Best Camping Air conditioner

When setting out for camping, the last thing you would like to experience is the uncomfortable hot temperatures in your tent or Recreational Vehicle (RV). 

That said, you should carry an air conditioner to help regulate the temperatures for a more comfortable outdoor experience. If you’re the type of camper who shifts from one site to another, you need a portable air conditioner to save you the burden of transportation.

You don’t need to worry if you don’t know the portable AC options for camping. Having accrued a lot of experience working with air conditioners for decades, I have a wealth of information on the best portable air conditioners. For this reason, I saw it noble to give you some insights into the best portable ACs in the market.

After extensive research, I found Black Decker’s BPACT08WT to be the best overall portable AC in the market. Keep reading to learn more about it and other portable AC options and a guide for buying. 

Best Portable AC For Camping Reviews

This section shall review the best tent air conditioners that you may find in the market.

Best Tent Air Conditioner Overall: Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner with Remote Control

Key Highlights

• Type: A Portable AC
• Power source: Corded electric air conditioner
• Control type: Remote controlled
• Size: 16.5 x 11.5 x 26 inches
• Weight: 52.9 pounds
• 24-hour timer and night mode
• Cool up to 150 square feet

Description of Features

The Black Decker’s BPACT08WT portable tent air conditioner is your go-to option if you are looking for a great AC for cooling your camp. 

I love this tent AC because it offers you three energy-efficient modes for cooling, ventilating (fan option), and dehumidifying your space. That means you can adjust the tent AC to any of the above modes to meet your space needs.

Additionally, the compact (16.5 x 11.5 x 26 inches) tent air conditioner features a self-operation mechanism to create a cool, dry, and clean living environment.

Included also in the AC are the 24-hour timer and the night mode options. You can customize the AC’s operating time to save power and elongate the motor’s life with the timer. On the other hand, the night mode ensures noiseless operation when resting in the room.

The 52.9 pounds AC is easy to use and maintain. With the fully powered remote controller and the top-mounted receiver with an LED display and a timer, you can customize the AC’s operating time, operating mode, fan speed, and other settings remotely.

The AC’s filter is easy to clean. All you need is to slide it open, rinse it thoroughly with running water, and return it in place. It works best when done twice a month.

The AC includes casters for easy mobility. You can use it to effectively regulate temperatures in an area of up to 150 square feet.

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• Energy-efficient due to the automatic 24-hour timer
• Eco-friendly R410a refrigerant

Cons

• Cannot effectively cool an area extending 150 square feet

Best for Large Rooms: Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

Key Highlights

• Type: Portable AC
• Power source: Corded electric
• Control type: Remote controlled
• Size: 16 x 19 x 35.5 inches
• Weight: 80 pounds
• Airflow: 253 cubic feet per minute per watt
• Includes a programmable timer

Product Description

The next portable air conditioner on my list is the ARC-14S 14000 BTU portable camping air conditioner with a dual hose by Whynter.

The Whynter’s 80 pounds AC offers you three operational modes: cooling mode, dehumidifying node, and the fan mode for ventilation. You can switch to any of them or use the three modes simultaneously when the need arises.

Additionally, the AC is power efficient, with a total consumption of up to 1300W and a cooling capacity of 14000 BTU.

Besides the three modes, the operational efficiency of the AC IS FURTHER enhanced by:

• The dual hose operation, which allows the AC to cool up to 500 square feet, dehumidify 71 pints per day, and ventilate 253 cubic feet per minute per watt using its three fans
• Dehumidifier tank, which provides water for cooling
• Auto drain function draws moisture from your space and recycles it for cooling to minimize water consumption
• A programmable timer allows you to set the AC’s operating time to save energy and elongate the durability of the motor
• Full thermostatic controls with a remote controller for efficient thermal and air regulation
• Washable filters for improved air quality and casters for easy mobility

The package comes with additional accessories, including remote control, washable pre-filter, activated carbon air filter, complete set window kit, a storage bag, and a user manual. It can be a great option if you have need for large camping air conditioners.

Pros

• Enhanced comfort due to the three modes
• Efficient water and power consumption

Cons

• Not flexible in terms of power source, meaning that it’s not ideal for use in areas without electric mains

Quietest AC: LG 10,000 BTU 115V Portable Air Conditioner with A Remote

Key Highlights

• Type: Portable AC
• Control type: Remote via phone app, Alexa or hey google
• Size: 15.59 x 17.72 x 29.33 inches
• Weight: 76.1 pounds
• 24-hour programmable timer
• Inbuilt wheels for easy mobility
• Wi-Fi enabled
• Cools up to 450 square feet
• Voltage: 115 volts

Product Description

Create the most comfortable climate in your RV or tent using the versatile portable air conditioner by LG. The LG’s smart air conditioner offers you the cool, fan, and dry modes to customize the AC according to the changes in your environment.

