Best Portable Power Stations for UK Camping & Off-Grid Power
Did you know that only around 60% of UK campsites offer electric hook-ups, leaving 40% of pitches without mains power? That means almost half of campers—whether in a tent, caravan or motorhome—need to plan how to run devices like electric kettles, mini-fridges, coffee makers, LED lights, portable heaters, water pumps, and charging stations for smartphones, tablets and drones while off-grid [camping and caravan club].
Hello, adventurers! Whether you’re setting up camp under canvas, cruising in a motorhome, parking your caravan by a loch, or charging power tools on a remote site, a portable power station is your new best friend. Picture this: you arrive at a beautiful, secluded spot and—no hook-up in sight—you switch on your power station and voilà, everything from your kettle to your 4G router springs to life. With only about 60% of UK campsites offering electricity, bringing your own juice is a game‑changer.
In this post, you’ll discover:
How portable power stations work and why they’re ideal for tent campers, caravanners, van‑lifers and tradespeople
Real‑world examples of what each unit can power—and for how long
Our friendly, no‑fuss picks for four top models on Amazon UK
Simple steps to set up, charge (mains, solar, car) and look after your station
Handy tips for tent‑camping, so your gear stays dry and tidy
Notice: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, offgridwifi.co.uk may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
What Exactly Is a Portable Power Station?
Think of a portable power station as a big rechargeable battery with built‑in sockets. Inside you’ll find an inverter that turns stored DC power into AC, plus several USB ports and even a 12 V car outlet. Best of all? They run silently and emit zero fumes—unlike petrol generators. Whether you need to top up your phone, run LED lights, power a mini‑fridge, or keep your off‑grid 4G/5G router humming (check out our 4G/5G router kits), these units make it easy.
Why you will love having a portable power station
Imagine no more nights spent in the dark, no more extra campsite fees, and no more relying on unpredictable hook‑ups. Here’s why a portable power station is worth its weight in gold:
True freedom of pitch: Head off to wild camps or small sites without worrying about mains sockets.
Cost‑effective: Eliminate daily electric fees of £5–£10—saving you money over a week away.
What Can your portable power station Really Power?
Let’s talk real numbers. On a typical 500 Wh station, you can expect:
Smartphone (5 W): roughly 80 full charges—plenty for selfies, downloads and calls.
4G/5G Router (10 W): around 40 hours of continuous internet—ideal for streaming maps or working remotely.
LED Camp Light (5 W): up to 100 hours of cosy light in your tent.
Laptop (50 W): about 8 hours—so you can edit photos or check emails by the campfire.
Mini‑Fridge (40 W): around 10 hours—enough to keep snacks and drinks cool.
Airbed Pump (60 W): approximately 6 hours—inflate everything from airbeds to kayaks.
Power Drill (200 W): two hours of tool charging—handy for small on‑site jobs.
Our Friendly Top 4 Picks
Below are four of our favourite portable power stations you can grab on Amazon UK today. Each has its own personality, so pick the one that best suits your adventures.
Jackery Explorer 500
Price: ~£389
Why we like it: The Explorer 500 strikes an ideal balance between capacity and portability. It’ll keep your LED lanterns shining for days, run a mini‑fridge overnight and power your 4G/5G router for hours—all from a tidy, user‑friendly unit.
What makes it stand out: An intuitive LCD display and simple controls make this model great for beginners. Its 1,000 W surge capacity handles occasional heavy loads that trip other mid‑range stations.
Feature Ratings:
Overall Features: 4.5 ★ / 5
Power Capacity: 4 ★ / 5
Portability: 4 ★ / 5
Key Specs:
Storage Capacity: 518 Wh
Inverter Output: 500 W (1,000 W surge)
Weight: 6 kg; Dimensions: 293×230×233 mm
EcoFlow RIVER 600
Price: ~£449
Why we like it: Hate waiting on a full charge? You’ll appreciate EcoFlow’s X‑Stream fast‑charge—80% in under an hour means less downtime before your next adventure.
