Deciding which portable generator is the best to take camping can be a daunting task! There are now so many brands, sizes, and shapes it can be difficult to decide which generator is perfect for you. Alas, you don’t have to worry anymore! Here we have a comprehensive guide to the best portable generators for camping.
We assessed 8 generators’ weight, portability, noise, power, and price. If you’re short on time, our all-around best portable generator for camping is the WEN 56200i.
Keep reading to find other great portable camping generators that suit your needs. Whether it be a lightweight generator or a quiet one, we have all the answers just below.
Best Portable Generators For Camping
- Ryobi Digital Inverter Generator RYi2200GR
- Goal Zero Yeti 500X Power Station
- Champion Power Equipment 76533 Generator
- Yamaha EF2000iS
- Honda EU3000iS (High End)
- Jackery Power Station Explorer 240 (Budget Buy)
- Ego Power+ Nexus Portable Power Station
- WEN 56200i (Top Pick)
Compare Top Camping Generators
| Generator Name | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Ryobi Digital Inverter | 66 | Easiest Portability | Check Out On Amazon |
Goal Zero Yeti 500X | 76 | Best for the Environment | Check Out On Amazon |
Champion Power Equipment | 70 | Best for Winter | Check Out On Amazon |
Yamaha EF2000iS | 82 | Quietest Generator | Check Out On Amazon |
Honda EU3000iS | 60 | 
Best for Families | Check Out On Amazon |
Jackery Power Station | 78 | 
Best Lightweight | Check Out On Amazon |
Ego Power+ Nexus | 74 | Alternative to Gas/Oil power | Check Out On Amazon |
WEN 56200i | 86 | 
Best All Rounder | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis Of The Best Camping Generators
1. Ryobi Digital Inverter Generator RYi2200GR
Overall Score: 66
Advantages
- Easy to move
- Bluetooth app to measure how much fuel is left
- Reliable manufacturer
Disadvantages
- Noisy
- Heavy
Weight
The Ryobi generator is not light. Weighing in at 59.2 lbs, it is a hefty generator that won’t blow away during your camping trip.
Due to its weight, you will need to ensure your campground is accessible by car because you will not be able to carry it that far.
Portability
Although this generator is heavy, it does come with wheels and a handle to make it more portable. This makes it a lot easier for an individual to move and you won’t be breaking your back.
Noise
While the Ryobi manufacturers have claimed this generator is as audible as rainfall, it could be likened more to a steady storm.
I find the sound of storms therapeutic, and it helps me to sleep when I’m camping. However, if you prefer your generator silent, then look at other options.
Power
The Ryobi works at 2200w with a 1.2-gallon capacity for oil. It should last 10-11 hours, depending on what you use it for.
This generator also has a Bluetooth app to help you manage the generator’s fuel use and track how much is left.
Price
Although these generators are not cheap, Ryobi is a reputable manufacturer. As long as you take care of this generator (change the spark plug), longevity and reliability are worth the price.
2. Goal Zero Yeti 500X Power Station
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- Solar powered, or charge with a wall or a car outlet
- Silent when being used
- Waterproof
Disadvantages
- Solar panels can be bulky
- Can take up to a day to charge
- Not great with high-power appliances
Weight
The Goal Zero Yeti is another heavy generator, weighing 58 lbs. One person can carry it, but we would recommend being careful to avoid injury.
With this weight, you’ll need to choose your camp spot wisely. Perhaps closer to your car?
Portability
This generator can be packed into a briefcase sized bag with a handle for carrying. While this makes it easier to transport, you must still be aware that it will be heavy.
However, its compact size makes it easy to store. A bonus of Goal Zero Yeti is the setup of the solar panels is super simple.
Noise
Since no gas or oil is being processed to create the energy in the generator, the Goal Zero Yeti is extremely quiet. This makes it a great choice for light sleepers who struggle to sleep at night.
Power
This generator holds 900-1000w of power per charge, likely lasting between 12 and 14 hours. The downside is it will take you almost that long to fully charge the generator.
