Beat the heat in your tent with a camping air conditioner

Stay cool in your tent with a camping air conditioner 

What makes camping so enjoyable is having the opportunity to disconnect for a bit. To live free from the cares and concerns of the modern world. However, it might be prudent to bring along a few modern appliances so that downtime can be enjoyed, not endured.

If you’re camping in a tent during the hotter months of the year, for instance, it might be difficult to get a good night’s sleep without air conditioning. Many tents have a built-in air conditioning port to facilitate cooling. Still, there are a few things you need to consider to find the best camping air conditioner for you. 

In this article: BLACK+DECKER Window Air Conditioner 5000 BTU, Black + Decker Portable Air Conditioner and LG Window Air Conditioner

How do you provide power to a camping air conditioner?

You need a generator with enough power or a campsite with an electric hookup. If you have no other power source and are desperate for a brief period of relief, a battery-powered air conditioner might be an option.

Window vs. portable air conditioner for camping

You have two options when it comes to purchasing an air conditioner for a tent: a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner.

• Window air conditioner: If you choose a window air conditioner, you need a tent with a built-in air conditioner port. This port functions like the window in your home, allowing the cool air to come in while dispersing the hot air outside. A window air conditioner also needs a small stand to keep the unit off of the ground. One of the downsides of a window air conditioner is that it is easily visible and offers no protection against theft.
• Portable air conditioner: These large upright units are on wheels for easy transport. Unlike the window air conditioner, these models have a tube for the exhaust which is routable through any opening in your tent. They offer greater convenience and are placeable inside your tent, but they take up a chunk of space. This could be a deal-breaker if your tent is small.

A larger tent requires more cooling power

Cooling an indoor space that is 10 feet by 15 feet requires an air conditioner with at least 5,000 BTU. The larger your tent, the more BTU the air conditioner will need to have. A tent doesn’t offer the same insulation as a home, so it might diminish the cooling effects. On the upside, temperatures outdoors often drop considerably at night, so the need for cooling isn’t as great after dark.

Other considerations

• Weight and size: A portable air conditioner must be light enough for you to carry – you may not be able to wheel it over rough terrain – and small enough to fit in your vehicle for transport.

• Noise level: If you are using a portable air conditioner for a better night’s sleep, make sure you choose one that operates quietly.

• Price: Portable air conditioners may have features you don’t need that drive up the price. For instance, you can get a basic 5,000-BTU window air conditioner for as low as $150. But, a portable unit with an abundance of features may cost close to $500 for roughly the same amount of cooling. Do not spend money on features you won’t be using.

How do I stay cool in a tent without a portable air conditioner?

In warmer months, you can use several simple strategies to help combat the heat that builds up inside a tent. While these options do not match the cooling power of an air conditioner, they are effective in less extreme temperatures.

• Pitch your tent in a shaded area.
• Use a tarp to create a shaded area.
• Open all vents to create airflow.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use a camping fan.
• Consider an evaporative cooler.

Best camping air conditioners

Best window air conditioners for camping

BLACK+DECKER Window Air Conditioner 5000 BTU

This window unit is conveniently compact and easy to pack with your camping supplies. This 5,000-BTU air conditioner has mechanical controls and offers the user two speeds. It’s suitable for tents up to 150 square feet.

Midea Window Air Conditioner

This Midea air conditioner features seven temperature settings and four cooling settings. It has mechanical controls and two air directors (horizontal and vertical), so you can quickly cool down your tent. The 5,000-BTU unit can effectively cool tents up to 150 square feet, and there are other versions for larger tents up to 12,00 BTU. 

Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner

This Frigidaire air conditioner offers more advanced features compared to the previous models, including electronic controls and a 24-hour programmable timer. It also has six-way directional airflow and three different fan speeds. This model comes in versions ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 BTU to suit different tent sizes. 

LG Window Air Conditioner

One advantage of this LG air conditioner is that it comes with a remote, so you don’t have to operate it manually. It has electronic controls, three fan speeds and a 24-hour timer. With 8,000 BTUs of cooling power, this unit is suitable for large tents up to 350 square feet. 

Best portable air conditioners for camping

Shinco 12,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner

If you have a very large tent to cool, this 12,000-BTU model is the answer. It cools an area up to 400 square feet and can be operated with the included remote control, making it convenient. It has cool, fan and dry modes and also works as a dehumidifier if needed.

Black + Decker Portable Air Conditioner

The essential feature of this higher-priced Black + Decker air conditioner is its weight. At only 26 pounds, it is easier to move about your campsite. Additionally, this model features a timer, which can be helpful if it gets too cold in the middle of the night. The 10,000-BTU unit is suitable for large tents up to 450 square feet.

LG Portable Air Conditioner

This three-in-one LG portable air conditioner also works as a fan and dehumidifier. It has two cooling and fan speeds, a 24-hour timer and comes with a remote control. At 6,000 BTUs, it’s suitable for tents up to 250 square feet. 

Dreo 10,000-BTU Portable Air Conditioner  

This Dreo model has cool, dry and fan modes with a 24-hour timer that can be controlled with the included remote or the brand’s app. It provides 200 square feet of cooling coverage and promises quiet performance.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

Copyright 2025 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.