Best Mini Generators For Camping

Our daily routine of five to nine jobs or staying at home becomes boring after a while. In a soothing and pleasant environment, we can find some comfort for the mind by getting out of the busy world. 

For this purpose, we mainly camp in far-flung areas that are off the grid. It does not mean we cannot use modern day luxuries such as laptops, smartphones, lights, refrigerators for cooling, fans, and musical devices to relax our minds.

In this regard, we have compiled a list of the best mini generators for camping that gives enough power to run essential items in a camp.

We only recommended inverter technology based generators in camp since we have sensitive equipment such as laptops and mobile phones that require clean sine waves, which can only be provided by inverter generators.

The best mini generators for camping are usually about 2000-3,000 watts. They can easily handle laptops, phones, fans, lights, and mini freezers.

List Of Best Mini Generators For Camping — Editor’s Top Choices

2000 Watts Mini Generators For Camping 

The Generac brand is known for its reliability in making generators. They get positive reviews on Amazon, as well as on many other web pages.

The Generac GP2500i is the best mini portable generator for camping in the 2000 watts category that runs on gasoline and uses inverter technology.

One gallon fuel tank allows for 4.5 hours of runtime at half load, and 8 hours at 25% load, and its engine is very fuel efficient. 

It is powered by a 98cc OHV single cylinder engine. It has a starting power of 2500 watts, and a running power of 2200 watts. 

A recoil-starting method is provided for starting the generator. 

Compact and lightweight, it weighs just 59 pounds and features a built-in handle for easy transportation. 

For its operation, one USB 2.1A 5V outlet, two AC 120V 20A receptacles, and one DC 12V receptacle are included along with rubberized outlet covers. 

There are led indicators on the control panel that indicate low oil levels, overloads, and if the machine is ready to use. 

If more power is required, two generators can be connected in parallel. 

This generator is capable of connecting laptops, mobile phones, and other sensitive equipment through a usb port due to its inverter technology. 

The generator emits 60 dB of sound, which is noiseless, so you can stay calm in the camp even with a running generator outside. 

This generator’s economy mode automatically adjusts the engine speed to offer best fuel efficiency and minimises sound and emissions. 

In order to protect it from damage, the generator shuts off when it detects low oil levels.

It complies with EPA and CARB regulations.

Wen is also one of the most reliable companies that produce quality generators for many years. Their generators get positive responses on different platforms, so you can buy them with confidence.

In the 2000 watt class, the WEN 56203i is the second best mini power generator for camping, which is gasoline-powered and based on inverter technology. 

The 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of power. 

One gallon of fuel will provide over 7 hours of runtime at half load and 10.8 hours at 25% load. 

With the help of the recoil, the generator can easily be started.

Generator operation is extremely quiet; it produces about 51 decibels of sound, which is approximately the same as the sound of a window air conditioner or a person speaking. 

The generator is compact and lightweight, with a weight of 39 pounds and a carrying handle for easy transport and storage. 

The generator panel has two 120V 14A common household AC outlets, one 12V 8.3A DC outlet, and two 5V USB outlets. One USB outlet provides 2.1A, while the other provides 1A. 

There are three lights that indicate how much power is being drawn from the generator, low oil level, and overload. 

The generator’s economy mode optimizes fuel consumption and prevents unnecessary use of gasoline by automatically adjusting the speed of the engine based on how much equipment is plugged in or unplugged with the generator. 

The inverter technology of this generator provides a very clean sine wave for laptops, phones, tablets, and other sensitive electronic devices. 

The panel also includes a parallel connection outlet so that two generators can be connected in case more power is required. 

This generator has low oil level, low fuel and overload protection, which makes it safe and prolongs its life. 

Additionally, this generator has a low fuel shut-off. The system cuts off the fuel flow and consumes all the fuel from the carburetor before automatically shutting off its operation. 

It prevents fuel build-up and blockage inside the carburetor, which minimizes maintenance and increases its longevity.

CARB compliance and EPA certification ensure its eco-friendly capabilities.

