Generators are literally power-houses; they can run nearly any appliance, electronic, high power amperage tool, etc. that you require. Just make sure you’ve got the right wattage, the proper fuel, and the right decibel level. In this review of the Best Silent Generator For Camping we’ll cover all aspects you’ll need to consider before purchasing one.
Most standard Gasoline or Propane Generators vary from 40-80 dB. Most campgrounds only allow generators that do not exceed 60 dB. This makes inverter generators and other quiet generators not welcome on some campsites.
Therefor you’ll need to find another source of power to run your basic equipment like lighting, charging phones etc
That’s where a SILENT GENERATOR comes into play. Basically they are really strong and powerful batteries. Totally portable and easy to transport where ever you go.
Let’s take a closer look at the 7 Best Silent Generator For Camping we found in 2020!
In a hurry? Here is our top pick from the 7 Silent generators reviewed
Contents
A quick look at the 7 Reviewed
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What You Should Know About Generators In General
Fuel
The functionality of your generator will depend, in part, on the fuel. This is because different fuels burn differently, creating more or fewer fumes, noise, and so on. Some are also harder to obtain, while others are more readily available.
There are also plenty of generators that run on batteries or solar power rather than gasoline, or your typical fuel. These tend to be quieter, and more portable, making them the perfect choice for camping and RV.
Propane
If you are looking for a silent generator, you may wish to pick one fueled by propane. Out of all of the fuels, this tends to burn the most quietly. Along with this, propane is convenient to store, with a near-infinite shelf-life.
The cons? A propane generator may be a bit bulky, with the added-on propane tank. Propane can also be rather inefficient and hard to come by.
Gasoline
Gasoline is the most popular generator fuel. While it has average noise-levels, a quality generator that runs on gasoline should still muffle the noise and lower the decibel level. Additionally, gasoline is affordable, and you can find it just about anywhere.
The main downside to gasoline is that it is difficult to store, with a mere 2-3 month shelf-life.
Solar Power
Some portable generators come with the option of solar power. This will allow you to recharge the generator on the trail.
Diesel
Like gasoline, diesel is fairly easy to find. Diesel generators are sometimes a little noisier than the gasoline alternative. When looking into a diesel generator, be sure to check the decibel level.
Natural Gas
Some generators run on natural gas, which is known to be a particularly quiet fuel. Of course, it is also more expensive, but if you are looking for a silent generator, one that runs on natural gas may make a fine investment overall.
Battery Power Silent Portable Generators
Campers often opt for generators that use battery power. Some consider this the least expensive choice. Battery-powered generators are also emission-free, and eco-friendly!
Most importantly, a battery-powered generator is a virtually silent generator. You will not have to worry about being allowed in a campground for camping or RV.
Portability & Convenience
Consider whether you will need a generator that is portable. Do you intend to take your generator with you on the road? Then you will definitely want a portable generator!
Compared to your average generator, these are more lightweight and can come with handy features like wheels, a handle, or lifting hook! This makes them ideal for camping and RV.
Inverter Or Conventional?
The primary difference between inverter and conventional generators is in the AC current. You see, conventional generators draw their power just from the fuel tank.
Inverter generators, on the other hand, have a battery, alternator, and inverter as well. This creates a much more refined current, making it safe for even small, sensitive devices, like your cellphone, laptop, and so on!
Why A Silent Generator Can Be Ideal
There are a few key reasons that you may wish for a silent generator with a low decibel level. First off is simple comfort; few enjoy the sounds of machinery. Secondly, a loud generator may simply be impractical.
For example, some night fishers will power their lights with a generator. A generator that is too noisy could easily scare away the fish.
Most campgrounds have a required generator decibel level. This is usually capped at about 60 dB.
So, if your generator is too noisy, you simply will not be welcome. If you are camping in a private area, a loud generator will disrupt the peace of nature.
Really, there are countless reasons that you might wish for a silent generator!
What A Generator Can Do?
So, what can you do with a generator, anyway? That depends on the wattage of your generator! This literally translates to its raw power. When considering a generator, compare its wattage to the wattage of the appliances, tools, etc. that you’d like to power.
Generators can run small devices, like cell phones and laptops; or larger ones, like a refrigerator, microwave, or cooler for your RV.
Also check your generator runtime. If you intend to use your generator overnight, you will probably want one that has a 6-8 hour runtime, or more.
Generators are used for camping and RV, mobile detailing, pleasure boating, agriculture… wherever there is a need for quick, reliable power! Generators are also used in homes as a backup in case of an emergency or power outage and can be a real lifesaver.
7 BEST SILENT GENERATORS
7. FlashFish 200W
The 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator is ultra-portable and runs on a lithium battery instead of fuel. This makes it a great source of clean power.
With 200W, this generator can run a CPAP, a mini-fan, a mini TV, a laptop, a drone, and more. At 52-60 dB, it is a virtually silent generator and makes an excellent choice for camping and RV.
Top Features
✅ Lightweight And Portable
The 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator generator weighs only 4.07 lb! Even your kid could carry this generator. This makes it super portable! Just use the convenient, soft handle.
