The Best Camping Fan Review On The Market [Review and Buying Guide]

A tent can get very hot, very quickly. With all that body heat, you need a ​​camping fan to be able to cool everyone down. This is especially important on those hot days.

Thankfully, there are many great fans out there. With different sizes, connection, and batteries, it can be hard to know which is the best one for you. With our extensive research, we’ll make sure you get the best camping fan for you to stay cool on even the warmest evenings.

Reviews of the Best Waterproof Camping Fan

Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan – Best Camping Fan

Another problem while camping can be not having enough light. Trying to hang up both a light and a fan can be difficult, and therefore having a 2-in-1 solution can be ideal. This fan ti ks both those boxes and makes your camping experience a lot easier.

That right comes in the form of a ring of 18 low-powered LED’s which are going to be able to give you a lot of light coverage. It even makes a good flashlight in its own right, and it adds to the versatility as you can use both functions at the same time or independently of each other.

While that versatility is great, it’s not the most powerful camping fan that you’ll find. In groups of 6 or above, it might not quite have the power that you need. In smaller tents it is perfect, but it can lack the airflow that you are looking for.

Another area that it is versatile is in how you’ll be able to use the fan. It’s not only great for camping, but you’ll also be able to use it as a work desk as well as many other applications. It gives you great value as you will get a lot of use out of it.

If you plan to head off on a backpacking trip, then this fan might not be the best option out there for you as it is quite bulky. You may find that it takes up too much space. For other forms of camping that won’t be a problem, but it’s essential to consider.

Another downside of this camping fan is that it can only be charged via batteries. Others have USB capability, and some may see that as a significant downside. The caveat to that is the fan does have an impressive level of battery consumption, and therefore you won’t have to carry a vast amount of batteries.

The two fan settings give you more usability, and it is easy to hang with the hook it has. The amount of rotation it has will also ensure that the fan hits you exactly where you want. Overall it’s a fan with great functionality but perhaps not ideal for a large tent room.

Things we liked

• ​18 low-powered LED’s
• ​Two fan settings
• ​Impressive durability
• ​Durable hook
• ​360 degree rotation
• ​Low battery consumption
• ​High versatility

Things we didn’t like

• ​Quite bulky
• ​Low airflow
• ​Not rechargeable

Treva 5-Inch Portable Desktop Battery Powered Fan – Best Portable Fan

While the previous fan that we looked at was quite bulky, this is the complete opposite. The best battery operated fan for camping will easily fit into any backpack and be your useful companion whenever it gets too hot. Despite that small size, it does have an impressive level of airflow.

That’s because the fan can spin at speeds of up to 3,200 RPM. The downside of that top speed is that it does eat up the battery life quite quickly. That is helped by both being able to change the batteries and also power the device by USB.

Another way you’d be able to save on that battery life is by using its variable speed control. There are 3 different speeds to choose from with the lower two levels taking up a lot less power. It also ensures that you’re always getting the exact level of airflow you want.

It’s a touch overly critical to see this as a negative as it’s described as a travel camping fan, but it’s worth mentioning that the fan isn’t great for being able to hang up while you’re trying to sleep inside the tent. This lack of usability can slightly be frustrating when you want direct airflow.

The reason is that the fan neither has a hook on the end of it or a suitable stand. It requires a flat surface on which to stand it up, and this can be difficult to find in a tent. Aside from that, it is easy to hold and comfortable to grip.

Another great feature of this fan is that it has both side and internal lights. The internal lights help to give your tent a nice ambient blue glow when you want it too, and the side light can act as a flashlight. These aren’t meant to be intensely bright lights but can be very useful.

The fan is also quiet and gives off a low white noise. Some people will find this smoothing, and it isn’t going to distract from your sleep. If you want to hang up your fan from your tent, then this might not be the best option, but as a travel fan, it can work brilliantly.

Things we liked

• ​3200 RPM
• ​Impressive portability
• ​Quiet operation
• ​3 speeds to choose from
• ​Side and internal lights
• ​USB powered
• ​Compact size

Things we didn’t like

• ​Low battery life
• ​No hook
• ​Requires a flat surface

TriPole Mini Handheld Fan – Best Handheld Fan

If you’re looking for a handheld fan, then you’re not going to have to look any further than this model from TriPole Mini Handheld which has an impressive level of usability for such a small device. Those looks can be deceiving as it’s a perfect fan.

The first thing to state here is that this is not the most powerful fan on the list. That is simply because it’s a handheld fan and therefore has smaller output. It is still a great fan of individuals or those who want an additional fan.

It also doesn’t have a stand or a hook, and therefore, it can be more difficult to place in one fixed position. The handle, however, is easy to grip and the fan is very well designed to give you that nice gentle breeze that you want.

