Camping is a quick getaway for many of us from the noise and pollution if you live in a dense city. But while spending your time at a silent destination, you may not want to stay disconnected from the outer world, and for that, you will need a laptop or a mobile.
Moreover, if you like to take some photos, then you may as well have a nice camera with you. But, for all these electronic gadgets to work for more than a few hours, they will need to be recharged, and to do that, a portable camping generator is a solid choice.
These generators are small and lightweight for easy transportation, and their power output ranges from 1000 to 3000 watts. Also, they should make as little noise as possible because you want to spend your time in silence, not in the roaring of some mechanical equipment.
But from the many camping units available in the market, it becomes quite a daunting task to choose one, so we have compiled a list of the best camping generators to make the task easier.
Note:
All the generators mentioned here are Inverter generators due to their low noise operation and high fuel efficiency.
| Champion 200988 (Best Overall - Dual-fuel Generator)
 
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| Champion 100520 (Highest Power Output Camping Generator)
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| A-iPower SUA2000iV (Budget Pick)
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| Westinghouse iGen4500DF (Dual-fuel)
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| WEN 56380i
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| Generac GP2200I
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| Champion 100692
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| WEN 56200i
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| Westinghouse iGen2200
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Table of Contents
Best Generators for Camping 2024
1. Champion 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
As someone who frequently goes camping and enjoys the great outdoors, I have been on the lookout for a reliable and quiet generator that can keep me powered up without disturbing the peace.
The Champion 200988 Camping Generator fits the bill perfectly. This is why I am recommending this exquisite beauty as your first choice.
Champion 200988 is known for its performance and convenience; With an impressive output of 3500 starting and 3200 running watts, this generator can easily power appliances and electronic devices in your RV or campsite.
You can magnify the power with a separate parallel kit connection. This is all doing of a 4-stroke 212cc OHV engine, the strongest engine that can run either by gasoline or propane.
But that’s not just it; the story of this super versatile Champion 200988 just got interesting with its convenient features like the start function, for instance.
The one tap on electric ON/OFF can let the whole powering electronics start without any chord-pulling hassle. The generator also has a low oil shut-off sensor that protects the engine from damage by automatically turning off the generator when the oil levels are low.
Speaking of which, the generator is designed with a durable fuel tank with a capacity of 2.9 gallons to provide non-interference power for straight 7.5 hours of runtime while working at 50% load to let the light on throughout your camping trip.
Things get more interesting with the Champion 200988 compact body with an ergonomic handle to carry the tool wherever we want with no stress of 97 pounds.
The generator’s control is no rocket science either, as effortless as the starting mechanism. The generator also has a variety of convenient features, such as an RV-ready outlet and a digital display that shows important information such as voltage, frequency, and running hours. Apart from that, it does come with additional safety measures.
Final Remark– Overall, the Champion 200988 is an excellent choice for camping trips. With its powerful output, convenient features, and reliable performance, this sounds like a perfect generator for camping.
Advantages of the Generator
- Decent Power supply
- Dual Fuel technology
- Compact and portable
- Essential safety measures
- Longer runtime
- Easy electric start
- Parallel connectivity
Disadvantages of the Generator
- Bulkier than others
2. Champion 100520 8750-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter
The iconic brand Champion has their hand in curating some finest whisper-quiet generators for years. I recently came across one of the compact, affordable, and convenient models, the Champion 100520.
An incredibly powerful generator with the highest travel-friendly factor designed to empower your appliances without lousy noises.
First of all, let’s talk about power. The Champion 100520 camping generator is rated for 2000 starting and 1600 running watts, which means it can handle all your basic electrical needs.
Not just power, Champion 100520 makes sure the generator supplies clean and stable power to protect all the essential appliances during camping trips; this is the finest result of an advanced open-frame inverter design.
With the statistic of powering a camper’s life, Champion 100520 is designed with a supreme 4-stroke 420cc OHV engine, which is behind all its magical working.
And with its 4.2-gallon fuel tank, this camping generator can run for up to 10.5 hours at 50% load, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of the night. The additionally put economy mode triggers the fuel efficiency factor.
