Heading into the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to leave modern comforts behind. The right portable power station can keep your phones charged, your mini-fridge cool, and your campsite illuminated, turning a rustic trip into a glamping experience. Whether you’re running a CPAP machine, powering a projector for outdoor movies, or simply keeping your camera batteries full, reliable power is a game-changer.
With so many options on the market, from compact solar generators to high-capacity powerhouses, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you ten of the top-performing battery packs for camping. We’ve evaluated them based on capacity, portability, charging speed, and overall value to help you find the perfect power source for your next adventure.
Our Top Picks for Camping Power Stations
- Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
- Anker 521 Portable Power Station Upgraded with LiFePO4 Battery
- Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station, Yeti 500
- EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Pro
- BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station
- Jackery SolarSaga 100W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
- Anker 727 Charging Station (GaNPrime 100W)
- BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180
- Anker 535 Portable Power Station (512Wh)
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
For campers who need serious power without the serious weight, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a top contender. It boasts a substantial 1,070Wh capacity and a 1,500W AC output, capable of running everything from a camping fridge to an electric kettle. Despite its power, it remains remarkably portable at just 23.8 pounds with a convenient foldable handle, making it an excellent choice for road trips and base camps.
One of its most impressive features is the incredibly fast charging capability. With emergency charging activated via the Jackery App, this power station can go from zero to 100% in just one hour. Engineered with advanced ChargeShield 2.0 technology, it charges safely and efficiently. Furthermore, the durable LiFePO4 battery maintains over 70% of its original capacity after 4,000 charge cycles, offering a lifespan that exceeds 10 years.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station
The Anker 521 is a compact but mighty power station perfect for weekend campers. Its 256Wh capacity is ideal for charging phones, laptops, and small appliances. With SurgePower technology, it provides a robust 300W output that can peak at 600W, allowing it to handle higher-demand devices with ease during your outdoor activities.
This unit is built to last, featuring InfiniPower technology that combines LiFePO4 batteries, advanced temperature control, and a durable exterior for a lifespan of up to 10 years. It also functions as a complete multi-device charging hub with six diverse ports, including two AC outlets, two USB-A, one 60W USB-C, and a car outlet to meet all your charging needs on the move.
Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station, Yeti 500
The Goal Zero Yeti 500 is designed for the rugged outdoors, offering a reliable 499Wh power source. It can run air pumps, portable fridges, and pellet grills with its 500W AC power output and 1000W surge capability. Its build is suited for various environments, making it a trustworthy companion for tailgating, camping, and home backup.
Like other premium models, it features an upgraded LiFePO4 battery that supports over 4,000 cycles for more than a decade of daily use. A standout feature is its high-speed charging mode, which can fully recharge the unit in about 90 minutes. This is perfect for those last-minute trips when you realize your power station isn’t charged.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER 2 Pro
The EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Pro stands out with its industry-leading charging speed. Using EcoFlow’s X-Stream fast charging technology, you can fully recharge this 768Wh power station using an AC outlet in only 70 minutes. This means less time plugged in and more time using your gear.
With an output of up to 1600W via its X-Boost mode, this unit can power about 80% of home appliances, including high-wattage ones. It features 11 outlets, allowing you to run or charge all your devices simultaneously. The LFP Long-Life Battery can be recharged more than 3000 times before hitting 80% capacity, which translates to nearly 10 years of regular use.
BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station
The BLUETTI AC70 offers a great balance of capacity and portability with its 768Wh LiFePO4 battery. With a 1000W inverter and 2000W power lifting capability, it provides enough power for all your essential devices during a road trip or camping excursion. It’s a versatile solution for keeping your electronics running off-grid.
Charging is both simple and swift. A single cable is enough for AC input, taking it from 0-80% in just 45 minutes and to a full charge in 1.5 hours. For sustainable power, it supports up to 500W solar input, allowing you to fully recharge the generator in under 2.5 hours using clean solar energy.
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel
For campers planning extended off-grid stays, the Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panel is an essential accessory. Its innovative bifacial design generates power from both sides of the panel, boosting the overall power output by an impressive 30%. This means you can harvest more energy in the same amount of time.
Setup is quick and easy with two included kickstands that hold the panel firmly on any surface. The TPE rubber handle makes it easy to carry to the sunniest spot at your campsite. Covered with high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells, this panel achieves a conversion efficiency of 25%, outperforming many conventional panels.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Jackery Explorer 300 is an excellent entry-level power station for light camping and charging small electronics. With a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, it provides a stable and safe 300W of power through its Pure Sine Wave AC outlets. Weighing only 7.1 pounds, it is highly portable for various off-grid activities.
Recharging is flexible and fast; you can recharge 80% of the battery in just 2 hours using a wall outlet and the 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. It features a total of six ports, including AC, USB-C, USB-A, and a DC car port, allowing you to charge up to six devices at once to meet all your basic outdoor power needs.
Anker 727 Charging Station
It’s important to note that the Anker 727 is a charging station, not a battery. This makes it perfect for campers who have access to a power outlet, such as at a campground facility or in an RV. It consolidates all your charging into one sleek, compact unit that’s about the size of a large smartphone.
This 6-port power strip includes two AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. With a maximum output of 100W from its GaNPrime technology, it can supercharge a MacBook Pro 16″ to 50% in just 43 minutes. Its slim, space-saving design is ideal for travel.
BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180
For those who need more capacity and output, the BLUETTI AC180 is a formidable choice. It packs a 1152Wh LiFePO4 battery that can be fully charged in just one hour with a 1440W AC input. This ensures you have a substantial power reserve ready to go whenever you need it, making it great for group camping or longer trips.
The AC180 boasts a 1800W output with a peak of 2700W, accessible via the BLUETTI App, allowing it to handle almost any appliance you plug in. It features eight outlets to power multiple devices at once. With a 500W solar input, you can also achieve a full charge in under 3.5 hours using only solar energy.
Anker 535 Portable Power Station
The Anker 535 Portable Power Station offers a solid 512Wh capacity for campers who need a reliable mid-size power source. It is designed to keep your essential gear powered through a weekend trip, from lights and fans to communication devices and small kitchen appliances.
This power station provides a versatile set of ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Its robust build quality and dependable performance are characteristic of the Anker brand, making it a trustworthy option for outdoor use. It strikes a good balance between capacity and portability for most camping scenarios.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery Packs for Camping
When I’m picking out a power station for a trip, the first thing I look at is capacity, which is measured in watt-hours (Wh). Think of this as the size of your power bank’s gas tank. A higher Wh rating means it can store more energy and run your devices longer. For a simple weekend trip to keep phones and a small light charged, something in the 150-300Wh range is often plenty. If I’m planning to power a portable fridge, a CPAP machine, or lots of camera gear for multiple days, I aim for 500Wh or more. It’s a balance, though, because more capacity usually means a bigger, heavier unit.
Next up is the battery chemistry. You’ll mostly find Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion). I now strongly prefer LiFePO4. These batteries are a bit heavier for their capacity, but they last much longer—often 3000+ charge cycles compared to 500-1000 for Li-ion. They’re also inherently safer and more stable, which is a huge plus when the battery is sitting in a hot car or a dusty campsite. For something I’m counting on for years of adventures, the longevity of LiFePO4 is a game-changer.
Output ports are what let you actually plug your stuff in. I always check for a good mix. Multiple AC outlets (pure sine wave is best for sensitive electronics) are essential for laptops or small appliances. Several USB-A and at least one or two high-wattage USB-C ports are a must for modern phones and tablets. A 12V car outlet is also super handy for plugging in car-style accessories like air compressors. Make a quick list of what you’ll need to power simultaneously to ensure the station you choose can handle it.
Finally, consider how you’ll recharge it. Solar compatibility is a big one for off-grid camping. Look for a unit with a high solar input rating (e.g., 200W or more) so it can recharge reasonably fast with a compatible solar panel. Recharging from a car outlet is slower but useful while driving between sites. And of course, wall outlet charging is the fastest way to top up before you head out. Portability matters, too; check the weight and if it has a comfortable handle, because you’ll be the one carrying it. By thinking through these points—capacity, chemistry, outputs, and recharging—you can find the perfect battery pack to keep your campsite powered up.
FAQ
What size battery pack do I need for a weekend camping trip?
For a typical weekend trip where you just need to keep phones, a Bluetooth speaker, and a few LED camp lights running, a battery pack in the 150 to 300 watt-hour (Wh) range is usually sufficient. I find this size is a great balance between power and portability. To be sure, add up the watt-hours of the devices you plan to charge. For example, if your phone has a 15Wh battery and you charge it three times, that’s 45Wh. A 300Wh unit gives you plenty of headroom for a couple of devices without being overkill.
Can I take a portable power station on a plane?
This is a common question, and the answer is very specific. The FAA and most international airlines allow portable power stations in carry-on luggage only, but there is a strict limit on the battery capacity. The unit must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh) to be allowed without any special permission. Some airlines may allow units between 101-160Wh with prior approval, but anything over 160Wh is almost always prohibited. Always check your specific airline’s regulations before you even think about heading to the airport with one.
What’s the difference between a power station and a solar generator?
This is mostly a marketing distinction. Technically, a “power station” is the battery unit itself with all its outlets. A “solar generator” is typically a kit that includes both the power station and compatible solar panels for recharging. However, the terms are often used interchangeably. The key thing to look for is whether the power station is solar-compatible, meaning it has a specific DC input port for connecting solar panels. If you buy a unit labeled as a solar generator, just confirm it actually includes the panels, as sometimes it’s just the station sold alone.
How long does it take to recharge a camping battery pack?
Recharge times can vary a lot depending on the capacity of your unit and the method you use. Wall charging is almost always the fastest; a large 500Wh station might take 6-8 hours to fill from empty using an AC outlet. Car charging is slower and depends on your vehicle’s 12V outlet. Solar charging time depends entirely on the wattage of your solar panel and sun conditions. With a 100W panel in ideal sun, you might recharge a 300Wh station in about 4-5 hours, but real-world conditions like clouds can double that time. When reviewing the best battery packs for camping, I always check the manufacturer’s stated recharge times for a clearer picture.
Are these battery packs safe to use inside a tent?
Yes, modern portable power stations are generally safe to use in a well-ventilated tent because they don’t produce fumes like fuel-powered generators. However, you should still follow some basic safety rules. Keep the unit dry and out of any potential condensation or rain. Don’t cover it with blankets or clothing while in use, as it needs to dissipate heat. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight inside the tent, which can cause it to overheat. Using a LiFePO4 battery pack can offer additional peace of mind due to its superior thermal stability.