The 2000 mAh Lithium-ion battery should be able to give you plenty of power, but some customers have reported not having a great battery life. This isn’t a problem that we found as the battery is quite good and also easily rechargeable with the USB slot it has.

Despite not having the airflow of its larger rivals, it is still decent enough with the 5 different speed setting it has. It allows you to get the exact amount of breeze that you want and the while the 6 blades don’t give you a great volume of airflow, it is nice in the concentrated column it has.

A great feature of this device is that it has a power indicator that is going to let you know when it needs to be charged and approximately how long you have left. It’s a useful feature that will help prevent you from hot having your much-needed fan.

As well as all that usability, it is also very well made with an impressive level of durability for a small fan. That is due to the ABD plastic it has but also the overall build quality. It’s a perfect handheld fan and is great for keeping yourself cool in your campsite or when hiking.

Things we liked​​​​​

• ​5-speed settings
• ​2000 mAh Lithium-ion Battery
• ​Easy to carry
• ​USB rechargeable
• ​Power indicator
• ​Made from ABS plastic
• ​6-blade design

Things we didn’t like

• ​Low air output
• ​No stand
• ​Some battery issues

Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan with Stand – Best Long-lasting Fan For Camping

If you are traveling with small children, then you might worry about getting a fan. They can be a little dangerous, especially when they have metal or hard plastic blades. You want to be able to avoid those finger injuries, and foam blades will help you to do that.

They help you to use your fan with peace of mind as you’re not going to have to worry about any accidents happening. There are downsides to that, however, as it can actually make the fan more tempting to play and children sometimes like trying to stop the soft blades.

The downside to those blades is that they are less durable and can also get bent out of shape. Therefore it can effect their efficiency. While the increased safety is a huge positive, you also have to consider the downsides too.

Airflow can be another slight issue with these blades. They don’t give you the widest column of air, but it should be suitable enough for individuals and smaller tents. It does come with a stand, but it doesn’t have the highest level of quality and can break if you’re not careful.

If you’re looking for a fan to be able to attach to your tent, then this is going to be a great option. That’s because there are a couple of different ways of attaching it. Not only does it have a hook but it also has a magnetic clip, and therefore you can attach it anywhere.

The motor is very quiet, and this isn’t going to give you any trouble while you are sleeping. It also features lights, making it a tremendous 2-for1 device. There are four LED’s which are going to help to illuminate the tent and reduce any need for a lantern.

Safety can be important for many campers, and the foam blades here make it rank highly in that regard. While not having the highest level of power, it is still a perfect fan with a high level of usability. It’ll help to keep you cool and also give you that light if you need it.

Things we liked

• ​Quiet operation
• ​Easy to hook up
• ​Comes with a stand
• ​4 LED lights with two modes
• ​Two fan speeds
• ​Safe foam fan blades
• ​Has a magnetic clip

Things we didn’t like

• ​Blades can bend
• ​Low-quality stand
• ​Low level of airflow

Honeywell Air Circulator ​Fan

Honeywell is another company to have been able to make a versatile fan which would be used for a wide variety of different circumstances. Not only is it suitable for camping but it also works very well as a desk fan or at home.

You get three different speeds to give you the exact amount of power that you need. At the highest level, it can give you a good volume of air. This will ensure that even larger tents are kept cool during those summer days.

The 90-degrees of pivoting will help you to direct that airflow directly to where you need it.  It’s also a fan for a tent that looks very good. Wherever you have the fan placed you’re going to enjoy the extra level of design which has gone into it.

To go with that design is also an impressive level of build quality. The housing is very well made, but it can be let down a little by the stand. The plastic housing can be prone to cracking, which can be a little disappointing.

If you want it to be permanently placed in your tent, then it might be a little bit of a struggle. It can be hard to stand up on its own on uneven surfaces and also you aren’t going to be able to hook it up to anything in your tent.

If you’re worried about the sound of this camping fan making it difficult for you to sleep, then that’s a worry that you don’t need to have. The battery powered tent fan is very quiet, with a highly efficient motor. It adds to the usability of the product as it won’t leave you with any frustrations.

Honeywell is well-known for producing high-quality fans of all types, and this is another good example of that. It will be able to give you a pleasant and comfortable breeze in the hottest of weather. Overall, it’s highly recommended for camping.

Things we liked

• ​Three fan speeds
• ​90-degree pivot
• ​Large volume of air
• ​Stylish design
• ​Great build quality
• ​Fairly quiet
• ​Versatile design

Things we didn’t like

• ​Can be hard to stand up
• ​The plastic can crack
• ​Can’t hook up

JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan

JISULIFE is another company who has been able to produce a handheld fan which is suitable for camping with great tent fan reviews. It’s an impressive model and one which will stop you sweating and getting too uncomfortable. It is also easy to use, which quite a few remarkable features.

