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Family enjoying night camping with power station lighting and device charging

What Size Power Station Is Best for Camping?

There’s nothing worse than soggy sausages or warm beers halfway through your trip. If you want to keep your camping fridge humming, you’ll need the right-sized portable power station. It’s not just about watts and volts—it’s about choosing a reliable power station to run a refrigerator without draining your whole setup. So, can you run a fridge off a camping power station? Absolutely—with the right specs.

Solar-charged portable power station at forest campsite near mountains

Estimating Portable Power Station Needs for Camping

Essential vs. Optional Devices: What Are You Using on Your Trip?

When planning your camping adventure, it’s important to figure out what devices you truly need. You’ve got the essentials like your phone, LED lights, and maybe a small fridge to keep your food fresh. Then there are the optional gadgets—like a speaker, drone, or laptop charger. Prioritising your gear ensures you don’t pack too much or too little power, making sure your portable power station can handle it all.

Man calculating portable power needs using calculator and notepad

Choosing the Best Portable Power Station for Camping

What Size Portable Power Station for Camping?

For weekend trips with minimal gear, a camping power station with 200–300Wh capacity will suffice. However, for longer trips or if you have more gadgets, you’ll want a 500Wh or larger model. The best portable power station for camping will balance runtime, portability, and recharging options, keeping your devices powered no matter how remote your campsite is.

Rugged portable power station placed on forest floor at daytime campsite

Matching the Portable Power Station Size to Your Camping Style

Backpacking: Minimalist Power Needs

If you're backpacking and travelling light, a power station with under 200Wh is enough to keep your phone and headlamp charged. This will ensure you have the essentials without adding weight to your pack.

Car Camping: A Little More Power for Comfort

For car camping, a mid-range power station (300–500Wh) gives you the flexibility to power lights, fridges, and other gadgets, all while avoiding the need for a nightly recharge.

RV and Extended Off-Grid Camping: More Power for More Comfort

If you're rolling in a van or heading out on a longer off-grid adventure, you’ll need a larger power station—1000Wh or more. This will cover everything from fridges and fans to laptops, ensuring that you’re fully equipped for an extended stay without worrying about running out of power.

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Timothy Jagger

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About the author:
“What I love most about getting outdoors is switching off and hitting reset. I used to spend my weekends legging it out from under a roof—now I help others do the same.”

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