If you have an RV, chances are you know that a plug is required to get the best possible experience. Even if you’re not using an RV, it can be concerning to go to a campsite without knowing if you can charge your electronics. So, let’s look into it.
Most campsites have power outlets for charging your phone or hooking up your RV. For an RV campsite, you will see power outlets available throughout the site. Most traditional campsites have either indoor or outdoor outlets to ensure your electronics stay charged throughout your trip.
Let’s take a closer look at outlets found at campsites and what you can expect while camping.
Why Do Most Campsites Have Power Outlets?
Most campsites have power outlets to allow full access to your RV and give you access to electronic devices while camping. It is mostly for convenience, but it is also for the safety of people on campsites overnight.
When it comes to RV campsites, outlets are pretty common. Most people can’t use a lot of their RV’s functions without plugging in. You’ll need to plug into an outlet to have access to:
- Heating
- Cooling
- Microwaves
- The refrigerator
- Any other utilities that require 120-Volt electricity to run.
Additionally, you will find outlets at campsites that aren’t meant for RVs. Most of our lives are digital now. So, it is vital to have access to these things to stay safe when outdoors in an unfamiliar area.
Part of the charm of camping is unplugging or disconnecting from electronics, but that is often not as easy as we think. Sometimes we need our phones to stay connected to family members.
Whether it is for safety or to be alerted if something goes wrong, sometimes staying connected is the safest method. To do this, we need electrical outlets to keep our phones charged and ready for any incidents that may arise.
Beyond phones, there are plenty of other reasons we need outlets at a campsite. For example, warm meals are a comfort that we often take for granted. While camping without an RV, there is no microwave or easy way to heat up food besides building a fire. Electrical outlets allow you to have hot food even while camping without a fire.
For camping in the colder months, a little bit of heat goes a long way. An outlet can allow you to heat your tent at night without relying on a ton of layers to keep warm. This will keep you from getting too cold at night when you’re sleeping, and it will also make your camping trip a lot more comfortable for those who don’t like the cold.
Many campers are also nomadic or remote workers, so camping out doesn’t necessarily mean a vacation or time off from work for them. For these people, outlets are essential as they allow them to plug in their laptops or other mobile devices and get some work done, even as they enjoy the wonders of the outdoors.
It is important to remember that being completely disconnected from the world while camping may be fun for some, but it is not for everyone. So, before you plan that camping trip, always ensure that the campsite has power outlets for you to use if needed. Camping should be fun; you shouldn’t spend your trip worrying about what might happen in case of an accident.
How Can I Get Power if the Campsite Doesn’t Have Outlets?
If your campsite doesn’t have outlets, you can use a generator, car battery, battery-operated devices, or portable charging devices. While these may not be as convenient as an outlet, you can still have a fun camping experience with these tools.
Having no outlets can sound like quite a challenge, but there are ways to still have access to the devices you need. To keep your phone and other similar devices charged, you can bring a portable charger with you. These are devices that supply battery power to your electronic devices by allowing you to charge them ahead of time.
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If you’re looking for a portable charger, try the Anker Portable Charger, which is available on Amazon.com. The amount it can charge your device depends on which device you are using, but it will give at least a full charge to most devices. This is a great way to prepare for camping without power.
A generator is another great option for camping as it will provide a power supply to your devices as needed. There are many factors to consider before purchasing a generator, like how much power you need and how loud the generator will be. So, consider those factors carefully before making your purchase.
Related Article: Can you sleep in an RV with the generator running?
A car battery can be used in a similar way that a generator is used, but this should only be used in an emergency situation. Unlike generators, car batteries can run out pretty quickly when overused. This means that your car may not start when you try to leave. So, it is best to only use a car battery for emergency situations and preserve it when possible.
Finally, you can consider battery-operated devices for your camping trip, so you don’t rely on power outlets. Battery-operated lights, chargers, and heaters can be very helpful when camping, especially when camping without power outlets. So, if outlets aren’t guaranteed, then consider getting battery-operated things to bring with you.
Some of the most convenient battery-operated devices include the following:*
- Dorcy Handheld Flashlight: It’s lightweight, super bright, and comes with its batteries included.
- Imons Automatic Portable Coffee Machine: The easiest way to make your coffee no matter where you are. You can use K cups or loose coffee, and it features one-button operation for ease of use.
- TYZU Portable Neck Fan: This fan will help you keep cool, no outlets required! It comes in four different colors and is bendable to suit your needs.
*Note: All products are available on Amazon.com.
Related Articles: A guide to the best batteries for on the go solar How do solar panels work on a van? (an in depth look) What can run without a camper battery?
Final Thoughts
Most campsites have power outlets for RVs and more basic electronics, but it is not guaranteed. Most of the time, you’ll notice that campsites made for RVs have plugs for them so you can access all your electronics.
Most campsites will let you know if they have outlets available, but there isn’t always a way to know. So make sure that you have some other options available when outlets aren’t available for you.
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