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Yes, but only with a heater built and rated for that use, and even then, with real limits. An ODS-equipped model like the Mr. Heater Buddy series is designed to run safely in an enclosed space like a tent. An outdoor-only heater, like most tank-top or forced-air models, is not — and no propane heater, rated or not, should run in a tent while everyone inside is asleep unattended.
Which Heaters Are Rated for Tent Use
Look specifically for a portable radiant heater with a built-in oxygen depletion sensor and a low-oxygen automatic shutoff. Mr. Heater’s Buddy line is the most commonly used option in this category and explicitly markets tent and enclosed-space use. A heater without this certification, no matter how compact, is not a safe substitute.
Why a Tent Is Still Different From a Room
A tent holds far less air volume than even a small room, and most tent fabric is far less breathable than a house wall. That combination means any carbon monoxide that does build up has less air to dilute into and fewer paths to escape. This is exactly why the tent-rated certification matters more here than it might in a larger space. Our tent camping heater safety guide covers ventilation setup specific to a tent.
The Sleeping Question, Briefly
Running any propane heater, certified or not, while everyone in the tent is asleep and unattended is a separate and more serious risk than daytime use. Manufacturers are explicit that their heaters are not meant to run through the night unmonitored. Our sleeping-with-a-heater-on FAQ covers this specific scenario in full.
Setting One Up Safely
Keep a tent vent or door partially open even with a certified heater running, position it away from the tent wall and gear, and always run a portable battery-backed carbon monoxide detector alongside it. Our carbon monoxide detector roundup covers compact options built for camping.
The Bottom Line
A properly rated, ODS-equipped propane heater can run in a tent, but a tent’s small size and limited airflow still call for a vent, a detector, and someone awake to monitor it — never an unattended overnight run.