But power is only half the story; what really spices things up is its body and versatility. The compact body with around 100 pounds weight but the strongest never-flat wheels and ergonomic handle is a gem for getting carried away to any place in the globe; it sounds like an ideal camping generator.
It features a simple control panel with clearly labeled switches and indicators, so you can easily start it up and monitor its status. Inspired by the 30% quieter and 25% lighter design, this magnificent piece uses quiet technology to reduce the noise rate to 72 dBA managing a peaceful neighbor.
Final Remark– If you’re an avid camper, hiker, or adventurer who loves spending time in the great outdoors, this powerful, versatile, and easy-to-use generator is the perfect solution for all your outdoor power needs
Advantages of the Generator
- Highest range of power
- Safely Covered outlets
- Longer runtime
- Quieter at this power
- Foldaway handle
- Effortless Electric start
- Intelligauge display
Disadvantages of the Generator
- Not environment friendly
3. A-iPower 2000W Portable Inverter Generator for Camping
It might sound a little funny, but I am quite attracted to the rural areas or the area with more nature and less power, which is why a portable camping generator is always on top of my list during my camping period.
Thus, my expertise has chosen another masterpiece from none other than the brand, the A-iPower SUA2000iV, which values the reliability and comfortability of the user.
A-iPower SUA2000iV is one of my favorites, and for good reasons; first and foremost, the generator is incredibly portable, making it easy to take with you on your camping trip.
Weighing in at just 46 pounds, this generator is lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around and store when not in use. Additionally, it comes with a convenient carrying handle, making it easy to transport to your campsite.
Despite its small size, A-iPower SUA2000iV packs a terrific punch in favor of power. With a 79cc engine, this generator can produce up to 2,000 watts of clean, reliable power at a 52-decibel noise rate.
This is enough to power all of your essential camping gear, from your lights and phone chargers to your mini-fridge and portable stove. And with a run time of up to 7 hours at 50% load, you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of your trip.
This may be the obligations of the 1.1 gallon’s strongest and impermeable fuel tank and the fuel efficiency factor, which assure a decent fuel consumption rate of only 0.85 gallons per hour.
Also, with the inverter technology, the generator produces clean, stable power that won’t damage sensitive electronic devices. So, if you’re charging your phone or running a laptop, you can do so without fear of damaging your equipment.
Final Remark- So next time you are camping, and your phone runs out of power, or you need to run a small appliance, or simply keep your lights on, this super convenient generator has you covered.
Advantages of the Generator
- Easiest to maneuver
- Lightest as feather
- Idle for camping
- Quiet operation
- Inverter technology
- Low idle switch
- Auto shutdown protection
- Exceptionally least priced
Disadvantages of the Generator
- Lack Display panel
4. Generac 7117 GP2200i Camping Generator
This is one of the most popular generators among the people who are living just to camp. With a weight of just 46 pounds, the unit is highly portable, and the carrying handle aids with that portability.
The starting watts and running watts of this generator are 2200 and 1700 consecutively, which is enough. You won’t need more than that on a camping trip if you aren’t planning to run some heavy-duty air conditioner.
Most of the time during outdoor activity, you need power mainly to recharge your electronic gadgets, but the limitation is that they need clean power; otherwise, they may get damaged.
With the featured Truepower technology on the Generac GP2200i, you won’t have to worry about that because it supplies really clean power.
Moreover, with the 10.75 hours runtime at 25% load, Generac GP2200i can go on for days if you only use it to charge the electronics. And even on the occasional use of light load appliances, you can get 2 to 3 days of runtime.
Furthermore, it matches the engine speed with the load connected at the end, which increases its runtime even more.
All the parts of this unit are totally enclosed inside a sturdy outer case, and this results in a super-quiet operation. You can have a nice conversation going when the generator is running just a little away from you, which makes it highly suitable for recreational activity.
Another important thing when it comes to safety is the low oil and low fuel level indicator. And this camping generator comes with one LED light, which indicates the overload or low fuel level. So you know when you will need to refill the generator.
Another simple but very convenient feature is a start dial. The dial lets you easily select between the start, choke, and stop, which lets any inexperienced person control the functioning.
