· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 8 min read
Top 7 Best Portable Power Stations for Camping in 2025 – Keep Your Adventures Powered Up
Discover the 7 best portable power stations for camping that’ll keep your outdoor adventures running smoothly. From compact designs to high-capacity options, find the perfect fit for your needs and never worry about running out of juice again.
Introduction
Picture this: You’re out in the wild, surrounded by towering trees, a crackling campfire, and the soothing sounds of nature. But then, your phone dies, your portable fan stops spinning, and your mini-fridge loses its chill. Sounds like a nightmare, right? That’s where portable power stations come in—your ultimate lifesaver for keeping the essentials running while you’re off the grid.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven of the best portable power stations for camping in 2025. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time adventurer, I’ve got you covered. We’ll talk about battery life, portability, and all the nitty-gritty details that matter when you’re out in the sticks. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one suits your camping style. Let’s get into it!
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Jackery Explorer 300 is like the Swiss Army knife of portable power stations. It’s compact, lightweight (just 7.1 lbs), and packs a 293Wh battery that’s perfect for charging your phone, running a small fan, or keeping your LED lights glowing. The pure sine wave inverter ensures your gadgets get clean, stable power, and with multiple output options (AC, USB-C, USB-A, and a 12V car port), it’s super versatile.
What really stood out to me was how easy it is to carry around. The LCD screen is a nice touch, showing battery percentage and input/output wattage, though I wish it gave an estimated runtime. Charging is a breeze with AC, solar (if you buy the panel separately), or a car adapter. Just keep in mind, it’s not built for heavy-duty appliances like CPAP machines or mini-fridges for long periods.
The lack of a built-in flashlight or carry bag felt like a missed opportunity, and the fixed handle isn’t the most storage-friendly. But overall, it’s a solid choice for casual campers.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight and easy to carry | Solar panel sold separately |
Clean power for sensitive devices | Struggles with high-wattage gear |
Multiple charging/output options | No built-in flashlight or bag |
Bailibatt Portable Power Station 300W 257Wh
After testing the Jackery, I was curious to see how the Bailibatt stacked up. Spoiler: It’s a solid contender. This little guy is lightweight, easy to carry, and packed with ports—AC outlets, USB, and DC ports. I used it to power my laptop, charge my phone, and even run a mini-fan, and it handled everything like a champ.
One feature I loved was the built-in emergency light. It’s bright, energy-efficient, and super handy for late-night bathroom trips. The downside? Charging takes forever—around 8 hours for a full charge. The plastic build also feels a bit cheap compared to other models, but hey, it gets the job done.
If you’re on a budget and need something reliable for light camping or emergencies, the Bailibatt is a great pick. Just don’t expect it to power your entire campsite.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight and portable | Slow charging time (8+ hours) |
Multiple ports for versatility | Plastic build feels less premium |
Bright emergency light | Solar panels sold separately |
GRECELL Portable Power Station 300W (Peak 600W), 288Wh Solar Generator
The GRECELL is a workhorse for campers who need a bit more oomph. With a 288Wh capacity and 300W output (600W peak), it can handle small appliances like mini-fridges, CPAP machines, and even power tools. The 60W USB-C PD output is a game-changer for fast-charging laptops and phones.
I was impressed by the pure sine wave AC outlet, which keeps your sensitive electronics safe. But the solar charging? Meh. It’s slow and requires direct sunlight, so don’t count on it for quick top-ups. It’s also a tad heavier than the Jackery Explorer 300, but still manageable for most trips.
If you’re looking for a dependable option for short trips or emergencies, the GRECELL won’t let you down. Just don’t expect it to power your entire campsite for days on end.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight and portable | Solar charging is slow |
Pure sine wave AC outlet | Limited capacity for heavy loads |
Fast USB-C PD charging | Display can be hard to read |
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is the big brother of the Explorer 300, and it’s a beast. With a 1070Wh LiFePO4 battery, it can power a fridge for nearly 15 hours—yes, you read that right. The 1-hour fast charge is a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch, and the Bluetooth/WiFi connectivity lets you monitor it via the Jackery app.
