The Best Inverter Generator for Camping of 2025

Published: September 24, 2022
Inverter generators are the quietest generator type making them a great choice when camping. There's a wide variety of brands, types, and sizes that are suited for various applications and environments and in this article, we review the best inverter generators for camping for 2022.
Champion 200961

At a Glance: The Best Inverter Generator for Camping of 2025

At a Glance:
Model Warranty Running Watts Time Noise Fuel
Champion 200961 3 Year 1850W 11.5h 53 dB(A) Gas, Propane Read More
Westinghouse iGen2500c 3 Year 2200W 12h 52 dB(A) Gas Read More
WEN 56235iX 2 Year 1900W 11h 51 dB(A) Gas Read More
Generac GP2200i 2 Year 1700W 10.75h * Gas Read More
Honda EU2200i 3 Year 1800W 8.1h 57 dB(A) Gas Read More
Westinghouse iGen4500DFc 3 Year 3700W 18h 52 dB(A) Gas, Propane Read More
WEN 56400iX 3 Year 3200W 17h 57 dB(A) Gas Read More

* Not specified by manufacturer

Are you a camper who loves to get away from it all or do you prefer the convenience of having electricity to power your creature comforts (or to help you have a safer camping trip?)

It is no wonder that portable generators are such a common fixture in most campgrounds. They come in handy for powering basic appliances in RVs and keeping the lights on at the campsite.

The biggest drawback to using generators at campgrounds however is the noise they produce. A consistent 100+ decibels from the running engine-generator can get annoying very fast to you and your neighbors. It also largely defeats the intention of getting away from it all into nature!

Fortunately, there exist great camping generators that operate silently without compromising on the power output. Inverter generators are a favorite among campers for their very quiet running engines.

However, the operating noise levels are just a piece of the puzzle – you still need to consider several other factors when choosing the best generator for camping.

What to Look for In an Inverter Generator for Camping

Inverter generators come in a wide variety of brands, types, and sizes that are suited for various applications and environments. To help you choose the best inverter generator for camping, be sure to consider the following factors:

Portability

Regardless of your type of camping, chances are that storage space and portability are major concerns when buying camping gear. The last thing you want is an inverter generator that takes up too much space in your RV or one that’s too heavy to move from the vehicle to the campsite.

Preferably, the best generator for camping should come with a compact body and weigh under 50 pounds.

If you need more power and don’t mind the extra weight and bulk, then you may choose a heavier unit that weighs up to 125 pounds. But in this case, you’ll be wanting to look at models with ergonomic carrying handles and wheels (that won’t go flat!)

Noise Levels

Your inverter generator of choice should not be a nuisance to your fellow campers. So, always opt for generators with noise levels below 60 decibels (at full load) which is the volume of normal conversation. Otherwise, prolonged exposure to noise levels beyond 75 decibels might lead to hearing loss – and are very likely to make you an outcast at the campsite.

Power Requirements

How much you need can be best evaluated by first considering how many appliances you will be powering. You want to take note of the surge watts and running watts for all the appliances and give an allowance of about 20%. The most suitable inverter generator should meet this resulting wattage.

For instance, an RV air conditioner with a heat output of 7,000 BTUs takes around 1700 starting watts and 600 continuous watts to operate. Therefore, you would need an inverter generator with a power output of at least 2000 peak watts and 1500 running watts.

If you need even more power than your pick can provide, then ensure it comes with load-sharing (parallel) capability. The feature helps link two compatible generators to help run more power-hungry appliances for longer.

The number and variety of outlets available in the inverter generator is similarly a key concern here. An RV-ready inverter generator is expected to operate silently and most importantly, comes with a NEMA TT-30R outlet.

Firstly, the TT in its name stands for Travel Trailer. Secondly, this type of receptacle helps plug directly into RV’s electrical wiring. Other good-to-have outlets in your portable generator for camping include the L5-30R and 5-20R outlets.

USB-A or USB-C ports and a cigarette lighter-style outlet are also desirable in your dream camping generator.

Fuel Source

The most common fuel sources for engine-generators include electricity (for portable power stations), diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, or a combination of either. For camping, you want to stick with inverter generators that use gasoline, propane, or both fuel types.

