Camping in the great outdoors is an incredible way to escape the daily grind, but staying powered up is essential for keeping your devices charged, running lights, or even powering small appliances. Whether you’re heading off-grid for the weekend or setting up a long-term campsite, a reliable and budget-friendly portable power station is a must-have. In this guide, we’ll break down the best budget portable power stations for camping in 2025, ensuring you get the most power for your money!
What to Look for in a Budget Portable Power Station for Camping
Before jumping into our top picks, let’s quickly go over the key features to consider when selecting a portable power station:
- Battery Capacity (Wh): Determines how long the power station can last.
- Portability: Lightweight and compact design for easy transport.
- Output Ports: USB, AC, and DC ports for versatile charging options.
- Recharge Options: Solar compatibility, wall charging, and car charging.
- Durability: Rugged design to withstand outdoor conditions.
Top Budget Portable Power Stations for Camping in 2025
1. Jackery Explorer 300 – Best Overall Budget Option
- Capacity: 293Wh
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Ports: 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC carport
- Recharge Time: 5 hours (AC), 5.5 hours (solar)
- Why It’s Great: Compact yet powerful, ideal for charging small devices, lights, and cameras. Solar compatibility makes it a great eco-friendly choice.
2. ECOFLOW RIVER 2 – Fastest Charging Budget Power Station
- Capacity: 256Wh
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Ports: 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC carport
- Recharge Time: 1 hour (AC), 3 hours (solar)
- Why It’s Great: One of the fastest-charging options in its price range, perfect for quick top-ups before heading into the wild.
3. Anker 521 Portable Power Station – Most Portable Budget Pick
- Capacity: 256Wh
- Weight: 8.2 lbs
- Ports: 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC carport
- Recharge Time: 4 hours (AC), 5.5 hours (solar)
- Why It’s Great: Ultra-lightweight design with a sturdy handle makes it easy to carry on hikes or to remote campsites.
4. BLUETTI EB3A – Best for Small Appliances
- Capacity: 268Wh
- Weight: 10.1 lbs
- Ports: 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C, 1 DC carport, wireless charging pad
- Recharge Time: 1.5 hours (AC), 3 hours (solar)
- Why It’s Great: Higher wattage output allows you to power small appliances like a mini-fridge or CPAP machine during camping trips.
5. MARBERO 88Wh Portable Power Station – Best Ultra-Budget Option
- Capacity: 88Wh
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Ports: 1 AC outlet, 2 USB-A, 1 DC carport
- Recharge Time: 3.5 hours (AC), 5 hours (solar)
- Why It’s Great: Super affordable and lightweight, perfect for charging phones, cameras, and small devices on short camping trips.
How to Maximize Your Portable Power Station for Camping
To get the most out of your power station while camping:
- Use solar panels to recharge during the day.
- Turn off devices when not in use to conserve energy.
- Bring backup charging cables to ensure compatibility with all your devices.
- Choose energy-efficient camping gear, such as LED lights and low-wattage appliances.
Conclusion
Camping doesn’t mean you have to go completely off-grid when it comes to power. With these budget-friendly portable power stations, you can keep your essentials charged without breaking the bank. Whether you need to power small devices, run a CPAP machine, or even keep a mini-fridge running, there’s an affordable option for you.