| WEN 56200i (Best Overall)
(Editor's Choice)  |
| Champion 100263 (Best Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator)
 |
| WEN 56125i (Cheapest and Most Lightweight)
(Editor's Choice)  |
| Rainier R2200i
|
| Pulsar G2319N
|
| Jackery Explorer 240 (Best Solar Generator)
|
| Jackery Explorer 500 (Highest Power Output Solar Generator)
|
Camping is so much fun; however, the wrong generator can ruin your moment. The camping generator needs to be quiet and powerful enough to power the necessary tools without disturbing fellow campers.
To help you choose the right product we have prepared a list of the best camping generators that are surprisingly quiet for your camping needs.
Best Camping Generators
1. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
WEN 56200i is our top choice for the best camping generator. Its 79.7 cc engine can produce 2000 peak watts and 1600 running watts, which is enough to run any electric machine on your camping trips.
Thanks to its inverter technology, it delivers clean and stable power making it a great choice to run sensitive electronics, tools, and other appliances safely.
To top it off, the power output of this generator contains less than 1.2 percent total harmonics distortion, which reduces the heating in your electric machines and increases their overall life expectancy.
It features two 120V AC output ports, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port for the user’s convenience. Being a parallel capable, you can link another inverter generator with this one and double the wattage output.
This generator weighs under 50 pounds and measures 18 x 11 x 18 inches. Not only is it powerful, portable, and compact, but it is surprisingly quiet too.
At just about 51 decibels, this generator is so quiet that you won’t hear a thing. That is why it is ideal for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgating, and recreational use.
To maximize portability, this unit is fitted with a top-mounted carrying handle. The low-oil sensor prevents engine damage due to low oil, and some additional safety features are introduced in this generator too.
- Easy to carry
- Parallel capable with eco-mode
- Portable and lightweight unit
- EPA & CARB compliant
- Very quiet operation due to enclosed casing
- No fuel gauge
- No electric start
2. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Next, we have Champion 100263, and this generator is different from all of the camping generators we have reviewed here. First of all, its engine can run on both gasoline and propane, and hence it is known as a dual-fuel generator.
Furthermore, it can generate 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts on gasoline and with this power, you can even run two 15,000 BTU air conditioners. When running on propane, the generator will pump out 3060 peak watts and 2790 rated watts.
This inverter generator can run for 7.5 hours on its 1.6-gallon gas tank and 14.5 hours on a 20-pound propane tank while maintaining the 25% load.
Its economy mode adjusts the fuel consumption as per the connected load, which allows the generator to run quieter and extends the engine’s life expectancy.
Also, please note that dual fuel generators have more advantages than propane generators but in terms of efficiency, both the generators perform the same.
All in all, its noise level is 59 decibels at quarter load and not to mention its high fuel economy. Additionally, it delivers clean and stable power, which is essential for sensitive and delicate electronic devices such as digital cameras, smartphones, and computers.
Thanks to its dedicated 120V 30A RV ready port, you can link the generator directly to your RV. In addition to that, it includes many advanced features such as; electric start, quick touch panel, low-oil shutdown, and let’s not forget its output ports such as two 120V household outlets and 12V DC port with dual USB adapter to charge smartphones on the go.
- Inverter capability with Dual-fuel system
- Ultra-quiet operation due to enclosed casing
- Clean power (less than 3% THD) for sensitive electronics
- Quick touch panel with electric start facility
- Economy mode for fuel saving
- Expensive compared to other units
- No wireless starting
Read Also
3. WEN 56125i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Looking for a budget-friendly camping generator? WEN 56125i is one of the cheapest gas-powered inverter generators available on the market right now.
WEN 56125i offers a variety of features at a very affordable price range. On the maximum load, its 60cc engine can deliver 1250 surge watts and 1000 rated watts. But if you still need more energy, then simply connect two identical inverter generators by using the parallel kit.
Its small size and compact design are perfect for small projects of DIYers around the house, outdoor activities, and power outages.
You will be surprised to hear that this generator is so quiet that its noise level can be compared to the sound of normal conversations, and it is proven by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Its built-in inverter technology refines the power, and hence you will get the pure sine wave power. If we go into more detail, then its internal capacitors & inductors limit the total harmonic distortion to under 0.3 percent at no load and under 1.2 percent at full load. Thus, this inverter generator tops the list of cleanest power-producing generators.
