Looking for a portable and quiet generator to take on your camping trips? These are the 10 best camping generators of 2023 – your alternative power source for camping.
If you’re planning on spending some quality time outdoors alone or with friends and family, you’ll need a reliable power supply system to make your camping trip fun and worthwhile.
However, finding a camping generator that offers- portability, efficiency, and quietness can be tricky.
This is because there are numerous options to choose from.
Fortunately, this article reveals the 10 best camping generators of 2023- alternative power sources for camping.
So, you don’t have to stress yourself going through dozens of options on the market.
All you have to do is pick the one that suits your preferences from this list.
Our Top 10 Camping Generators At A Glance
| S/N | Our Word | Product Link |
| 1 | Overall Best Camping Generator | Jackery Portable Power Station |
| 2 | Best Lightweight and Quiet Gasoline-Powered Generator | WEN 56203i |
| 3 | Best Portable Dual-fuel Generator | Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator |
| 4 | Best Lightweight Solar Generator | FF FLASHFISH G300 Solar Generator |
| 5. | Best Ultralightweight Solar Powered Generator | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen160s |
| 6. | Best Portable Fuel-Efficient Gasoline Powered Generator | PowerSmart Portable Generator, 2200 Watts Inverter Generator |
| 7. | Best Portable Gas-Powered Generator | Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
| 8. | Best High-Capacity Gas-Powered Generator | Briggs & Stratton P2400 |
| 9. | Best Gas-Powered Camping Generator | Generac 76711 GP1200i 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator, |
| 10. | Overall Best Heavy-duty Dual-fuel Generator | Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV |
Overall Best Heavy-duty Dual-fuel Generator
10 Best Camping Generators- An Introduction
The best camping generators would offer portability, efficiency, and quietness- all in one.
This is so for several reasons.
Firstly, it should be portable because you’ll be moving around with it a lot, unlike the generators in our homes that are mostly stationary.
So, camping generators should be easily moveable. It shouldn’t weigh anything less than 50 to 250 pounds.
Ideally, the average weight should be 105 pounds or less. Also, a good camping generator should be quiet.
Now, quiet here doesn’t mean the generator wouldn’t make any sound; that’s next to impossible.
Instead, it should produce less noise than other regular generators.
A generator’s quietness is measured in decibels – the loudness or noise level.
Furthermore, the noise level is represented as dBA.
The noise level of a quiet generator is usually between 50-65 dBA.
Whereas anything higher than 60-80 dBA is considered noisy.
Now you know how portable and quiet your camping generator should be.
Let’s discuss other essential features you can’t afford to ignore in any camping generator you intend to buy.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Camping Generators- Alternative Camping Power Source
There are several camping generators out there.
As such, it’s easy to get carried away with fancy designs and lose track of the important features.
However, with a mental note or checklist of the essential features the generator ought to have, it’s easier to get the best one that’ll meet your specific needs.
So, here are the key features to look out for when picking the best camping generator.
Power Output
You should check the power output when buying a camping generator to serve as your alternative power source at your campsite.
This is measured in watts; the ideal power watts you need will depend on the appliances you want to power with the generator.
Specifically, you’ll need more watts to run heavy appliances like washing machines and refrigerators and more than you’ll need to power smart devices like phones, tablets, etc.
So, to determine the right power wattage for you, you need to compare the wattage of the electronic devices you’ll be using in camp with that of the generator you want to buy.
Both need to match up with each other.
More so, if you plan on plugging in multiple devices at once, you need to be sure that the generator can handle such a workload at once.
Low power output won’t power your devices efficiently, and too much power output will damage your devices.
Overall, a 2000-watt power capacity should be enough to power your basic camping devices.
Fuel Type
Camping generators can be powered by either propane, gasoline, or diesel.
Furthermore, some are dual-fuel generators—meaning they can use either propane or gasoline.
You could go for whichever suits your preference.
However, the ideal thing to do is to go with the fuel type that’s easily accessible around your camping area/region.