On the purchase of this product, you will get 2 years of a limited warranty and friendly customer support from the manufacturer. You can check out the review of this generator here.
Pros
- The generator is compact.
- It is quiet.
- Highly portable.
- Easy to start.
- Provides clean power.
Cons
- This generator is not CARB compliant.
- Eco-mode doesn’t work quite well on high loads.
5. WEN 56380i Super Quiet RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Camping is fun only when you step out with proper preparation, food, shelter, and power. I have been around for a generator that can be taken anywhere without much hassle, and that can keep my essentials running without interrupting performance and healthier surroundings, and I found this ultimate key, WEN 56380i
Among others, what really stole my attention is its impressive power. With a maximum wattage of 3,800 watts and a rated wattage of 3,400 watts, this generator is capable of powering a wide range of devices, from small electronics to larger appliances, meaning no more worrying while camping.
The camping fun comes with the great task of carrying stuff, but that won’t be an issue for this WEN 5638Oi. Weighing in at just 99 pounds, this generator is easy to transport and store, making it perfect for anyone who needs a reliable source of power while on the go.
It also comes with built-in wheels and a collapsible handle, making it easy to move from place to place.
But the WEN 56380i isn’t just powerful; it’s also incredibly efficient. Thanks to its fuel-efficient 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine, this camping generator can run for up to 8.5 hours on a single gas tank at half load.
This means no more dealing with frequent refueling, and you can enjoy all the wilderness without any interruption of running out of gas.
Other things counting, the WEN 56380i indulges with other fruitful features like the advanced safety mechanism. The build-overload protection, low-oil shutdown, and voltage regulation mechanism work to manage the safety of your appliances as well as the generator itself.
Also, the generator operates quietly at 57 decibels noise level, and with the easiest control panel with a digital wattage meter, you can keep track of real-time updates, making it the best camping generator.
Final Remark- Thus, with its all-impressive power output, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, this camping generator is sure to meet all your power needs while you’re out in the great outdoors.
Advantages of the Generator
- Super portable and lightest
- Quietest operation
- Eco fuel saving mode
- Effortlessly easy electric start
- Lesser Harmonic distortion
- Collapsible handle and strong wheel
- Digital meter monitoring
Disadvantages of the Generator
- Requires Maintenance
6. Westinghouse 4500-Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
And moving on, Westinghouse is on the list; This Westinghouse iGEN4500DF is compact and lightweight in a way, a perfect one for someone who is out there every day camping.
A reliable power backing tool with advanced technology and potential with a runtime specifying to never leave your side on the trip. Within a decent price range, this Westinghouse iGEN4500DF is definitely the tool you will be taking home.
If we are talking about portability, let’s start with the design of this camping generator; The iGEN4500DF is a sleek and compact generator that can easily fit in your car trunk without taking up too much space.
In clear words, the generator weighs at least 100 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around and move from one place to another through its telescoping handle. But at the same time, it is encased with immense durability to protect against accidental damage during hiking.
Then comes the capabilities. The iGEN4500DF again wins the show with its pack of thrilling potential, with 3700 rated watts and 4500 peak watts power output. This power is enough to cover all the essentials like phones, laptops, camping lights, and others.
The flexibility of iGEN4500DF gives you the freedom to choose the fuel type between gas and propane. The 3.4-gallon gas tank associated with the popular “Economy Mode” pulls out up to 18 hours of runtime at half load and at 52 dBA noise rate.
The generator has an advanced but user-friendly control panel, along with a digital display that shows crucial information like fuel level, remaining time, and voltage output.
It also comes with a range of safety features, including overload protection and low-oil shutdown, which help prevent damage to the generator and ensure that it lasts for years to come.
The generator features a one-tap ON/OFF electronic start along with the rare remote start, which will let you initiate the operation from far away with the key fob.
