Adventures in the great outdoors can last longer with a good reliable power source. When camping, generators allow you the comforts of home while you’re in the wild. You can charge your phone to keep you connected. You can keep your fridge stocked with cold beers and allow your BBQ ingredients to stay nice and fresh.
You can also run your air conditioning unit on a sweltering desert night. Camping can include your handy toaster, hairdryer, and microwave when you have the option of a generator’s AC outlet capabilities. We have scoured Amazon for our top choices on generators to tote with you on your adventure. This buying guide will tell you everything you need to know to make the right choice!
Here are the top 5 picks (keep scrolling for more details and picks 6-15).
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We consider it the best generator for camping. This quiet generator will have you enjoying Mother Nature in peace. The Westinghouse iGen1200 is also lightweight, compact, and easily portable with its built-in handle. You will find that the power is clean, secure, and reliable for even your most sensitive devices. Not only that, but it is highly fuel-efficient with its Performance Mode option. You can easily run this model at 25% load for about 10 hours.
If you are in the market for a generator that is simple to use, this is the one. It powers up quickly and operates smoothly. You get all this for a fair price.
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This is another great portable inverter generator for your RV. Well-designed and lightweight for easy carry with a built-in handle. This model can easily supply power to more sensitive gadgets, like your laptop or cell phone.
The Westinghouse iGen2500 gets 30 to 50% more fuel-efficient than conventional units. It features a 1-gallon tank for fuel, which you can run up to 10 hours if you are using 25% capacity.
A quiet one, this generator is ideal for your RV life. This is made possible by the double insulation of the acoustic enclosure and low-tone mufflers. Additionally, the iGen2500 will adjust the speed of the engine with the amount of power needed.
You can easily bring this to the wild forest or on an outing to national parks without the risk of causing a fire. This is due to the model’s spark arrestor.
One issue we have come across with this model, however, is the difficult access to the oil reservoir. It is necessary to first remove the engine cover. Check out this iGen2500 comparison alongside the Honda EU2200i.
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Our top pick for quiet camping generators is the WEN 56200i. We would characterize the sound as only 0.3% total harmonic distortion, or in plain English: about as much sound as a conversation between two people in a library. Not only is it quiet, but it is also safe to use on sensitive electronics. Additionally, it is energy-efficient, which comes in handy on your weekend camping trips.
The generator supplies 2,000 starting watts, enabling you to utilize multiple small appliances at one time. However, we don’t think the WEN could make it through the night running the RV air conditioner or even the heater on cold nights. Some users stack two generators to provide more power.
This model is easily portable due to its carrying handle and only weighs 48 pounds. We are also happy with the amount of clean power it produces. There is an eco-mode and a low-fuel shutdown option which ends up benefiting your wallet as well as your conscience. Because anything better for the environment is worth it in our book.
Some other highlights are the approved spark arrestor and the handy two-year warranty.
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If you don’t have a lot of extra room in your RV, this generator is all about saving space. You will have more room for other things like the toaster, extra clothes, or even an extra traveler. This unit is stackable, so you can connect it to another 2000 watt inverter if you’d like a bit more power.
Another quiet generator, this Champion 73536i runs at about 53 dBa at a distance of 23 feet. So you and your loved ones can camp in peace. You can run her at 1700 running watts for about nine and a half hours.
This model comes with 120V 20A outlets, as well as a 12 V DC outlet. You will have no problem running your electronics on this clean power. The Champion also boasts an economy mode, which eases the electrical burden, as well as contributes to a quieter experience, and with more money left in your pocket.
The company provides a three-year warranty. And not only that, you will get lifetime support for no cost!
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We would recommend this 2000 watt generator if you’d like the one that is quiet and simple to use. You will find that the Generac 7117 produces reliable and clean power which you can use for your laptop, phone charger, or any other sensitive device.
It is easily portable with its built-in grip. You also have the possibility of connecting to another inverter for double the electricity. The LED light will signal when the generator is low in oil, electricity, or is overloaded. This provides a helpful warning sign when you have got too much going on. However, you should easily be able to power high-energy items like fridges, AC units, fans, and more. There is also an eco-friendly option when you want to make your energy use a little more efficient.
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We are a fan of this portable generator due to its high capacity. You can use up to 2,500-watts at most, with a 2,000-watt rated power. And it has a low price tag which makes it a real value buy. You can utilize the Westinghouse WGen2000 for camping, tailgating, or even as a backup power due to a power outage.
We find this model to be well-constructed with its 4-stroke engine and cast iron sleeves. You will find that this makes it durable and will last a long time. Designed with an open-body frame that holds the 4-point motor, you will have no issues mounting it safely.
Some other perks of this model are its fuel-efficiency and portability. We consider it one of the best portable generators due to its easy transport and compact design. There are also important safety features, like overload and rubber protection.
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This model combines high power and handy features. The Yamaha EF2200iS has a Yamaha MZ80 engine, which provides high electricity, and PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation. This cleanly running generator will impress you with its Smart Throttle feature, which detects how much power is left remaining, and emits accordingly. This will allow you to run it more efficiently, and for longer. We find that when using the Smart Throttle, you will get 10 and half hours out of a quarter tank of gas. Not bad!
The LED display will help you monitor the Yamaha’s status, allowing you to check how much fuel is left and to adjust to a low-light feature if necessary. You can also use the Overload Power Reset button to restore power without having to shut the generator down.