Solar panels are much more environmentally friendly than gas or oil, but you do forfeit the convenience that other gas generators bring.
Price
The Goal Zero Yeti is pretty pricey, but it is a more environmentally sustainable generator.
Instead of buying gas or oil canisters whenever you go camping, you can know that this generator is an investment you won’t have to keep paying for on every camping trip.
3. Champion Power Equipment 76533 Generator
Overall Score: 70
Advantages
- Toggle switch makes it easy to light in winter
- Can use either propane or gas to use
- Wheels for portability
Disadvantages
- Need extra gas/propane
- Very heavy
Weight
We’ve talked about heavy generators, but this is the monster of camping generators. Weighing in at 119 lbs, it is the heaviest portable generator we are reviewing.
We have included it because it is a great generator for groups or cold trips where you’ll need more power to keep warm.
Portability
How does one move a monster generator? Well, luckily, this generator has wheels.
As long as you aren’t on rocky terrain, the generator is portable enough to set up wherever you like as long as you’re okay to wheel it.
Noise
The Champion Power generator is a gentle giant. Don’t let its weight fool you. It is one of the quietest generators in this article.
This means you can leave your generator running all night to keep you warm.
Power
You can use either propane or gas to power the Champion. It can take up to 3.4 gallons and last up to 9 hours.
With a high of 3800w, it can power tent lights and a tent heater and charge your phone all in one go. It also has a toggle switch, making it simpler to start up in winter, as you won’t be fussing with a pull cord.
Price
With weight and power like this, this generator is value for money. It’s great for winter camping when you need that extra power boost to keep you warm.
Champion also includes a 3-year warranty with this generator!
4. Yamaha EF2000iS
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Very quiet
- Compact shape
Disadvantages
- On the pricier end
- Requires oil, so make sure you have enough for your trip
Weight
The Yamaha is a lightweight generator weighing in at 44 lbs. It’s extremely popular in the camping world as its weight allows it to be easily transported.
With the Yamaha, you don’t have to sacrifice your campground to get your generator there.
Portability
As well as being lightweight, the Yamaha is reasonably small and compact. The sturdy handle makes it easy to carry. It’s a great option for solo campers or short camping trips.
Noise
This generator is one of the quietest you can purchase at the moment. It has a fitted muffler system that drops noise levels to 51.5dB, the sound of a whisper.
Likely, you may even forget you have a generator!
Power
The fuel tank holds up to 1.1 gallons of oil with a 2000w capacity. The Yamaha is not as powerful as the previous generators.
Still, it has a ‘smart’ inverter system that ensures the gas is used as efficiently as possible and the energy is clean.
Price
With its performance and portability, this generator is well worth the money. It’s easy to use and compact enough to take anywhere.
The reliability attached to the Yamaha brand name is also a huge bonus. The only clear downside is no fuel gauge, so you’ll have to keep track.
5. Honda EU3000iS
Overall Score: 60
Advantages
- Reliable
- Quick refill without disrupting power output
- Great for families
Disadvantages
- Will require multiple gas canisters
- Heavy
Weight
This is the heaviest portable generator we have under review. It’s a whopping 131 lbs without gas.
Of course, this is far too heavy for a single person to carry, so you’ll need to ensure two adults carry the generator carefully every time.
Portability
The weight of the Honda hinders how portable it is. The Honda doesn’t have wheels, so it must be carried everywhere.
While you could add wheels to the generator yourself, you must consider how far you can pull it.
Noise
For such a big generator, it is surprisingly quiet. This makes it great for shared campgrounds where you don’t want to keep yourself or your neighbors awake all night.
Power
This generator’s power makes it the best option for families. This generator is gas-powered with 3000w of clean inverter AC power.
This makes it extremely reliable and will provide you with enough power for any amenity you might need when camping. It has a 3.4-gallon gas capacity too.
Price
If your family is camping with a solar panel generator, you may be unable to wait for it to be fully charged.
