Top 10 Best Camping Generator: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Spending quality time out in the great outdoors is so good for recharging our batteries. Whether in RVs, caravans, campers, or tents, camping out is a great activity for yourself and the whole family. Being close to nature and going off the beaten track during the weekend getaway or longer helps everyone to gather the strength for the following week.

However, many of us, and me especially, are used to modern conveniences like being connected to the GPS to check the map, power the heater, or maybe even a projector to watch a movie. Why not invest in a generator instead of wasting the vehicle’s battery? Believe me, it is a better and more reliable alternative. Therefore, I have made a list of the best camping generators for your needs.

My Top Picks of the Best Camping Generators 

It is a challenge to find the most suitable camping generator that is durable, not too loud, but also runs long enough. There are factors to look into, ranging from the fuel type to maximum output. If you plan to power your mini-fridge or a kettle, you might need to look into stronger generators. But if you need to keep your laptop and phone charged, a smaller and less bulky generator is ideal.

As for me, I was looking for a camping generator to power my sensitive electronics, but I didn’t want to disturb neighboring RVs. Therefore, I advise you to determine what you need a generator for before purchasing one.

For those who are short of time, I have created a table with the most important information about each generator I have tested. Below you will find in-depth reviews of each model to help you narrow down your own picks.

Model	Fuel Type	Run Time	Weight (lbs)	Max Output	Price
Wen 56200i	Gasoline	6 H	48	2000 W	Check Current Price
Jackery 240Wh Explorer	Lithium	3-5 H	6.6	200 W	Check Current Price
Champion 3100	Gasoline	8 H	94.8	2800 W	Check Current Price
Westinghouse iGen1200	Gasoline	9 H	33	1200 W	Check Current Price
Suaoki Portable Power Station	Lithium	1-4 H	2.9	150 W	Check Current Price
Champion 3800	Gasoline / Propane (LPG)	9-10 H	122	3800 W	Check Current Price
Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh/150W	Solar / Lithium	1-4 H	12.8	150 W	Check Current Price
Rockpals 300W	Lithium	4-5 H	7.5	300 W	Check Current Price
Honda EU2200i	Gasoline	8 H	46.5	2200 W	Check Current Price
Champion 3400	Gasoline / Propane (LPG)	7 H	99	3400 W	Check Current Price
Powerhorse 2000	Gasoline	8 H	53	2000 W	No products found.
Westinghouse WGen 3600	Gasoline Propane	14 H	109	3500 W	Check Current Price

1. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant

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What really caught my attention in Wen 56200i is its ergonomic design and lightweight. At a mere 48 pounds, the Wen Portable Generator is easily portable and has a built-in handle for convenient carrying.

Whenever you are ready to leave, just place this generator in the back of the car. It is very compact and comes in very handy to power basic electronics. Even if you have to bring it from the car to the tent, it has a nice design and looks like a suitcase.

In my opinion, it is the best portable generator for camping and using a backup during an outage. What I found really nice about this generator is that it has an eco mode that can charge sensitive devices without frying circuits by automatically adjusting fuel consumption.

Being one of the quietest, Wen 56200i has an OHV engine that runs at only 51 dB for about 6 hours - enough time to enjoy a TV program, cook a meal, or power a small device overnight.

After using Wen 56200i for an extended period, I can confidently say that it is one of my favorite choices for powering my appliances in a campground without disturbing others.

Verdict: I found Wen 56200i a reliable and durable quiet generator. I wouldn’t even think to worry about leaving my sensitive electronics connected to this generation, thanks to its eco-mode feature. If you ever need more wattage, it supports a parallel connection so that you can plug in an identical Wen model. The only issue you may experience is filling it with engine oil.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Wen 56200i Review >

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2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery

 

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Jackery 240Wh Explorer, without a doubt, deserves to be in the top three on my list. Although I was struggling to decide between the two, I gave this one a second place only because of one drawback. Jackery 240Wh can’t support devices more than 200W like a fridge, microwave, blender, or electric grill.

