a strong and cool airflow and runs so quietly that you’ll forget there’s a fan running in the background. It’s also the only fan on this list with a timer. So, you simply set the timer and not worry about having to wake up to switch off the fan in the middle of the night. Also, it has an awesome 180-degree rotation, so the air will reach every part of your tent. Lastly, it has three speeds, and so can be used in all kinds of weather without feeling inadequate.
The yellow-and-black fan works on 4D batteries and can even be powered by a USB cable. With an in-built handle, it’s easy on portability too.
Pros
- Three-speed setting.
- Runs on both battery and USB power.
- The timer is great for sleeping off without worrying about the battery being exhausted.
Cons
- It can’t be mounted onto the ceiling.
Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan
7
If you’re an avid camper, then the Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan is perfect. It’s both a lantern and a fan, which are the most-needed outdoor essentials. Whether you’re on a camping trip, at a picnic, or even in your own backyard, this fan-lantern has you covered.
The portable unit has two working speeds, low and high, that provide excellent air circulation during hot summers. The fan can hang on top of the tent, thanks to the carabiner clip and magnetic plate. Moreover, the in-built stand also allows it to be used in a freestanding manner. Aside from being super-quiet to run, the unit even works as an integrated LED light with two modes, nightlight or white. Moreover, it lights up the entire tent brightly.
Last but not least, the Coleman CPX is powered by A/C adapter cartridges, rechargeable batteries, as well as D cell batteries.
Pros
- The fan can be attached to the roof, while the stand can be used for freestanding thanks to the magnetic slip.
- Versatile.
- Two light modes with white and night light.
Cons
- A/C cord and batteries are sold separately.
Buy on:
Amacool Battery Hanging Tent Fan and LED Lantern
6
If you’re looking for a suitable camping fan-cum-lantern, then the Amacool Battery Hanging Tent Fan and LED Lantern is perfect. The nifty fan-cum-lantern will not just dispel all the summer heat, but it’ll also light up your tent. So, you won’t have to necessarily carry a separate camping lantern for your outdoor sojourn.
There’s much to like about the Amacool fan-cum-lantern. For one, it’s got an in-built aroma diffuser that sprays insect repellant which effectively keeps flies and mosquitoes away. So, if you’ve forgotten to pack mosquito repellent for camping, this handy fan has you covered! Moreover, the design of the fan is versatile to boot and can be used in more ways than one. It can be placed on the table or on the floor. It can also be mounted on the tent wall. Also, it can be hung on the tent or even on the trees when you’re sitting outside.
The unit even has two options for power, which are replaceable batteries and two 2200mAh batteries. What’s more, they can run on a single charge for up to as long as 40 hours. If you’re only using the light, it’ll run for as long as 440 hours! So, this unit makes for a good buy to be used even in winter, when the fan will not be needed. Since it charges via a USB cable, it’s ideal to be used for outside and indoors. Aside from 3 fan speeds that run rather quietly, it also has 12 bright LEDs with 3 brightness levels.
Pros
- Quiet to run.
- Multiple fan speed and light settings.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Multi-functional.
Cons
- Takes a while to charge.
Buy on:
COMLIFE F170 Clip Tent Fan with Auto Oscillation (CU)
5
The Comlife F170 Clip Tent Fan with Auto Oscillation is an excellent portable addition to your camping gear. The versatile design of this fan features an aroma diffuser and a clip fan built into a single unit. So, it not only generates airflow and weeds out any excess heat but also keeps flies and mosquitoes at bay, which are the absolute bane of a camping experience. Overall, it provides an extremely comfy outdoor experience and ensures that you’re well-rested for your adventure for the next day. Plus, its adaptable design allows you to clip it to the tent, or even set it down on the ground or on the table or any other surface.
The fan boasts a rechargeable in-built battery and a powerful motor that delivers strong airflow and fast speeds. Its highlight is that it does so quietly, without the constant whirring disturbing your sleep in the night. Aside from a continuous run time of 40 hours, the fan four wind speeds. Finally, an 80-degree oscillation system and can rotate horizontally or vertically at 360 degrees for airflow in all directions.
Pros
- Adjustable oscillation.
- Excellent airflow.
- Ultra-quiet.
Cons
- The clip is a bit hard.
