Ah, summer camping: the days are long and warm, there's swimming holes and hiking spots to explore, and there's just something special about a late-night bonfire on a starry summer night. But one of the only things that can get in the way of an enjoyable summer camping trip? Sleeping in the heat can be really uncomfortable. Thankfully, a tent fan can help to solve this issue, and will improve your quality of sleep immensely. Improving the airflow in your tent can make a huge difference if you're camping overnight when the weather hits its peak, and a portable camping fan is an easy way to cool down. No more sticky, still air in your tent.
Tent fans are great for all campers, and there's lots of categories you can choose from: some have LED lights, some are magnetized, and some can be hung up with a hook. Whether it's for a family-sized tent, or you just need something small for your side of the air mattress, we've got you covered with the perfect fan. We've picked our favorite camping fans to keep the air circulation going in your tent and cooling down the temp for more comfortable sleep. Shop them below:
The Best Tent Fans in 2023
- Best Overall Tent Fan: O2COOL Treva Portable Battery Operated Fan
- Best Magnetized Tent Fan: Coleman CPX Lighted Tent Fan with Stand
- Best Tent Fan with LED Light: Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan
- Best Ten Fan to Splurge On: Geek Aire Fan
- Best Hanging Tent Fan: Battery Operated Camping Fan with LED Lantern
Best Tent Fan Overall
Top Pick: O2COOL Treva Portable Battery Operated Fan ($55)
This O2COOL Treva portable fan is perfect for camping, and has lots of smart features that make it our top pick. Its 10-inches tall, making it a mid-sized option for a tent that sleeps 1-3 people. We like that it gives you a number of options to keep it working: use the included AC adapters, D batteries, or the built-in rechargeable battery to keep it running so you'll never have a hard time keeping this charged. It also uses technology that detects what option will keep the fan lasting the longest depending on where you are. It also has a USB port to charge cell phones and other devices, it tilts for oscillating air flow, and has five fan blades and two speeds. This is a powerful fan that's easy to pack with you everywhere.
Best Magnetized Tent Fan
Top Pick: Coleman CPX Lighted Tent Fan with Stand ($32)
This Coleman CPX 6 lighted tent fan is a great with a light, and we love that it has both a stand and a magnetic base to secure it wherever it makes the most sense. Rather than relying on one power source, it can use four D-cell batteries, a CPX 6 rechargeable power cartridge, or a CPX 6 A/C adaptor cartridge. Soft foam blades are safe to use if you have children or if you're trying to cram lots of people into your four-person tent (we've all been there). As for the light, it's also super handy — it's perfect for young campers or anyone who prefers more visibility at night.
Best Tent Fan with LED Light
Top Pick: Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan ($18)
With over 35,000 ratings on Amazon, this ceiling fan/lantern hybrid is a versatile choice for any avid camper: It features 360-degree rotation and a bright LED nightlight. This cordless tent fan has a battery life of up to five hours on high speed and up to 15 hours on a low setting. The light will work for up to 37 hours, too. It operates on two D batteries, and you can hang it anywhere in your tent thanks to the hook. You can also use this as a lantern, making it easy to get to and from the bathroom late at night. One reviewer writes: "I went camping this week and I just hate when it's sooooo darn hot in the tent and of course, there's no place to put a fan AND a light. This one worked perfectly. It hung by it's built in hook to the top of the tent, the light was just right and the fan was quiet and effective for a 2 person tent."
Best Ten Fan to Splurge On
Top Pick: Geek Aire Fan ($120)
This serious fan is a great pick if you have a large tent or space you want to cool down — if you get hot easily and really want to have something that will keep you comfortable, this is the one. It's large and will keep you cool from the campground to the tent, and will last up to 20 hours on one charge. It's our priciest pick but the sturdy metal frame, powerful air flow, low noise, and upgraded blade design are worth it. This fan is ready to keep you and your loved ones cool. The fan has a built-in battery, and reviewers rave this is the best option for everything from RV camping to tents. One writes: "The amount of air this thing moves is outstanding! It has really made 100 degree days better. It is very quiet, charges fast and can be used while being charged."
Best Hanging Tent Fan
Top Pick: Battery Operated Camping Fan with LED Lantern ($26)
This durable little portable fan is a great pick for someone looking for a simple solution. It's super lightweight and small, making it great for backpacking trips or occasions where you don't have a ton of space. It can be hung or used freestanding and comes with an LED lantern installed, too. The fan can last up to 40 hours (continuous use) and 18 days with light only. With three speeds, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a whisper-quiet operation, this is the tiny, simple fan you're looking for. Best of all, it's under $20. This isn't the best pick for a family-sized tent, so consider using this lightweight fan as a personal fan or for a 2-person tent. You can also hang it to a tree branch or inside a car, in case you need extra breeze while eating or car camping.
This post was originally published on June 17, 2021.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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