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A portable power station charging a phone at a scenic campsite.

The 5 Best Camping Power Stations

Stay powered up on your next trip with the best portable power stations for charging phones, laptops, and even running a Fridge.

By Adam Brooks | Last updated: 21st September 2025

Camping isn't just about escaping it all, it's about staying connected and comfortable at the same time. A portable power station allows you to do this, you can to charge phones, laptops, cameras, and even run a small fridge, all without an Electric Hook-Up, for when you are camping off grid.

Our Top Recommendations in Brief

  • Editor's Choice: The Jackery Explorer 500 is a fantastic all-rounder, hitting the sweet spot of capacity and portability for a weekend trip.
  • Best Value: For those who only need to charge smaller devices, the Anker 521 PowerHouse offers modern battery tech in a lightweight and affordable package.
  • Best for Fast Charging: The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max If you need to recharge quickly, going from 0-100% in just an hour.

How Many Phone Charges Will I Get?

Use our interactive slider to estimate how many times a power station can charge a typical smartphone (approx. 18.5Wh battery).

Estimated Full Smartphone Charges:

21

Detailed Reviews

The Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station.
  • Capacity: 518Wh
  • Outputs: 1x AC, 2x DC, 3x USB-A
  • Weight: 6 kg
  • Solar Input: Yes
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🏆 Best All-Rounder

Jackery Explorer 500

The Jackery Explorer 500 is one of the most popular power stations for a reason. It hits the sweet spot of capacity, portability, and power output, making it the perfect companion for a weekend family camping trip. Its 518Wh capacity is enough to charge phones multiple times, run a laptop, and even power a small cooler for hours. The clear LCD display shows exactly how much power is coming in and going out, and its pure sine wave inverter is safe for sensitive electronics.

Pros: Reliable performance, multiple output ports including a pure sine wave AC outlet, and a clear LCD display.
Cons: Lacks USB-C Power Delivery, which is becoming standard on newer models.
Verdict

For most family car campers, the Jackery Explorer 500 is the benchmark. It’s incredibly easy to use, reliable, and has enough power for a typical weekend away. It's a fantastic, dependable unit.

The compact Anker 521 PowerHouse.
  • Capacity: 256Wh
  • Outputs: 1x AC, 1x DC, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C
  • Weight: 3.7 kg
  • Battery Type: LiFePO4
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💸 Best for Portability

Anker 521 PowerHouse

For shorter trips or when you only need to charge smaller devices like phones and cameras, the Anker 521 is a superb choice. It's significantly lighter and more compact than the 500Wh models, making it easy to carry from the car to the tent. The key benefit is its modern LiFePO4 battery chemistry, which offers a much longer lifespan (up to 3,000 charge cycles). It also includes a fast-charging 60W USB-C port, perfect for modern laptops and tablets.

Pros: Very lightweight and compact, includes a fast-charging 60W USB-C port, and uses long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries.
Cons: Lower capacity won't be enough for power-hungry devices like coolers or multiple laptop charges.
Verdict

The Anker 521 is the perfect "grab-and-go" power station. Its long-life battery and modern ports make it a future-proof and excellent value choice for campers who prioritise portability.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max power station.
  • Capacity: 512Wh
  • Outputs: 2x AC, 1x DC, 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C
  • Weight: 6 kg
  • Recharge Speed: 1 Hour
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⚡ Best for Fast Charging

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max

The standout feature of the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is its incredible charging speed. It can charge from 0 to 100% in just one hour from a wall socket, meaning you can fully charge it on the morning of your trip and be ready to go. It has a similar capacity to the Jackery but includes a powerful 100W USB-C port and uses long-life LiFePO4 batteries.

Pros: Charges incredibly fast, has multiple powerful output ports including 100W USB-C, and uses long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries.
Cons: The cooling fans can be quite loud when the unit is charging or under heavy load.
Verdict

If you're often short on time, the EcoFlow's rapid charging is a game-changing feature. It's a modern, powerful, and feature-rich unit that is perfect for demanding users.

