Your Ultimate Guide to Powering Up in the Great Outdoors
Welcome to the Wild – But Not Too Wild
Let’s be honest. There’s camping… and then there’s camping comfortably.
You can rough it all you like, but when the sun goes down and the mosquitoes come out, there’s something magical about flicking a switch and having light, a cold drink, or a charged phone.
Enter: the camping generator. Your best mate when you need power in the middle of nowhere.
But not all generators are created equal. Pick the wrong one, and your relaxing getaway could turn into a frustrating, noisy, fuel-guzzling disaster.
Let’s help you find the right one.
Do You Even Need a Generator?
Before you throw down a few grand on a flashy unit, ask yourself: do you really need a generator?
Situations Where a Generator Makes Sense
- You’re running a portable fridge or freezer
- You need to charge phones, tablets, laptops, or drones
- You use a CPAP machine or medical device
- You want to power lights, fans, or small appliances
- You’re camping off-grid with no access to mains power
When You Probably Don’t
- You’re doing minimalist camping or hiking
- You have solid solar setups or power banks
- You’re staying in powered caravan parks
If you’re somewhere in between, read on. The right generator could be the missing link in your setup.
Types of Camping Generators
Generators come in different flavours. Each has its pros and cons depending on your needs.
Inverter Generators
The gold standard for camping.
- Quiet operation
- Clean power (safe for sensitive electronics)
- Compact and fuel-efficient
- Usually lighter and more portable
Great for tents, caravans, camper trailers, and remote setups.
Conventional Generators
The heavy-duty type.
- Louder and bulkier
- Good for powering big tools or backup for home
- Less fuel efficient
- Usually overkill for camping
Unless you’re trying to run a welding rig at your campsite, skip this one.
Solar Generators / Power Stations
A green, silent option.
- Perfect for light power needs
- Great for charging phones, lights, laptops
- Dependent on the sun and battery storage
- No fuel needed
Solar power is excellent for weekenders or topping up devices. But for longer stays or energy-hungry gear, it might not keep up.
How Much Power Do You Actually Need?
This is where most people go wrong.
What Size Camping Generator Do I Need?
Buy too small, and your generator won’t keep up.
Buy too big, and you’ll waste money, space, and fuel.
Understanding Watts: Starting vs. Running
- Running watts = the continuous power an appliance needs
- Starting watts = the spike it needs when it kicks on
Some appliances (like fridges) use a lot more power to start than to run.
Common Camping Appliance Wattages
| Appliance | Starting Watts | Running Watts |
| 12V Fridge | 150 | 50 |
| LED Camp Lights | 60 | 20 |
| CPAP Machine | 300 | 300 |
| Laptop | 250 | 200 |
| Coffee Maker | 1000 | 800 |
| Microwave Oven | 1200 | 1000 |
| Air Conditioner (small) | 1600 | 1000 |
| Kettle | 2200 | 2000 |
Add up what you’ll use at the same time, not your total gear list.
Most campers find a 2000W–3000W inverter generator is the sweet spot.
Where Are You Camping? It Matters
Your destination impacts what kind of generator you should take.
Off-Grid Bush Camping
- You’ll need fuel efficiency and runtime
- Noisy units can ruin the peace (and your reputation)
Caravan Parks
- You might have mains power – or need a generator for backup
- Many parks have strict noise rules
National Parks and Reserves
- Some don’t allow generators at all
- Others require low-noise models under 60 dBA
Check before you go. The last thing you want is a fine or angry neighbours.
Noise: The Deal-Breaker
Let’s talk about decibels.
Generators are rated in dBA, and the difference between 60 and 70 dBA is more than you think. A 10-point jump doubles the perceived noise.
- 60 dBA or less = Quiet (acceptable for camping)
- 70 dBA+ = Loud (think lawnmower level)
Want peace and quiet? Stick to inverter generators under 60 dBA at 7 metres.
Fuel Types: What’s Best for Camping?
Most camping generators run on one of three fuels.