Final Remark- With its dual fuel capability, advanced control panel, and quiet operation, this iGEN4500DF generator is sure to make your camping experience more enjoyable and hassle-free. Worth every penny
Advantages of the Generator
- Dual Fuel Technology
- Remote and electric start
- Rotating digital display
- Extended runtime
- Lowest noise rate
- Clean power for campers
- Telescoping handle
Disadvantages of the Generator
- Some people find it costly
7. Champion 100692 Portable Inverter Generator for Camping
Champion 100692 is lightweight, which means it is portable and can be easily moved. The noise level is as much as 53 dB when heard from a 23 ft distance.
Noise level and portability; these two are the most important considerations when looking for the best camping generator, and both are fulfilled here, and this is the best generator in the market in terms of it.
As mentioned, the generator is lightweight, but it is not just lightweight; it is one of the lightest inverter generators in the industry, with a weight of just 39 pounds. You can thank the manufacturer for low weight innovative design.
The generator doesn’t come with an electric start, but the recoil start is equally reliable and starts the generator very easily. Moreover, the cold start technology ensures the same convenience even in the coldest weather.
You can power almost all things at the campground with the power of a 79cc engine, which supplies 2000 starting watts and 1700 running watts.
The 1.05-gallon fuel tank supplies enough power to keep going on continuously for 11.5 hours when the load connected is 11.5 hours. Its ability to generate clean power makes it safe to power sensitive electronics like mobile, laptops, cameras, etc.
Another important thing is its parallel capability, which means if more power is needed, you can always connect another same generator in parallel with this one.
Note that this model also comes with an economy mode, which ensures economical fuel consumption and less noise level. It also improves the life expectancy of a generator.
When all these plus points are presented along with a 3 years warranty and a lifetime of FREE customer support, this proposition becomes worth considering.
Pros
- Very quiet operation.
- Clean power.
- 3-year warranty.
- Economy mode.
- Extremely lightweight.
Cons
- No electric or remote start.
8. WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Lastly, another high-performance generator offers impressive power and whisper-quiet operation but is packed in a conveniently compact, ergonomic body with a decent weight.
Yes, the WEN 56235i supremacy is quite different from others with its approach towards comfortability and performance at the same time. Its additional maneuverability factors make it a great choice for your next vacation.
I recently had the pleasure of testing this generator on a weekend camping trip, and I was blown away by its performance. This little powerhouse packs a punch with its 79c 4-stroke engine, providing 2350 surge watts and 1900 rated watts of power.
But above all this, do you know the best part? The best part? It only weighs 39 pounds, making it incredibly easy to transport and set up at your campsite.
Such lighter-weight generators can be carried like a suitcase in hand when stepping out for camping. The easy-to-use control panel and effortless installment is also the reason why I prefer WEN 56235i, an ideal generator for camping.
The panel also includes an easy-to-read fuel gauge and an overload indicator to prevent damage to the generator.
The generator is ready to work at a minimal maintenance rate which is something every camper needs. Also, the endless supply of 2350 mAh power can work for up to 10 and half hours at quarter load through its 1-gallon fuel tank.
As a topping, there is an economy mode involved for managing fuel consumption and avoiding running for fuel in the middle of the forest.
I also adore the generator’s eco-mode, which adjusts the engine speed to match the load, resulting in increased fuel efficiency and reduced noise.
And if you need more power, the WEN 56235i also comes with a parallel connection kit. This generator for camping ran quietly at 51 dBA, which was a huge plus since we didn’t want to disturb our fellow campers.
Final Remark- I highly recommend this portable generator for camping because it’s all-rounder with durable, fuel-efficient, lightest, and affordable features making it a great investment for the outdoor enthusiast.
Advantages of the Generator
- Lightest and compact body
- Super effective Eco-mode
- User-friendly control panel
- Safe for electronic
- Lesser maintenance room
- Quieter operation
- Reasonable price tag
Disadvantages of the Generator
- Runtime needs improvement
How to Choose the Best Camping Generator?
Noise Level
One of the most important things to consider when it comes to camping generators is their noise level.
Because you don’t want to ruin the silence of nature with the disturbing roaring of your power equipment, you can become happy neighbors to an annoying fellow camper in an instant with a generator that makes an unbearable noise.
The noise is an inherent characteristic that will always accompany any generator, and it keeps increasing as the power output of the generator increases.