What makes it stand out: Its X-Boost mode easily powers tools and devices that typically trip other stations. The rapid recharge time puts it ahead of the pack when you’re on the move.
Feature Ratings:
Overall Features: 4.7 ★ / 5
Power Capacity: 4.5 ★ / 5
Portability: 3.8 ★ / 5
Key Specs:
Storage Capacity: 576 Wh
Inverter Output: 600 W (1,200 W surge)
Weight: 7 kg; Dimensions: 280×200×185 mm
BLUETTI EB55
Price: ~£359
Why we like it: Designed for longevity, the EB55’s LiFePO₄ cells give you over 2,500 cycles. It’s a reliable partner for regular campers and onsite jobs alike.
What makes it stand out: Few competitors in this price range match its cycle life or safety profile. Strong surge capacity powers heaters or multiple devices without a hitch.
Feature Ratings:
Overall Features: 4.3 ★ / 5
Power Capacity: 4.2 ★ / 5
Portability: 4.5 ★ / 5
Key Specs:
Storage Capacity: 537 Wh
Inverter Output: 700 W (1,400 W surge)
Weight: 4.5 kg; Dimensions: 295×175×200 mm
Anker 521 PowerHouse
Price: ~£169
Why we like it: This lightweight unit is perfect for emergencies or lightweight camping trips. It recharges quickly and gives you peace of mind without the bulk.
What makes it stand out: Its compact design and budget price make it accessible to casual campers. While it’s not for heavy loads, it excels at powering small essentials on the move.
Feature Ratings:
Overall Features: 4 ★ / 5
Power Capacity: 3 ★ / 5
Portability: 4.8 ★ / 5
Key Specs:
Storage Capacity: 256 Wh
Inverter Output: 200 W (400 W surge)
Weight: 3 kg; Dimensions: 215×160×150 mm
Integrating with Solar Panel Kits
Harness the sun to keep your adventures powered all day long. Most 500–600 Wh stations pair beautifully with a 100–200 W solar panel kit. Simply connect the solar input cable from your station to the panel’s output, angle the panels towards the sun, and watch them top up your battery while you hike, relax or sleep.
For detailed solar setup, mounting tips and UK-specific kit recommendations, check out our full solar guide:
Simple Setup & Charging
Once you’ve got your station, here’s how to get started:
Unpack & switch on: Find a flat, dry spot outside your tent, caravan or van and press the power button.
Charge via mains: Plug in the AC adapter—most mid‑size units take 6–8 hours for a full charge, EcoFlow does 80% in under an hour!
Solar charging: Connect a compatible panel (100–200 W). In good sun, expect 4–10 hours for a full top‑up.
Car charging: Use the 12 V cable while you drive—handy between sites.
Keep an eye on the screen or app to track remaining power and input/output rates.
Tent-Camping Tips
Talking tents? Here’s how to stay organised and dry:
Cable management: Zip cables through door openings or windows using the tent’s built‑in ports.
Protect from rain: Keep the power station under a small tarp or inside a dry bag if the heavens open.
Charge before bed: Top up phones, lights and routers before lights‑out for a refreshed start.
You have the power, now enjoy a connectivity
Pair your WiFi kit with a PAYG SIM card (e.g. Smarty, GiffGaff, EE Flex) so you only pay for internet when you’re not there.
Final Thoughts
A portable power station means no more hunting for sockets, no hidden charges, and no damp evenings in the dark. From cosy tent movie nights and caravan cuppas, to running tools on off‑grid sites and powering your 4G/5G router (see our essential kits), it’s the ultimate companion.
Start with a 250–500 Wh unit for everyday gear, or step up to 1 kWh+ if you need fridge‑running muscle. Whichever you choose, you’ll unlock genuine freedom: power wherever adventure (or work) calls.
Shop our full range of off-grid WiFi kits at OffGridWiFi.co.uk, or get started with a £25 signal survey to find out what coverage you can expect at your location.
Still Interested?
We have plenty more information to share
Check out more of our guides below