✅ Ultra-Safe For Sensitive Devices
This generator does not cut corners when it comes to protecting your devices, electronics, and so on.
The 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator has over-charging protection, over-current protection, short-circuit protection, low voltage protection, and overheating protection.
✅ Clean Power
While many generators run on combustible fuel, 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator is powered by a lithium-ion battery. This eliminates emissions so that the generator provides 100% clean power.
More Great Features:
- 3 recharge modes to choose from
- Bright LCD display that you can see in the dark
- Silent generator at only 52-60dB
PROS
- Silent generator
- User-friendly LCD display
- Clean power
- Ultra-safe
- Lightweight and portable
CONS
- Some say it did not last as long as they would like
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
6. Jackery Explorer 240
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is one of the best sources of clean power out there! This portable generator runs on a 240-watt lithium battery pack. Bringing household luxuries to the outdoors, Jackery generators are made for the adventurer or explorer.
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer can power your cellphone, laptop, drone, mini cooler, mini TV, and more.
Top Features
✅ Emission-Free And Eco-Friendly
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is outfitted with a state-of-the-art 240-watt lithium-ion battery pack. The result? Clean, emission-free power.
Batteries are also much quieter than a combustible fuel, such as gasoline or diesel. This makes the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer a virtually silent generator.
✅ Solar Ready
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer goes perfectly with the Jackery Solar Saga 60W/100W solar panel (sold separately). This will allow you to charge your generator, which takes roughly 7 hours in full sunlight (this can vary).
✅ Portable For The Explorer
If you are an explorer, you know the importance of packing light! This portable generator is only 6.6 pounds, with a solid handle that makes it nice and easy to carry. Combined with its quiet function, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is perfect for camping and RV.
More Great Features:
- Virtually silent generator
- User guide
- Inverter
PROS
- Silent generator
- Sensitive device-safe inverter
- Durable
- Portable
- Clean power
CONS
- Some say it takes a little while to charge itself
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
5. KYNG 540wh Solar Generator
Weighing only 13 pounds, the KYNG Portable Power Station 540wh Solar Generator is still heavy-duty. This generator provides an impressive 500W-100W. This allows it to power tablets, cellphones, laptops, lights, CPAP machines, and more.
Top Features
✅ Powerful
The KYNG Portable Power Station 540wh Solar Generator is, in a word, powerful. This generator packs 500W-1000W. With the KYNG Portable Power Station 540wh Solar Generator, you can charge devices large or small, from your cellphone to your CPAP machine, to your TV. All of this, in a compact, lightweight package; what more could you ask?
✅ Versatile
The KYNG Portable Power Station 540wh Solar Generator is also very versatile. It has a car cigarette DC 12V/24V, a home wall AC outlet, and an 18V 60W-200W solar panel (sold separately).
You can charge up your generator wherever you are, with the solar panel. All that you need are a few hours and some direct sun.
✅ Inverter
Your conventional generator draws energy only from the fuel tank. A state-of-the-art inverter generator such as the KYNG Portable Power Station 540wh Solar Generator, on the other hand, has a battery, alternator, and inverter, as well.
In summation, this creates an AC current that is more refined, and extra-safe for small devices that are sensitive (like your cellphone, for example).
More Great Features:
More Great Features:
- Solar panel
- Battery-powered
- Clear Display even in bright light
- Simple to use
PROS
- Clean power
- Silent generator
- Versatile
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Optional solar panel
CONS
- Some said that there could have been better customer service
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
4. Rockpals 250-Watt
The Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator runs at 250-watts, with USB, AC, and outputs that are 12V. This generator runs on an ion-lithium battery, creating reliable, clean, and quiet power. All of this, at only 5.5 pounds, making this generator a superior balance of portability and power!
For your convenience, there are three ways to charge the Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator. On the road, you may plug the generator into your car 12V socket (car charger included). The Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator can also be charged in a socket in the wall.
Top Features
✅ Emission-Free Power
While fuel-powered generators can still make a wonderful choice, those that run on lithium polymer batteries provide clean power. Emissions are caused by your average, combustible fuel.
The Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator is especially eco-friendly. This is also a virtually silent generator.
This generator can also work with any compatible 60W or 100W solar panel (sold separately). Here’s a good choice on Amazon.
✅ Silent Generator Inverter
This generator creates pure sine waves with a battery, alternator, and inverter. This quiets the function of fans, microwaves, and so on. The generator itself is very quiet as well. Inverters are also extra-safe for sensitive devices like cellphones, laptops, and the like.
More Great Features:
- User guide
- A solar panel (sold separately)
- Temperature control
- Overcharge protection
- Surge and short-circuit protection
- Virtually silent generator
PROS
- Clean power
- User-friendly
- Device-safe inverter
- Virtually silent generator
CONS
- Cannot charge other devices while charging itself
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
3. Rockpals 300W Power Station
In an emergency, the ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station can be a real lifesaver! When the power goes out, all that you need to do is plug some lights into this handy generator. The ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station will make sure that you are never without precious energy in your home. Weighing only 7.2 lbs, this generator provides 300W.