Other than that, it can perfectly handle my phone, digital camera, mini-fridge, and other devices in my RV. I have purchased a Jackety solar panel to charge and recharge simultaneously - a feature to keep your generator at its full battery at all times that I find very convenient.

This portable generator also provides green and eco-friendly clean power solutions for explorers and campers. There are four ports - enough to charge multiple small electronics at once.

What I really like about this camping generator is that there are a few ways to charge it:

• With Jackery Solar Saga 60W/100W (I had to purchase it separately as it is not sold together with the generator)
• With a car outlet
• With a wall outlet

The Jackery 240Wh Explorer is an excellent solar generator, with all the versatile features that you might want in a product of this type and size. It is powerful, portable, and easy to use right out of the box - no need to assemble.

Verdict: For less demanding devices, Jackery 240Wh is suitable. It is compact and lightweight with many useful features. And I like the fact that it can be charged with a Solar Saga add-on. The only downside is that some might find it too weak. However, if your needs are to charge a photo camera or a laptop during a getaway - you won’t experience any problems.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Jackery 240Wh Explorer Review >

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3. Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Wireless Remote Start

 

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In the top three of my best camping generators is Champion 3100. What differentiates it from others is that it can provide enough power to charge demanding appliances without making too much noise. The attractive price also makes it a good choice for many. Like all Champion’s generators, this one is built solidly, too.

Champion 3100 has nice features like an Economy mode and a Clean Power mode to provide stable power which can safely power sensitive electronic devices and appliances.

I can confidently compare Champion 3100 to premium Yamaha and Honda but at a much lower price. So you get the same power, reliability, and durability as other brands on the market and can also save a lot of money.

Verdict: The Champion 3100 is amazing value for money, runs quietly, and is CARB compliant. I think it is a great deal fro money as you get a premium product with all the necessary features and that is also very powerful. Note that the noise level increases with heavier loads.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 3100 Review >

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4. Westinghouse iGen1200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator - 1000 Rated Watts and 1200 Peak Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant

 

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After using Westinghouse iGen1200 for a while, I immediately noticed how quiet it runs, at only 52 dB. I’ve used it outdoors, charging my electronics, and was happy that it didn’t ruin my quiet coffee routine. So it is also good to use in campsites. iGen1200 also produces safe and clean power (<3% THD) as most of the modern campsite generators.

It runs up to 9 hours on a 0.8 Gal Fuel Tank. You can further increase your wattage by combining any two Westinghouse iGen Series Inverter Generators with the Westinghouse Inverter Parallel Cord (sold separately).

Verdict: The Westinghouse iGen1200 campsite generator is a superior, game-changing product that is ideal for small-scale and home usage. It is easy to carry due to its weight and ergonomic handle. For those looking to power larger appliances, I would recommend going for a more powerful campsite generator.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Westinghouse iGen1200 Review >

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5. SUAOKI Portable Power Station, 150Wh/100W Camping Generator Lithium Power Supply

 

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The Suaoki 150Wh generator is so compact it fits into my backpack. The weight of it is only 2.9 lbs - so lightweight, compared to other campsite generators on the market. Because of its small size, it is obvious that I can only power the essentials like my smartphone, camera, and laptop. Yet it is great for a campsite, and it is ultra-portable.

It holds 150wh capacity and 10 various outlet ports, so you can power your phone, tablet, GPS, laptop, camera, drone, festival bulbs, and other devices under 100W. The best part is that you can recharge the generator in 3 methods:

• AC 110v wall socket
• Solar panel kit
• Car cigarette socket

Verdict: The Suaoki Portable Power Station has excellent aesthetics and impressive performance. It’s also lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to pack into a backpack for camping, hiking, a hunting trip, or other outdoor adventures without it becoming burdensome. I find it very portable and useful for smaller electronics.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Suaoki Portable Power Station Review >

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6. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start

 

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I’ve tested before Champion 3100, and it has proven to be a premium-quality generator for my needs. Here I have an older brother Champion 3800 - a much more powerful campsite generator. Compared to the other model, Champion 3800 supports dual fuel (gasoline and propane) and has my favorite start type - electric.