Petrol (Unleaded)
- Most common
- Easy to find
- Higher fuel consumption
Diesel
- More fuel-efficient
- Louder and heavier
- Better for large power needs
LPG / Dual-Fuel
- Cleaner burning
- Longer shelf life
- May need adapters or extra tanks
Most campers stick with petrol for ease and availability.
Essential Features to Look For
What separates a good generator from a great one? The details.
Inverter Technology
Clean power = no damage to sensitive gear like laptops or medical equipment.
Multiple Outlets
You’ll want at least 2 x 240V outlets, plus USB ports if possible.
Eco Mode
Automatically adjusts engine speed based on load. Saves fuel and reduces noise.
Parallel Capability
Some inverter generators let you link two units for double the power.
Lightweight Design
Anything over 25–30kg becomes a pain to move alone.
Wheels and handles are a bonus.
Run Time
Look for 6+ hours at 50% load minimum. The longer it runs, the fewer refuels you need.
Safety First: Must-Have Protections
Safety should never be optional.
- Low Oil Shutoff: Prevents engine damage
- Overload Protection: Keeps your appliances safe
- Carbon Monoxide Alerts: Vital for small or enclosed areas
- Never run it inside a tent or van. CO can kill.
Always run your generator on a flat surface, away from sleeping areas, and with good ventilation.
Budget vs. Premium Camping Generators
You get what you pay for. But how much do you need to spend?
Premium vs. Budget Camping Generator
Budget Models ($300–$800)
- Brands like Gentrax, GenTrax, or Kings
- Decent for short trips or low loads
- May be louder, heavier, or less fuel efficient
- Lower warranty and repair support
Mid-Range ($800–$1500)
- Engel, Yamaha (small models), Cromtech
- Better build, quieter, more features
- Reliable for weekenders and caravanners
Premium Models ($1500–$3000+)
- Honda, Yamaha, Dometic
- Ultra-quiet, long-lasting, low maintenance
- Best warranties and service networks
- Ideal for serious off-grid travellers or full-time vanlifers
Solar Generators: Are They Enough?
Solar setups are quiet and clean, but they come with limits.
Pros
- Silent
- No fuel to carry
- No emissions
Cons
- Sunlight dependent
- Can’t power high-draw appliances (kettles, AC, microwaves)
- Expensive upfront for high-capacity batteries
Many campers run solar for daily needs and keep a fuel generator as backup.
That’s the best of both worlds.
Top Brands Worth Considering
When it comes to reliability, these names stand out:
- Honda – Gold standard in quiet, dependable power
- Yamaha – Great features and build quality
- Engel – Known for camping gear, now expanding into power
- Dometic – Caravan specialists with reliable options
- GenTrax / Kings – Affordable entry-level models
- Cromtech / Briggs & Stratton – Mid-range quality and innovation
Always buy from a brand with good warranty support and parts availability.
Real World Scenarios
Let’s put it into perspective.
1. The Weekender
You’re running lights, a fridge, and charging phones.
A 2000W inverter generator will cover you easily.
2. The Grey Nomads
You’ve got a full caravan setup with AC and kitchen gear.
Look for 3000W+ premium inverter generators with quiet operation.
3. The Solo Bush Camper
Light loads, no frills.
Consider a compact 1000W–1500W unit, or go solar.
Final Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before you hand over your cash, run through this:
- What gear will I be running?
- How many watts do I need?
- Do I need it to be silent?
- Will I be near other campers?
- Can I lift and carry it easily?
- How long does it run on one tank?
- Can I get it serviced or repaired easily?
Don’t forget to factor in extension cords, fuel cans, and covers.
Conclusion: Power Up, The Right Way
A good camping generator should feel like a luxury, not a liability.
Choose one that matches your real needs — not just the biggest unit in the store. Focus on reliability, quiet operation, and ease of use.
Done right, your generator won’t just power your fridge. It’ll power unforgettable camping experiences — with a bit of modern comfort thrown in.
Because let’s face it… warm beer and flat phones are no one’s idea of a good time.
Top 5 Maintenance Checks For Your Camping Generator
