Can I Use A Camping Stove Indoors?

Image of Can I use a camping stove indoors

Can I use a camping stove indoors? Well, most camping enthusiasts ask this question.


Can I use a camp stove indoors? Yes you can if you take the right protection and safety measures that include ventilating the tent, choosing the best type of stove and using it in a wide space. Don’t leave the stove for a minute when it is in use. Watch it all the time. 

A camping stove is useful for making meals as you camp. Mostly, you can only use the stove outdoors. However, what do you do if it is raining? Do you remain hungry?

Whether you can use the camp stove inside will depend on several factors. First, you need to know that you have enough ventilation. Secondly, it also depends on what type of stove are you using. Thirdly, it how much space you have matters a lot.

First, let’s look at the risks.

Risks of Using A Camping Stove Indoors

Is it safe to use a propane stove in the house? Yes, because you have more open space.

However, there are some dangers associated with using a stove for camping in an enclosed space.

When camping, most likely, you are in a tent or a trailer, and so you are in a small space. Some of the dangers are you can encounter include:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Camping stoves use carbon-based fuel such as propane, alcohol and kerosene while others use charcoal and firewood. All these are known to produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct.

Charcoal and kerosene stoves produce the highest amount of CO. It is advisable not to use them indoors.

Can I use a propane camp stove indoors? Yes. Propane and alcohol stoves can be used indoors but in well-ventilated spaces. The best alcohol to use is Everclear and denatured alcohol since they are less toxic.

If you are wondering, can I use a trailer camper stove indoors, then the answer is yes. Most camper trailers have a gas supply to which the stove can be connected. You can safely use stoves that use LPG gas or propane canisters. Just make sure the trailer is well ventilated.

A firewood stove produces less CO, but it is more prone to causing fires because of the open flame.

Carbon monoxide gas is invisible, odorless and lethal, produced when there is incomplete combustion. If you are not careful, it can end up filling your tent. If you are using a butane stove and you start feeling dizzy, get fresh air and allow more air into the tent.

Using a camp stove inside can cause fire

A tent can catch fire easily since it has flammable material – mostly polyester or nylon. Therefore, if you intend to use the stove inside, be more careful that it doesn’t cause a fire.

Safety Precautions for Using A Camping Stove Indoors

If you must use the camp stove inside, then you need to observe safety precautions. This will help you to prevent the risks.

Here are a few important things that you can do to use a butane stove inside without risk:

More Ventilation

Make sure there is enough ventilation. Open the windows and if you are in a tent, unzip a flap to allow more air to enter.

It is better if you use the stove in an area that has a chimney or hood to lead the CO outside. So, whether you are using propane, alcohol, kerosene, charcoal or firewood stove indoors, you will need enough ventilation.

Remember the firewood stove produces a lot of smoke. You will need to use it where there is a chimney or hood to draw the smoke out.

Use Efficient Stoves

Efficient stoves produce less carbon monoxide. Remember, incomplete combustion produces the CO gas. Efficient stoves are better at burning the fuel and therefore produce less carbon monoxide.  If you intend to use the stove indoors, go for those that are more efficient.

Check Your Stove for Leaks

If your stove is a white gas or propane, always be on the lookout for leaks. These stoves are dangerous since they can cause a fire or an explosion if they are leaking.

Make sure all the fittings on the stove are tight to prevent any gas leakage.

Stay There the Entire Time the Stove Is On

Do not leave the stove unattended when you are using it indoors. It could go out accidentally and fill the tent with gas, which can cause a fire.

In addition, the stove, especially the lighter ones, could tip over, fall and cause a fire.


Can I use a camping stove indoors? The answer is yes, with caution.

Camping stoves are better when you use them outdoors. However, if you need to use yours indoors, you must take precautions to prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Make sure space has enough ventilation, check leaks in propane stoves, use efficient stoves and don’t leave them unattended.

If possible, avoid using charcoal and kerosene stoves indoors. Always check for gas leakage in propane stoves.