Best 5 Portable Generators for Camping in 2024

Imagine this: You've reached your favorite camping spot to spend a weekend. You've decided to set up your tent and grab some firewood to build the campfire. Now, you plan to listen to the music, light up the space to make the campsite feel like home, and prepare some delicious meals with the help of an outdoor electric grill. In order to charge these outdoor appliances, you'll need the best portable generator for camping.

The backup power source will keep portable speakers running so the music doesn't stop and even supply electricity to the electric cooler for comfortable tent camping. If you love cooking outdoor meals while camping, a powerful solar generator can charge cooking equipment such as an electric stove, induction cooktop, freezers, ice makers, electric grills, etc. This guide will walk you through the best solar generators for camping and factors to consider before choosing one.

What Size Portable Generator for Camping

When thinking of camping, many people picture a big, shiny RV hitting the road. Since an RV requires more power, you'll need to decide on the generator size depending on the RV appliances, such as refrigerators, ACs, etc.

Here's an overview of the type and size of generator you would need for RVs:

For a Class B Van with one AC unit: 2,000 - 3,600W

For a Class C Van with one AC unit: 2,800 - 4,000W

For a Class A RV with two AC units: 5,500 - 8,000W

For a Class A RV with three AC units: 10,000 - 12,000W

For a Fifth Wheel with two AC units: 5,500 - 7,000W

Now that you've got an idea of the right size generator for RVs, here are different types of camping and the required generator size:  

Day Camping: 300 to 1,000 Watts

If you're going on a one-day trip with essential appliances such as a smartphone, camera, drone, speaker, and basic lights, you will need at least 300W—1000W of electricity. A generator with 300W of output power can charge crucial appliances and gadgets, such as phones and camping lights. In contrast, if you are planning a trip with multiple devices per person, 1000W of output power is required to keep appliances running for hours.

Backpack Camping: 100 - 300 Watts

If you love backpack camping or want to hike into a remote location, you'll need a reliable and portable generator for camping that can supply at least 100W—300W of output power. It should be compact, lightweight, and portable so you can pack it in your backpack and camp outdoors. The generator will help you charge essential backpack appliances, such as lights, cameras, GPS devices, drones, etc.

Tent Camping: 1000 - 2000 Watts

For those who prefer tent camping, a midsize generator that is lightweight and portable should be your ideal pick.  A quiet portable generator for camping with a power output of 1000W - 2000W is sufficient to charge essential appliances such as small refrigerators, lights, and a phone charger. It's also ideal for those planning to build an outdoor camp kitchen with crucial cooking equipment such as electric grills, stoves, etc.

Dispersed Camping: 1500 - 2000 Watts

When dispersed camping in more remote locations where access to electricity is difficult, you would need a large generator with an output of 1500W—2000W. The portable generator for dispersed camping will help you charge outdoor appliances such as a compact fridge, camping light, outdoor grills, fans, phones, air coolers, and even navigation tools.

Family Camping: 500 - 2000 Watts

Planning a camping trip with your entire family increases the power needs and the appliances you will carry. A portable generator with a 500W—2000W or higher output can effectively meet the power needs of your family camping. The generator size ensures a power supply to multiple portable fans, smartphones, and even a small coffee maker.

RV Camping: 2000 - 7000 Watts

The RV camping generator will directly depend on the RV appliances you want to run at the same time. A small or midsize RV requires a 3,500-watt generator that suits most camper sizes. However, larger campers with heavy-duty appliances would need a larger generator with 6000 - 7000W of output power. Such large solar generators for RVs can efficiently charge air conditioners, refrigerators, lights, microwaves, etc., for hours.

Car/Truck Camping: 3000 - 4000 Watts 

Car and truck camping means you'll be away from the electricity source most of the time, so you must choose a large solar-powered and portable generator. A solar portable generator for camping with an output of 3000 - 4000W is ideal for most car or truck camping trips that require the use of car camping lights, portable fans, portable ACs, and even outdoor kitchen equipment. It should be compact in design so the generator can fit in the vehicle's rear compartment.

Winter Camping: 2000 - 3000 Watts

Camping in winter means you'll need essential appliances to keep yourself warm. A generator with an output of 2000W—3000W is ideal for charging electric heaters, heated blankets, and lights. Whether you're planning a winter camping trip in a tent or a car, this generator size ensures you'll have enough to keep yourself warm and cook meals in freezing conditions.

Best 5 Portable Generators for Camping

The best portable generators for camping will depend on the wattage consumption of the appliances being charged simultaneously and the available features. Jackery offers a wide range of solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels that can be carried to outdoor camping locations. Depending on the different types of camping, here we will recommend 5 best camping generators from Jackery:

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus: Best for One-Day & Backpack Camping

The lightweight Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is suitable for one-day and backpack camping adventures that require small appliances such as smartphones, lights, portable fans, etc. The portable solar power generator for camping weighs only 8.27 lbs and seamlessly fits the backpack for easy movement. You can even use the foldable handle to transport the solar-powered generator to campgrounds or when hiking to remote locations.

