Camping is fun and exciting. You get to make memories with loved ones, relax around a roaring fire and enjoy everything that nature has to offer. However, you want to have some contact with the outside world and have access to some simple electronics so that you are as comfortable as possible and this is where a camping generator is useful.
The best camping generator gives you the power you need when you are in the woods. Since you want a generator for camping that will not be disruptive or hard to get to the campsite, it is important to explore your options, learn more about their features and pick the one that will simplify your camping experience.
In A Hurry? Our Top 5 Generators Compared
Last update on 2022-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 5 Best Camping Generator Options
1. WEN Super Quiet Camping Generator
The WEN Super Quiet Generator for camping is one of the quietest generators, making it a solid choice when you are camping. It is important to be quiet at campgrounds so that you do not disturb the people around you. Due to the low-tone muffler and overall design, the noise level of this generator is comparable to two people talking.
The power put out by this generator is clean. This means that you can plug in any type of electronic without power instability and surges causing damage to them. For example, you can use this unit for televisions and cell phones with a problem.
There are five outlets that you can choose from, depending on the items that you need to power. One of these is a USB port that is ideal for plugging in some of your smaller items to recharge the batteries for future use.
This device meets all requirements to be both CARB and EPA III compliant. Because of this, you can use it without having to worry about any safety issues. Just ensure that you adhere to all usage instructions in the user’s manual.
Get more run-time out of each tank of gas when you use the economy mode. Filling the tank is fast and easy. Keeping an eye on the oil is also simple thanks to the low-oil shutdown feature.
Move this lightweight generator around by using the handle on top of it. This component is built-in so that it is always ready for use.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 1,600 rated watts and 2,000 surge watts
- Noise level: 51 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: Six hours at half load
What We Liked
- You can use it with a parallel kit
- It is easy to maintain
- The unit is a very quiet generator
What We Didn’t Like
- It has a bit less power compared to similar generators but because it’s super quiet, we love it
Our Overall Impression
This generator is very quiet and easy on fuel. Due to these features, it is pleasant to use, and you will save money when it comes to keeping it running.
2. Jackery Portable Generator
The Jackery Portable Camping Generator runs on battery so that you never have to worry about keeping an eye on its fuel level. It has a lithium battery that is strong and durable, allowing you to get multiple charges without needing to recharge the actual unit. On average, you can recharge your laptop computer four times and your cell phone 18 times on a single unit battery charge.
Use this device to power your camping lanterns, mobile electronics and small outdoor cooking appliances. It does not put out any noise, making it perfect for shared campsites since you will not disturb nearby campers. This unit also does not cause any vibration when it is functioning.
You can charge it using one of three methods, giving you some flexibility. It is small and lightweight, so you can carry it with you when you need to hike to your desired camping area. There is a handle that makes it convenient to carry.
There are a few outlet types so that you can plug in multiple items. It is also possible for more than one person to use this device at the same time since it has more than one outlet on it.
- Fuel type: Lithium battery
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Charging methods: Car, wall outlet or solar
- Estimated recharging time: Eight to 10 hours
What We Liked
- It is easy to use
- This device is very lightweight
- You can use it for mobile devices safely
What We Didn’t Like
- The capacity may be a bit lower than advertised
Our Overall Impression
It uses a pure sine wave to provide power to your items. This means that there is no risk to your sensitive electronics when you plug them in. You can use several recharging options, making it easy to keep your device ready to use.
3. ROCKPALS Portable Generator
The ROCKPALS Portable generator for camping is a good choice for camping because you can use it for things like mobile devices and lighting. It can even work for things like a CPAP machine so that you have everything that you need to be comfortable when you are out in the woods.
The lithium battery holds a charge well, giving you plenty of time to charge your necessary items. For example, you can charge a laptop about three times and a cell phone about 25 times before you have to recharge the device’s battery. You can charge items that plug into USB, AC and 12-volt outlets, as all of these are present on the body of the unit.
It has an inverter that puts out pure sine waves. The engine is also effective, but also gentle. This means that your most sensitive electronics get the charge they need without any risk of damage.
There is a fan on the side of this unit that keeps it cool when you are using it for long periods of time. When the device is operating, it is very quiet. There are no exhaust fumes since it does not use any gasoline to keep it running.
- Fuel type: Lithium battery
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Charging methods: Car, solar and wall outlet
- Estimated recharging time: Eight hours
What We Liked
- There are USB ports
- It has pure sine waves
- You can charge it fast
What We Didn’t Like
- The charge may deplete too quickly
Our Overall Impression
You can recharge the battery using three different methods, ensuring optimal convenience. It charges within eight hours so that you do not have to wait long to start using the device.
4. Pulsar Gas-Powered Generator
The Pulsar Gas-Powered generator for camping has enough wattage to operate any standard camping item from electric frying pans to fans that you can put inside your tent. Add up to 1.18 gallons of gas to the tank so that when you are only loading the generator up halfway, you get about six hours of operation before you need to shut it down and add more fuel.
The low decibel level of this unit ensures that you do not bother people who are setting up camp near you. It also will not keep you awake when it is time to sleep.
You get clean power thanks to the stable sine wave technology. This feature ensures the safety of your small electronics when you are using this generator to power them.
There are four outlet options so that you can plug in several things at once. This makes it easy to keep your essential items ready to use at the campsite.
