Ready to take your camping experience to the next level?

A portable generator is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. With one of these bad boys, you can enjoy all the creature comforts of home while you're away from it. Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes, so there's sure to be one that fits your needs perfectly.

What To Look For In A Camping Generator?

There are two key issues in selecting a generator for your camp - portability and power output.  Consider the following:

Portability

When evaluating portable generators the stronger the generator, the heavier it is. The lightweight version is very good and it costs more. So take a look at how much power you require. You should consider how you will change the power source from A to B. If you are camping in your RV that has tons of space it's not that much of an issue, but when you're car camping you have limited room on the road for storage and you don’t have the same room as in an RV.

Power

Is your current power supply enough? What are some ways you might power up an iPhone or camera during the week? What appliances do you use in the RV that are electric - cooking, cooling, TV for watching the game? The higher the power it is the higher its cost usually, and should always be considered just how much power it should be expected to produce.

How We Choose

You want to go camping, but you're not sure what kind of generator to buy. It can be tough to figure out which generator is best for your needs. There are so many choices and it's hard to know which one will work well for you.

We've done the research for you! After reading thousands of portable generator reviews on Amazon, we've found the best choices for all around car camping, RVing and tent camping.

In this blog post, we will discuss five choices for the best portable generator that are on the market today! So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone here. Keep reading to learn more about these amazing machines and find the perfect one for you.

Generate Power From the Sun

MARBERO Portable Power Station, 83Wh Solar Generator

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Why We Like It

Whether you're looking for a backup power source for your home or you need a portable generator to keep your devices charged while you're on the go, the MARBERO is a great option. This compact and light weight power station can be recharged in three ways - through the included solar panel, by plugging it into an outlet for AC power, or by using a 12V car charger - so you can always keep it powered up and ready to go.

And with its large LED light and emergency flasher, it's perfect for those times when the power goes out or you find yourself in an unforeseen situation. So don't be caught without a charge - pick up a MARBERO today!

What You Should Know

The best generator for camping is one that is lightweight, portable, and powerful. The 83 Wh 22500mAh portable generator fits this description perfectly. It weighs just 2.2 lbs and can be charged from a car adapter, wall plug adapter, or solar panel. The ultra bright LED provides 4 light levels, and the lithium ion battery ensures long-lasting power.

Additionally, the generator comes with 2 USB ports (27W max) and 2 USB C ports (PD3.0, 18W/30WMax), making it perfect for charging all of your devices. With QC Charge technology, this generator charges up to 75% faster than conventional chargers- meaning you'll never be without power when you need it most.

Light and Compact Power Station

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

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Why We Like It

If you're looking for a reliable, high-output portable generator, the Jackery Explorer 300 is a great choice. It's compact and easy to transport, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, or any other outdoor activity. And with multiple ways to recharge, you'll never be without power. The Explorer 300 also features exceptional safety features, so you can rest assured that your devices are protected.

What You Should Know

Looking for a reliable and powerful battery pack for your next camping trip? Look no further than the 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack. This battery pack is packed with features, including two AC outlets, one PD 60W USB-C port, one fast charge 3.0 port, one USB-A port, and one DC car port.

With a best-in-class battery management system, this battery pack is perfect for powering all of your camping gear, whether it's a fan, lights, or anything else you need to keep your campsite running smoothly. And if you ever find yourself in a pinch, you can always recharge the battery pack from your car adapter, plugging into an AC power source, USB-C PD, or solar panel. So why wait? Get the best camping fan today!

High Capacity and Solar

FlashFish 300W Solar Generator

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Why We Like It

Looking for an emergency power source that won't weigh you down? The FlashFish 300W Solar Generator is perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It's small and compact, yet still provides enough power output to charge your devices. And with its DC output, you can charge your devices directly from the portable generator. Whether you're looking for a backup power source or just want to be prepared, the FlashFish is a great choice.

What You Should Know

The best portable generators should be lightweight, easy to carry, and have a long battery life. This 60000mAh lithium ion battery capacity generator is perfect for camping trips. It has 2 * 12V DC Ports that can be used for a car vacuum, car refrigerator, car air fan, and car charger.

There are also 2* QC3.0 USB and 1 * 2.4A USB ports to charge your phones, drones, iPad, GPS, mp3 player, camera, and more. This generator only weighs 5.6 lbs and can be recharged from a car adapter, wall plug adapter, USB-C PD or solar panel.

