What Size Generator Do I Need for Camping? Complete Sizing Guide
Updated: January 21, 2026
What size generator for camping? This is one of the most common questions new campers ask, and getting it wrong means either hauling around an oversized, noisy generator or running out of power when you need it most. The right size depends on your camping style, the appliances you want to run, and whether you’re tent camping or powering an RV.
- Tent camping (basics): 1,000–2,000 watts
- Small camper/pop-up: 2,000–3,000 watts
- 30-amp RV with AC: 3,000–3,500 watts
- 50-amp RV with AC: 6,000–8,000+ watts
For most campers, a 2,000–3,500 watt inverter generator hits the sweet spot between portability, quiet operation, and enough power to run the essentials.
But there’s more to it than just picking a number. Let me walk you through exactly how to figure out the right generator size for YOUR camping setup.
Contents
- 1 Generator Size Chart by Camping Type
- 2 Common Camping Appliances: Wattage Reference
- 3 How to Calculate Your Generator Size
- 4 Best Generator Sizes for Different Setups
- 5 Inverter vs. Conventional: Which Type for Camping?
- 6 Campground Generator Rules to Know
- 7 Generator Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
- 8 Final Recommendations
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11 Sources
Generator Size Chart by Camping Type
Here’s a quick reference chart to help you find your starting point:
| Camping Type | Recommended Wattage | Best For |
| Backpacking / Ultra-light | 100–500W | Phone, GPS, camera charging |
| Tent camping (basic) | 1,000–2,000W | Lights, phone, small fan, mini-fridge |
| Tent camping (comfort) | 2,000–3,000W | Above + coffee maker, small heater |
| Pop-up camper | 2,000–3,000W | Basic appliances, no AC |
| Small travel trailer | 2,500–3,500W | Small AC unit + basics |
| 30-amp RV | 3,000–4,000W | One AC + most appliances |
| 50-amp RV | 6,000–8,000W | Two ACs + full power |
| Large motorhome | 8,000–12,000W | Everything at once |
This chart gives you a ballpark, but to get the exact size you need, you’ll want to add up your specific appliances. Let’s do that next.
Common Camping Appliances: Wattage Reference
Here’s what typical camping gear uses in terms of power:
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Phone charger | 5–25W | Same |
| Laptop | 50–100W | Same |
| LED camping lights | 10–25W | Same |
| Portable fan | 20–50W | Same |
| 12V cooler | 40–60W | Same |
| Mini-fridge | 50–100W | 150–300W |
| Coffee maker | 600–1,200W | Same |
| Microwave | 1,000–1,500W | Same |
| Electric grill | 1,200–1,800W | Same |
| Space heater | 750–1,500W | Same |
| Hair dryer | 1,000–1,800W | Same |
| RV AC (13,500 BTU) | 1,200–1,500W | 2,800–3,500W |
| RV AC (15,000 BTU) | 1,500–1,800W | 3,300–4,000W |
Important: Notice how RV air conditioners have much higher starting watts than running watts? That surge when the AC kicks on is what catches most people off guard. Always account for the highest starting wattage in your calculations.
How to Calculate Your Generator Size
Here’s a simple formula that works every time:
Total Running Watts + Highest Starting Watts = Minimum Generator Size
Then add 20% buffer for safety: Result × 1.2 = Recommended Size
Example 1: Tent Camping Setup
Let’s say you want to run:
- LED lights: 25W
- Phone chargers (2): 20W
- Portable fan: 40W
- Mini-fridge: 75W running / 200W starting
Calculation:
- Running total: 25 + 20 + 40 + 75 = 160W
- Highest starting: 200W (mini-fridge)
- Total: 160 + 200 = 360W
- With buffer: 360 × 1.2 = 432W minimum
A 1,000W generator would be plenty for this setup, with room to add a coffee maker in the morning.
Example 2: 30-Amp RV with AC
Typical 30-amp RV running:
- 13,500 BTU AC: 1,300W running / 3,200W starting
- Refrigerator: 150W
- Lights: 50W
- TV: 100W
- Phone chargers: 20W
Calculation:
- Running total: 1,300 + 150 + 50 + 100 + 20 = 1,620W
- Highest starting: 3,200W (AC unit)
- Total: 1,620 + 3,200 = 4,820W
- With buffer: 4,820 × 1.2 = 5,784W minimum
Wait – that seems high, right? Here’s the trick: you don’t need everything running when the AC kicks on. If you turn off the microwave before the AC cycles, a 3,500W generator will usually handle it. But to be safe, a 4,000W generator gives you breathing room.
Pro tip: A soft starter can reduce your AC’s starting surge by up to 70%. With a soft starter installed, you could run a 13,500 BTU AC on a 2,000W generator!
Best Generator Sizes for Different Setups
For Tent Camping: 1,000–2,000 Watts
If you’re tent camping, you probably don’t need a monster generator. A compact 1,000–2,000 watt inverter generator will handle:
- All your charging needs
- Lighting
- Small fan or heater
- Mini-fridge or cooler
- Coffee maker (one appliance at a time)
Best picks: Honda EU2200i, Westinghouse iGen2200, Champion 2000W
These generators are lightweight (under 50 lbs), quiet (under 53 dB), and perfect for campground use.
