How to Fully Prep for National Park Month: Power, Cooling, and Charging on the Go
With National Park Month coinciding with summer break, plenty of families are planning outdoor excursions to one of the U.S.’s many incredible parks.
However, making memorable summer memories outdoors has plenty of challenges, not the least of which is intense heat and unpredictable weather. Fortunately, today’s technology offers plenty of ways to stay safe and cool, even while on the go and off the grid.
The following are some important reasons to keep yourself powered up and charged on your upcoming summer adventure, and four key steps to take to accomplish just that.
Why Power Planning Matters for Summer National Park Adventures
For many, summertime means camping out and all that entails: swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and roasting marshmallows over the campfire.
But camping in the summer also has plenty of challenges, and even day trip excursions to one of our beautiful national parks require proper planning for the at times volatile July weather. Dangerous heat, risk of dehydration, fires, or sudden severe weather like thunderstorms that could bring hail, flooding, and strong winds are just some potential hazards.
So, staying powered up for your summer national park adventures is not just a good idea, it’s a matter of safety. Having proper power solutions means the ability to stay cool and hydrated during intense heat, and keeping your devices charged so you can receive severe weather warnings and make calls for aid in an emergency.
Fortunately, you can stay powered up whether you have access to the grid or not, even on longer trips. Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose a Reliable Portable Power Station
If you’re planning a stay at a rugged campsite, you must ensure you have a power station sufficient to keep you cooled and hydrated. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about avoiding extreme dangers like heat exhaustion and dehydration - it’s about comfort too. Does anyone really enjoy waking up soaked in sweat on a July summer night?
So, for cooling needs like portable fans, evaporative coolers, or even items like a portable refrigerator, you need a reliable portable power station that keeps them running through those hot summer days and nights.
Solid portable power stations, like EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, with its 800W continuous output power and variety of port options (like USB-A and C and AC outlets), enable you to power these and other devices for hours at a time. They’re light and compact, allowing you to easily pack them out to backwoods campsites. Some stations can even be hooked up to portable solar panels to recharge and extend use time.

Step 2: Stay Cool Without Grid Power
Rugged summer camping or outdoor excursions don’t have to exclude comfort. Even if you prefer hiking and tent camping to the more luxurious options of RV camping or glamping, you can enjoy the comforts of cool air and cold beverages, all while off-grid.
Consider investing in an evaporative cooler to keep your tent a haven from the heat and something like the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer to ensure you have plenty of beverages to keep you cool and hydrated. Many of these devices can run off of battery or solar power, or be plugged into a portable power station for hours of use.
If you’re roughing it out in a park in the South or Southwest, these items aren’t just about comfort - they become vital for staying safe and healthy while making summer memories.
Step 3: Keep Your Devices Charged Anywhere
While a trip to a national park is definitely a fantastic excuse to unplug, keeping your phone charged and ready to use in an emergency is still a great idea.
A charged phone could be the difference between a fantastic trip and a disaster, whether you’re using it to monitor the unpredictable summer weather, check your location, call for help, or stay informed about park closures and hazards via the National Park Service’s helpful NPS app.
Getting a solid power bank, like the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh), will allow you to keep your phone, tablet, or laptop charged wherever you adventure without requiring an outlet or extra cables.

Step 4: Optimize Solar Charging for Multi-Day Trips
You have your portable power station, cooling appliances to keep you safe from the heat, and a great power bank to ensure you can use your devices for planning and safety.
All you need now is a way to keep the adventures rolling without having to purchase multiple batteries. It can be accomplished through a portable solar panel that connects to and recharges your power station.
Options like EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel give you a portable power bank and solar panel combination to provide easy off-grid charging and power for days. The solar panel folds up for compact, easy transport and is designed to handle rugged conditions. If it's set up in good sunlight, it can even recharge your power station while you’re using it to run low-powered items, like fans or fridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a Portable Power Station Into National Parks?
Absolutely! Portable power stations are compact, quiet, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gas generators. They are perfect for powering up your small appliances and devices without ruining your (or others’) outdoor nature experience. And they certainly follow the “leave no trace” principles that the National Park System promotes.
Will Solar Panels Still Work in Shaded or Forested Areas?
Yes, but their efficiency will drop significantly. Some panels, like the 220W solar panels paired with the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel, are designed to capture ambient light throughout the day, even with cloud coverage, so they can still provide power, just not as efficiently. Maximize your output by positioning panels in the clearest available light.
Final Thoughts
National Park Month provides a great excuse to unplug and escape on a great outdoor adventure. But just because you’re roughing it in the great outdoors doesn’t mean you should be unsafe or uncomfortable.
With today’s technology and solar-powered options, like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel, you can stay cool, safe, and powered up all while being off-grid and enjoying a peaceful nature escape.