One thing to note about fuel-powered generators for camping is that, they’re not like the traditional fuel-powered generators.
This means that they produce fewer harmonic distortions and toxins in the air.
Hence, they’re eco-friendly and safe to use for sensitive devices.
This is because they’re built on inverter technology instead of internal combustion engines [I.C.E] as you’ll find in most traditional generators.
Alternatively, you could go for a solar-powered generator.
Solar-powered generators do not require fuel to function.
Rather, they rely on solar energy and conserve energy in their batteries to function.
Hence, you can save money on fuel costs.
Overall, weigh your options and decide on the best one to go for.
Ports,
Of course, you’ll need ports and AC outlets to connect your devices to this generator.
So, ensure that whatever generator you pick has the necessary ports and outlets to make this happen.
Durability
Another thing you’d want to look out for is the sturdiness of the generator.
A sturdy and well-built generator will be able to withstand the harshness of the outdoors and frequent movement.
The durability of a device, generators included, depends on the materials used to construct the device.
So, the best camping generator- an alternative camping power supply will be designed with high-quality material to ensure durability.
Special/Additional Features
Everyone likes bonuses or special features, and so do you.
So, having the best camping generators with several essential features would be nice.
Special features like parallel compatibility, a low oil warning system, a recoil start, and a smart throttle economy, among others, should be present in the generator.
These features will enhance the generator’s efficiency and give you an enjoyable experience.
Budget/Price
This is all about how much you’re willing to or can conveniently invest in getting a good camping generator.
You do not have to drain your pocket to get one.
Fortunately, camping generators are not so high-end.
You could get an excellent generator within a budget of $200- $600 and above.
Specs For The 10 Best Camping Generators of 2023 – Alternative Power Source For Camping
| Generator | Wattage | Noise Level | Weight/ Runtime | Type |
| Jackery Portable Power Station | Starting 200W Running N/A | None | 6.6 pounds Battery run time of up to 3-6 hours | Rechargeable |
| WEN 56203i | Starting 2000W Running 1700W | 51dBA at quarter load | 39 pounds 7 hours on 50% load | Gasoline powered |
| Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator | Starting 3400W Running 3100W | 59 dBA at 23 feet | 95.7 pounds 7.5 hours on gasoline | Dual-fuel (Gasoline/Propane) |
| FlashFish 60000mAh Portable Generator | Starting 300W Running N/A | None | 5.6 pounds Battery runtime Up to 6 hours | Rechargeable |
| Westinghouse iGen160s Portable Power Station | Starting 150W Running100W | None | 3.75 pounds Can charge your devices multiple times on a single charge. | Rechargeable |
| PowerSmart Portable Generator | Starting 2200W Running 1900W | 58dBAfrom 23feet | 42.5 pounds 10 hours | Gasoline-powered |
| Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator | Starting 2300W Running 1900W | 53-56 dBA From 13 feet | 51 pounds 8 hours at 50% load | Gasoline-powered |
| Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart | Starting 2400W Running 1800W | 58dBA | 50.4 pounds 8 hours | Gasoline-powered |
| Generac 76711 GP1200i 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator | Starting1200W Running 1000W | N/A | 36.3 pounds 5.5 hours at50% Load | Gasoline-powered |
| Champion Power Equipment 76533 | Starting 3800W Running N/A | 68 dBA from 23 ft | 122 Pounds 9 hours on a full tank of gas | Dual-Fuel (Gasoline/Propane) |
A Detailed Review of the 10 Best Camping Generators- Alternative Camping Back-up Power System
Jackery Portable Power Station- Ultra Lightweight and Portable
This takes the top spot on our list of the 10 best camping generators for alternative/backup power supply outdoors.
It is portable and efficient.
Features
This unit has a solid and portable design.
Precisely, it weighs 6.6 pounds and measures 9.05 x 5.24 x 7.87 inches.
With such a lightweight and compact design, even a child would have no problem carrying this about.
Furthermore, it is built sturdy with solid materials.
Particularly, it features a strong grip handle that makes it easy to carry around.