If you need more power when you are out in the woods, you can use a parallel cable to connect this device to another of the same generator. When you do this, you are getting more wattage for the safe operation of more electronics.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 1,800 running watts and 2,300 peak watts
- Noise level: 59 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: Six hours at half load
What We Liked
- It has an economy mode
- This generator operates quietly
- You can use it with a parallel kit
What We Didn’t Like
- It may require more maintenance than similar generators
Our Overall Impression
This is a portable generator that is easy to move around. Because of this, it is a good choice for camping since you can carry it through the woods easily. It only weighs 47 pounds.
5. WEN Portable Generator
The WEN Portable Camp Generator has enough power to run key items when you are on a camping trip. Keep your mobile devices, some electronic cookware, a fan and some lights in power with this device.
To start the engine, there is a pull cord. You do not need to use a lot of effort to engage the engine fast. The engine is highly durable and designed to run for several hours without losing any of its efficiency or power.
Since this unit does not weigh a lot, you can carry it to your campsite without minimal effort. On top of the device is a handle that furthers how easy it is to get this generator from your vehicle to where you plan to pitch your tent.
The 120-volt outlet is ideal for most items that you will take on a camping trip. You can use this device with confidence since it is CARB and EPA III compliant.
The housing is high in quality so that you do not have to worry about accidental damage when you are moving it around and leaving it outside at a campsite. Just ensure that it does not get wet due to the electrical hazard.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 900 running watts and 1,000 starting watts
- Noise level: 95 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: Five hours at half load
What We Liked
- The fuel tank holds a full gallon of gas
- It weighs under 39 pounds
- Its engine runs at 1.2 horsepower
What We Didn’t Like
- It is louder than comparable generators
Our Overall Impression
This generator is easy to assemble and operate. It is ideal for recreational activities, to power some items in your home and at a worksite.
Camping Generator Buying Guide
After examining the details of the best camping generators, it is time to learn what all of the features and lingo mean. Here you will get answers to all of the questions that you have to make sure that you can narrow down your list of the best generators for camping to the one that best fits your needs.
- Do Camping Generators Use Batteries?
- Can You Use Solar Power with this type of Generator?
- What is the Best Power Source for these types of Generators?
- What Are Surge and Rated Watts on these types of Generators?
- Should You Ground a Camping Generator?
- Can Camping Generators Get Wet?
- Are Camping Generators Loud?
- How Often Do You need to Charge the Best Camping Generators?
- How Do You Safely Use these Generators?
- Does the Best Camping Generator Produce Emissions?
- Should the Best Camping Generator Be CARB Compliant?
- What Can You Use this type of Generator For?
- How Portable Are These Generators?
Do Camping Generators Use Batteries?
Some of these generators use batteries and others use gasoline. The ones with batteries have a rechargeable type so that you do not have to frequently replace batteries.
Can You Use Solar Power with a Camping Generator?
For some of the battery-powered generators, they can use solar energy to power the battery. This can make it easier to ensure that you always have a full charge.
What is the Best Power Source for a Generator Used for Camping?
The power source you choose is ultimately up to you. Gasoline is relatively inexpensive, easy to obtain and you do not have to charge it. With a battery, you do need to charge it, but it can save money in the long run because you will not have to keep purchasing it like you do with gas.
What Are Surge and Rated Watts on Camping Generators?
When you turn on an appliance or similar electrical item, the engine needs to engage. This requires surge watts. Once the engine is going, you need to ensure that it continues to run. Here you have your rated watts. Think of the surge watts as the kick that gets the item going and the rated watts as those that ensure that it keeps running after it comes on.
Should You Ground a Camping Generator?
This is especially important if you are using a gas generator. Grounding your generator protects you from being electrocuted if you touch it when it is running. To ensure proper grounding, you should refer to the related instructions in your owner’s manual.
Can Camping Generators Get Wet?
It is very important that your generator remain dry at all times. This includes when it is running and when you have it in storage.
Are Camping Generators Loud?
Since these generators are small, they tend to be relatively quiet. The majority of them will be quieter than a vacuum cleaner. Due to the low noise level, they are considered a good choice for camping because you will not disturb anyone who sets up camp near you.
How Often Do You Need to Charge the Camping Generators?
This will depend on the capacity of the battery. Some can run for most of the day while others need to be charged approximately every eight hours. The average run-time for the battery on a full charge will be listed in the specifications.
How Do You Safely Use these Generators?
Start by reading the manual so that you set it up properly. From here, you want to use the same precautions you would use with other electrical items, such as keeping them dry and performing all necessary routine maintenance on time.
You must also consider the placement of the generator. This is especially important for gas generators since they put out carbon monoxide. If you are too close to the generator or you do not ventilate properly, carbon monoxide poisoning is possible. Also, never keep your generator indoors.
Does the Best Camping Generator Produce Emissions?
Camping generators that use gasoline as its fuel source can produce emissions. However, due to the size of these generators, the emissions are typically minimal. The generators that are powered by a battery do not release any emissions. However, both options are considered to be eco-friendly.
Should the Best Camping Generator Be CARB Compliant?
If you are using a gasoline generator, it is imperative that it is CARB compliant. This level of compliance ensures that you are safe, as are your electronics, when you are using the generator. It also guarantees that all associated CARB guidelines are being followed regarding the design and features of the generator.
What Can You Use these Generators For?
These generators will not have the power for things like refrigerators and air conditioners. However, you can use them for things like powering a laptop or mobile device. You can also get power for a small cooking appliance or to charge a lantern so that you have your camping essentials ready to use.
How Portable Are These Generators?
Since these are meant for camping, they tend to be small in size. They often have handles built in so that you can easily lift and carry them to your campsite. Most of these generators will weigh 50 pounds or less.