For instance, you can set the machine to cool mode during hot days, the dry option during humid days, and the fan mode is ideal when you need to increase the circulation in the room. You can also use the three modes simultaneously if need be.

Additionally, the 76.1 pounds AC features LG’s thin Q technology, which allows you to control the device with voice commands via phone app, Hey Google, and Amazon Alexa. You can also control the AC using the LCD remote control that comes with the package

Included also in the camping air conditioner is the 24-hour programmable timer to allow you to customize the AC’s operating time. This is not forgetting the auto-swing air vent, 2-fan, and cooling speeds for enhancing the operational efficiency of the AC.

The device is ideal for medium-sized spaces of up to 450 square feet.

Pros

• Multiple control options
• Can cool, ventilate and humidify your space simultaneously
• Great cooling power

Cons

• Heavy weight of 76.1 pounds

Best for Small Spaces: Vremi VRM050695N 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

Key Highlights

• Type: Portable AC
• Power source: Corded electric
• Control type: Remote controlled
• Size: 16.5 x 12.2 x 27.6 inches
• Weight: 52.8 pounds
• Includes a programmable timer
• Features reusable filters
• Voltage: 115 volts
• Wattage: 1200 watts

Product Description

With a compact size of 16.5 x 12.2 x 27.6 inches, Vremi’s VM050695N 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner is the perfect unit for cooling your small space. The AC offers cool, dry, fan, and sleep modes to let you customize the unit according to your space needs. For instance, the sleep mode combined with the cooling mode can give you a super cool sleep at night.

On the other hand, the fan option offers you three speeds for regulating the internal airflow. Lastly, activating the dry option helps eliminate the humid air in your space. You can also use all the modes simultaneously.

We found it to be great portable camping air conditioner.

The LED display feature and the remote control allow you to customize the AC’s settings at the comfort of your couch.

Another reason why I love this camping air conditioner is because of its 24-hour timer. With it, you can set the machine’s operating times to save energy and increase its working life.

Better still, the AC’s air filters are reusable and washable, assuring you quality airflow while relieving you from the burden of buying new ones every time they get clogged. The unit’s ergonomic handle and inbuilt wheels account for its easy mobility.

It’s ideal for outdoor and indoor spaces, ranging between 150 and 250 square feet.

Pros

• Easy to maintain due to the reusable filters
• Easy to move and install
• Versatile air conditioner

Cons

• Not ideal for areas exceeding 250 square feet

Most Versatile: Serenelife SLPAC 10000 BTU, 3-In-1 Portable Air Conditioner

Key Highlights

• Type: Portable AC
• Power source: Corded electric
• Control type: Remote
• Size: 13.39 x 32.09 x 17.45 inches
• Weight: 65 pounds
• Voltage 120 volts
• Wattage: 1150 watts

Product Description

Create the perfect climate in your tent or RV using SereneLife’s SLPAC, 10,000 BTU, portable air conditioner.

From the outside, the AC’s sleek design integrated with the easy-to-move castors will amaze you. The exterior design aside, the Serenelife’s AC includes four operating modes: the cooling, dehumidifier, sleep, and fan modes to allow you to customize the unit according to your needs.

For instance, you can switch to dehumidifier mode when the weather is too humid or fan mode to increase the airflow in your space.

The efficiency of the air conditioner is further enhanced by:

• The silent motor, which facilitates cooling, enhanced airflow, and dehumidification without making unwanted noise
• Digital remote control, which allows you to customize the ac to your preferred settings at the comfort of your couch
• Inbuilt wheels and handle for easy mobility
• Built programmable timer to allow you to customize the AC’s operating time to save energy

The AC can sufficiently cool an area of up to 270 square feet.

Pros

• Highly portable given its lightweight and compact size
• 3 in 1 device: it can cool, dehumidify and circulate
• portable air conditioner

Cons

• Not ideal for cooling large spaces beyond 270 square feet

Best Smart Portable AC: Midea 10,000 BTU, 3-In -1 portable Air Conditioner

Key Highlights

• Type: Portable AC
• Power source: Corded electric
• Control type: Remote, Alexa
• Size: 17.1 x 13 x 28.3 inches
• Weight: 67.9 pounds
• Voltage: 115 volts
• 24-hour programmable timer
• Inbuilt wheels for easy mobility
• Wi-Fi enabled

Product Description

The 3-in-1 portable tent air conditioner by Midea is your go-to option if you are looking for a quality air conditioner for your outdoor space. The AC cools up to 200 square feet of your space while simultaneously allowing for dehumidification and fan operations.