Still on the design, this is a rechargeable camping generator- meaning you don’t need to spend money on fuel.
However, it requires solar panels to recharge.
Likewise, you can recharge it using a wall outlet or car outlet.
Furthermore, it features a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack to retain power.
Once recharged, this generator supplies 200 watts of clean AC power for all your sensitive devices like smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, and lights.
However, note that this is not to be used for heavy-duty appliances like blenders, electric grills, refrigerators, or microwaves.
Speaking of powering your devices while in the outdoors, the Jackery portable camping generator has:
- Pure Sine Wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak).
- USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A).
- 12V DC carport to allow you to plug in your devices.
However, it is worthy of note that this generator cannot power devices like blenders, electric grills, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Lastly, it protects your devices from damage by high-current, short-current, high-voltage, overcharge, overheating, and many more.
Pros
- Firstly, this is ultralightweight.
- Also, it is a budget-friendly device.
- It is also efficient and durable.
- Finally, it can be used indoors and outdoors.
Cons
- Sadly, the solar panel is sold separately.
- Then it has no parallel compatibility feature.
Despite its minimal drawbacks, this portable and efficient generator will serve as your alternative backup power supply system while camping.
WEN 56203i
This is another portable and quiet generator for camping purposes.
It is a 2000 watts generator that can provide clean and reliable power for all your sensitive devices like laptops, cellphones, tablets, among others.
Features
Starting off with the weight, it weighs 39 pounds, making it easy to move around.
It also measures 17.3″ x 11.5″ x 17.7″.
Furthermore, it operates quietly with a noise level equal to the sound of two people having a conversation.
Particularly, this generator features a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine that produces 51 decibels at quarter load.
Even more, it is a fuel-powered generator with a 1-gallon fuel capacity tank.
Similarly, it offers an impressive runtime of 10.8 hours with a quarter-load and 7 hours on a half-load.
Likewise, the eco-mode feature helps to minimize fuel consumption.
Consequently saves you some costs on fuel.
On the control panel, you’ll find two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports for connecting your devices to this generator.
Lastly, this unit produces a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.3% with no load and 2% at full load.
Pros
- This is a cost-efficient device.
- It is quiet and portable.
- Lastly features a 3-in-1 switch and parallel compatibility feature.
Cons
- It is fuel-powered, meaning there could be problems if you run out of fuel and you’re not close to a gas station.
Nonetheless, it ticks all the necessary boxes befitting a good and efficient portable generator.
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
Taking the third spot in our review of the 10 best camping generators- an alternative camping backup power system is the Champion dual-fuel generator.
This is a high-end generator with lots of efficient features.
Read on to find out what it offers.
Features
First, this dual-fuel generator offers an impressive 3400-watts power capacity, which is more than enough power you’ll need to power your portable devices while camping.
It is also equipped with a 4-stroke 192cc OHV engine containing up to 1.6 gallons of gas.
The dual-fuel technology is used here, so it works with gasoline and propane.
Even more, you get an average run time of up to 7.5 hrs with gasoline and up to 14.5 hr with propane,
Either way, this generator promises high efficiency and usability for your camping needs.
Given its high-end features, you’ll think this generator will compromise on its quietness.
Impressively, the Champion 3400-Watt generator operates at a noise level measuring 59 dBA at 23 feet and at 60 Hz frequency.
So, sit back and relax the peace and quiet of the outdoors with this generator giving you an adequate power supply to keep all your devices powered up.
Its producers understand the sensitive nature of our smart devices.
This is why this generator is designed to work with fewer harmonic distortions, as you’ll find in most traditional generators.
On that note, it comes ready with one 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD), and one 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter.
Sadly, this is not the lightest generator.
It weighs 95.7 pounds and measures 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 inches.
This heavyweight is due to the high-capacity engine included in its design to ensure that it delivers high power.
Fortunately, it comes with a set of wheels for ease of mobility.
In addition to that, it features a push-button electric start design for easy start-up.