With a simple press on the start button, this powerhouse can easily supply energy to a refrigerator, TV, computer, furnace blower, etc. I’ve used it on my air conditioner during a hot summer day, and it was such a relief to have it running without a stop.

Depending on what you connect it to, it can run up to 9 hours at 50% load with a noise level of 68 dBA. I found it a bit heavy, but the wheels make it easy to move it. It also has a folding handle and never-flat tires.

Verdict: When I was running the Champion 3800 campsite generator, the noise level was a bit too much for my ears. Nevertheless, it is still a versatile and powerful dual fuel portable generator, ideal for anyone with an RV. Also, it’s easy to start and great value for the money!

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 3800 Review >

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7. Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh/150W Portable Generator All-in-one Kit with 20W Built-in Solar Panel

 

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The Renogy Phoenix is probably the only generator I have tested with such an interesting design. Looking just like a regular suitcase, I think it is innovative and brings us the fresh look of generators.

Once you open the case, you can see that the Phoenix is an all-in-one portable solar system with a built-in solar panel. I like that it is easy to carry around and it is easier to fit in the trunk, too, as it takes less space.

It’s perfect for outdoor camping and off-grid activities. It is lightweight and compact and provides 20 watts of power, but it can be expanded up to 100 watts with additional panels. There are 3 ways to recharge it: solar panels (included), a carport, AC wall socket. It has multiple ports (AC, CIG, 2 DC, and 4 USB ports).

Verdict: The Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh/150W is ideal for light use, allowing you to charge your devices on the go safely. Thanks to its affordability and ease of use, it is certainly one of the most convenient ways to tap the sun’s energy. It might not be as powerful as Champions, but it is still a great alternative to take for hiking or camping.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Renogy Phoenix 246.24Wh/150W Review >

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8. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Generator Lithium Portable Power Station

 

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Another super portable camping generator that I really enjoyed using is Rockpals 300W. It is very easy to carry around as it is only 2.2 pounds and it can fit into my backpack. The extendable handle on the top is very appreciated, too.

This is a high capacity 300W portable power station, and it is the perfect power supply to carry on camping or road trips. It can power a laptop, lights, 32’ TV, phones, drones, mini-refrigerator, and other devices. Has pure-sine wave inverter, which provides clean power for sensitive electronics. It has a variety of ports: AC, 4 12V DC, 1 24V DC, and 5 USB ports.

This camping generator can be recharged in three ways: solar panels (60W or 100W) sold separately, wall outlets, and car chargers.

Verdict: After testing it on my camping trip, I really liked how silent it worked. Its ergonomic and compact size is a big advantage if you take only a backpack. It is not bulky at all and is very cost-effective. It’s also ideal for both indoor and outdoor use because of the 280Wh lithium-ion battery. Rockpals 300W has a nice display that shows you all the necessary information.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Rockpals 300W Review >

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9. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

 

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Producing 2200 Watts, I used Honda EU2200i to power my TV and a coffee machine in the RV on a road trip. The power is more than enough for other devices like laptops, phones, and a fridge. Since it is an inverter, it produces stable power, so you can power sensitive equipment with a piece of mind.

Compared to other camping generators that produce a lot of electricity, this one is very quiet, which is definitely a big plus. I noticed that it is also very fuel-efficient and can run for up to 8 hours on a single tank of gas.

Verdict: The Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt is a super quiet, reliable portable inverter generator that is compact and lightweight and runs at maximum efficiency. You will be happy with the number of advanced features it has. And most importantly, it can safely power your electronic appliances. You will have to pay a higher price for this powerhouse, but the value and reliability are worth the price.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Review >

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10. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start

 

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Another Champion on my list is Champion 3100. It is a dual fuel generator, which runs on either gasoline or propane. It produces 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts and can run up to 7.5 hours on gasoline.