Propane might not be as powerful as gasoline but it burns slightly cleaner and is less expensive. You can hook a larger propane tank to the generator to meet your power needs. Unlike in gasoline generators, where the runtime is a bit restricted to the capacity of the fuel tank.

Ideally, you want an inverter generator that can use either gas or propane. That way you are not limited to the availability of a specific type of fuel, however, be prepared to pay a little more extra.

Reviewed: The Best Inverter Generator for Camping of 2025

Whether you’re camping in the backcountry or parking your RV rig in designated campgrounds, these inverter generators will be sure to meet your power needs. We believe these units offer the best value for your money and most importantly, they feature most of what you would expect in a good-quality camping generator.

1. Best Inverter Generator For Camping

Champion 200961

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

Champion 200961

The Champion 200961 is a highly portable dual-fuel inverter generator that weighs only 39 pounds without fuel. It will only occupy a minimalist section in your truck bed measuring 17.3 inches in length, 12 inches in width, and 17.7 inches in depth.

It delivers a modest 2500 peak wattage and up to 1850 continuous watts on gasoline. You lose quite a bit of power output when you switch over to propane – 1850 surge watts and only 1665 running watts. However, the power output will be adequate for running basic low-wattage appliances and charging batteries.

Load-sharing is possible with this model but the necessary accessory is bought separately.

The Champion 200961 provides close to 12 hours runtime on gasoline at 25% load. Additionally, its 79cc 4-stroke engine is powered by a 1.1-gallon gas tank and comes with an LPG hose (with regulator) to connect a propane tank.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: The Champion 200961 might not run most power-hungry RV air conditioners but it is more than adequate for light to moderate power requirements. That said, the unit fetches premium pricing despite not having convenient features such as a data center or an electric start.

Positives

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Sets up quickly and easily

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Has dual fuel and load-sharing capabilities

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Super lightweight and portable

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Operates relatively quietly at 53dBA

Negatives

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Only has a manual pull-cord start

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More expensive than the competition

2. Best Value Camping Generator

Westinghouse iGen2500c

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

Westinghouse iGen2500c

The iGen2500c is yet another portable generator for camping perfect for people with low power requirements. It comes with a carbon monoxide sensor unlike its earlier version, the iGen2500, and it has a higher output than the iGen2200 model.

The generator provides 2500 starting watts and 2200 running watts with less than 3% harmonic distortion. Its 0.98-gallon gas tank keeps the 98cc OHV 4-stroke engine running for an impressive 12 hours at 25% load.

Moreover, the Westinghouse iGen2500c comes with two 120V AC 5-20R outlets and two 5V DC USB ports for plugging in most of your devices and appliances. Its power output can be extended thanks to its parallel capability and inexpensive Westinghouse WHPC Parallel Cord accessory.

Aside from the CO sensor, the unit also comes with safety features such as fuel shutoff, low-oil shutdown, and overload protection sensors.

At 47.4 pounds, this generator is slightly portable over short distances like from the car to the campsite. However, some wheels or a telescoping handle would have made it perfect for lightweight camping. That said, its compact body – resembling a low-profile jerry can – won’t take up too much space in your RV or truck bed.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: With over 130 years of industry experience, Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment knocked it out of the park with this decently-priced camping generator. The Westinghouse iGen2500c inverter is the quietest generator for camping with operating noise levels of only 52 dB(A). It will suffice for running several camping appliances and devices with relatively low power needs.

Positives

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Comes with a CO sensor and other useful safety features

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Includes load-sharing capabilities

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Features a detailed digital display

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Starts up quickly with a few pulls

Negatives

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Gas-only fuel source

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Lacks an electric start

3. Quietest Inverter Generator For Camping

WEN 56235iX

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

WEN 56235iX

Like other brands, WEN Products has not been left behind by the recent trend of adding CO sensors to earlier generator models. The WEN 56235iX is EPA- and CARB-approved and comes with safety features such as a CO sensor, low-oil shutoff, fuel shutoff, and overload protection.

This economical unit goes head-to-head with premium alternatives thanks to its powerful 79cc OHV 4-stroke engine. The engine keeps running for about 11 hours at 25% load on its ample 1.06-gallon gas tank.