Finally, it includes a battery and a control panel with different control buttons to allow you access its amazing features.
Pros
- It comes with high-end specifications to deliver impressive performance.
- Furthermore, it has a special cold start technology feature that makes it easy to start even in cold weather.
- This also has similar compatibility features with other Champion generators.
- It also has a low oil shut-off sensor.
- Lastly, it operates quietly.
Cons
- It has a high price-point.
- Also, it’s quite heavy.
Despite its minimal downsides, this is arguably one of the best quiet generators for camping money can buy.
FF FLASHFISH G300 Solar Generator
This is also one of the best camping generators. It is ultraportable and lightweight.
Hence, you’ll have no issues bringing this with you on your camping trips.
Features
Firstly, this generator is perfectly fit for the outdoors, thanks to its durable design.
Specifically, it comes in a metallic silver case and its edges are nicely decorated with black plastic.
This FlashFish generator also has 300W power capacity to keep your sensitive devices like your smartphones, tablets, and laptops powered on outdoors.
For more efficiency and suitability for your sensitive devices, it comes with specifically designed ports for charging your devices.
For instance, you can use the 110V AC outlets to charge your CPAP machine, tablet, laptop, TV, fan, Christmas lights etc.
Also, you can use the (2) 12V DC ports to charge car vacuum, car refrigerator, car air fan, and more..
Likewise, it has (2) QC3.0 USB and (1) 2.4A USB ports which can be used to charge phones, drones, iPad, GPS, mp3, cameras, among others.
Due to power failure, you’ll have no problem accessing your essential gadgets.
In addition to the above, this portable generator features a three-way charging system.
Specifically, you can charge it using a solar panel, your car’s AC outlet, or a wall outlet.
When charging, this generator stores power in its 3 lithium batteries measuring 20000mAh each.
That is, you get up to 60000mAh battery power.
However, note that you can’t use this generator when charging it.
Lastly, it has several protective features like short-circuit protection, low-voltage protection, overheat protection, lock-on protection, over-voltage protection, and over-current protection.
Pros
- It is suitable for a variety of devices.
- Also, it is solar powered, so you don’t have to spend extra on gas.
- Extra portable and lightweight.
- Then, it can be used indoors and outdoors.
Cons
- The solar panel is sold separately.
- No parallel compatibility features.
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment iGen160s
The iGen160s is also a suitable handy generator that can accommodate all your power needs outdoors.
Features
This generator is impressively lightweight at just 3.75 pounds, measuring 8.14 x 3.77 x 7 inches.
It’s the perfect grab-and-go backup power supply system for outdoor enthusiasts.
Don’t be fooled by its small size, as this generator is not only sturdy and durable, but it is also super-efficient.
Speaking of its power capacity, the iGen160s is strong enough to charge up to 9 devices simultaneously.
Precisely, it has (2) 120V household outlets, (2) USB ports, (1) fast-charge USB port, (1) USB-C port, and (3) 6mm 9-12V DC Outlets to charge up items like a 36″ LED TV, Box Fans, or Heated Blankets.
Also, you need not worry about the safety of your devices as this generator provides safe and clean energy for your sensitive devices.
To ensure this, it is equipped with a built-In device & battery guard feature to prevent your sensitive devices from damage against short circuits, overload, and overheating.
Furthermore, the iGen160s 155 Watt-Hours of Lithium-Ion provides Long-Lasting power when charged fully.
It has enough power capacity to charge your smartphone up to 15 times, tablet for to 6 times, DSLR cameras for up to 14 times, and drones for up to 19 times.
Furthermore, when the battery is down, you can easily recharge it using any of the 3 charging systems; solar energy, wall socket, or car AC outlet.
Additionally, it has a built-in flashlight with SOS mode.
This would be useful in the case of emergencies, especially outdoors.
Pros
- It is compact and lightweight.
- Also it has several protective features.
- Then, it has a wide variety of uses.
- It can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Lastly, it features several charging ports to charge many devices at once.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty use due to its small power capacity.