Perfect For Camping And RV, Campgrounds require generators to be 60 dB or under. Fortunately, battery-powered generators like this are much quiet than those that run on fuel. This is because there is no combustion process, no emissions, etc.
Top Features
Enjoy the luxuries of home in the outdoors, with the ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station. This includes lights, cooling, TV, music, and more.
✅ Inverter
The ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station is a top-quality inverter generator. This means that it is safe for devices that are sensitive. Take your cellphone or laptop on your camping trip or RV.
✅ Silent Generator
When camping, a quiet generator is a must-have. Otherwise, they might not let you into the park. The typical required dB is 60 or below. The ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station functions at roughly 52-60 dB, which is ideal.
More Great Features:
- Three ways to charge your generator (car, home, and solar panel)
- Lithium-ion battery pack
PROS
- Virtually silent generator
- Ideal for camping and RV
- The inverter will protect devices that are sensitive
- Pure sine wave output
- Clear display even in low light
- Easy and simple to use
CONS
- Not allowed on commercial aircraft
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
2. PRYMAX 300W Solar Generator
This 300W generator is only 6.5 lbs, and ultra-portable. This makes it a great option for camping or RV! Just toss it in the back of your car, and unpack it when you arrive. The PRYMAX Portable Power Station can charge laptops, cellphones, lights, music, your CPAP, and more!
Top Features
✅ Lithium Cell Battery For Clean Power
The PRYMAX Portable Power Station is a reliable source of good, clean power. This generator produces zero emissions, which differs from generators that run on fuel. Battery-powered generators are also quieter than any fuel-powered alternative. This makes the PRYMAX Portable Power Station a very popular choice for camping and RV!
✅ Safe To Operate
The PRYMAX Portable Power Station comes with an easy to read user manual. Because there are no oil changes or refueling necessary, this silent generator is very easy to maintain. The PRYMAX Portable Power Station will even automatically turn on a fan when it needs to cool.
✅ Solar Panel (sold separately)
The PRYMAX Portable Power Station can be used with a compatible solar panel, so you can charge your generator while you are on the trail.
More Great Features:
- Solar panel (sold separately)
- Durable
- Super portable
- Clean power
PROS
- Will automatically self-cool
- Solar panel (sold separately)
- 3 ways to charge
- Inverter
- Virtually silent generator
- Perfect for camping and RV
- Lightweight and portable
- Clean power
CONS
- Customers did not find the quick-charge to be especially quick
- Felt a little plasticky, not top quality materials
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
1. AIMTOM 155Wh Power Station
The AIMTOM SPS-155 has 110V AC 100W outlet that can provide power for small home appliances, CPAP, laptop etc. (max 100W); 3 DC Ports (12V, max 180W) for DC powered devices such as car refrigerator, fans, lights, CPAP etc; 3 USB Ports for phones, tablets, GPS, mp3 players and cameras.
Despite its compact size, it can provide the power you need for trips into the great outdoors. We featured this model in one of our in-depth reviews. Go check it out here!
Top Features:
✅ Huge Lithium Battery
The AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator has a huge, 42000mAh lithium battery. It functions quietly and is a virtually silent generator. With the AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator your cellphone, tablet, etc., anywhere, anytime.
✅ Super Lightweight And Portable
Despite its enormous battery, the AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator weighs only 3.48 lbs. The AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator is designed to take on the road or trail (or for use at home).
✅ Simple To Operate
This generator has a comfortable handle and is easy to carry. The AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator also has helpful LED indicators and a detailed user manual.
More Great Features:
- The fan will automatically turn on to cool
- Runs at 100w, to charge your cellphone, tablet, laptop, etc.
- Built-in BMS, to guard against overheating, overvoltage, and the like
PROS
- User manual
- Simple to operate
- Lightweight and portable
- Virtually silent generator
- Perfect for camping and RV
- 3 ways to charge
- Solar panel (optional)
CONS
- Some wish it could power more at a time
Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️
Editors Choice
We have chosen the ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station as our number 1 pick for a number of reasons.
It’s simply an all in one solution, easy to use and simple to operate together with easy to access sockets and plenty of power at 300Watts.
- UPGRADED ROCKPALS 300-WATT PORTABLE POWER STATION: Comparing to most similar power stations, Rockpals 300W has...
- HIGHER CAPACITY CAMPING/HOME BACKUP BATTERY: 280WH(3.7V 75Ah/12V 18.7Ah) lithium batteries and weights 7.3lb....
- EASILY THREE WAY RECHARGEABLE: 1. Rockpals portable power station can be recharged from the sun with any...
- PURE SINE WAVE OUTLET: Better than modified sine wave and clean power like utility supplied electricity. And...
- WHAT YOU GET: Rockpals portable generator (280Wh Portable Generator), AC adapter, car charger cable, MC4...
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Silent Portable Generators For Camping
Clearly, there are some truly excellent silent generators out there. The top choices are those with lithium-ion batteries. These are much quieter than generators that run on fuel! As a result, battery-powered generators tend to be better suited to camping and RV.
Take your portable generator on the road or trail. With a quality silent generator, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the luxuries of home, and the raw beauty of nature, in one!