Champion’s generators are reliable, and their products meet market standards, so you can buy them without hesitation.

Champion Power Equipment 200961 comes in third place as the best mini power generator for camping in the 2000 watts class

Inverter generators can be powered by either gasoline or propane, making them very versatile. 

On gasoline, it provides 2500 starting watts and 1850 running watts, while on propane, it provides the same starting watts and 1650 running watts. 

Using a 1.1 gallon fuel tank, it can run for 11 hours at 25% load, while on a 20-pound propane tank, it can run for 34 hours at 25% load. 

With a weight of 39 pound, this generator is compact and lightweight, and its carrying handle makes its transportation and storage convenient. 

Only 53 dB of sound is produced, which is almost as quiet as a dishwasher. 

Recoil start and built-in cold start technology make for hassle-free starts even in cold weather. 

It is extremely safe for sensitive electronics, and has two USB ports, making it the best for laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and other sensitive devices. 

The panel had two 120V 20A household AC outlets and one 12V automotive style outlet. The outlets are all covered. 

There is also a switch on the panel that can be used to easily switch between fuel types. 

It is parallel-ready, which comes in handy if you are looking for more power. Two generators can be linked this way. 

Low oil shut technology protects the generator and prolongs its life by shutting down the generator if the oil level drops below a certain level. 

The economy mode of the generator adjusts its engine speed based on plugged and unplugged devices, producing less noise and better fuel efficiency. 

The generator is EPA-certified and carb-compliant. 

For many years, Westinghouse has also been a leading brand of generators. As they get positive responses across a variety of platforms, you can buy it without hesitating.

The Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is the fourth best mini portable generator for camping in the 2000 watt category.

It is powered by a 79cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine, which gives 2000 peak watts and 1800 running watts. 

At 25% load, it provides 13 hours of runtime on a full 1.3 gallon tank. 

This generator produces only 52 dba of sound, which is almost equivalent to an average conversation. 

Due to its lightweight and built-in handle, it is easy to transport and store. 

Inverter technology produces very clean sine waves, which are particularly useful for sensitive electronics such as LED television, entertainment systems, laptops, smartphones, and other devices. 

By using the recoil start, you can start the generator quickly. 

Economy mode adjusts the engine speed based on the plugged and unplugged devices, so the generator uses less fuel, is quiet, and does not consume unnecessary fuel. 

A parallel cord from Westinghouse can be used to connect two generators if more power is needed. 

The panel has two 120V 20A household AC outlets and one 12V DC car charging outlet. 

On the generator, there are three indicators that indicate when the generator is ready for use, when it is overloaded, and if the oil level is low.

The product complies with CARB and EPA regulations.

3000 Watts Mini Generators For Camping

The Briggs & Stratton brand produces quality generators, so you can buy this unit with confidence.

In the 3000 watts category, the Briggs & Stratton 30545 was rated as the best mini generator for camping.

Gas-powered inverter generators provide pure sine wave output, which means that you can use them for sensitive devices such as laptops, cell phones, LED televisions, etc. 

Briggs & Stratton 171cc OHV engine delivers 3000 starting watts and 2600 running watts, which is more than enough to power multiple mini devices. 

The mini freezer and air conditioner can also be powered, but the combination must not exceed 3000/2600 watts. 

It has a runtime of up to 10 hours on a 1.5 gallon gasoline tank at 25% load. 

This unit is very compact and weighs 85 pounds, but it has a telescoping handle and 6″ solid wheels that can be conveniently transported and stored. 

At one-quarter load, it generates about 58 DB of sound, which is barely audible. 

With the help of recoil, you can easily start the engine. 

The quiet power technology switch automatically adjusts the engine speed to reduce fuel consumption, thereby producing less noise as it operates dependent on the connected appliances. 

Four AC 120V/20A common household outlets, one 120V 30A twist lock outlet, one 12V/5A dc outlet, and one USB port are included in the panel. 