Since it is quite heavy, keeping it in the RV or at home as a backup generator is ideal. It also produces clean power (less than 3% THD) for sensitive electronics, such as phones, laptops, etc. It has an ultra-quiet operation - 59 dBA. It is portable with a wheel kit and weighs less than 99 lbs.

Even though it already has enough running watts for me, buying an identical generator and connecting them would be a great solution if you have larger appliances to power.

If you need a generator to work outdoors, I would still recommend this model with a cover accessory. This way, you will be able to work and have your generator run in bad weather.

Verdict: The Champion 3100 dual fuel portable generator is RV-ready and perfect for camping as it runs very quietly and won’t upset your fellow campers! It’s safe to use on your sensitive electronic devices and complies with CARB and EPA regulations. It can also work both indoors and outdoors without a problem. Highly recommend this generator if you have larger appliances to work with.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 3400 Review >

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11. Powerhorse 2000 Portable Inverter Generator - 2000 Surge Watts, 1600 Rated Watts

 

No products found.

No products found.

Powerhorse 2000 was one of the first generators I have used when camping. Some other picks in my list had better features that pushed this one to the button of my rating. However, I didn’t experience any problem with it, except for not having enough running wattage to power my larger electronic.

Having that said, Powerhouse 2000 also produces clean power, safe for sensitive electronics. It is fuel-efficient and quiet. It has an engine smart control system, making it fuel-efficient and reducing noise levels. It has a very quiet 52dB noise level, which is ideal for camping, and it is also  lightweight (weighs only 53 lbs.)

Verdict: The Powerhorse 2000 camping generator is lightweight, quiet, portable, and fuel-efficient. Best of all, it’s a cheaper alternative to some of the more well-known brands, and that makes it a winner in our eyes.

No products found.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Powerhorse 2000 Review >

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12. Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500 Rated Watts & 6850 Peak Watts

 

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As bulky and pricey it is for my needs, WGen3600DF boats an impressive 14-hour running time with a 50% load on a mere 6.6-gallon of gasoline. That translates to more than 2 hours for every gallon of fuel, making it one of the most efficient portable generators in its class. Not only did I find it great for camping, but it has a remote electric start with a push-button - a pretty convenient addition if you ask me.

This model also runs on propane and gasoline fuel and has a propane hose and a regulator included in the purchase. It is a great camping generator with a reliable engine, but some might find it too heavy.

Verdict: The Westinghouse WGen3600DF portable generator is an ideal & affordable generator for backing up the power to your home during outages. It has a push-button start, runs on dual fuel, and is RV-ready. There are plenty of nice features for one generator - both handy at home or when camping. After testing it, I can surely say it has been made of high quality and is very reliable.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Westinghouse WGen 5500 Review >

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How To Choose The Best Generator For Camping?

When choosing the right generator for your camping, RVs, and outdoor activities, you need to take into consideration some of the following factors:

1. Power
2. Quiet Operation
3. Portability: Size & Weight
4. Fuel Availability
5. Conventional vs Inverter vs Solar Generator?

1. Power

A good generator for camping should easily power up and run your 13,500 BTU air conditioner, refrigerator, microwave oven, charge laptops, and cellphones, and even let you watch your favorite shows while you are far from home. In this case, a portable generator with a power output of 3000-watts upwards should suffice, except if you do not run the A/C unit, then you can use a smaller 2,000 watts portable generator. Keep in mind that as the power rating of a generator goes up, so does the size and the noise levels.

2. Quite Operation

Silence is golden. Nowhere is this truth more accurate than on a campsite. You do not want your source of power to be a source of disturbance to you and other campers. A great portable generator for camping out should hum along at a gentle 45dB to 60dB. For comparison, the normal human conversation is measured at 60dB and a vacuum cleaner at 70dB. Generator noise levels are a function of the size of the engine and the load on it. Noise-reducing features may also be built into the design of exhaust mufflers and the casing of the generator.

