You’re probably not the first to wonder how to charge a phone while camping. Many phones nowadays can barely make the 24-hour mark before the battery runs out, which can be particularly inconvenient when you’re camping.
Even though I strive to live in the moment and enjoy the outdoors, I always make sure to have a fully charged phone with me for emergencies. Personally, the chargers in my car do the trick, there are many other ways.
In this article, I’ll explore the various methods you can use to juice up your phone while exploring nature so that you can stay connected.
DISCLOSURE
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10 Camping Essentials – Camping Gear & Accessories
Camping essentials so you have fun camping so you go camping more!
- Matches, lighter or flint to get your campfire started so you are always prepared.
- Reusable water jerry can with tap. I love that this one is foldable yet still super strong.
- Comfortable camping chair. This one has a cooler bag and cup holder to ensure you have a cool drink within arms reach so you can sit back and relax.
- Portable gas camp stove to cook or reheat your favorite camping meals and stay nourished.
- Axe or tomahawk to cut wood for your camp fire.
- Jaffle iron to make delicious pie’s, panini’s, toasted cheese sandwiches and more around your campfire
- Heavy-duty gloves for handling items on your BBQ, grill or firepit safely.
- A long-handled shovel has so many uses from digging your car out of it gets bogged to moving coals around in your camp fire.
- Waterproof, quick-pitch tent with plenty of space for your gear and to protect you from the rain.
- Dirty gear bag that fits over your spare wheel so you can take all your rubbish with you.
Ways To Charge Your Phone While Camping
The following are the best methods you can use to charge your phone no matter where you are:
Use A Power Bank
The most common way people charge their phones is by using a portable battery, also known as a power bank. You only need to remember to charge it, and you’ll have enough power to recharge your phone as needed.
Various power bank options are available, with the latest models being more compact than older ones. Remember to compare the energy capacity (measured in milliamp hours mAh) of the power bank and the needs of your phone battery.
For example, 10,000mAh can charge your phone more than two times (from 0 to 100) if your phone’s battery requires 4000mAh. A power bank with a larger capacity (for example, 30,000mAh) can provide you with more juice and allow you to use your phone for more time.
Some power banks have a small solar panel to recharge them while you’re camping.
Invest In A Solar Power Station
As I mentioned earlier, you need to remember to charge your power bank or else it’s not going to help you charge your phone. Another option is to invest in getting a solar power station. This is a portable power station that can be recharged using energy from the sun.
If you’re prone to taking longer camping trips where you are going to need to charge your phone more than a few times, this is a great option to consider. Some power stations generate enough electricity to power up a laptop, lights, and phone or two.
Solar Panels
If getting a dedicated power station is too much of an investment for your camping needs, consider getting a small solar panel that can generate enough electricity to power your phone. Make sure to get one that is foldable, because portability is important when you’re camping.
Also, keep in mind that solar panels take a significantly long time to generate electricity, especially on days with less sunlight. You’ll need to direct the panels correctly for optimal results.
Electrical Outlets At Campsites
Many public and private campsites are connected to the main electric grid, so they tend to provide charging stations for visitors. This is a great option if you’re already staying at an organized campsite. If you have a power bank with you, I suggest charging it while you’re at the campsite as well.
Biofuel Power Generator
If solar panels are too bulky for you to carry around, you may consider using a generator powered by biofuel (renewable energy, such as used oils, and animal fats). Some biofuel generators also double as small stoves, making them even more convenient for camping and other outdoor recreational activities.
Car Charger
My personal favorite way to keep phones charged while camping is to use a car charger. Most modern cars have USB ports that you can connect to your phone for charging. If you’re driving an older vehicle or an RV that doesn’t come with a USB port, you can purchase a car charger that connects to the standard power socket in most modern cars.
Try not to keep your car running all night just to charge your phone, because your car’s battery would run out. It’s much safer to mainly charge your phone while driving during your camping trip.
Crank-powered Charger
Although this doesn’t sound like the most convenient gadget to have around, there are generators that you can crank manually to get enough electric power to charge your phone. They are actually meant for powering up a camping lantern, but they’d work for your smartphone in a pinch.
Keep in mind that to get even 15% of most modern smartphones charged, you’ll need to crank the generator with considerable physical effort. Not to mention the time it takes.
Tips On Saving Your Phone’s Battery Power
Now that I’ve reviewed the best ways to charge a phone while camping, you probably realize that electricity is not readily available in those situations. That’s why I recommend following the tips below to save energy and avoid wasting your battery charge while camping:
Airplane Mode
The easiest method to keep your phone from wasting battery life is to turn on Airplane mode. Many parks and campsites do not get great cell coverage, which forces your phone to keep searching for the network. This process consumes a lot of energy, so turning off the network altogether will help prolong battery life.
Lower Brightness
Modern smartphones waste a lot of energy on lighting up increasingly large screens. Keeping the screen brightness on the highest level can drain your battery very quickly. I recommend lowering your phone’s screen brightness or at least setting it to automatic.
The automatic setting will allow you to get enough brightness to see the screen when in sunny areas, without unnecessary brightness when you’re in darker areas.
Take Fewer Videos (And Photos)
I get it: we’re all practically addicted to social media; taking that perfect Instagram snapshot of your campsite is something you look forward to. You also want to keep the memory of your trip. However, keep in mind that using your phone’s camera will use up your battery very fast.
Note that videos consume more battery life than photos, and using your phone’s torch (flashlight) is even more draining. So, try to take fewer photos and live in the moment. Enjoy camping by skipping the technology and getting more acquainted with nature.
Skip Google Maps When Possible
Google Maps (or other navigation systems) on your phone are convenient but can also use up your phone’s battery. A lot of serious campers prefer to use a physical map, but you can also download the map and use it manually whenever possible.
Turn Off The Phone
Lastly, I recommend turning off your phone for the most part. Not only will this preserve that precious battery life, but you’ll also be able to enjoy exploring nature more. Try turning off your phone during the night, or whenever you don’t believe your will be using it very much.
However, for safety purposes, I recommend that at least one phone per camping group should stay on. This is so that in case it’s ever needed, emergency services can reach you via the network connection to your phone.
Reasons To Keep Your Phone Charged While Camping
There was a time when people went camping with no phones at all, so you might wonder why bother keeping them charged. Below are a few reasons to ensure that your phone is fully charged when camping:
- You might get lost, and a navigation system will come in handy.
- You may need to contact emergency services in case something goes wrong.
- Phones can help you take photos and videos to memorialize your trip.
- People may need to contact you with important information.
- Use your phone to check weather reports before going out hiking/fishing/etc.
How To Charge Phone While Camping FAQs
How Do You Charge A Battery While Camping?
Use a car charger, power bank, solar generator, or biofuel generator to charge a battery while camping.
Can You Charge Your Phone In A Tent?
You can charge your phone in a tent using a power bank or solar power station.
How Do You Charge A Phone Without Electricity?
Portable power sources such as batteries, power bankks, and panels can generate electricity to charge your phone.
How Do I Charge My Phone While Backpacking?
A solar panel on your backpack or power bank can be used to charge your phone while backpacking.
Final Thoughts On How To Charge Phone While Camping
There are a variety of methods to charge your phone while camping. Choose the option that works best for your camping trip, your needs, preferences, and budget. Saving your phone’s battery life is equally as important.
Preserving the battery life on your phone can be a safety precaution as well as a way to help you enjoy your camping trip more.