Parallel connectivity of the generator enables it to connect two generators together to gain more power if necessary. 

In addition, the generator has an LCD screen display that provides information such as the amount of power being drawn, the total runtime, and maintenance reminders, such as when to change the oil, air filter, and spark plug.

It is CARB compliant, and EPA approved. 

It is one of the best companies out there that manufactures quality generators for many years and receives positive feedback from different platforms as well.

The Powermate PM3000i P0080601 is ranked second as the best mini portable generator for camping in the 3000 watts category.

It is a gasoline-powered inverter generator that is started with the help of a recoil. 

Powered by a 149cc OHV engine, it delivers 3000 peak watts of power and 2300 rated watts. 

On a 1.06 gasoline fuel tank, this generator runs for 4.5 hours at half load. 

Compact and lightweight, it weighs 59.5 pounds, and an integrated handle makes handling it easy. 

Since it produces clean sine waves, you can use it for sensitive electronics such as laptops, phones, etc. 

In addition, the generator has a mode that can adjust the speed of the engine in response to connected appliances to reduce noise, to save fuel and to prolong its lifespan. 

There are two 120V/19.2A common AC household outlets in the panel, and one 120V/19.2A twist lock outlet.

This generator has three light indicators that provide information such as low oil level, readiness for use, and warning when more appliances are connected than it can handle.

Low shutoff technology prevents damage by shutting down the generator if the oil level is too low.

It meets CARB standards, and it is EPA approved.

Firman is another excellent brand that produces quality generators and gets positive feedback. 

Firman W03082 is the third best mini generator for camping in the 3000 watts category.  

A gasoline powered inverter-based technology generator, it is also RV-ready. 

It is equipped with both an electric and recoil starting mechanism, making its operation convenient. 

This 4 stroke, 4 cylinder, air cooled engine offers 3300 surge watts and 3000 continuous watts, which is more than enough to run several mini devices simultaneously or a larger refrigerator. 

Featuring a 109 pound weight and a u shaped folding handle along with 5.5″ plastic wheels, it’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and convenient for storage and transportation.

This generator offers a run-time of 9 hours on a 1.8 gallon gas tank. 

The harmonic distortion in the current wave is less than 3%. That means you can use it for sensitive electronics like laptops, computers, mobile phones, and all other appliances that are vulnerable. 

It has an economy control switch that reduces engine speed to save fuel, and reduces sound level depending upon the plugged devices. 

Panel included two 120V/20A common household outlets, as well as one 120V/30A RV outlet. The panel has a 5V/2A USB port for charging USB devices. 

At 1/4 load, the generator produces only 58 dB of sound. 

The generator has three lights, which indicate when it is ready for use, when it is overloaded, and when the oil level is low. 

This panel has a multimeter that displays voltage, hertz, running hours and you can view any of these options by pressing the button. 

This generator complies with CARB, EPA, and cETL requirements. 

Power Stations/Solar Mini Generators For Camping

Solar generators are particularly useful in areas with long sunshine hours. The cost is high, but there are some benefits, such as no noise, clean energy, and no fuel costs, so it is highly recommended to buy one if you are going to such an area.

The jackery power station 240 is a highly regarded unit that is highly recommended by experts on the web. 

In the category of solar powered generators, it is the best mini portable generator for camping. 

The portable power station is powered by a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 240Wh. This means that it can deliver 240Wh continuously for one hour. 

A 200W power station can easily support more than one device at the same time. A single device can also be attached. However, their combined rating power should not exceed its 200W rating. 

The power station can be used for laptops, smartphones, fans, televisions, and even a mini fridge. 

It is equipped with 110V AC pure sine wave outlets that can support current surges of 400 watts. Having two USB ports rated at 5V/2.4A makes it ideal for all USB devices. A 12V DC port is also included. 

It is lightweight at just 6.6 pounds, and it has a very solid carrying handle, making it ideal for camping and tailgating. 

There are three ways the station can charge: one is through a wall outlet, the second is via a car outlet, and the third is via a solar charger. 

