What Are the Best Portable Power Stations for Car Camping?
For Canadians, car camping is a perfect blend of wilderness adventure and modern comfort. Whether you're parking by a lake in Ontario or stargazing in the Rockies, having reliable power makes every trip safer, easier, and more enjoyable. In this guide, we explore the best portable power stations for car camping in Canada. We've handpicked 6 high-performing models that deliver the right mix of power, portability, and practicality for life on the road. You'll also find a handy breakdown of what to look for when choosing the right unit for your setup. Let’s plug in and power up your next camping adventure!
What to Consider When Choosing a Portable Power Station for Car Camping
After seeing the top-rated models, you might wonder, which power station is right for you? Here are several key factors to consider when choosing the best portable power station as your camping companion:
Battery Capacity (Wh)
Look for a power station with a capacity that matches your energy needs. For basic tasks like charging phones, lights, or a portable fridge, a 500–1000Wh unit is typically sufficient. If you plan to power larger devices like laptops, portable air conditioners, or electric grills, go for 1000Wh or more.
Power Output (W)
Check the continuous and surge output ratings. Make sure the power station can handle the wattage of your highest-demand device. For example, a unit with at least 1000W output is ideal if you plan to use electric cookers or heaters.
Port Variety and Number
Choose a power station with multiple ports: AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C, and 12V carports. This ensures compatibility with all your devices, from phones to lanterns and appliances.
Recharging Options
Versatility is key when camping. Choose a unit that can be charged from solar, car, and wall outlets. Solar input is especially important for long-term off-grid camping. Choose MPPT technology for faster and more efficient charging. If possible, bring an alternator charger, such as the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger, and combine it with the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station to quickly charge both the car battery and the portable power station.
EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger
Portability
For car camping, size and weight matter. Choose a unit that’s compact and has handles or wheels for easy transport, without sacrificing power.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Camping often involves dust, moisture, and rough handling. Consider a power station with a rugged build and IP65 or higher water-resistance for stable and efficient use anytime.
6 Best Portable Power Stations for Car Camping
Here is our curated list of the 6 best power banks for car camping with reliable wattage, rugged performance, and excellent versatility tailored for Canadian campers.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station, known as one of the best power stations for car camping, offers premium power flexibility for car campers with a 2048Wh capacity and 2400W output. Expandable up to 6kWh, it supports 15 devices simultaneously and operates whisper-quiet at under 30dB. Recharging is lightning-fast through AC, car, solar, or dual input.
Key Features:
2400W output with 2048Wh capacity for power-hungry gear
Expandable up to 6kWh for longer trips
Durable LFP battery with 3000+ cycles (10 years of daily use)
Operates under 30dB — ideal for quiet camping
15 output ports, including 6 AC outlets
Supports fast car charging to 2kWh in just 2.6 hours (with an EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger)
App-controlled for remote monitoring and settings
Ideal for:
Off-grid or extended car camping trips
Campers with large appliances like fridges or air conditioners
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station
The Anker SOLIX C1000 is built for high-efficiency use, packing 1056Wh of LFP battery and a solid 1800W output. Charge it to 100% in under an hour, or enjoy 600W solar input for clean off-grid energy. Ultra-rapid charging ensures it’s ready at a moment’s notice.
Key Features:
Rapid AC charging: 80% in 43 minutes, 100% in under 1 hour
600W solar charging in just 1.8 hours
3000+ LFP battery cycles
App-enabled smart control
Portable yet high capacity for its size
Ideal for:
Weekend car campers needing rapid top-ups
Tech-savvy users looking for app integration
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
A tried-and-true favourite, the Jackery Explorer 1000 balances power and portability with a 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output. It’s extremely quiet, easily stored, and offers AC/USB-C fast charging and 3-way recharging, making it a smart choice for the minimalist camper.
Key Features:
Whisper-quiet (<30dB) for peaceful campsites
Dual PD fast charging up to 100W
Foldable handle for compact storage
3 recharging methods: solar, wall, and car
Easy-to-read display
Ideal for:
Minimalist car campers and solo travellers
Campers prioritizing quiet operation and portability
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Compact yet capable, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station delivers 600W output (boostable to 1200W via X-Boost) and up to 858Wh capacity. Lightweight and lightning-fast to charge, this model is ideal for short trips where convenience meets function.
Key Features:
Super compact and lightweight
4 recharging options: AC, solar, car, generator
Charges 0–100% in just 1 hour
Smart control via the EcoFlow app
Handles light-duty appliances with 2× runtime efficiency
Quiet operation under most loads
Ideal for:
Quick weekend camping trips
Campers seeking ultra-portability without sacrificing features
Westinghouse iGen160s Portable Power Station
Ultra-compact and ultra-light at only 3.75 lbs, the iGen160s is a fantastic entry-level station with 155Wh capacity and 100W output. While not suited for large appliances, it’s perfect for charging phones, tablets, and small electronics reliably over several days.
Key Features:
Extremely lightweight and travel-friendly
Multiple charging options: outlet, car, solar, generator
Easy to read LCD display
Cost-effective and beginner-friendly
Ideal for:
Budget-conscious campers needing only essential power
Families with multiple mobile devices to recharge
BLUETTI AC70P Portable Power Station
Built for performance, the BLUETTI AC70P offers 864Wh capacity and 1000W output with 8 outlets. Its Turbo Charging feature delivers a full charge via wall input at 950W, ensuring you're ready to roll even during last-minute packing.
Key Features:
Turbo 950W wall charging, 45 minutes to 80%
Durable 10.7kg build
Multiple recharging methods: wall, solar, car, generator
8 output ports for maximum flexibility
Easy-to-navigate LCD interface
Ideal for:
Mid-level campers who need a quick top-up and balanced capacity
Car campers carrying multiple gadgets and appliances
Conclusion
Overall, choosing the best portable power station for car camping in Canada depends on how much gear you’re powering, your trip duration, and your personal comfort preferences. As shown in our top picks, whether you need a whisper-quiet lightweight option or a high-capacity workhorse, there’s a perfect fit for your adventure. Don’t forget to weigh factors like battery capacity, charging speed, and solar compatibility before investing. With the right portable power station in your trunk, you’re not just going camping - you’re camping smarter.
FAQs
Can a portable power station charge a car?
Yes, a portable power station can charge a car, but only certain high-capacity models with DC or EV charging support can provide a small boost to electric vehicles for emergency top-ups rather than full charges. To power your car, it's better to use them with an alternator charger to keep your battery in mint condition.
Which is the best portable power station for car camping?
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max stands out as an excellent portable power station for car camping. With a robust 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W AC output, it can power essentials like fridges, lights, and electronics.
Additionally, the LiFePO₄ battery ensures over 3,000 charge cycles, and it recharges rapidly up to 80% in just 43 minutes. Designed for versatility, it's a reliable companion for extended outdoor adventures.
Is it worth getting a portable power station for car camping?
Absolutely. A portable power station brings convenience, safety, and flexibility to your camping experience. From running lights and fans to charging phones and powering fridges, it allows you to enjoy modern comforts off-grid. It’s a smart investment, especially for longer trips or camping in remote Canadian locations.