The Bluetti EB3A portable power station.
  • Capacity: 268Wh
  • Outputs: 1x AC, 1x DC, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C
  • Weight: 4.6 kg
  • Special Feature: Wireless Charging Pad
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📱 Best Compact Powerhouse

Bluetti EB3A

The Bluetti EB3A packs an incredible amount of power and features into a very small and lightweight package. It's one of the few compact stations that can power high-wattage devices like a kettle or hairdryer (up to 1200W) thanks to its 'Power Lifting' mode. It also includes a handy wireless charging pad on top for your phone, a feature rarely seen at this price point.

Pros: Power Lifting mode can handle devices up to 1200W, very fast charging, and a built-in wireless charging pad.
Cons: Lower battery capacity means it will drain quickly when powering high-wattage items.
Verdict

For those who need to power demanding devices but want to keep pack size to a minimum, the Bluetti EB3A is a uniquely capable and feature-rich option. Its ability to handle high-wattage electronics is unmatched in its size class.

The Goal Zero Yeti 500X portable power station.
  • Capacity: 505Wh
  • Outputs: 1x AC, 2x DC, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C
  • Weight: 5.85 kg
  • Solar Input: High-Efficiency MPPT
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☀️ Best for Solar Integration

Goal Zero Yeti 500X

Goal Zero is a pioneer in the portable power world, and the Yeti 500X is a testament to their build quality and solar expertise. It's a rugged and reliable unit designed to work seamlessly with their range of solar panels. It includes a high-efficiency MPPT solar charge controller, which can extract up to 30% more power from solar panels compared to more basic controllers, making it ideal for long, off-grid trips.

Pros: Excellent build quality, highly efficient solar charging (MPPT controller), and a wide range of output ports.
Cons: More expensive than competitors with similar capacity, and the AC inverter is less powerful at 300W.
Verdict

For serious off-grid campers who rely on solar power, the Goal Zero Yeti 500X is a top-tier choice. Its superior solar charging technology and rugged build quality make it a dependable companion for extended adventures.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Power Station

Battery Capacity (Wh)

Watt-hours (Wh) measure stored energy. 250-500Wh is great for phones and lights. For items like a cooler or laptop, you'll need 600Wh or more.

Recharge Options

All units charge from a wall socket. For off-grid trips, ensure your model has a 12V car charging input and is compatible with portable solar panels.

Power Output (W)

Watts (W) measure power delivered at once. Check your device's power label (e.g., a laptop charger might be 65W) and ensure the station's output is higher.

Number of Outlets

A good unit should have a mix of ports: a standard 3-pin AC socket, multiple USB-A ports, and at least one modern, fast-charging USB-C port.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many watts do I need for camping?

You should focus on Watt-hours (Wh) for capacity. A station with 250–500Wh is great for personal electronics like phones and cameras. If you plan to run a portable cooler or a CPAP machine, you should look for a capacity of 600Wh or more.

Q2: Can I charge a power station with solar panels?

Yes, absolutely. Most modern portable power stations are designed to be solar compatible. Major brands like Jackery, Goal Zero, and EcoFlow are solar compatible. This is the best way to stay charged on long, off-grid trips.

Q3: How long does a portable power station last?

The lifespan is measured in charge cycles. A quality unit should offer hundreds of charge cycles, which typically translates to a lifespan of 5–10 years with proper use. Models with newer LiFePO4 battery technology can last for thousands of cycles.

Q4: Can portable power stations run a fridge?

Yes, but you need one with sufficient capacity and power output. A portable camping fridge typically requires a power station with at least a 500–700Wh capacity for reliable performance.

Q5: Are power stations safe for tents?

Yes, they are perfectly safe for use inside a tent. Unlike petrol generators, they produce no fumes or emissions, making them a clean, quiet, and safe source of indoor power.

Q6: What’s the lightest portable power station for camping?

The lightest models are designed for backpacking. A well-regarded ultralight pick is the Anker PowerHouse 521, which weighs around 3.7kg (8.2 lbs) and offers 256Wh of capacity.

About the Author

Adam, the author of Top Listed Products

Adam Brooks

For the last ten years, I've been enthusiastically getting rained on in fields from the Cornish coast to the Lake District. My passion for finding gear that actually works was born from one too many 'easy-pitch' tents that required an engineering degree and a marriage counsellor to assemble. I created Top Listed Products to provide honest, straightforward reviews for fellow UK campers, so you can spend less time worrying about your kit and more time enjoying that well-earned bacon butty.