The WEN 56235iX comes with two AC and two DC outlets to help you charge up your low-wattage electronics. Keep in mind that the generator has a starting capacity of 2350 watts and a continuous output of about 1900 watts.

The operating noise levels barely go above 51 decibels making it the quietest generator for camping.

Moreover, the WEN 56235iX weighs only 39 pounds and features a relatively small, compact body measuring 17.3 inches long, 11.5 inches wide, and 17.7 inches high. Plus, the included carry handle helps make transporting the unit a breeze.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: The WEN 56235iX is a good-quality generator perfect for powering basic camping appliances such as a low-BTU RV AC, refrigerator, phone charger, coffee maker, or fan. It is super lightweight, portable, silent, and won’t cost you an arm and leg like other big-name brands.

 

Positives

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Has parallel capabilities

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Includes dual AC outlets and multiple DC ports

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Highly portable generator for camping

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It is a budget-friendly option without many compromises

Negatives

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Runs only on gasoline

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Lacks convenient features such as a digital display center and electric start-up system

4. Best Camping Generator With CO Protection

Generac GP2200i

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

Generac GP2200I

At only 46.6 pounds, the GP2200i is lightweight and portable enough for recreational activities such as camping, RV-ing, and tailgating. The unit measures 19.7 inches long, 11 .4 inches wide, and 17.9 inches in height, and comes with a nice handle for easier transportation.

Despite it being a gas-only generator, its 80cc OHV engine still manages to stay on for up to 10 hours at 25% load on a full tank (1.2 gallons). The generator delivers 2200 starting watts and 1700 watts to power as many devices as you can plug in its two AC 5-20R outlets and two DC ports.

Parallel linkage with compatible inverter generators is possible but you will have to get the separately-bought GP2200i Parallel Kit accessories for it to work.

Starting the generator is made a little easy by its multi-function OFF/CHOKE/RUN knob however you will still have to fumble with a standard pull-cord start.

To avoid any incidents, we love that the unit also comes with light indicators and shut-off features for whenever the oil levels are too low or there’s an overload. However, the GP2200i doesn’t come with a CO sensor.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: The Generac GP2200i is a solid option to consider if you don’t seek to run high-wattage appliances and devices. The generator promises acceptable fuel efficiency and comes with 2-year warranty protection to sweeten the deal. That said, don’t expect much in terms of convenience and other nice-to-have bells and whistles.

Positives

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Provides a decent run time

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Reasonably priced generator

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Allows for load-sharing with compatible options

Negatives

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Comes with a manual pull-cord start

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Runs only on gasoline

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Lacks a data center

5. Our Premium Pick Camping Generator

Honda EU2200i

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

Honda EU2200i

The Honda EU2200i is the best inverter generator for camping, and for good reason. The generator weighs well under 50 pounds and features a small, compact body. In addition, the included briefcase-style carry handle helps a great deal with the transportation and handling of the unit.

Although it lucks out on affordability, this generator has a keen focus on performance and reliability. This is evident with its fuel-efficient 121cc Honda GXR120, which manages a runtime of up to 8 hours at 25% load running on a 0.95-gallon gas tank.

The Honda EU2200i outputs 2200 peak watts and 1800 running watts while maintaining whisper-quiet noise levels of between 48 dB(A) and 57 dB(A) at 25% and full loads. The output can be used to run a wide variety of electronics including a hair dryer, microwave oven, lights, refrigerator, or even a low-wattage RV air conditioner.

Simply hook up a power extension to either AC 120V 20A (5-20R) outlets and you will be set. Though the generator doesn’t have a fuel gauge or an electric start, it comes with essential safety features such as the low-oil and CO alert/shut-downs.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: If you are in the market for a small, portable camping generator from a respectable brand, the Honda EU2200i has got you covered. It operates quietly and shines above the rest with its awesome fuel efficiency. However, it costs almost double the price of comparable alternatives.