AceMining Battery Operated Tent Fan
4
If silence and lack of noise are high on your list of priorities for camping, then the AceMining Battery-Operated Tent Fan is perfect. The fan furthers the “outdoor relaxation” atmosphere by operating as silently as possible, giving you lots of peace of mind. Even at its highest speed, the noise emanating measures just 20 decibels, which is lower than the lowest noise settings for most other silent fans! Thus, the AceMining tent fan is ideal for your outdoor adventures.
The fan gives out strong airflow with three speed-settings, making for a cool and comfortable environment. The low, medium and high settings offer more flexibility than fans with just two speed-settings. The high-quality lithium-ion battery allows the fan to run from anywhere between 6 and 26 hours on the highest to lowest speed settings. What’s more, a USB port offers convenient charging from any electronics or even your car if you’re going car camping. Besides being durable and compact, the fan can also rotate 180 degrees for ensuring airflow to every corner of the tent.
Pros
- 180-degree rotation.
- Long battery life.
- Three speeds.
- Can be charged via USB cable.
Cons
- While charging, it runs on the lowest speed.
Buy on:
Gazeled – Portable Fan (CU)
3
If you’re a light sleeper and are looking for a super-quiet portable fan, then this Gazeled Portable Fan is perfect. The fan can be used for all sorts of camping adventures in all kinds of weather. Plus, it has rechargeable, long-lasting polymer batteries that run for a good 6-24 hours on the lowest to highest settings. In fact, the fan can also be charged via the USB cable and two charging ports. So, if you’re car camping or have electronics around, you can easily charge the fan too. Even when the fan is on the highest speed setting, the fan can run continuously for eight hours.
The fact that the fan is adjustable only adds to its usefulness. The face can rotate 360 degrees, which means that the airflow can reach every corner of the tent. Moreover, there are four dynamic speeds, which suit all types of weather. In fact, even on the highest setting, the noise of the fan can barely be heard. Finally, the pivoting fan head is excellent for free-angle adjustments, making the fan more versatile than ever.
Pros
- Can be charged via USB.
- Has a timer function.
- Durable and light.
- Extremely quiet.
Cons
- Size might be a bit too small.
BluBoon – Rechargeable Clip On Fan (CU)
2
If you’re looking for a small, extremely portable fan that has a wide variety of uses, then the BluBoon Rechargeable Clip-On Fan is ideal. The versatile design of the fan means that it can be placed on an uneven surface or can even be clipped to the tent. Rather than having fixed settings, the fan has a dial which translates to variable speed control, depending on the atmosphere. Plus, it even has a 360-degree rotating head. So, the cooling breeze can be directed for the airflow and reaches every corner of the tent. Additionally, it’s available in a choice of five different colors.
Aside from that, the fan has lots of additional benefits. Although it’s powered by the provided rechargeable batteries, it can even be powered by a USB outlet. So, you can even charge the fan via electronics like phones, iPads, and even your car battery if you’re car-camping. If that wasn’t enough, the fan even has an additional sponge accessory that absorbs essential oils to make the circulating air aromatic.
Pros
- Comes with rechargeable batteries and a USB charging cord.
- Can be clipped to different surfaces.
- 360-degree rotation.
Cons
- Might be a tad too heavy for clipping to smaller tents.
BaseCamp – Tent Fan with LED Light
1
There’s something about a tent fan integrated with an LED light that makes for a very nifty and rather useful camping accessory. This Basecamp Tent Fan with LED Light is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, with the integrated LED light helping you avoid packing a separate camping lantern. The foam blades help circulate the air very well in a confined space, while the two speeds help to adjust to the environment. This is helpful when the days are hot, but the nights are a bit cooler and the fan can run on the lower setting without your sleep getting ruined.
The icing on the cake is that it’s quiet to run, so your sleep will be an uninterrupted one. To top that, the LED light also has three settings – low, high, and night light. So, if you’re hesitant about sleeping in the darkness of outdoors, the fan-cum-light is very handy. Also, the light and fan run on 4D cell batteries. Plus, the energy-efficient LEDs allow the batteries to last up to a whopping 100 hours when the light is on the low setting. Additionally, the batteries can last up to two days on the low setting.
Pros
- One-two day battery life.
- Is a fan and light both.
- Foam blades.
- Two speeds.
Cons
- Batteries aren’t included.
Buy on:
