Searching for the best power station for camping? Portable power stations are becoming a fixture for weekend warrior campers and more long haul camping trips alike. Which are the best power stations for taking along on your camping trip? Let’s dive into our 2025 recommendations.

Defining Camping

First, we have to split you all out into your proper categories. Camping can mean different things to different people, from a relaxing weekend outing to extreme off the map, back in the boonies camping where the only person you see is Bigfoot.

My in-laws fall under the extreme camping group. I married a Canadian. Until black flies and mosquitoes have eroded your sanity on the great Canadian shield, have you ever truly been camping?

For the sake of giving you good, solid recommendations, I am going to separate you into three categories. None of these assume you are camping in a camper van or trailer, but rather, are in a tent:

The Weekend Warrior

You camp no more than twice a year and stick to developed parks. You want your camping to be really more of an outdoor extension of your home but just with a tent. Comfort is your main priority thus you need plenty of power for your campsite.

The Expeditioners

You like to get out into the back country but into places that are mostly still accessible by roads. You will stay multiple days, cook over a fire, and generally get into touch with your inner woodsman without going full send. A combination of durability and portability and power longevity are your priorities. 

The True Ones

Your gear is carried in on your back or a reliable steed. You are miles if not days from civilization. Your goal is a trophy buck, a secluded stream, unique landmark, or just real space between you and the rest of humanity for a few days. Portability and durability is your main concerns.

 

You all now need to sort yourself into an applicable group. No judgement, but when it comes to power stations, setting clear expectations is paramount for a good experience.

Ok, now that you have shuffled into your correct grouping, let’s dive in.

Portable Power Stations for the Weekend Warrior

The weekend warrior can look like a family reunion camping down at the pond or a quick trip to the developed park around a great fishing lake.

You want to power some lights, keep your phones charged and Bluetooth speakers charged, keep a portable fridge going, and power your electric air pump so you don’t have to manually inflate your air mattress beds or paddle boards. Recharging  your power source is not a big deal as this will only be for a night and part of a day.

For basic needs like this, you can look at the Anker SOLIX F1500. Its handles make it easy to move around the camp and will power you through your day of fun. It has plenty of power to keep things comfortable and you entertained when the fading daylight shuts down outside activities.

Portable Power Stations for the Expeditioners

Unlike the Weekend Warrior, you need power for a few days and need your power station to be rugged and able to handle the elements. Also, it shouldn’t take up a lot of room as you have a lot of gear to pack into the bed of your truck but you still are not hiking anywhere with it so it doesn’t need to be tiny.

The Anker SOLIX C800X IP65 rating makes it ideal for this sort of trip. This means it is dust-tight and, while you don’t want to leave it in the rain or splash water on it, it can handle a bit of moisture. (Note the C800X has this rating, NOT the C800 Plus). It has enough power to not worry about recharging and can handle larger devices for shorter use such as an air pump or cooler. 

You can recharge the Anker SOLIX C800X with solar. This feature is great to have and if you have space in your packing for a few solar panels, you can increase the pool of Wh. 

Portable Power Stations for the Real Ones

Now there is an argument the real Real Ones would scoff through their mangy beards at the idea of taking a power station on a hiking trip. However, if they are with a group and want to keep the group’s phones charged, the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus fills that need while being small and portable. It can charge an IPhone 14 over 5 times. 

The one downside is that the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus does not have an IP rating. We recommend packing it in a water tight bag to protect it from the elements.

However, let’s say the group heading out into the backwoods is an outdoor adventure group. They have drones, cameras, and more. What would be a good option for them?

The Anker SOLIX C300X is ultra portable while the Ecoflow RIVER 2 Pro packs more power. If you are concerned about the weight, Just make the intern carry either of them. 

Both of these options will keep your phones and batteries, though the C300X is meant primarily for USB-C and won’t run AC-heavy gear for long. Both can be charged by solar and both should be stored in a dry bag to protect them from the elements.

Camping and Power Stations

Your happiness with your power station hinges on your research. Everyone camps differently and has different expectations and wants from their campsite. While we suggested some great power stations, your particular comfort wants may require a more powerful unit.

So do your research and plan your power. If you are hiking way back into the woods, you don’t want any extra weight but you don’t want to run out of power; planning eliminates that.

For some extra planning types, check out our How to Asses Your Power Needs Guide. In fact, you ought to spend a few minutes browsing and reading our guides; they are meant for people just like you at the start of your power station shopping journey. 

But if reading isn't your thing (congratulations if you made it this far), shoot us an email or hit the chat icon, we would love to help out!