Forget the Flintstones. Most people these days want to camp like the Jetsons. Of course, you don’t need to invest in an all-electric travel trailer—like the revolutionary Pebble Flow that debuted at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show—to take advantage of technology while camping. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller, more affordable gadgets that can enhance your experience in the great outdoors. From a wireless security camera with two-way audio to a solar-powered power bank that can charge three devices (including the aforementioned camera) simultaneously, here are nine must-have devices for camping.
1. BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank, $24, Amazon
Billed as “the smallest and lightest portable charger on the market,” the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank is an Amazon best-seller beloved by campers who appreciate being able to charge up to three devices simultaneously. It has nearly 24,000 five-star ratings and is so popular that more than 8,000 were purchased in the last month alone. “Longest extended battery life I’ve ever seen. I used this camping for 3 days and it still had some juice left,” wrote one satisfied shopper. What makes it ideal for the outdoors? For starters, it’s waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof and offers wireless charging (for qi-enabled devices), so you don’t need to bother with cables. It also comes with a built-in flashlight and a compass on a carabiner.
2. innhom Portable Camping Shower, $40, Amazon
If you often find yourself dry camping, you may want to spoil yourself (and the people camping with you) with this portable camping shower. It’s powered by two 2200 mAhrechargeable batteries that offer up to two hours of continuous use. Despite coming with a pump and 6-foot-long hose, the whole thing weighs just 1.6 pounds and is easy to hang thanks to the included hook. Note: it doesn’t heat water, so you’ll have to boil what you need or get a solar bag and put it in a bucket. But Amazon shoppers say this off-grid game-changer offers amazing water pressure.
3. SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot, $160, Amazon
Whether you work remotely from your RV, or simply like being connected while camping, you might want to consider getting this hockey puck-sized mobile hotspot that can get up to 10 devices online in seconds. Because it boasts coverage in more than 130 countries, it’s so popular that more than 2,000 were bought in the last month on Amazon alone. Thanks to the built-in 4700 mAh power bank, you can surf the web for 16+ hours, and since SIMO offers an array of flexible data packages, you’re never locked into a contract you can’t get out of.
4. BioLite SolarHome 620+ Lights, Charger and Radio, $200, REI
If you ask an interior designer, the fastest way to elevate a space is to add some quality lighting. This self-contained solar-powered lighting system is especially popular among van-lifers who appreciate how easy it is to set up and take down. The shoe box-sized kit includes three lightweight hanging lights controlled by wall-mounted switches, a 6W solar panel, and a 20Wh control box. As a bonus, it also features a built-in FM radio and USB ports, so you can use the control box to power up other gadgets. All of the lights have three brightness settings, and one of the lights is motion activated.
5. JBL Flip 6 Speaker, $130, REI
For some campers, a campsite without music is like a night without stars. If you’re one of them, you’ll love this best-selling Bluetooth speaker. It weighs just over a pound and takes up about as much space as a water bottle. That said, it produces amazing sound quality for up to 12 hours on just one charge and can be paired with another speaker for a concert-quality surround sound experience. It’s also waterproof and dustproof, so there’s no need to panic if you accidentally leave it outside. On the fence about the price? Just know it has more than 360 perfect five-star ratings at REI where you can also find the more affordable and compact JBL Clip 4 Eco Speaker ($80).
6. Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter Tripod, $56, Amazon
With more than 5,000 sold in the last month alone, this hand-held must-have is ranked #1 on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers in Monoculars. Its 80x zoom affords you a clear view up to 1,500 yards away, and unlike binoculars, you can focus it with just one hand. The eye cup is also adjustable for maximum comfort. But perhaps the coolest feature of this monocular is the BAK-4 prism which allows it to work in low light conditions making it ideal for stargazing. Or is the best part the smartphone adapter? “The ability to capture stunning pictures adds another dimension to the experience,” raved one camper who used it for watching, and photographing, wildlife.
7. WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, $70, Amazon
Even people who don’t drink coffee agree that it tastes better at a campsite than it does in a fancy cafe. And thanks to this manual-powered portable espresso maker with detachable coffee cup, it’s never been easier to enjoy a shot of caffeine—with the perfect layer of crema—while camping. All you need is hot water, coffee grounds, and your hands to add the perfect amount of pressure. “I originally bought this for my coffee fix while camping but liked it so well I kept it in my daily routine,” wrote one happy camper on Amazon where it has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 4,000 ratings. “I’ve made over 400 cups of espresso and it’s still working great!”
8. RV Wireless Plug and Play Backup Camera, $140, Amazon
If just thinking about backing your rig up causes your heart rate to go up, you probably could benefit from this wireless plug-and-play camera. With more than 3,800 five-star ratings, it’s high up there on Amazon’s list of Best Sellers Vehicle Backup Cameras. “Just came back from a 2800-mile round trip using the Yakry camera system,” recalled one shopper. “The display and camera worked flawlessly the whole trip – daily temperatures varied from 32°F to 75°F. Gave me added confidence when changing lanes white towing a TT.” The display—which has 1080P resolution and offers split screen and quad screen viewing—is easy to mount to your dash or windshield, and the adjustable guide lines will have you parking like a pro in no time.
9. Arlo Essential XL 2nd Gen Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, $90, Arlo
More campers are realizing they love the peace of mind provided by RV security systems, and installing one doesn’t have to be an expensive, or time-consuming, endeavor. For example, this wireless outdoor camera with color night vision from Arlo doesn’t require a subscription to get notifications or view the camera’s live feed. It’s also easy to attach to most surfaces thanks to the adjustable mount. That said, this camera—which also has two-way audio and an integrated siren to scare away uninvited guests—does require WiFi. If you want a camera that can run on LTE, too, consider the Arlo Go 2 ($200).
Katie Jackson is a writer and media specialist based in Montana’s Big Sky Country. Living and working everywhere from New York to Nicaragua, Katie is no stranger to adventure. When she’s not traveling the world (or writing about it!) she’s busy chasing after a Leonberger named Zeus. Follow Katie’s travels on Instagram @katietalkstravel.