But you don’t need much power at a camping site, so the noise level for a camping generator stays in the range of 45 to 60 dB. Furthermore, there are noise restrictions on the generator noise if you are going to stay in an RV park, so keep that in mind.
To reduce the noise, most manufacturers are improving their designs and bringing in new innovative technologies, so the noise can be reduced even more.
The simple solution to the high noise level of a generator can be an increased distance, and the noise level can be decreased by a few decibels if you put it a few feet away from a regular distance. So, choose the one which offers the lowest noise level.
Portability
The portability of a generator plays an important part when choosing a generator for camping because it needs to be moved around much often. So, the weight should be as low as possible.
Moreover, these generators offer very less power, which makes them less bulky than regular generators because many parts of a regular generator are eliminated in smaller versions.
Besides, many generators will come with wheels and carrying handles to make them more portable, and if it doesn’t come with wheels, then there will be at least a carrying handle on the top.
You don’t need much power at the campsite, but if you do, then many of the generators come with parallel capability. Two small generators are easier to carry than a big bulky one.
Fuel Type
You must know which fuels are going to be available at or in the vicinity of your camping area and then choose the generator that can run on the fuel available.
Otherwise, it may happen that you will need to bring along fuel to power the generator, and if by chance you forget to load it in your truck, then you will be sitting beside your dead generator.
Generators mostly use gasoline and diesel to run the engine because they are easily available, but gasoline is not so efficient. While diesel engines are efficient but generator which runs on diesel is not so lightweight, they are bulky, so transportation becomes a problem.
On the other hand, there is a propane generator that produces cleaner power and is fuel-efficient. They are also small in size, but a problem with them is that the fuel may not be available everywhere.
You will have to keep in mind that the runtime mentioned for any generator will be either at 25% load or 50% load. So, you will figure out which generator suits you best in your situation.
Starting Methods
Modern generators come with one or more starting methods. Most of the generators will have a recoil start even if it has an electric or remote start, and this is because the recoil start will be available as a backup if the other two fail.
To start the generator with a recoil starter, you will have to pull a cord.
The electric start is more convenient than the recoil start method, and you can start the generator just by a press of a button or turn of a knob.
Whereas in a remote starting, you can start the generator from a certain distance with just a use of a remote key fob, this is very convenient when the generator is away from you.
Power Output
Power requirements at a campsite won’t be much, and you may need to charge your electronics and power a few small appliances. For this task, a small and portable 2000-watt generator is enough.
But if you go camping in your RV, then you might need a generator that can run appliances like lights, microwave oven, and AC, then you will need a generator with a power output of 3000 watts or more.
Moreover, the power needs depend on the number of appliances you want to power. So, we suggest that you calculate your wattage needs and then choose a suitable generator.
FAQs
Q. What Type of Generator is Best for Camping?
The main qualities of any portable camping generator are its lightweight and quiet operation, along with its ability to supply suitably enough power. The inverter generator fulfills all these requirements.
They are portable because they are small in size and make very little noise. The small size and operating technology make them very lightweight as well. Besides, they can supply the cleanest power possible so that you can safely charge your electronics.
Q. For how Much Time does a Camping Generator Last?
Most generators have a lifespan of 1000 to 2000 hours, which means if you use your generator under normal conditions and moderately, then it may last anywhere between 10 to 20 years. This is true for any gas or propane-powered generator.
Q. How Big a Generator Do I Need for Camping?
The size of a generator will come down to the number of appliances you want to power. The perfect way to choose the right generator is by calculating the starting watts and running watts of appliances that you need to supply.
Moreover, you will also have to compromise in terms of power when it comes to cash you are happy to spend. The portability will also be limited by the size of a generator, and if you want a more portable generator, then the size will reduce.
Q. How to Reduce the Noise Level of A Generator?
A very simple way to reduce the noise level of any generator is by placing it in a close enclosure, but here you will have to make sure that enough air can circulate around the generator for cooling purposes, and there is an outing for a generator exhaust to flow out.
The enclosure is easy to build from wood, but if you don’t want to do that, then you can buy one from a store. Another way to reduce the noise to some extent is by attaching an external muffler.
