What size power station do you need for camping?
67% of the public campgrounds in this guide have no electric hookups. A power station is a big rechargeable battery with normal outlets: no noise, no fumes, and allowed during quiet hours when generators aren't.
Step 1: add up what you'll run
Power stations are rated in watt-hours (Wh). Multiply each device's watts by the hours you'll use it each day. These are rough typical figures; check your own devices' labels.
| Device | Typical use per day | Approx. Wh per day |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charge | 1 full charge | 10–20 |
| LED camp lights | 5 hours | 25–50 |
| Laptop | 1 charge | 50–100 |
| 12V fan | 8 hours overnight | 80–200 |
| CPAP machine (no humidifier) | 8 hours | 250–500 |
| 12V compressor fridge | 24 hours | 300–700 |
Step 2: pick a size
| Trip | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|
| Weekend tent camping: phones, lights, a speaker | 300–500 Wh |
| Weekend with a fan or CPAP | 500–1,000 Wh |
| 12V fridge plus devices for 2–3 days | 1,000–2,000 Wh |
| A week or more, or small appliances | 2,000 Wh+ with solar |
Allow about 15–20% extra, because some energy is lost converting to AC power and batteries shouldn't run completely flat.
Step 3: decide on solar
A foldable solar panel recharges a power station during the day. In full sun, a 200 W panel can put back roughly 600–1,000 Wh in a day, which is enough to run a 12V fridge indefinitely. Shade and clouds cut that sharply.
Power station or generator?
Generators give more power for less money and can run RV air conditioners, but they're noisy, need fuel, and many campgrounds restrict their hours or ban them in tent loops. Power stations are silent and can run all night.
Popular power gear for camping
Portable power stations
Silent battery power for lights, phones, fans, CPAP machines and 12V fridges.
See options on Amazon ↗Foldable solar panels
Recharge a power station during the day, so it lasts the whole trip.
See options on Amazon ↗Quiet inverter generators
More power for RVs and air conditioning. Check the campground's generator hours.
See options on Amazon ↗Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Can a power station run a CPAP all night?
Yes. Most CPAP machines use 30–60 W without the humidifier, so a 500 Wh power station covers one to two nights. Using DC power instead of AC stretches it further.
Can a power station run a fridge?
A 12V compressor fridge uses roughly 300–700 Wh a day, so a 1,000–2,000 Wh power station runs one for 2–4 days, or indefinitely with a solar panel in good sun.
Are power stations allowed at campgrounds?
Yes. Unlike generators they make no noise or exhaust, so quiet-hour and generator rules don't apply to them.