Compact and Lightweight Station

ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station

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Why We Like It

You know that when the power goes out, it can be a huge inconvenience. That's why the ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Station was designed to be there for you when you need it most. This powerful little solar powered generator is perfect for emergency lighting and charging your electronic devices. It comes with a solar charging panel so you can keep it charged and ready to go with clean power, and it powers multiple lights at once so you can have peace of mind in any situation. Full When the lights go out, make sure you're prepared with the this little baby.

What You Should Know

When you're looking for the best portable generators, you want one that is lightweight and easy to carry, yet still pack a punch. The 84Wh/26000mAh LiFePO4 battery fits the bill perfectly. With its 4V/18W solar panel, it can easily recharge in just a few hours from free solar power.

Plus, the 10 feet(3M) extension cable means you can position the panel in the best spot to get the most sun. And when nightfall comes, you'll be glad you have the 6W *3 LED lamps. They provide a full 1200 lumens of brightness, enough to light up your campsite for 32 hours on full mode and 64 hours on economy mode.

Each lamp has its own switch, so you can choose how much light you need. And if you need to charge any devices, there's no need to worry. The USB port output(5V/2A) and DC output(3.2V) make it easy to keep your mobile phones and tablets powered up. Best of all, this generator only weighs 2.2 lbs, making it super easy to take with you on your next camping trip. Plus, it is the only solar powered generator with panels and the quietest generator we have reviewed.

Best Generator for RVing

DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start Portable Generator

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Why We Like It

Looking for a powerful and reliable generator for your RV? Look no further than the DuroMax XP5500EH. With enough power output to run your fridge or AC unit, this generator is perfect for long trips or extended stays in your RV. Additionally, the low maintenance design means you can enjoy your time on the road without having to worry about constant upkeep. So for a generator that will give you the peace of mind and power you need, choose the DuroMax XP5500EH.

What You Should Know

Portable generators are a great way to keep the lights on during a power outage or to power up your campsite. However, finding the best generator for your needs can be tricky. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as fuel type, engine size, and run time. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.

If you're looking for a top-quality dual fuel generator that can run on either gas or propane, the 5500 watt dual fuel portable generator is a great option. It has a powerful 225 cc engine and a 3.9 gallon fuel tank, so it can run for hours without needing a refill, runs at an engine speed of 3600 RPM and has good fuel efficiency.

Plus, it has two 120V 20 amp outlets and one 240V 30 amp outlet, so you can power multiple devices at once. It is rated at 4500 wats of output power. And at 136 lbs, it's lightweight enough to take with you on camping trips or tailgating parties.  Note, this is a monster and not the quietest generator on the market.

Best Camping Generator FAQs

You want to go camping, but you're not sure if you have the right gear. Camping is a ton of fun, but it can be hard to know what gear you need to make the experience enjoyable. With so many portable generators on the market it can be difficult to know which one is the best for your needs.  We have assembled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding generators to guide you in choosing the best one for your needs.

What size generator do I need for camping?

A portable generator needs to be portable and quiet. You'll also want to consider the running wattage of the generator.

For smaller appliances, a generator with a running wattage of 1,000-2,000 should do the trick. If you plan on using larger appliances like a air conditioner or microwave, you'll need a generator with a higher running wattage of 3,000 or more.

When shopping for a camping generator, be sure to check the decibel rating. You'll want one that has a low noise level so you can still enjoy nature while it's running.

How do I choose a camping generator?

There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when reviewing portable generators. Here are a few tips:

  • The first thing you’ll need to decide is what type of fuel you’d like to use. The gas powered generator is the most popular, but they can be noisy and smelly. 
  • Diesel generators tend to be more expensive, but they’re more efficient and have longer run times. 
  • Propane generators are a good middle ground - they’re not as stinky as gas generators, but not as pricey as diesel generators. Fuel efficiency should always be a consideration. 
  • Consider a new dual fuel generator for maximum flexibility - gas powered generator and a propane powered generator in the same package.
  • How much power do you need? Models range from small units that will power a few essentials (like a lights and fridge) to large ones that can run an entire RV.
  • What’s your budget? Portable generators range in price from around $200 to $2000.
  • How easy is it to use and maintain? Some generators have electric start, which is nice if you don’t want to deal with pull-starting a gas engine. And make sure to get one with a fuel gauge so you don’t run out of juice in the middle of the night.