Keep in mind that noise levels also depend on the distance between the generator and the place where you are sitting or sleeping. You can reduce the noise levels by increasing the distance between you and the generator. For instance, a generator rated at 60 dB will produce a noise level of around 85 dB when it is 5 feet away, but you can bring down the noise levels to around 75 dB by moving it 10 feet away. Typically, you can reduce the noise levels by 6 dB by moving a generator away from you by double the distance.

You should also keep in mind that an individual can suffer hearing loss if they have to experience sustained generator noise levels above 90 dB. Thankfully, a number of noise dampening tools are available in the market in the form of enclosures and other silencer devices to help you reduce the noise levels of generators. Also, see our quiet generator reviews.

3. Portability

You should be able to single-handedly load up your portable generator into the back of your truck without injuring your back, of course. With a compact and lightweight design, a good portable generator is also more likely to be fuel-efficient and run quietly - all features that are ideal for camping. While most larger portable generators come with wheel kits and handles to enhance maneuvrability, a good camping portable generator weighing 50lbs to 70lbs can be easily moved in and out of a truck.

4. Fuel Availability

Another important thing you need to consider is the availability of fuel at your campsite or on the way. Since gasoline is easily available, most people prefer using a generator that uses gasoline, but it’s not that efficient. For instance, you will need around 18 gallons of gasoline to run a 5000 wattage generator for a period of 24 hours. On the other hand, diesel generators are much more efficient, but you will find it difficult to buy one that is portable enough to be used for camping. A typical 20 kW diesel generator will use around 1.6 gallons of fuel per hour on full load.

A propane generator is also a good choice for camping as these are portable and provide clean power. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, you should be able to run a 2 kW unit for a period of around 6 hours with just 1.18 gallons of propane on a 50% load. A good dual fuel generator is a great choice.

An important thing you need to consider is the fuel consumption of the generator on 100% load. Keep in mind that some manufacturers do not list the fuel consumption on full load. Typically, the fuel consumption levels are mentioned at a load of just 25% or 50%. Fuel consumption does not increase linearly. Therefore, do not think that a generator that is rated for fuel consumption of 1 gallon per hour at 50% load will only burn two gallons per hour at 100% load. It’s possible that it might burn 3 gallons or 4 gallons of fuel at 100% load.

5. Conventional vs Inverter vs Solar Generators

Is An Inverter Generator The Best Generator For Camping?

If by now you are already thinking of an inverter generator, you are right on point.

An inverter generator makes good use of advanced electronics to combine all  the major attributes we are looking for – relatively sufficient power, quiet operation and portability in a way that is unmatched by conventional generators. They are also more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. This makes them a very attractive proposition for camping. In addition, power addicts can buy 2 units of a “parallel-ready” model type and connect them to double the power. For most users, however, one unit is usually enough, and you can select appliances to run at a particular point in time so as not to exceed the rated output.

Solar Generators & Camping

Another great option for power generation while camping is investing in a solar power generator. A solar generator allows you to charge the battery inside with the help of solar panels or your household power outlet. The only downside to these generator units is that they have limited power. At best, these can be used as an add-on. Solar generators are not only environmentally friendly but also happen to be extremely quiet and portable. Also, these can be used indoors.

Our #1 Recommended Camping Generator is…

Out of all tested generators for camping, I have picked a clear winner. When it comes to enjoying your camping adventures, choosing the very best generator to power your electronic devices, and providing power for air-con and heating, you cannot go past the Wen 56200i portable generator.

I chose it because of Wen’s great performance and built quality, and of course, the price was just right for my budget. So, in my opinion, many will find the price advantageous for the number of great features it has.

If the noise is a concern for some like it was for me, you’ll be pleasantly happy with the Wen 56200i portable generator as it has only 56 dB, which equals the noise of a dishwasher.