How to Get Power When Camping​: The 6 Top Ways

March 31, 2025 | Nate Cord

Whether you’re in an RV or tent, camping is without a doubt one of the best ways you can take a step away from the hustle and bustle of modern society and truly connect with nature. That said, you’re still going to want to enjoy some modern conveniences, like keeping your phone charged, using lights at night, or powering small appliances.

There are a few different ways you can get access to power while camping, depending on your specific power needs, and in this blog, we share the 6 best options.

The 6 top ways to get power when camping include:

1. Campsite Power

If you’re camping on a campsite that has electric hook up points, then the easiest option to use is this.

These electrical hook up pitches will often come with a higher cost than if you were to stay at a non-electric site, but for the convenience that they bring, they’re totally worth it.

All you’ll need is an appropriate camping hook-up cable to safely connect your tent, camper, or caravan to the power supply.

2. Portable Power Banks

Portable power banks are compact, lightweight and super convenient devices that you use to charge smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices while camping.

These rechargeable battery packs come in various capacities, typically measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), with higher capacities providing more charges for your phone, tablet, or other small electronics. Unfortunately, portable power banks will not provide enough power for larger devices like cameras or computers.

Some portable power banks even come with built-in solar panels, enabling you to recharge them using sunlight—although solar charging can be slow and works best as a backup option.

When selecting a power bank for camping, consider factors like battery capacity, charging speed, and durability.

Rugged, waterproof models are ideal for outdoor adventures, ensuring your power source remains functional in unpredictable weather.

We stock a range of high-capacity portable power banks here at Generators Direct, such as the Goal Zero Venture Power Bank or the Goal Zero Sherpa Power Bank, ensuring you stay charged and connected on-the-go.

And if you need any additional help from our experts, give us a call on 01639 849847.

3. Portable Power Stations

If you’re looking for a little more power and versatility than a standard portable power bank, a portable power station is a great option worth looking into.

Unlike compact power banks, which are, as touched on above, designed for charging small devices like phones and tablets, portable power stations offer much higher capacity and also multiple output options, including AC outlets, DC ports, and USB connections.

This is ideal if you want to power larger devices such as laptops, camping fridges, electric grills, and maybe even medical equipment. Typically speaking, 100WH of power should be able to charge your phone about 10 times and a laptop twice, so think about this when deciding which solution is best for you and your individual needs.

Learn more about portable power stations in this guide, and you can browse our complete collection of high-quality power stations here, such as the fan favourite Anker A1720211 Power House 521 Portable Power Station.

4. Solar Panels

Another popular option is a solar panel kit.

This is the perfect solution if you’re looking to be completely self-sufficient with your power needs without having to rely on getting electricity or fuel from elsewhere.

Solar power kits can be used to power a range of devices, from mobile phones to lights to laptops, depending on the size and capacity of the panel. That said, keep in mind that they might be a little more expensive than the other solutions mentioned and might not work as well in areas with limited sunlight.

Learn more about using solar panels on cloudy days, here.

And you can shop our full range of solar power solutions, here.

5. Portable Generators

Next up we have portable generators, which, as it says in the name, is a compact portable high-power solution that can provide reliable energy to multiple high-wattage devices like electric coolers, heaters, or even campervan appliances.

Unlike power banks or power stations that store electricity, portable generators actively generate power by running on fuel sources such as gasoline, propane, or diesel.

There are a number of different portable generators on the market, and they can be categorised into: petrol portable generators, diesel portable generators, inverter portable generators, dual-fuel portable generators & silent portable generators. Discover more about portable generators in this comprehensive guide.

• Petrol portable generators – This type is lighter and easier to transport than diesel-fueled alternatives, and ideal for short-term use, such as during power outages or camping trips. The Ford FG2500iS 2kW Petrol Inverter Generator is a great example of this type of generator.
• Inverter portable generators – These generators use advanced technology to produce clean and safe power for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, mobile phones, and even medical equipment.
• Duel fuel generators – Duel fuel generators can run on two fuel types – usually petrol and LPG – and operate by allowing the engine to run on either one of these fuels. Learn more about whether dual fuel generators are worth it in this blog.

6. Car Battery

Lastly, if you’re only looking at powering 12 volt electronics and appliances on your camping trip, then you could just use your car battery for your electricity.

This is especially handy if you drive an electric vehicle, as you’ll have plenty of power to go around. That said, if you’re using a traditional gas or diesel-powered car, you’ll need to be mindful of battery drainage, as excessive use could leave you stranded without enough power to start your vehicle.

Looking for a Reliable Generator to Power your Camping Trip?

At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847. We’d be more than happy to assist you.