Do you need an inverter generator for camping?

If you're planning on doing any serious camping, then a portable inverter generator is a necessity. Here's why:

Inverter generators produce clean power. This is important for running electronics like laptops and smartphones, which can be damaged by power surges.

An inverter generator is also much quieter than traditional generators, which is key for not disturbing the peace of nature (and your fellow campers).

Finally, an inverter generator has a higher fuel efficiency rating, meaning you'll save money and hassle in the long run.

So if you're looking for the best possible camping experience, make sure to invest in an inverter generator. It's worth it for the peace of mind and increased enjoyment!

Can you run a generator overnight?

Yes, you can run a generator overnight as long as it is properly sized for your needs.

When sizing a generator, you'll need to take into account the wattage of the devices you plan to run on it. A general rule of thumb is that you should use a generator that's rated at least twice the total wattage of the devices you plan to power. So if you have a 500-watt device, you'll need a generator with a rating of 1000 watts or higher.

Keep in mind that generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), so it's important to keep them well-ventilated and never run them indoors. Also be sure to refuel them outdoors and away from any sources of ignition. Be aware of noise restrictions, some units are quiet generators and some definitely are not.

How loud can a generator be in a campground?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it can vary depending on the specific generator and the campground's rules and regulations. However, most generators emit between 53 and 65 decibels of noise depending on engine speed, design, fuel, so it's best to keep that in mind when choosing a campsite. Quiet generators can be more costly.

Some campgrounds may have noise restrictions in place, so be sure to check with the staff before bringing in a generator. It's also important to be considerate of your fellow campers and refrain from running your portable generator during nighttime hours, especially if people are trying to sleep.

Will a 3500-watt generator run a camper?

Yes, a 3500-watt generator will definitely run a camper. However, the specific amenities that you'll be able to run will depend on the exact model and make of your generator as well as your camper. You should always consult your manual before making any assumptions about what your generator can power. 

Some common things that people use 3500-watt generators to power in their campers include lights, small appliances like a coffee maker or microwave, and charging devices like laptops or phones. Generally speaking, people find that having a 3500-watt generator is plenty of power for most camping needs but ultimately it depends on how you plan to use it.

What is the difference between a generator and a inverter?

The main difference between a generator and an inverter is that a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, while an inverter converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Generators are typically used to power electric devices or charge batteries, while inverters are used to run electric motors. Generators can be powered by fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas, or by renewable sources such as waterfalls or wind turbines. Inverters are powered by electricity from batteries or solar panels.

Is an inverter generator better?

There are a few factors to consider when decide if an inverter generator is right for you. Typically, inverter generators are more expensive than traditional generators. However, they offer several advantages, including quieter operation and cleaner power. Inverter generators are generally smaller and lighter than traditional generators, making them more portable.

If you need a generator for occasional power outages or for powering tools and appliances while camping or tailgating, an inverter generator might be the right choice for you. If you need a generator for construction work or other heavy-duty applications, a traditional generator might be better suited to your needs.

Do I need to ground my generator when camping?

There's no right or wrong answer to this question since it depends on your specific situation and the type of generator you're using. In general, however, grounding your generator can help minimize the risk of electric shock and can also help reduce noise levels.

If you're not sure whether or not you need to ground your generator, it's always best to consult with an expert or with the manufacturer before attempting to do so. And always remember to use caution when handling any type of electrical equipment.

Are batteries better than generators?

Batteries are definitely better than portable generators when it comes to portability and convenience. However, generators tend to be more efficient overall, and they're definitely better for larger power needs.

For smaller power needs, batteries are the way to go. They're portable and easy to use, and they don't require any setup or installation. Plus, they can be used with a wide variety of devices.

For larger power needs, generators are the better option. They're more efficient than batteries, and they can provide more power for longer periods of time. Plus, they're easier to set up and use than batteries.

Best Camping Generator for You

So, whether you’re looking for a generator to take on your next camping trip or one to keep in case of an emergency, we’ve got you covered. We’ve found the best camping generators for every need, and we’re confident that you will find the perfect one for your needs. Check out our top picks and see which one is right for you!

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