Although its fuel tank is small (0.7-gallons) but still it can store enough fuel to provide 5 hours of runtime at 50% load.
Moving on, by engaging the Eco-mode throttle, you can maximize fuel efficiency; thus, you can save money on fuel costs. This unit is backed by a full two years of warranty.
- 1250 starting watts and 1250 running watts
- Designed for campgrounds, tailgates, and power outages
- Extremely quiet at 22 feet away (51 decibels)
- Can connect in parallel to double the power output
- Sold with 2-year warranty
- Only recoil start
- Heavy considering its power output
Read More: Reviews of Best Whole House Generators
4. Pulsar G2319N Gas-Powered Quiet Inverter Generator
Pulsar G2319N is designed by keeping in mind the portability, and this factor is crucial when you want to use the generator for camping trips.
Rated for 2300 surge watts and 1800 rated watts, this camping generator has enough power to meet your load demands.
A suitcase-style design and carrying handle make the handling easy, and you can effortlessly transport the generator. At 50% load and with only a 1.18-gallon fuel tank, it can run for 4.8 hours.
Its stable sine wave technology provides pure and harmonic-free power making it safe to run sensitive electronic devices.
If we talk about the output receptacles, then it has a total of four ports, including two 120V household outlets, one 12V port, and one 5V DC USB outlet.
Unfortunately, it does have an electric start system, but recoil start isn’t that bad. In case the generator doesn’t start after 2-3 pulls, you can use the choke switch.
By engaging the economy switch, the generator will consume less fuel; therefore the noise output also decreases. That’s not all; the low oil sensor prevents potential damage to the engine by shutting down the engine upon detection of low fuel.
There are various indicators on the panel of the generator, including the oil-warning indicator, overload indicator, and operation indicator.
- Cheapest camping generator with a decent power output
- Control panel with numerous features
- Safety ports such as neutral floating ground
- 13 hours of runtime on the full gas tank
- Unmatchable manufacturer support
- Only 1-year warranty
- Parallel cord is sold separately
5. Rainier R2200i Portable Inverter Generator
We are coming in hot with Rainier R2200i. Rainier is not so well-known brand in the generator industry. But their products are extremely well-built and affordable at the same time.
Rainier R2200i is the cheapest camping generator of all the generators that offer 2000 running watts. This portable inverter generator is rated for 1800 running power and 2200 starting power.
It can run for about 13 hours on 1.3-gallon fuel while maintaining the 25% loaded condition. Its 79cc OHV 4-stroke engine is super quiet, and it can be started with a recoil start method.
What I found interesting about this particular generator is its eco-mode. When in use, the generator lowers the engine’s standby idle speed to match the current demand of the load, which results in increased fuel efficiency and reduced wear-and-tear of the engine.
The parallel capability of this generator allows you to pair two identical inverter generators together and double the power output. Instead of purchasing one bigger unit, you should invest in two small parallel capable generators because this way, the storing and transporting process becomes straightforward.
As you know, most camping sites, parks, and neighborhoods require total silence, and so that is why you should choose a generator that produces minimal noise.
As for the Rainier R2200i, its noise level is 52 decibels, which is super low; thus, this generator is ideal for camping sites. Safety features like low oil sensor and overload protection alarm add another advantage to the list.
Last but not least, this unit is backed by three years of warranty.
- Lightweight and efficient
- Produces very little noise thus ideal for campgrounds
- Enhanced mobility with built-in handle
- Parallel capable of increased power
- Eco-mode for higher fuel-efficiency
- Heavy (47 pounds)
- Recoil start could become bothersome
6. Jackery 240Wh Portable Solar Generator
Solar generators are very popular among the campers due to their less weight and no noise operation. So that is why we have considered adding the Jackery explorer 240 to our list.
This particular solar generator has got over 1000 reviews on Amazon, in which 88% of customers have given it a five-star rating. The Jackery 240 incorporates the 240 watt-hours lithium-ion battery pack to store the energy, which can be used later.
You will be happy to know that the internal battery of this generator can produce 400 surge watts and 200 continuous watts on a full charge. Using this generator, you can run small appliances and charge smartphones, laptops, and cameras. However, keep in mind that you cannot run devices/machines that are rated above 200 watts.
Please note that this solar generator does not come with solar panels, so you will have to buy it separately. You can either a 60-watt or 100-watt solar panel and by using the 60-watt solar panel you can fully charge this battery pack in under 7 hours.
