One of the most important bits of information to remember when camping is this: you never know what the weather is going to be like. Everyone prepares for rain and the cold, but people often forget about combating the heat. Even at nighttime, the heat can be quite oppressive in some areas and having a way to keep your tent cool at night can be pivotal.

Finding the perfect camping fan for you can be difficult as there is a vast amount of options available, each promising the same features and benefits. We have compiled a list of our seven favorite camping fans to help make the shopping process easier for you. Each of these fans have been tested and used in order to ensure that they rise above the industry standards and will provide you the cooling options they promise.

After the list, we have compiled a couple of tips and tricks in our buyer’s guide. These tips and hints will help keep you on track as you search for the perfect camping fan.

The Best Camping Fan

Every item on our list has been tested and proven to not only meet but surpass the industry standards of camping fans. No matter what, if the fan is on our list, you can guarantee it will help keep your tent cool throughout the night. Most of the fans on this list come with a lighting combo to keep your tent lit, even on the darkest nights.

1. O2cool 10-inch Portable Camping Fan with Lights

O2cool 10-inch Portable Camping Fan with Lights

This fan comes with a 2-speed setting which offers you different power options in terms of cooling. If you’re looking for a moderate breeze to cool you off throughout the night and a powerful blast to keep the heat out during the day, these two settings will suit you well. This fan acts as its own carrying case as it folds up and utilizes a built-in extendable handle. If you’re in a blackout and have no power, this fan has three lighting settings built in which can offer you plenty of light.

Our Review:

The versatility of this fan is outstanding. Not only are you receiving a two-setting fan, but also a three-setting light, carrying case, and an AC adaptor to plug in when at home. This fan is versatile and doesn’t hold back on any of its settings. While a good deal of other camping fans might place an emphasis on a specific feature, this device clearly put focus and care into every form this fan can take. While many of the other fans on this list also employ a 2-in-1 combo, it’s rare to see one so successful in the duel implementation as this one.

Some issues that have arisen tend to be focused on the lightweight aspect of this fan. It’s decently small and surprisingly, the 10-inch blades don’t produce as much air as other options on the market.

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Cons

2. Odoland Image Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan

Odoland Image Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan

This device acts as a lighting fixture you might encounter in theater. You can adjust the angle of it to provide a ray of light for any size tent and to cool in nearly any direction you wish. The fan comes with 18 low-power LED bulbs which provide ample lighting for your home or tent. The blades on this fan are much larger than that of the O2COOL which offers more cooling options, even on the lower setting.

Our Review:

If you live in a hurricane zone and experience frequent power outages, this is a fantastic option for you. The low-power LED lights provide the perfect amount of light to keep your home running while not blinding anyone who looks into the fan. The convenience of this device might be lacking when compared to the O2COOL, but the power emitted makes up for that. The versatility of this fan is quite exciting as it offers you multiple ways to set it up and keep your tent cool and lit during the night.

The durability of this product is decent considering it has a plastic housing compared to many of the fans on this list. However, the corresponding light weight outweighs the potential for damage if going on a long excursion.

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Cons

3. OPOLAR 5000mAh Camping Lantern Clip On Fan with Hanging Hook

OPOLAR 5000mAh Camping Lantern Clip On Fan with Hanging Hook

This is a quiet yet powerful fan option for your tent. It comes with four built in lights and two brightness modes to keep your camping experience great. The quiet fan comes with four speed settings which allows you to adjust your own environment based on the surrounding environment. There are multiple methods of hanging to enable you to utilize this fan almost anywhere in your tent. This device will be charged and ready for multiple days of use in only four hours.

Our Review:

Few camping fans offer you 360-degree rotation options to keep your whole tent cool throughout the night. This fan is an exciting addition to the industry and one that is designed to keep you happy while camping. The quietness of this fan is something many other devices tend to lack but seems to be this fan’s shining feature. Our favorite aspect of this fan, however, is the ability to clamp it to a wall or hang it from the ceiling. The hanging options are quite versatile.

As seen with the Odland, this fan is also made out of plastic and can be easily compromised. Many issues that they above option experiences are found here as well.

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Cons

4. Wakeman 2-in-1 Portable Camping Lantern with Fan

Wakeman Outdoors 2-in-1 Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan

The main goal of this device is to protect itself against all forms of weather. It was constructed to withstand water, for a short time (no submersion) and sun damage to provide you with cool air and good light throughout your trip. Much like the Odland, this device comes with 18 low-power LED lights to offer you a good amount of lighting even during a blackout. It comes with a built-in handle and hanging hook for storage and in-use options.

Our Review:

This is a pretty standard camping fan. It doesn’t offer many extra bells and whistles that other fans on this list won’t provide, but what it does offer, it specializes in. The durability of this device is fantastic, and it promises the ability to withstand weather which is rather rare for camping fans. Many are water resistant, but this product focuses on that aspect and has enhanced it.

Despite the size of this device, the power output isn’t as much as the O2COOL or the OPOLAR products. An issue that we encountered was the lacking cooling and light output. This is an effective device but lacking in power at times.

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Cons

5. Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan with Stand

Coleman CPX 6 Lighted Tent Fan with Stand

This is one of the smaller devices on the list, but don’t let the size deceive you. The power of this fan is enough to rival even that of some of our larger options. This fan has a unique hanging style as it comes with magnets that you can clip to the tent. The magnets and carabiner clip allow you to hang the device almost anywhere in the tent. The fan setting comes in two different speeds – high and low. The light has two as well – white and nightlight.