Compared to the Explorer 300, this one’s heavier (24 lbs) but still portable enough for most trips. The pure sine wave inverter ensures clean power, and the solar compatibility (up to 400W input) is perfect for off-grid living. The only downside? No DC barrel plug, and the app can be a bit glitchy.
If you’re planning extended trips or need serious power, the Explorer 1000 v2 is worth every penny.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fast 1-hour charging | No DC barrel plug |
High capacity (1070Wh) | Solar cable sold separately |
Lightweight and portable | App connectivity can be glitchy |
Jackery Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 is like the little sibling of the Explorer 300—small but mighty. With a 256Wh LiFePO4 battery, it’s perfect for charging phones, tablets, and running small fans. The 1-hour fast charging is a game-changer, and the 100W USB-C PD output is great for laptops.
I took it on a weekend camping trip, and it didn’t disappoint. The built-in camping light is a nice touch, but the lack of a 12V car charging cable was a bummer. Solar charging also requires an extra adapter, which isn’t included.
If you’re looking for something lightweight and reliable for short trips, the Explorer 240 v2 is a solid choice. Just be ready to shell out for extra accessories.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight and portable | No 12V car charging cable included |
Fast 1-hour charging capability | Solar charging requires extra adapter |
Reliable LiFePO4 battery | Limited to small appliances (300W AC) |
Portable Power Station 600W, 293Wh Portable Generator
This 600W portable power station is a jack-of-all-trades. With a 293Wh capacity, it can charge up to eight devices at once—perfect for group outings. The 110V pure sine wave AC outlet ensures clean power, and the built-in LED light is a nice bonus.
The downside? Charging is slow, and the AC adapter gets pretty hot during use. It’s also not the best for high-drain devices over long periods. But for its price, it’s a solid choice for casual campers or emergency backup.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight and portable | Slow charging time |
Charges up to 8 devices at once | AC adapter gets hot during use |
Clean power with pure sine wave | Limited runtime for high-drain devices |
Portable Power Station Bank 300W Rated (600W Peak), 220Wh Solar Powered Power Bank
This little guy is a budget-friendly option for campers and emergency prep. With a 220Wh capacity and 300W output (600W peak), it can handle small devices like phones and laptops. The built-in flashlight with SOS mode is a lifesaver, but the solar panel isn’t included.
It’s lightweight and portable, but the cooling fan can get noisy during heavy use. If you’re on a tight budget and need something reliable, this is a decent pick.
Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Lightweight and portable | Solar panel not included |
Multiple output options | Struggles with high-wattage devices |
Built-in flashlight with SOS mode | Cooling fan can be noisy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand is the best power station?
It really depends on what you need. Jackery is great for casual campers, Goal Zero is perfect for off-grid adventurers, and EcoFlow is ideal for heavy-duty use. Each has its strengths, so think about your budget and power needs before deciding.
Which is better, EcoFlow or Jackery?
EcoFlow is better for heavy-duty use and fast charging, while Jackery is more portable and user-friendly. If you need serious power, go EcoFlow. If you want something lightweight and easy to use, Jackery’s your best bet.
Which is better, EcoFlow or Bluetti?
EcoFlow is known for fast charging and lightweight designs, while Bluetti offers expandable batteries and durable builds. If you need long-term durability, Bluetti might be better. For quick power and portability, EcoFlow wins.
What size power station is best for camping?
For most campers, a 300-500Wh power station is perfect. It’s enough to charge phones, run small appliances, and keep your campsite lit. If you’re using high-wattage devices, consider something with 500-1000Wh.
Is Bluetti a Chinese brand?
Yes, Bluetti is based in Shenzhen, China. They’re known for their high-quality portable power solutions and have a strong international presence.
Is Bluetti better than Jackery?
Bluetti is better for heavy-duty use and expandable batteries, while Jackery is more portable and affordable. It really depends on your needs—Bluetti for power, Jackery for convenience.
Final Recommendations
- Best for Portability: Jackery Explorer 300 (link to Amazon)
- Best for High Power Output: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (link to Amazon)
- Best for Solar Charging: GRECELL 288Wh Solar Generator (link to Amazon)
- Best for Budget-Friendly Options: Bailibatt 300W (link to Amazon)
- Best for Emergency Backup: Bailibatt 600W (link to Amazon)
- Best for Multi-Device Charging: Apowking 300W (link to Amazon)