When compared with other handheld fans on the market, this has impressive airflow. It’s able to give you a strong breeze, but the size limits it. Compared to some of the larger fans that we’ve seen here, it doesn’t produce quite the same level of breeze.

A nice little feature of this fan is that it’s able to hold a back-up battery. This is good, which help to extend the life of the fan and ensuring that you don’t run out. Added to that, it is also chargeable via USB. Therefore, you’ll never be without your fan. 3

The foldable design makes it very easy to carry. You can extend it while it is in use and then fold it away when you are traveling. It makes it ideal for backpacking and being able to take it on hikes. Once the day is done, you can also use it in your tent. 4

The 180-degree rotation allows you to adjust it to your needs and get the direct flow. The folding design and the rotation also make it much better to place in your tent. This allows you to use the fan when you’re not holding it with your arms. 5

It can be challenging to stand up on its own, but the metal clip it has should be able to allow you to attach it to various surfaces and use it hands-free. Some customers have complained about defects upon delivery, but this is an issue which can be quickly solved.

JISULIFE is a company who has been able to make a fan which can be used time and time again. In that respect, you are going to be able to get great value for money from this fan. It’s well made and very highly rated by those who have used it for a long time.

Things we liked

• ​Strong airflow for a handheld fan
• ​Can hold a back-up battery
• ​180-degree rotation
• ​USB chargeable
• ​Foldable design
• ​Versatile design
• ​Has a metal clip

Things we didn’t like

• ​Can be difficult to stand up
• ​Some delivery issues
• ​Lower airflow than other options

BaseCamp F235100 Tent Fan

While some of these fans that we have looked at can be used for a wide range of different activities, this is one has been designed explicitly for a tent. It will make it the perfect device for anyone simply looking for a great camping fan.

It’s another option which comes with those safe foam blades. As we discussed before, that does make them great for children but also has a lower level of durability. It depends on which you’d prefer as many people would be pleased with them.

Despite being made explicitly for tents, it is quite heavy when compared to some of the other fans featured. While that is not going to be a problem for the majority of tents, for weaker ones, it might make them droop more than you’d want. 3

The blades do give you the right amount of airflow which is going to be able to help you to cool down the whole tent. There are also two speeds depending on your needs with the lower amount being able to save on more battery life. 4

Added to the fan element of this product is also light too. It can shine at 50 lumens, which is quite bright and will be able to illuminate your tent so that you can see what you’re doing. It’s a good light and is much more than just a gimmick.

As you can imagine with a product designed for tents, it has a large hook which makes it very easy to hang. The operation from the buttons is very simple, and that’s what you want when you’re in a cramped space that’s usually quite dark.

In terms of runtime, this is another area where the fan excels. It can beat most other products and go for longer, giving you more peace of mind. The circulation is perfect, and it will help to provide you with a comfortable night of sleep without waking up in pools of sweat.

Things we liked

• ​Two-speed fan
• ​Safe foam blades
• ​50 lumen light
• ​Long runtime
• ​Simple operation
• ​Large hook
• ​Good air circulation

Things we didn’t like

• ​Low versatility
• ​Quite heavy
• ​Foam blades can break

Coleman Cool Zephyr Ceiling Fan with Light

Coleman Cool fan is one which has been made explicitly for placing on the ceiling with the flow of the air to be directed downwards. It gives a good level of circulation, making it perfect for putting into your tent.

It has a magnetic metal plate which makes it easy to attach to anywhere in your tent without needing any other form of fastener. If you do have a carabiner, then you can also easily connect it using that, giving you plenty of options to work with.

To go with the fan, it also has a light which has two different modes. It makes it an excellent camping product and one which will prevent you from having to buy two devices. Despite having two features, it is still able to have good battery life.

As with other models, it seems as though having the light there can detract away from the fan slightly. While it does have decent airflow, it’s not as high as others we’ve seen. Also, many users have reported experiences defects with the fan on delivery, but it remains one of the best cooling fans for tents.

​The foam blades give you that safety and are better than some of the other foam blades that we have seen. The power of the fan comes from four D-cell batteries which are easily replaced to ensure that you’re never without your precious fan.

Things we liked

• ​Can attach with a metal plate
• ​Two light modes
• ​Two fan speeds
• ​Long runtime
• ​Safe foam blades
• ​Powered by four D-cell batteries
• ​Can attach with carabiner clip

Things we didn’t like

• ​Poor quality control
• ​Low build quality
• ​Average airflow

BESKAR 6 Inch Clip on Fan

All the fans that we have looked at here have only been able in just one color. For those looking for some individuality, they’ll love this Bluboon Rechargeable Fan. You can either get it in black, blue, or pink depending on your preferences.

Aside from the color, the performance is excellent too. The fan is unique and will be able to produce a brilliant flow of air that will circulate around a tent and keep everyone fresh. It’s ideal for large tents as well as being great for smaller ones too.