Our Review:

Because this device is compatible with the CPX rechargeable batteries, you will almost never have to worry about your fan or lamp dying on you in the middle of the night. The unique features of this fan include the magnetized hanging method which enables you to hang it almost anywhere in your tent. Most other fans have clips or hooks that limit you as to where you can place it, but the versatility of this device is outstanding.

Another aspect of this fan/lamp is the nightlight setting. Not many other fans we’ve encountered have a setting that allows you to keep the light on at night. An issue with that is that the nightlight setting can be rather bright – perhaps too bright for a nightlight. Some have found that the weight of the device outdoes the strength of the magnets as well.

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6. REENUO Portable Camping Lantern with Tent Ceiling Fan

REENUO Portable Camping Lantern with Tent Ceiling Fan

The built-in battery on this product can last you longer than most other devices on this list. With this battery, you will receive anywhere from 4.5-440 hours (depending on the brightness and fan speeds) of use. It’s compact and easily transportable to make your camping trip easier. The grooves in the front are small enough that not even a child’s finger can get in. The ABS outer shell makes this device lightweight yet durable and resistant to fall damage.

Our Review: 

For such a small product, this fan is surprisingly sturdy. The durable shell holds its own and is truly resistant to fall damage while providing a continuous source of cool air throughout the tent, even on the hottest days. The feature that makes this fan stand out among the rest is the built-in diffuser. Two water absorbent sponges allow you to add aromatherapy or mosquito repellent to keep your tent smelling fresh and clean throughout the night. Having this option – whether for the aromatherapy or the repellent – is a fantastic benefit not seen in many other fans.

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7. OPOLAR 8-inch Rechargeable Battery-Operated Clip Fan

REENUO Portable Camping Lantern with Tent Ceiling Fan

The second OPOLAR fan on our list, this one is slightly smaller than it’s sibling, but the power it emits is rather similar. Just as in the case of the other OPOLAR fan, this fan has the ability to swivel about 360-degrees to keep your tent cool and circulate the airflow. The internal battery can be charged through a USB port and replaced if need be. Unlike most of the other fans on this list, this fan comes with an energy saver setting to make it more environmentally friendly. 

Our Review: 

Nothing beats a 360-degree rotating fan. OPOLAR seems to specialize in creating exciting fans that can circulate air throughout your entire tent and this is just another addition to their collection. If you’re looking for a simple fan that can keep you cool as you camp, work, or play, then this is a fantastic option for you. When compared to the other devices on our list, you’re missing out on some features as this is only a fan, not a lamp combo. It is a fantastic fan that will keep your whole tent cool and fresh, no matter the weather.

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What to Look for in a Camping Fan

Getting the right gear for your camping trip is one of the most stressful aspects of camping. Once you’re out in the woods or on the trail, that’s where the fun begins. But first, you have to get the right products for your trip; here are a few features you should keep an eye on when shopping for a camping fan.

Fan Speed

One feature that will often make or break a fan for consumers is the speed options. You’ll want to ensure that the fan you’re looking at has multiple settings for different situations. When you’re camping, all you might need is a slight breeze to keep the tent cool at night – the environment will do the rest. However, on a hot day, having a powerful high setting to keep you cool and offer you respite from the sun will be important.

Some fans have many speeds which will be quite useful as well. One setting might not be high enough for you and you’ll want to boost it even higher for more cool air. Be mindful of the camping fans that only have one setting. Typically, this setting will be useful, but by removing the ability to adjust, you’re stuck with the one setting regardless of the weather.

Light Settings

As we have mentioned, most of the fans on this list come with a built-in lighting option. Much like with the fan speed setting, it’s important to have multiple settings for your lights. Whether it be for power preservation or simply personal preference, different times call for different amounts of lighting so it can be beneficial to have intensity adjustments. 

Some models will come with settings specifically designed for sleep and nighttime use while others will focus their efforts on supplying light during events like a blackout. You’ll want to consider what conditions you’ll be utilizing your fan/light combo. If maximum lumens is important to you, you’ll want a lamp that has powerful LED bulbs that can fill your tent.

Battery Power

The longer lasting the battery life on your fan, the more use you will receive out of it. Some fans come with replaceable batteries that will last their lifespan and require you to get new ones whereas other fans support rechargeable batteries. Most of the fans on our list have recharging capabilities to keep your fan running longer and help save you money.

Customer reviews

The best place for information about the product is from people who have purchased it already. Anyone who has used the product will know what works and what doesn’t, what features make the fan great and which ones are drawbacks. If you see many different reviews stating similar problems, chances are that’s an issue you might encounter as well.

Camping Fan FAQ

This will depend on what you’re looking for in a camping fan. The seven fans we have provided on our list are seven of the best you’ll encounter in the market. They have the latest features, best cooling, and lighting capabilities, and will last for many trips to come.

Pricing can be difficult to get a real read on. Some companies will supply directly from the manufacturer while others will act as a middleman. You’ll find the lower prices from companies that toss out the middleman.

This depends on the model. Some fans use plastic casings to keep everything protected and are more affordable. However, they’re more susceptible to chips and damages than other products. A fan with a metal casing might be heavier but is much more durable.