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus: Best for Family Camping

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is suitable for family camping trips where you want to charge several electronics, such as smartphones, lights, heated blankets, fans, etc. The solar-powered generator's foldable handle and ergonomic design ensure quick movement to outdoor locations. You can store the battery backup in your car's rear compartment, so you never have to worry about power in remote locations.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus: Best for Tent Camping

When camping in a tent, you need a lightweight and compact solar-powered generator that charges most camping appliances for hours. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can charge 99% of camping appliances and does not emit any noise when operating. It works using free solar energy, meaning you can use it inside your tent without worrying about toxic fumes or gases.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus: Best for RV & Dispersed Camping

The large and versatile Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an excellent option for those planning an extended RV or dispersed camping trip. The solar-powered generator can charge up to 99% of outdoor camping appliances, such as ACs, refrigerators, etc. It features double wheels, a pull rod, and a foldable handle to ease the movement in and out of the RV. It can also charge electric heaters, heated blankets, etc., to keep you comfortable during winter camping.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro: Best for Car/Truck Camping

The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is suitable for extended car or truck camping trips where appliances need to be charged on the move. Its large battery capacity means it can charge 99% of outdoor camping appliances for long hours. Despite the large battery capacity, the versatile solar-powered generator features a pull rod and double wheels for easy movement to the campground.

Features to Consider

When it comes to choosing a portable generator for camping, you need to consider a few factors, such as safety, budget, multiple outlets, etc. The choice of the best portable generator will depend on your needs and budget references. Let's explain each factor briefly:

Safety

Safety is of utmost priority when choosing the best portable generators for camping. Gas-powered generators, for example, emit a lot of toxic fumes and noise, making them less desirable for camping. On the contrary, solar generators are quiet, clean, and safe charging solutions that can charge appliances inside the RV, car, or tent.

Budget

Next, you need to consider your budget before picking the generator for your camping needs. If you have a tight budget, you can always go for a lightweight and compact generator. On the other hand, if you have a decent budget, you can consider a solar-powered generator with a large capacity. The higher the capacity of the generator, the more appliances it can charge.

Multiple Outlets

The higher the number of outlets of the generator, the more appliances it can charge at the same time. Jackery Solar Generators feature multiple output ports to charge a variety of appliances, such as smartphones, fans, etc., at the same time.

Portable and Easy to Move

The best camping generator should be portable by nature. It should have a foldable handle or double wheels so you can carry it to campgrounds or wherever you need power. The large Jackery Portable Power Stations feature foldable handles and double wheels, so you don't have to worry about power anywhere you go.

Easy to Set up

You definitely don't want to spend time installing the generator in a camping location. Therefore, it's better to look for a solar generator that has a plug-and-play function. You can connect the portable power station and solar panels together to start charging the appliances anywhere.

FAQs

What size portable generator do I need for camping?

A 1000 - 2000W should be sufficient to charge essential appliances during camping trips. However, the exact size of the generator will depend on how many appliances you are planning to charge simultaneously and for how long. For example, if you want to charge a phone (29W), lights (20W), and small freezer (200W) with the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, the running time will be:

Running Time = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 1264Wh × 0.85 ÷ 249W = 4.3H

Note: We are multiplying by 0.85 to account for the power loss happening when charging the appliances.

Are generators worth it for camping?

Yes, generators can be worth it for camping since they offer a reliable power source, especially in remote locations where electricity is not available. These generators can charge essential appliances such as fans, camp kitchen equipment, etc.

Are portable generators worth having?

Yes, portable generators are a cost-effective way to offer power during camping and other outdoor adventures. You can pack the generator in your car or RV and charge appliances anywhere you want. It can also act as an emergency power supply source during unexpected blackouts or power outages.

What is the difference between a portable generator and a portable inverter generator? 

Portable inverter generators are small, lightweight, and more fuel-efficient charging solutions than traditional portable generators. While a portable inverter protects sensitive electronics during charging, a portable solar-powered generator can charge most outdoor appliances for long hours.

What will a 7500-watt portable generator run? 

A 7500W portable generator can charge most small and large appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, lights, ACs, TVs, and water heaters.

Can you run a generator all night at a campground?

It depends on the rules of the campground. For instance, many campgrounds allow the usage of generators for the whole night but may have restrictions like a 60dB noise limit or quiet hours.

Conclusion

The best portable generator for camping will vary depending on the type of camping trip you plan and for how many days. Whether you're looking for the best generator that's large enough to charge most appliances in an RV or a portable generator to be carried along for tent camping, you may consider checking out Jackery's line of solar-powered generators. The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is ideal for extended car or RV camping trips. In contrast, the lightweight Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus would be suitable for short one-day or backpack camping trips.