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Updated October 20, 2025
How to Stay Warm in Your Camper During Winter
If you’ve ever camped in cold weather, you know keeping your RV or camper warm can be tricky. Susan and I have camped through plenty of chilly nights in both our Class A and Class C motorhomes, and we’ve tried just about every heating method you can imagine — from our Big Buddy Heater to electric space heaters, propane furnaces, and even our built-in fireplace.
Every camper is different, though. What works in a Class A might not work in a pop-up or travel trailer, so this list includes creative ways RVers across the board — from fifth-wheel owners to van lifers — keep their rigs warm when the temperature drops.
1. Use a Portable Heater
Portable heaters are one of the easiest and most effective ways to warm your camper. We’ve used our Big Buddy propane heater for years, and it’s been a lifesaver on cold boondocking nights. On the low setting, it keeps our 24-foot Class C cozy for about five hours before needing a new propane canister.
Electric space heaters are another great option, especially if you’re plugged into shore power. They’re efficient, safe, and perfect for heating smaller areas like bedrooms or bathrooms. Battery-powered portable heaters exist too, though they’re better suited for short bursts of heat in very small campers.
When using propane heaters, always keep a window cracked for ventilation and have a working carbon monoxide detector onboard.
2. Use Solar Power
Solar power can be a surprising ally for winter camping. While solar panels don’t directly produce heat, they can power electric heaters, fans, and even charge battery banks that run heating systems.
Some RVers go further by building simple solar air heaters — boxes or panels that capture heat from sunlight and push warm air inside using a small fan. It’s a free, renewable way to boost warmth during sunny winter days.
3. Install a Small RV Woodstove
A compact woodstove can add incredible warmth and charm to your camper. They’re especially popular among van lifers and tiny trailer owners who camp off-grid in cold climates. Modern RV woodstoves vent safely through a pipe and take up very little space.
If you love the look but prefer something electric or propane-powered, there are also electric “faux” woodstoves that mimic the flickering fire without the mess or smoke.
4. Run a Generator
If you’re camping off-grid and don’t have solar or shore power, a generator is your best backup plan for heat. We’ve relied on one more than once when dry camping in freezing weather.
A generator can power electric heaters, charge batteries, and run your propane furnace blower. Just keep in mind that gas and diesel generators are noisy, and you’ll need to follow campground quiet hours. Newer inverter models like Honda and Champion are much quieter and fuel-efficient.
5. Use Battery Power for Heat
Battery power can support heating systems, especially when combined with solar panels or a generator. Larger lithium battery banks (200–600 amp-hours or more) can run electric heaters for short periods or power the blower motor on your propane furnace all night.
We also recommend heated blankets and 12V heated mattress pads — they draw very little power and keep you toasty without draining your batteries.
6. Add Extra Interior Insulation
Insulating your camper is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm. Start by checking windows, doors, and slide seals for drafts. We like to use weather stripping and reflective Reflectix insulation panels cut to fit each window.
Hanging heavy curtains or thermal drapes also helps trap heat inside. Some RVers even hang blankets or tarps between living areas and the cab to block cold air from circulating. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in both motorhomes and trailers.
7. Try a Catalytic Heater
Catalytic heaters are efficient, quiet, and popular among RVers who camp off-grid. They use propane but don’t require electricity, making them perfect for boondocking. They produce a steady radiant heat and use very little fuel.
They’re best for larger rigs like fifth wheels or travel trailers since they put out a lot of warmth. As with any propane heater, proper ventilation is essential.
8. Cover Your Vents
Roof and floor vents are prime spots for heat loss. If your camper feels drafty, check your vent openings. You can buy insulated vent cushions or DIY your own using foam or Reflectix. Even covering vents at night can help keep the interior several degrees warmer.
9. Skirt Your Camper or RV
If you’re camping in freezing conditions, skirting is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. By blocking cold air from circulating under your RV, you protect your tanks and pipes from freezing and make the floor feel warmer.
We use AirSkirts, an inflatable RV skirt system that’s incredibly easy to install and works year-round. During our cold-weather test, we found it kept our RV noticeably warmer and reduced furnace run time. RV skirting isn’t just for winter—it also helps keep your rig cooler in the summer.
Check out our video below where we test our rig with and without AirSkirts to see how much warmer we stay with AirSkirts installed.
10. Layer Up and Use Heavy Blankets
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. We always keep heavy blankets, warm sleeping bags, and layered clothing on hand. In our Class A, we often combine the propane furnace or fireplace with an electric space heater for the main area, then rely on blankets and heated throws at night.
For tent campers, pop-up owners, and van dwellers, sleeping bags rated for low temperatures are worth their weight in gold. Pair them with flannel sheets or thermal liners for maximum warmth.
Final Thoughts on Heating Your Camper
Keeping your camper warm in cold weather doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Between propane, electric, and alternative heating options, there’s a method that works for every type of camper — from small pop-ups to big Class A motorhomes.
Susan and I have used just about all of them over the years, and we’ve learned that mixing a few strategies is the real secret. Combine solid insulation, safe heating sources, and smart layering, and you’ll stay cozy no matter how far the temperature drops.
Mike Scarpignato – Bio
Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.
Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.
We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.
We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.
I put up quilted bedspreads in areas I had noticed heat loss such as the front door. Made a new headboard for the bed made out of 4×8 insulation that was covered with a fabric of my choosing. Skirted the RV with metal siding we already had on the property. That made all of the difference. Haven’t had any pipe freezing since we put up skirting.
We save our propane by using our electric heater at night to heat the bathroom and bedroom by shutting the door to that area. Then, in the morning, we move it back into the living area and that heats up quickly.
Great idea Kim,
Thanks for sharing!
Mike
Exactly what we do.
It seems in our RV, the Duct work that leads to the Living Room has probably collapsed and no longer works. And there is No way to fix this, without digging up the floor!
Another consideration which we use extensively is our A/C heat pumps. They work great, as long as the outside temp is above 40 degrees.
But, the common electric floor heaters work the best!
Any and all are great ideas for added heat in your camper BUT you still need to run your furnace to keep heat going into the underbelly of an enclosed camper. The furnace has a separate duct that runs into the underbelly to put some heat into it and help to keep your pipes from freezing and also to help to keep your tanks (black and gray/s) from freezing. Skirting helps but if you are in really cold temps (below freezing for several days or more) one should also have some type of extra heat going into the skirted area under your unit. Rodo
Hi Rondo,
Not all campers have a duct that heats the underbelly but this is still a very good point.
Thanks for sharing!
Mike
Funny you mention that about the furnace.
We took a trip a few winters ago to Oklahoma and it would happen to be one of the coldest trips we took.
Went to the WINSTAR Casino, to their excellent RV Park. CHEAP! Found out the water was frozen and ended up leaving to go to a motel. Of course the next morning everything was FROZEN! We were lucky to find a RV park close by that had running water and hooked up there.
Thank Goodness for the Basement Heat, or we probably would have never thawed out! That took about 1 hour from the time we hooked up water to get everthing working again in the RV.
Anytime we go out in cold weather now, I carry 2 electric insulated Water Hoses, with me. A 25 ft. and 50 ft.
Anyway, just my 2 cents worth!