What Camper Propane Tank Sizes Are There?

Written on: July 6, 2026

Lakes Gas makes RVing easier with our tank refill and exchange services

propane tank Minnesota Did you know that Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the top five states in the U.S. for RV ownership per capita as well as a top 10 state for camping?

It makes sense, considering all the wonderful places to visit here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and surrounding states. With about 75 state parks and recreation areas, along with more than 100 RV parks, there are plenty of places to stay and explore.

Propane is a great energy source when it comes to camping and RVing because it’s portable and provides efficiency and amenities.

Choosing the right propane tank size can mean the difference between a seamless trip and an unexpected cold shower.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most common camper propane tank sizes and what each one is best suited for.

How is propane used in RVing and camping?

Before diving into tank sizes, it helps to understand just how hard propane works on a typical trip.

In RVs, propane commonly fuels:

Furnaces and space heaters, which are especially critical during early spring and fall camping in Minnesota, where overnight lows can surprise you
Water heaters for hot showers and dishwashing
Refrigerators, as many RV fridges run on propane when shore power isn’t available
Stoves and ovens for cooking full meals on the road

For tent and cabin campers, propane typically powers portable stoves, lanterns, insect traps, and small heaters. Usage is lighter, but running out mid-trip is just as frustrating.

The 3 Main Camper Propane Tank Sizes

1-lb. disposable cylinders: These small, single-use cylinders are the ones you’ve seen clipped to camp stoves and lanterns. They hold about a pound of propane, enough for a weekend of cooking if you’re not overdoing it. They are best for tent campers, day hikers, and anyone who needs a lightweight, no-fuss fuel source for minimal cooking. The drawback is that disposable cylinders add up in cost over time and generate more waste. If you camp regularly, a refillable setup is more economical.
20-lb. cylinders: This is the same size as a standard backyard grill tank, and it’s one of the most versatile options for campers. Holding roughly 4.7 gallons of propane, a 20-lb. cylinder can power a camp stove or small RV appliance for several days of moderate use. It is best for weekend RV trips, truck campers, and pop-up trailers with basic propane needs. A key advantage is that 20-lb. cylinders are widely refillable and easy to exchange at Lakes Gas Swap and Go stations across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, so you’re never far from a full tank.
30-lb. cylinders: Thirty-pound tanks hold approximately seven gallons of propane and are commonly mounted directly to larger trailers and fifth wheels. If your RV is running a furnace, water heater, and fridge simultaneously, which is common on longer trips through the Upper Midwest, this tank gives you significantly more range between fill-ups. It is best for extended camping trips, full-hookup RVs, and rigs with high propane demand across multiple appliances. Many RVs come with two 30-lb. tanks mounted in tandem, which doubles your capacity and lets you switch between tanks on the fly.

Running low on propane shouldn’t cut your trip short. Lakes Gas operates propane cylinder refill stations and Swap and Go exchange locations throughout Minnesota and the wider Upper Midwest, making it easy to top off before you hit the road or find a refill close to camp.

Check the Lakes Gas station locator to find the nearest refill or exchange point, and hit the road with full tanks and zero worries.