Even though we all enjoy the outdoors in and of itself—sometimes you just miss the recreational activities of modern life. One common idea is to think of how to watch TV camping so that you can get the best of worlds.
Sometimes when I’m camping it feels like the nights are longer than usual, so I usually spend some of the time reading a book or watching TV. We love a bit of netflix! There’s no shame in blending nature and modern luxuries..
Keep reading to learn more about how you can watch TV during your next outdoor trip.
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.
The Best Ways To Watch TV Camping
The following are the most common methods to enjoy some TV while camping. Keep in mind that there may be a few other options, but these are the ones I’ve found to be the most convenient and easy.
Streaming Services
Given their popularity nowadays, it’s no surprise that streaming your favorite shows is the easiest way to watch TV and movies when you’re out and about. Services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many others are available on most portable devices. So whether you watch on your smartphone, tablet, or a small TV in your camper van; this is a great option to stay entertained.
The only major drawback of relying on streaming services is that you might not get as much coverage in remote areas. If you tend to like camping in places that are off the beaten path, you might not have a strong enough internet connection.
You can also use a streaming device such as a Roku to connect to your streaming service of choice.
Using a Projector
If you’re camping with a group, consider watching a movie together under the night sky. All you need is a projector and a white bedsheet to hang up or a wall and watch. Cuddle up under a cozy blanket by the campfire, and toast some marshmallows while you’re at it!
This option will require some planning beforehand, as you will need to have the movie downloaded or burned on a DVD. The media format you use will depend on your projector. Some projectors allow HDMI connection to streaming devices, allowing for more options. Also, remember that you’ll need a power source to run the projector.
I recommend this option for large groups at campsites.
Downloaded Content
You may want to get around the problem of finding a good network connection when you’re in the middle of nowhere. To do that, consider downloading content beforehand. If you have a laptop or tablet, you could try to download content for offline use and watch it later at your convenience.
Keep in mind that not all media is downloadable—and it may be illegal in some jurisdictions. I wouldn’t recommend using torrent files or illegal downloads. However, some streaming services allow you to download a copy of the media you’re trying to watch offline (via the streaming app).
We do this with Netflix and Stan. I like having a bunch of downloaded content just in case we can’t stream anything. It’s my little backup plan.
Satellite TV
If you’re more traditional in your viewing preferences, you probably want to watch live broadcast channels. That is traditional television channels that are broadcast either via paid cable networks or national channels that air for free.
The only option to watch live-broadcast channels is to get a satellite TV. This option is particularly popular in areas with bad cell coverage. Many people who “go off the grid” use satellite TVs to stay up to date with the rest of the world when they need to be.
DVD Player
Instead of going through the trouble of downloading movies or TV series, you can also watch your preferred media on a DVD player. Many RVs and camper vans can be fitted with third-party DVD players, and you can also find portable DVD players nowadays.
However, keep in mind that finding movies or TV series on DVD is not as common as it used to be, and you may need to search for them or order them online. Facebook marketplace sometimes has people getting rid of their old DVD collections. Most consumers nowadays use streaming services or simply download their media content.
Campground Cable Connection
For TV in the conventional sense—that is, actually live broadcast—you’ll need a cable connection. The only way to access the cable network is through a cable connection provided at a campground.
Of course, ask your campsite how much the service costs and decide whether it’s worth it. You will probably need to buy a cable wire (coaxial cable) to connect your setup at the campground.
I recommend that you keep a cable at least 50 feet long to reach the campground from your vehicle. Also, check with the campground if they provide this service and ask for their prices. You don’t want to reach the campground only to find out that your planned source of entertainment isn’t available or is out of your budget.
Some caravan parks may have a shared entertainment room where you can watch cable TV too. For the NRL grand final last year, the campground we were in showed it on their big screen.
Problems You May Dace
Although it is possible to watch TV while camping, there may be a few obstacles on the way. This is especially true if you want to watch anything live-broadcast, or if you want to watch streaming content. Here are the two main problems you may face (and how to fix them):
Internet Connection
As I’ve mentioned earlier, many remote camping destinations tend not to have the best cell service. This means you won’t have access to the best internet connection. So, you’ll find that your streaming video will stop and buffer more than a few times—or worse, it won’t connect at all.
The solution to this problem is to search for network coverage in the area you’re visiting and make sure to set up camp in areas with better coverage.
No Cable Connection
For anyone more accustomed to sticking with the TV schedule that cable networks provide, a cable connection is the only option. However, not all campgrounds provide cable connection, so you should do your research before you go camping if it is important to you.
Equipment To Consider Buying
Now that I’ve introduced you to all the best ways you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies on your camping trip, you may want to invest in additional equipment. Here are a few items to consider:
Projector
To cozy up by the campfire and have a movie night, you may want to buy a projector. You’ll need to search for models that are specifically marketed for use during camping. These would be models with better connectivity, portability, and features that allow the projector to withstand variable weather conditions.
Mobile Hotspot
Access to WiFi on multiple devices can be hard to come by when you’re in the middle of nowhere. The solution is to buy a mobile hotspot, also known as a portable WiFi device. This is a device that receives cell service from your provider and transmits it as WiFi signals.
This means you will have internet connectivity on any WiFi-receiving device you have on you—phone, tablet, portable TV, etc.
Media Player
Either get an old-school DVD player or a media player that allows you to plug in a hard drive/USB flash drive. This will allow you to watch TV wherever you are, without the need for any network connection whatsoever. However, you will need a power source to charge it, and you’ll need a library of offline media to watch.
Antenna (for outdoor use)
For those of you who are more interested in watching live-broadcast channels (traditional TV), it would be a good idea to buy an outdoor antenna. It is a device that helps boost the receiving power of your TV so that you can get a signal even when it’s weak.
Sometimes you’ll find that even if your satellite TV is connected to the network, the connection is dodgy. An outdoor antenna will ensure that you can watch TV with fewer pauses for buffering.
TV Cable
If you plan on visiting a campground that offers cable TV, it would be a good idea to invest in getting an extra-long coaxial cable. You may not always find a spot to park your caravan as close to the cable output plug as you’d prefer, so having your own cable will help give you some freedom of movement.
Why Would You Watch Tv While Camping?
Many people new to camping might not imagine there is time to watch TV while camping. However, the nights can get pretty long sometimes; you might not always want to spend those long hours staring up at the sky.
There’s absolutely no shame in turning in for the night and watching your favorite TV series or movie after a long day of exploring nature.
How To Watch TV Camping FAQs
Is There Internet While Camping?
Some campgrounds provide internet connection, and many national parks have cell coverage on the main trails. However, very remote camping destinations tend not to have internet (or regular cell service) available.
How Can I Watch Tv While Camping Without Service?
Either use a cable connection via your campsite or watch offline TV content such as DVDs or downloaded media.
Is It Safe To Watch TV Outside?
It is safe to watch TV outside as long as you keep your TV away from the elements and harsh weather conditions such as rain and extreme sunlight.
Can I Watch Netflix While Camping?
You can watch Netflix while camping if you have strong cell coverage, or if you’ve downloaded the movies/series on the Netflix app ahead of time.
Final Thoughts On How To Watch TV Camping
By now you shouldn’t be wondering how to watch TV camping, as I’ve gone over the basics (and then some). It is possible for you to enjoy a bit of TV while camping whether you’re off the beaten track or in a campground, depending on your preferences and circumstances.