- The solar panel is sold separately.
PowerSmart Portable Generator, 2200 Watts
Going camping without a backup power supply can really ruin the fun and thrills of the outdoors for you.
This is why having a portable power station with you is good.
For this reason, you would need something as efficient and reliable as the PowerSmart 2200 watts inverter generator.
This is also one of the best camping generators in 2023- an alternative power source for camping.
Features
First, this is a gas-powered generator.
Hence, it has a built-in 4 stroke OHV single-cylinder engine and fuel tank capable of holding up to 1.05 gallons of gas.
Furthermore, you can get a runtime of up to 10 hours at quarter load and 2200 watts power capacity.
Specifically, this generator can conveniently power devices like laptops, mini-cooler, drones, and other outdoor electronics.
More so, your devices will be safe from damage from excessive harmonic distortion because this generator is built based on inverter technology.
It produces less than 1.2 harmonic distortions.
Furthermore, on its control panel, you’ll find (2) AC outlets (120V), (2) USB-A ports (5V) and (1) DC car port (12V).
You’ll also find different control knobs like the AC circuit breaker, choke, and other functional buttons.
Speaking of its portability, this generator weighs 42.5 pounds and measures 21 x 20 x 14 inches.
More so, it’s a perfect device to allow you enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors with a noise level measuring 58dBA from 23feet.
Lastly, it has parallel compatibility features.
Pros
- It is efficient
- Also, it is portable and lightweight.
- It has a parallel compatibility feature.
Cons
- Needs frequent oil changes
- Also, no oil shortage indicator feature is included.
Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Still haven’t gotten the perfect generator for your camping needs?
Wait until you see what this offers.
Features
This portable backup power source features a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine that efficiently handles your camping devices’ light to the medium workload.
Furthermore, this is a 2300 Watt capacity gas-powered generator.
Its gas tank capacity measures 1.36 gallons.
This will give you approximately 8 hours of runtime on 50% load.
In addition to the above, this generator operates quietly at a noise level measuring 53-56 dBA when placed 13 feet away from your tent or RV.
The Genkins, 2300 watts generator, is also a handy and portable device that wouldn’t give you much stress carrying it about.
It weighs 48 pounds and measures 21 x 11 x 19 inches.
Likewise, this generator is cost-efficient as it features fuel/oil management systems to minimize fuel consumption while also preventing this generator from being damaged.
It has an auto shut down feature when low on oil and built-in fuel gauge.
On the control panel, you’ll find the essential ports and control buttons all lined up to ensure you get the best out of this device.
Specifically, the control panel features 2 (5V) USB ports, an AC circuit breaker, overload indicator, and many more.
This also has parallel operation outlets to allow you to connect another Genkins generator to boost its power capacity.
Pros
- It operates quietly.
- Then, it has an oil gauge and excess load indicators.
- It also has similar compatibility features.
- Lastly, it is a portable and efficient generator.
Cons
- Few ports for connecting devices.
- It’s not so quiet.
Briggs & Stratton P2400
This is also one of the best camping generators that could serve as your alternative power source for outdoor use.
Features
It features a compact and lightweight design which comes as no surprise considering its purpose of use.
Precisely speaking, it weighs 50.4 ppunds and measures 20.04 x 12.24 x 17.36 inches.
Ideally, it also has a set of special safety features that makes it worth considering.
For starters, it has LED indicators for oil shortage and overload.
Similarly, it also has a CO guard carbon monoxide shutdown feature that automatically shuts off the generator when it detects an excessive level of carbon monoxide in the air.
This generator is ideal for sensitive devices like your smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and many more.
All thanks to the inverter technology at use here.
In addition, to ensure this generator is ideal for camping, a protective, noise-reducing shell is included in its design to minimize the noise level produced during operation.
This is a 2400 watts capacity generator.
However, you can always increase it power capacity by connecting another 2400 watts or more generator to this unit.
Of course, you’ll need a generator with a parallel compatibility feature to achieve this.
