Do portable power stations make camping better?

A good portable power station makes camping better. These devices power lights, phones, and small appliances when you’re outdoors. We spent three months testing power stations to find the best portable power stations for camping. We tested 30 portable power stations over 12 camping trips.

What is the best portable power station?

Editor’s Note: We updated our Portable Power Stations guide on June 6, 2025, to add the EcoFlow River 3 Plus, our new best budget choice; the Anker C300 DC, our choice for best backpack power station; the workhorse Bluetti Elite 200 V2; Bluetti’s pro-photographer-centric Handsfree 2 Backpack, and the extra-portable Bouge RV JuiceGo.

What accessories do you need for a portable power station?

One of the most common accessories is going to be a cord to connect to similar power stations in series, often times doubling your power output. Some portable power stations have a light bar built into the housing, which is useful for seeing at night. Anker’s Solix C300 also includes a pop-up camping light.

Do portable power stations have AC outlets?

Portable power stations offer many different outputs in addition to these, including AC outlets, 12V vehicle “cigarette” plugs, 30A 120V AC plugs, and more. Is it worth getting a portable power station?

What is the best portable power station for RVs & Campers?

The new Goal Zero Yeti Pro 4000 ($3,999) is another star addition to the brand’s portable power station lineup. It wins our “Best for RVs & Campers” category partly because Goal Zero really delivered with a camper and van-specific design, complete with companion integration/solar kits.

What is a portable power station?

Portable power stations can power and charge electronic devices off the grid. They don’t burn fossil fuels, so they’re cleaner, quieter, and require minimal maintenance compared with gas- and diesel-powered generators. They can be recharged using solar panels and home electrical outlets.