Besides the above three modes, the portable AC by Midea features a programmable 24-timer to let you customize the operating time to save power and the motor. It also has a washable air filter that ensures clean air circulation in your space.

Another reason why you might like this tent air conditioner is its effortless operation. Additionally, the AC is Wi-Fi, and Alexa enabled. Therefore, you can control it via its phone app or using Alexa or Google assistant voice commands.

The package includes a manual with instructions for installation and use. So, you don’t need to worry about using the AC.

Pros

• More comfortable use given the multiple controls
• Energy-efficient due to the programmable filter
• True Portable air conditioner

Cons

• Expensive option

Best Battery Powered: Zero Breeze Mark 2 Portable Air Conditioner

Key Highlights

• Type: Portable AC
• Power source: Battery
• Weight: 16 lbs/pounds
• Includes modes for cooling, dehumidifying, and fan
• Includes 30-day moneyback guarantee

Product Description

Mark2 Portable Air Conditioner by Zero Breeze offers the best way to stay away from hot night temperatures in the camp during summer. The 16 lbs portable tent air conditioner comes with a dual hose, meaning that it draws in fresh air into your space with one hose while eliminating hot and humid air with a separate hose.

Additionally, mark 2 features a 4-speed fan, energy-consuming super cold mode, and energy-efficient sleep mode, which further enhance the air conditioner’s efficiency in ventilating, cooling and enhancing the quality of sleep in the camp.

The zero breeze’s air conditioner is battery powered, giving you the flexibility to use the ac in any space without the limitations associated with the corded counterparts. However, each battery can only last up to five hours, meaning that you have to carry multiple of them to avoid inconveniences as you recharge the used batteries.

The manufacturer offers you a 30-day money-back guarantee to cater for damages on transit, wrong delivery, and system failures. So, you don’t have to fear investing in the AC.

Pros

• Flexible AC
• Riskless investment because of the 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Costly AC option

Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are reliable cooling options in the campsite with no central air conditioning. They are easy to install and have multiple features for diverse and straightforward applications. 

However, these devices differ in cooling, dehumidification, and air regulation capabilities. They also have different features that fit them to various applications. That is why you must consider the following factors to land the most appropriate ac for your cooling needs.

Size

When shopping for an air conditioner, you should pick the most appropriate size for your space to avoid wasting money buying an AC that cannot sufficiently cool your camp or wasting energy after buying a too powerful AC. You can tell the size of your AC by looking at their British Thermal Units (BTUs) ratings.

BTU: British thermal unit

Use the following estimations for typical 8-feet ceilings to gauge the most approximate capacity for your AC:

Note: While the above units aren’t exact, they may also fluctuate with the weather changes and the type of ventilation in your camp. So, it would be best to consider these factors during your selection.

Drainage Needs

Portable air conditioners trap the hot and humid air from your space during their operation, which you need to remove to ensure their continued efficiency. While some units can automatically remove or recycle the moisture, others will require you to remove the moisture manually.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand the drainage needs for your device before buying to ensure its proper maintenance. If you must go for the manually operated options, make sure that you familiarize yourself with the process.

Noise Level

One thing is for sure, almost all portable air conditioners would produce some noise during their operation. However, you should ensure that the AC doesn’t produce too much noise to interfere with your sleeping comfort or wake up animals outdoors. For best results, ensure that your device’s noise level does not exceed 60 decibels (dB).

Efficiency

An efficient air conditioner can efficiently cool your space while minimizing energy and water consumption without negatively impacting the environment in terms of noise and harmful emissions.

You can tell how efficient a given AC is by looking at its stated Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Typically, a unit with higher EER implies higher energy efficiency.

Control Type

You will find the remote-controlled options and manually controlled portable AC options. In this case, I suggest that you go for the remote-controlled portable options as they relieve you from the burden of leaving your comfort zone every time you need to customize your unit.

Final Words

Portable air conditioners offer the best solution to getting rid of uncomfortable high temperatures, humidity, and poor air quality in the camps. I have reviewed the best portable ACs you can find in the market on this guide.

My personal best AC is the Black Decker’s BPACT08WT portable air conditioner. This AC can simultaneously cool, ventilate, and dehumidify the space while saving energy. Its timer, the night mode option, and small space needs are also a plus. 

However, this does not invalidate other AC options I have included on the list. By reading through the text, you will realize that the products are almost identical. Once you spot your favorite air conditioner, hit the link on the product name to navigate to the main page, from where you can place an order.