Positives

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It is a reliable and sturdy unit

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Operates very quietly, especially with the ECO THROTTLE engaged

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Covered by a 3-year limited warranty

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Has parallel linkage capabilities

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Includes a Bluetooth app to double as the data center

Negatives

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Too expensive despite having fewer features and lower power output than the competition

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It is a single-fuel generator

6. Most Powerful Inverter Generator For Camping

Westinghouse iGen4500DFc

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

Westinghouse iGen4500DFc

The iGen4500 series of generators from Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment comes in a couple of flavors – the gas-only iGen4500 and dual-fuel iGen4500DF models. The iGen4500DFc in particular features a gasoline/propane fuel system and comes with a carbon monoxide sensor.
With a peak wattage of 4500 watts and a continuous output of 3700 watts, the iGen4500DFc is exactly what you need to comfortably run power-hungry RV appliances and electronics. Even on propane, the generator still manages 4050 surge watts and 3330 running watts.
Furthermore, you get to enjoy an impressive runtime of 18 hours at 25% load running on the dependable 3.4-gallon gas tank. Propane gets you even further with a runtime of 22 hours at the same load on a 20-pound propane tank.
This pure-sine-wave output is easily consumable thanks to the included duplex 5-20R, single RV-ready TT-30R receptacle, and two USB ports. Moreover, the iGen4500DFc manages to power your electronics while maintaining very quiet noise levels at 52 dBA.
That said, the generator is relatively heavy and bulky compared to your conventional 2500-watt models. It weighs a back-breaking 105.80 pounds and measures 24.5 inches in length, 17.5 inches in width, and 20 inches in height.
Thankfully, it comes with two 5.5-inch diameter wheels and a telescopic handle to make transportation a little more bearable.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: The Westinghouse iGen4500DFc runs as quiet as 52 decibels and can produce a very high power output.  It might be a tad bit pricier than some models but the unit comes with all the features you could ever imagine in the best inverter generator for camping.

Positives

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Includes a digital data center with a fuel gauge, remaining run time, and other useful information

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Has a push-button electric start and remote start capability

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Comes with the expected safety features including CO and low-oil shutdowns

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RV-ready with plenty of outlets

Negatives

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Pricey compared to other options

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Might require two people to lift or transport it

7. Most Fuel Efficient Inverter Generator For Camping

WEN 56400iX

5 Star Rating

356 Reviews

WEN 56400iX

The WEN 56400iX is another powerful portable generator to consider for your camping trips and the RV lifestyle. Available in the brand’s orange/black duotones, the 56400iX can produce 4000 surge watts and 3200 continuous watts. Its 212cc OHV 4-stroke engine manages a 17-hour runtime at 25% load fueled only by the 2.2-gallon gas tank

Its operating noise levels are kept at around 57 decibels or quieter thanks to its Eco-Mode functionality.  Moreover, the WEN 56400iX inverter generator comes with one AC TT-30R RV receptacle, duplex AC outlets 5-20R, and two USB-A ports. There’s also an included cigarette lighter-style receptacle to help you easily charge your device’s batteries.

The unit is budget-friendly and very lightweight for its power as it weighs only 99.2 pounds. Further, its portability is greatly enhanced by its never-flat wheels and extendable carrying handle.

Lastly, the 56400iX comes with standard safety features such as overload protection, carbon monoxide sensors, and low-oil shutdowns.

Why You Should Buy This Generator: Other models with similar body profiles might deliver higher power outputs but they can’t beat the price of this unit. The WEN 56400iX is a solid option for camping and RV-ing especially if you plan on powering a few moderately heavy-duty appliances. Since it comes at such an economical price range, the unit understandably has fewer convenience features.

 

Positives

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Includes a convenient data center

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It has a compact body with handles and wheels for easier transportation

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Has both manual and electrical start-up systems

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Very affordable

Negatives

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Uses only gasoline

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A remote start would have been a great addition

Final Thoughts

Despite what many outdoor enthusiasts might have you believe, bringing a portable power source to camp can be a lifesaver. Your RV craves a reliable power source to run your refrigerator, heating, and other appliances. Plus, most campgrounds won’t have any mains connections for you to take advantage of.

We hope our picks and buying guide helped you zero down on the best inverter generator for your camping trip or RV.

Best Portable Generator Accessories

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon Monoxide Alarm