Thankfully, the Briggs & Stratton P2400 generator has this feature.
Finally, you can access all of these control features on the control panel to get the best out of this device.
Pros
- It is an efficient device.
- Also, it is portable and lightweight.
- It has similar compatibility features.
- Impressive power capacity.
- It has several special features.
Cons
- It does not work well with heavy loads.
- It’s not the quietest.
Generac 76711 GP1200i 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This is yet another portable and efficient generator that is equipped to meet your camping needs.
Due to its compact and lightweight design, moving it about from one place to the other would be hassle-free.
As a matter of speaking, it weighs 36.3 pounds and measures 18.5 x 10.2 x 15.7 inches
Then it has a sturdy built-in handle or grip that makes it easy to carry about.
This is also a quiet generator as its components are fully enclosed in a case that reduces noise levels during operation.
In addition to that, this 1200 watts inverter generator supplies clean, reliable, and distortion-free energy for all your sensitive electronics, tools and appliances.
Th eGenerac 76711 GP1200i generator also has special safety features that improves its overall efficiency and capacity.
For starters it has an economy mode that automatically adjusts engine speed levels to save gas and reduce sound emissions.
It also has LED Indicators that notify you when this generator is low on oil, or overloaded.
Lastly, it has similar compatibility features.
Pros
- It is efficient for camping.
- Also, it is portable and quiet.
- Safe for your sensitive devices.
- Then it also has similar compatibility features.
Cons
- Small capacity.
- Also, it’s complicated to start.
Champion Power Equipment 76533
This is heavy-duty dual fuel generator will suit your camping needs.
Do you need to power heavy appliances like your refrigerators, TV, and more?
Then this should be your best choice.
Not only is it equipped to power your appliances, it is also equipped to provide long hours of back up power supply.
It offers a runtime of 8 hours.
More so, it is powered by a 224cc Champion engine and delivers 3800-watt power capacity.
Furthermore, this unit runs on either gasoline or propane- so you can chose the one that’s readily available and works best for you.
You can run this unit conveniently without any fear of damage due to oil shortage because it has a low oil shut-off sensor and it can hold up to 0.6-quarts of oil (included).
It also has an Intelligauge feature that tracks voltage, hertz, and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals.
Similarly, it has a Volt Guard built-in surge feature prevent overloads
Then it features (1) 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), (1) 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and (2) 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R).
It has a putton electric Start for easy sup.
More so, the Gasoline Fuel Tank can take up to 3.4 (12.9 L) Gallons of gasoline and it runs up to 9 hrs. on a full tank of gas
Its noise level measures 68 dBA from 23 ft.
Finally, it weighs 122 Pounds and measures 26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches.
Pros
- High capacity generator.
- Also, it is efficient for camping.
- It’s safe for sensitive devices.
Cons
- It is not so quiet.
- Also, it is heavy.
How We Arrived At Our Top 10 Best Camping Generators; A Sneak Peek Into Our Review Process
The most important part of our review process is conducting extensive research into the products.
This is necessary for us to get the best products amidst a wide range of products.
So, we conducted extensive research into different camping generator models and brands with an emphasis on Amazon’s online store.
We first started by searching for the best camping generators money can by on the Amazon store.
Then we filtered our choices by average customer reviews from verified purchases.
We also considered factors like customer ratings, rankings on Amazon, popularity among buyers, and customer feedback.
Of course, we also considered the users’ goal for buying any of the units we listed above.
Speaking specifically, we understand that this is a camping generator that will be used to power outdoor electronic devices.
Given so, we considered factors like power capacity, run time, portability, noise level, suitability for sensitive devices, convenience for use, efficiency, special features, and safety features.
We did all these to ensure that we bring only the best of the best before you.
So, be rest assured that any unit you decide to buy from the above-listed options will be worth the money.
Final Thoughts
Each camping generator listed here is well-equipped to give you the performance and comfort you’ll need while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with your friends, families, and loved ones.
So click the links provided to get your preferred unit from Amazon.