Although the Honda EU3000iS is expensive, it provides consistent, reliable energy whenever you need it. Make sure you consider the weight of this generator before purchasing!
6. Jackery Power Station Explorer 240
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Super lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Compact size
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for long trips
- Solar panel purchased separately
- Lithium batteries are expensive to replace
Weight
The Jackery Power Station is the perfect lightweight generator. It’s the lightest we’ve reviewed. It only weighs 6.6 lbs!
This is perfect for those that want to take a generator backcountry or primitive camping.
Portability
It is not only light, the Jackery Power Station is also very small. Its size makes it compact and easy to transport.
This generator will fit easily into your backpack, making it great for camping trips where you’ll be hiking.
Noise
Since the Jackery is not burning gas or oil to generate power, it does not make as much noise. The Power Station is pretty quiet and can be kept running inside your tent throughout the night.
Power
The generator is powered by lithium batteries that can be recharged at home. They can also be charged by USB in the car or by solar panels.
Compared to oil or gas, lithium batteries are much more economically sustainable. The generator produces 240w, enough to power a mini cooler overnight or charge your phone 100 times.
Price
The Jackery Power Station is usually a great budget generator option. The price is a bargain for the weight and portability of this product. You get exactly what you pay for!
7. Ego Power+ Nexus Portable Power Station
Overall Score: 74
Advantages
- Steel handles for portability
- Runs on batteries, so cleaner than gas
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- Expensive batteries
Weight
The Ego Power+ is a sturdy generator weighing in at only 44 lbs. It looks like it should weigh much more from its exterior, but it’s lighter due to the removable battery pack.
Portability
Although it’s a bulky generator, the manufacturers of the Ego Power+ have made it as portable and robust as possible.
With two steel handles attached to either end, it is fairly easy to transport to your campground and back.
Noise
Without the rumbling of gas or oil, this generator can keep noise output to a minimum.
It’ll work well in primitive camping, where you don’t want to disturb the wildlife, or campground camping, where you don’t want to keep everyone awake.
Power
This Ego Power+ is the best choice for someone looking for a greener, more environmentally friendly generator.
The batteries can be recharged instead of replacement gas canisters constantly needed. With two lithium Ion batteries, it has a capacity of 3000w. That’s enough to power a washing machine inside your tent!
Price
The Ego Power+ is pricey, but you invest in a more sustainable product. However, the greatest downside to this generator is that lithium-ion batteries are expensive to replace.
One replacement battery can cost nearly the same amount as the generator itself.
8. WEN 56200i
Overall Score: 86
Advantages
- Quiet
- Inverted Generator
- Lightweight
- Good Price
Disadvantages
- With gas, it can add 10 pounds
- Lacks Honda and Yamaha reliability/reputation
Weight
WEN is the new kid on the portable generator block. The WEN generator weighs in at 39 lbs without a gas canister, slightly lighter than the average portable generator.
Unfortunately, with gas, its combined weight sores up to 49 lbs.
Portability
WEN has a robust handle, so you can easily transport it to and from a campsite. Because it is lighter than the average portable generator, it’s a great choice for a solo traveler who may need to carry it alone.
Noise
Although it runs off gas, WEN has made this generator’s noise levels rival the solar panel and battery levels.
Yes, that means it’s extremely quiet. If you use this generator to heat your tent all night long, you won’t have to worry that it’ll keep you up.
Power
The WEN runs on gasoline at 2200w, with 1600w continuous. It is an inverted generator, so the output power is clean and reliable. In other words, you can run your heater and charge your laptop!
Price
Although the WEN manufacturer does not have the same reputation as Yamaha or Honda, they have made a light, powerful, clean, and quiet generator.
It’s one of the all-around best portable generators you can purchase at a bargain price.
Final Thoughts
Searching for the perfect portable generator for your camping trip can feel like a mystery. But today, we hope we’ve made it much easier for you!
We examined 8 different generators based on their weight, portability, noise, power, and price. The WEN 56200i offered the best score, as it was light, affordable, powerful, and quiet!