Moreover, this unit can also be recharged using the AC wall outlet as well as the car’s output port. The output power is a pure sine wave, and it has a maximum of four output ports, including one AC outlet, two USB-A port, and one DC car outlet.
This camping generator weighs just about 6.6 pounds so it can be used for boondocking, off-grid usage, off-road excursions, and traveling.
- The most lightweight and compact solar generator
- Ideal for charging small devices
- Flexible charging choices
- 24-month warranty
- Not useful for charging larger devices
- Not waterproof
7. Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
Jackery specializes in outdoor and camping gear. Jackery has produced many great products, and the Explorer 500 portable power station is a great example of this. This is one of the highest power output solar generators we have on our list.
As you know, solar generators do not have any engine, so there is no need for fuel or any mechanical parts. Due to this reason, solar generators do not produce any noise at all, and on top of that, they do not require any maintenance.
Many people have misconceptions about solar generators. The Solar generator does not produce any energy, but instead, it stores the energy (DC power) produced by solar panels into its internal battery. At the time of use, this DC power is converted to AC with the help of a power inverter.
In the case of Jackery Explorer 500, it has a 518Wh (watt-hour) lithium battery. This internal battery is rated for 500 continuous watts and 1000 peak watts.
Using this portable solar generator, you can run small electronic devices like a car cooler, air pump, CPAP machine, and other camping gadgets.
By using the 100-watt solar panel, the generator will be fully charged within 14 hours, and if you use the carport, then it will take around 16 hours. And the household AC outlet will fully recharge the internal battery of the generator in 8 hours.
This unit is equipped with a BMS system, which manages the over-voltage protection, over-current protection, and over-temperature protection. This camping gadget is protected by two years of solid warranty.
- Lightweight but powerful
- 500-watts continuous power and 1000-watts surge power
- Ideal for RVs, camping and other outdoor activities
- five output ports to run multiple appliances
- Longer recharging time
- Cannot power bigger electronic devices
Considerations for Camping Generator
1. Quiet generator for camping
When choosing any generator, you need to check how much noise it emits. All the camping sites and boondocking places have a noise level limit of up to 60 decibels. So you might get kicked out from the camping site if you have a noisy generator. For this specific reason, we have selected all inverter generators for our top picks.
2. Small, compact and portable
You should consider choosing a generator that is compact and portable. Otherwise, it will become hard for you to carry it during your camping trips and not to mention the hassle of storing it. Also, small generators produce less power, but you can eliminate this problem by paralleling generators. Brands like Honda, Champion, and Westinghouse offer very compact generators, and they are very fuel-efficient too.
3. Runtime
A generator should at least run overnight when used for outdoor activities. You may be using a variety of electronic devices such as a mini fan or mini AC during the night, so it is important that your chosen generator should run for 8 hours straight. Conventional generators consume 2-3 times more fuel than inverter generators. Inverter generators can change the speed of the engine according to your power demand; hence they are very fuel-efficient, less noisy and their runtime is higher.
What to look for when buying a camping generator?
When it comes to choosing any generator for camping or any other recreational activities, there are some factors you need to consider:
1. Price
Price is the biggest factor when purchasing anything, and the same goes for the generators too. Generators of well-known brands like Honda are way too expensive due to their premium materials and top-notch build quality. However, brands like Champion and Westinghouse offer the same products at half the price with decent features. So you need to weigh out your options and select the most affordable generator.
2. Reliability and durability
You may not want to invest your money in a generator that requires frequent maintenance. Cheap generators often stop working, so you should avoid such generators. However, there are some manufacturers who provide great products at a really competitive price range.
Many times the users are also responsible for the generator’s failure. Users run the generator upon arrival and then store them away until the next storm, which leads to fuel clogging issues in the carburetor, and therefore, the generator stops working. At that time, the manufacturer’s technical support will help you fix the generator quickly.
We advise you to purchase the generator from well-known brands only and also make sure your selected generator is covered by at least 2-3 years of warranty.
3. Power output and number of outlets
Although you do not need high power in the middle of the jungle but if you are going on camping trips and have a lot of electronic devices with you, then it is better to have a bigger generator.
Any generator with 2000-3000 running watts power output will be more than enough for your power requirements. Moreover, if you want to run multiple devices simultaneously, then your generator needs to have multiple outlets. Also, you can use the extension cord and strips too.