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We find the Yamaha EF2400iSHC to be one of the most durable and innovative. The cast-iron cylinder liner ensures a longer engine life. This unit also features a gas pet-lock which shuts off the gas when cleaning the oil in the tank, which prevents engine damage. This generator also provides a stable, high power capacity. You can use it on the majority of 13,500 Btu RV air ovens, heaters, and bigger appliances. The unit is easy to transport though maybe a little heavier than other models. We find that it runs quietly.
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This is the mother of all portable power. The Champion Portable Inverter Generator supplies you with an impressive 3,100-watts. It is easy to hook up for RV use, having the ability to install it right away. Running at 2,800 watts will give you about 8 hours of run time. It operates quietly at 58 decibels, which means it is perfect for that RV, tailgating, or backup house power. Your sensitive electronics will be safe from this unit’s clean power.
For ease of access, there is a quick-touch panel for all your controls. It also boasts a shut-off sensor when there is a low oil supply, making it safe. There is an economy mode that ensures quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and ensures your engine lives a long, happy life.
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This Pulsar generator features clean power as well as convenient portability. At just 47 pounds and resembling a suitcase, you can easily carry and transport this model. It is also compact and durable, meaning it can take a bit of abuse.
This baby runs on a one-cylinder engine with 4 strokes. It can provide 2000 watts of power. When running at 1600 watts, it will be as quiet as a church mouse at a 10-foot distance. However, decibels do increase at full load. You can also strap on a duo of other PG2000iSN generators with the help of an adaptor to supplement your power use. Adding extra power will help you avoid issues that can occur from powering a larger single unit.
We believe this generator will have you at ease due to its safe transference of electrical power. Meet all your power needs using several outlets at a time. So you can rest assured your laptop, phone, and an electric toothbrush can all get charged safely.
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This propane generator is a powerful one with a capacity of 3400-watts. You can use propane or gas, and will still have a very quiet camping experience. If you’d like to increase the power, you can add a parallel kit.
Feel safe with the security fuel selector switch. You can store 6 gallons of gasoline in the tank, but beware of fuel consumption; it can only run for 2 hours on a single tank. Filling and draining the oil tank is a simple process, as easy as clamping the tank’s nozzle. We find this model runs very smoothly and is great for short bursts of power.
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This DuroStar model is a high-quality, durable one. This is apparent from its heavy-duty steel frame, which will keep it lasting through years of robust use. Additionally, the 4-point isolated motor mounts allow for smooth operation and quiet power, with the assistance of a supplemental muffler.
The generator takes unleaded gas in a 4-gallon capacity tank. You can run the DuroStar DS4000S with enough power for 8 hours when running at a 50% load. The full power panel provides ease of access with the controls for the circuit breaker, start switch, voltmeter, and oil warning light at your fingertips.
Take this portable model in your RV, travel trailer, or camping or tailgating events. Also, utilize it in job sites or as backup house power; the versatility is endless!
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Light, reliable, quiet, safe, and fuel-efficient are all qualities of this Rainier R2200i. You can count on this model, whether it be for camping, tailgating, or back-up power when home electricity fails. This Rainier generator meets EPA and CARB regulations which makes it ideal for all these applications. We also find it to be compatible with many sensitive electronics as well as household devices. And at only 44 pounds, you can tote this generator anywhere.
The economy mode will have you saving fuel and energy. You will be notified when your oil is low or when you have reached max capacity. You have the option of two 5-20R 120-volt 20-amp outlets, as well as one 12 volts 15-amp direct current outlet and outlet indicator.
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[amazon box=”B079YF1HF6″]
This small portable generator is one of the most popular Honda generators, and for good reason. The versatility of this model allows you to use it for your RV, as well as for camping, a job site, or in your home. The reason why it works so well for so many scenarios is that it maintains a constant supply of power that you can rely on.
It’s quiet and runs at 48-57 dBA which works great for camping or RV power. Fuel efficient due to the eco-throttle system, which adjusts the engine speed to produce the power needed for the application being used. The EU2200i can run from 4 to 9.6 hours on one fuel tank so you can utilize it for overnight power or uses that take more than a few hours. This generator also uses inverter technology which enables it to emit steady power in a portable package.
We find this model to be expensive, but since it is good quality and performs well, it makes it worth the high price.
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[amazon box=”B001BMDFPS”]
We like this DuroMax XP4400E gas generator for its versatility, including its recreational vehicle capability. You will see an impressive 3,500 rated output with a max of 4,400 watts, make it enough to power a small house! This is the highest wattage of all our picks. Not only that, you can use it for 8 hours continuously at 50% load. And you can barely hear it with its built-in muffler, allowing for a quiet, peaceful experience.
The wheel kit and front handle make for easy portability. The full power panel makes it easy to monitor the power outlet, voltmeter, circuit breaker, and engine shutoff switch. Protect your engine with the low-oil shutoff feature. Low noise level, fuel-efficiency, and heavy-duty durable frame make this unit a good choice.
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The best generator in our opinion is the Westinghouse iGen1200. Not only is it quiet, and easily portable like most of our options, it is available at a fair price. It is easy to use and we believe any user will be satisfied with what it can do.
We believe the added comfort of generator capabilities on your adventure will lead you to a happier and more satisfying experience. After all, you can stay gone longer with a generator.
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Riley Draper is a writer and entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a world traveler, he has been to more than fifty countries and hiked some of the most elusive trails in the world. He is the co-founder of WeCounsel Solutions and has published work in both national and global outlets, including the Times Free Press, Patch, and Healthcare Global. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on a hiking trip or climbing in the mountains.
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