As Jackery SolarSaga 60 is recharged via solar panel, the built-in MPPT controller enables the solar panel to operate at maximum power for better charging efficiency. 

The station has a display which shows input power, output power drawn, and how much battery power remains.

Drone 60W	4 Charges	TV 60W	3 Hours
Laptop MacBook Pro 13	3.5 Charges	Light 5W	40 Hours
Fan 15W	15 Hours	IPhone	24 Charges
Camera 10W	11 Charges

In the solar power generator category, FlashFish ranked second as the best mini portable generator for camping.

The unit is highly rated on different platforms and gets plenty of positive feedback. This means you can buy it with confidence.

The power station contains lithium ion batteries rated at 151 Wh. A 150 watt device can be operated for 60 minutes using this station. 

Since the station has a 200 watt rated power, the combined power of all the devices connected to it should not exceed this. 

It has a weight of just 4.07 pounds, which makes it very lightweight, and with its handle it can be easily carried anywhere where power is required, such as outdoor recreational activities, camping, tailgating, etc. 

At a camping site you can have the comfort of home with a flashFish portable power station. 

It is easy to carry the station in a backpack or in a car. Cpap machines, drones, lights, smartphones, and other equipment can be powered up with it. 

Even though the unit is small, it possesses nearly all types of outlets needed while camping. 

The panel has two AC 110V outlets, one three-prong and the other two-prong, and two 12V/10A dc outlets. Two of the three USB ports support quick charge 3.0, and one is rated for 5V/2.4A. 

Charging options include a 15-24 Volt solar panel, a wall charger, and a car charger.

Multiple devices can be charged simultaneously due to its stand-alone AC/DC operation. 

You can see all the important information on the multifunction LCD, such as how much energy is left in the station, AC/DC charging or discharging, and AC/DC output. 

There is enough light in the display so that you can see the information without a light source. 

The device has built-in safety features that protect it from overvoltage, overheating, and overcurrent, which prolongs the life of the device and ensures your safety.

DJI Mini 2	6+ Charges	Phone	15+ Charges
Laptop 50W	3 Charges	LED 5W	30+ Hours
Car Fan 30W	5+ Hours	Tablet	5+ Charges
Go Pro	15+ Charges	Car Freezer 30W	5+ hours

Third place goes to the EGO power station as the best mini portable generator for camping. Both heavy and mini applications can be done with this powerful tool.

The EGO PST3041 is a portable power station that comes with four batteries of 5Ah each to provide 20Ah of power. This is a great alternative to a gasoline generator since it’s quiet, clean, and portable. 

Ideally, a 20Ah battery can power one appliance of 20A or multiple devices having combined ratings of 20A for 60 minutes. 

It delivers 3000 peak watts and 2000 continuous watts. 

The 57-pound weight and solid steel handle make transportation and storage easy, and it can be carried in a car.  

It has four USB ports with a rating of 5V/2.1A, three 120V AC outlets and all outlets are covered, making it waterproof. 

There are three buttons: power on/off, reset to normal when overloaded, and wireless connection. 

It powers a television, full-size refrigerator, microwave oven, slow cooker, grumble, music, light, grill, and cooktops and it is the best for sensitive electronics since it provides clean and quiet energy. 

All its features make it ideal for outdoor recreational activities such as camping, tailgating, hiking, boating, and concerts. It allows you to enjoy quiet camping. 

The power station can be charged with the ego charger and the batteries can also be charged with solar panels, although ego does not provide solar panels. You have to use a third party solar panel for that purpose. 

With a bright LCD display, it provides information such as charging/discharging when AC/USB is switched on. 

It has indicators, actual output, rated power, peak watts, overload, low power, overheat, wifi, bluetooth, countdown timer, and battery status.

Conclusion

We analysed the best mini generators for camping and categorized them after a comprehensive analysis. In our honest opinion we recommend Generac GP2500i Inverter if you require 2000 watts, Briggs & Stratton 30545 for 3000 watts, and Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 for solar power generators.