A great feature of this camping fan is that it can rotate 360 degrees to have that air flowing directly towards you when you want it. There are multiple power options as you’ll be able to power it by one or two batteries or by USB too.

This hanging tent fan is highly versatile as you are going to be able to use it whenever you need it. The durable clip it has makes it easy to attach. Despite it not having a hook, you shouldn’t have any problems getting this to fix to your tent.

It also isn’t a fan which would be perfect for backpacking as it is quite bulky and might take up too much space. In terms of camping, it can be used inside and outside the tent and will be a great accessory to bring along on your trip.

Things we liked

• ​Various color options
• ​360-degree rotation
• ​Highly versatile
• ​USB rechargeable
• ​Multiple power options
• ​Strong clip
• ​Powerful fan

Things we didn’t like

• ​Quite bulky
• ​No hook
• ​Low battery power

SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip on Mini Desk Fan

In terms of versatility, this is one of the portable fans for camping. Not only is it great for camping but you could also easily take it on a fishing or backpacking adventure, or you could even have it on a desk or baby stroller.

To go with the high level of fan functionality, it also comes with an LED light which will act as an efficient flashlight. The fan itself is quite small but is still able to produce a good flow of air to keep you nice and cool.

It has three-speed levels, but that battery can drop a little bit too quickly on the highest level. It is easy to recharge, however, and therefore you’re not going to be left without that fan power for very long.

The camping fan does have a lower level of durability than some of the other options that we have looked at here. It is a lot cheaper than many other camping fans, and you get what you pay for in that respect.

It is an excellent option for casual campers, and it is very easy to hang. There is a slot at the top of the fan which can easily be fed through a carabiner to make a strong hook. It’s a great option and one which offers good value for money.

Things we liked

• ​Side LED light
• ​Easy to hang
• ​Powerful, versatile battery
• ​Three-speed levels
• ​Easy to recharge
• ​Great for multiple uses
• ​Highly portable

Things we didn’t like

• ​Small fan size
• ​Loses charge quickly
• ​Lower durability

More : The Best Tent For Hot Weather

Buying Guide 

Blade material

The material of the blades can play an essential role in the effectiveness of the fan. These blades are specifically designed to capture air and put it out in a volume of air. Often they are made out of metal or hard plastic to retain that shape.

That’s why foam blades sometimes aren’t the best choice as their shape has more chance of being distorted. They are a lot safer, and if you have small children, then you may decide that this is the preferred material. 

Fan output

The air output of the fan is vitally important as this is what is going to be able to cool you down. Several factors affect this with the biggest ones being the size of the fan and how quickly they can spin.

If you want the maximum amount of air circulation, then you will want a to make sure these parameters are as high as possible With a camping fan you also have to consider battery power and portability which may mean a smaller fan is required. 

Battery power

Most of these fans are going to be operated by replaceable batteries. The advantage of that can take as many as you need on your camping trip. If they are rechargeable batteries, then that can be very useful.

Having a USB slot to be able to charge those batteries can be very convenient if you are going to have access to a power source. Other fans will be solely powered by an internal battery which will give you less flexibility. 

Versatility

Some people will only go out camping a few nights of the year, and therefore their camping fan might not be used a lot. Quite a few of the options we have looked at here are going to be able to be used in other areas.

If you want to get the best value for money, then it might also be worth thinking whether you need a fan for your bedroom, baby stroller, desk or anywhere else you might think of. 

Hanging options

You also need to consider what you want your fan for. If you want it while you’re sitting in a campsite, on a hike or when you’re trying to sleep.

If you want to use it in your tent, then you need to make sure you’re going to be able to place it somewhere with good airflow. Attaching it to the middle of your tent with a hook can be preferable, and you need to look out for this if it’s what you need.

More : The 5 Best Summer Sleeping Bags In The Market For Summer Camping

FAQs

Do I need a light?

A lot of these fans come with a light which can be very useful. The downside to this is that it can take power away from the fan, and you could be left with inefficient air circulation. I might be a better idea to opt for a camping lantern and a fan separately. 

Are these fans noisy?

These camping fans don’t have the largest motors, and most of them are quiet. All the products that we have look at here produce a low level of noise which you aren’t going to find annoying. 

More : The Best Wheeled Coolers [Review and Buying Guide]

Conclusion 

Having a camping fan can be the difference between having a comfortable night of sleep or not being able to sleep comfortably and waking up in a pool of sweat. Getting the right one for you can change a bad camping trip into a good one.

What is the best camping fan? For all-around usability, it’s hard to look past the Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan. Not only does it have that fan but it also has a large light which will illuminate your tent.

As we have seen here, there are plenty of other options, and some others might be more suited to your needs. All that’s left to do is pick the best one for you and head off on your next adventure, knowing that you’ll be able to enjoy it in comfort.