For Small RVs & Travel Trailers: 2,500–3,500 Watts
Got a small AC unit? You’ll need at least 2,500–3,500 watts to handle the startup surge.
This size range covers:
- One small AC unit (with careful load management)
- Microwave OR coffee maker (not both at once)
- All basic appliances
Best picks: Generac iQ3500, Honda EU3000iS, Champion 3400W
For more details on quiet options, check out our guide to quiet generators for RVs.
For 30-Amp RVs: 3,500–4,000 Watts
A 30-amp RV typically needs 3,500–4,000 watts to run comfortably with AC.
This gives you:
- 13,500 BTU AC without worry
- Most appliances running simultaneously
- Buffer for startup surges
Best picks: Generac iQ3500, Champion 4000W, Cummins Onan P4500i
For 50-Amp RVs: 6,000–8,000+ Watts
Running two AC units or have a larger setup? You’ll need 6,000 watts minimum, but 8,000+ is more comfortable.
At this size, you can run:
- Two AC units
- All appliances
- No load management needed
Best picks: Generac GP8000E, Champion 7500W, DuroMax XP9000iH
Inverter vs. Conventional: Which Type for Camping?
| Feature | Inverter Generator | Conventional Generator |
| Noise level | 50–60 dB (quiet) | 65–80 dB (loud) |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Fuel efficiency | Better | Lower |
| Clean power | Yes (safe for electronics) | No |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Camping, RVs, sensitive electronics | Job sites, home backup |
My recommendation: For camping, always go with an inverter generator. The quiet operation alone is worth it. Still deciding between gas and solar options? See our solar vs gas generator comparison. Most campgrounds have noise limits around 60 dB, and your neighbors will thank you.
Campground Generator Rules to Know
Before you buy, check your usual campground’s rules:
- Noise limits: Most campgrounds cap noise at 60 dB at 50 feet
- Quiet hours: Typically 10 PM – 8 AM (no generators)
- Time limits: Some limit generator use to 2–4 hours per day
- Some ban generators entirely, especially in national parks
Inverter generators usually run at 50–58 dB, which keeps you within most campground rules.
Generator Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen these mistakes plenty of times:
- Forgetting starting watts – Your AC needs 2–3x more power to start than to run
- Buying too small – Overloading causes overheating and can damage the generator
- Buying too big – Wastes fuel, harder to transport, and louder
- Ignoring noise levels – That cheap conventional generator might get you kicked out
- Not accounting for elevation – Generators lose about 3% power per 1,000 feet of elevation
Final Recommendations
Here’s my honest advice based on years of camping:
| Your Setup | Get This Size | My Top Pick |
| Tent camping | 2,000W inverter | Honda EU2200i |
| Small camper (no AC) | 2,000–2,500W inverter | Westinghouse iGen2500 |
| RV with small AC | 3,000–3,500W inverter | Generac iQ3500 |
| 30-amp RV | 3,500–4,000W inverter | Champion 4500W |
| 50-amp RV | 6,500–8,000W | Generac GP8000E |
When in doubt, size up. A slightly larger generator running at partial load is more efficient and quieter than a smaller one running at full capacity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right generator size for camping comes down to three things: what you’re powering, what type of camper you have, and how much you value quiet operation.
For most campers, a 2,000–3,500 watt inverter generator covers everything from tent camping to small RVs with AC. If you have a larger setup or hate doing math, go bigger.
Do the calculation above with your specific appliances, and you’ll know exactly what size you need. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need to run an RV air conditioner?
For a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner, you need at least a 3,000–3,500 watt generator to handle the startup surge (which can reach 3,200+ watts). A 15,000 BTU unit needs 3,500–4,000 watts minimum. With a soft starter installed, you can reduce these requirements by up to 70%, allowing a 2,000W generator to run a smaller AC.
Will a 2000 watt generator run a camper?
A 2,000 watt generator can run a camper’s basic appliances like lights, phone chargers, TV, and a small fridge. However, it won’t run an air conditioner without a soft starter. For camping without AC, 2,000 watts is usually enough. If you need AC, look for at least 3,000 watts.
How big of a generator do I need for a 30-amp RV?
A 30-amp RV typically needs a 3,000–4,000 watt generator. This provides enough power to run one air conditioner plus other appliances. A 30-amp service can theoretically draw up to 3,600 watts (30 amps × 120 volts), so a 3,500–4,000W generator gives you comfortable headroom for startup surges.
What size generator for tent camping?
For tent camping, a 1,000–2,000 watt inverter generator is usually plenty. This size handles phone charging, LED lights, a portable fan, mini-fridge, and even a coffee maker. Go with an inverter model for quiet operation. Most campgrounds have noise limits, and your neighbors will appreciate it.
Is a 3500 watt generator enough for an RV?
Yes, a 3,500 watt generator is enough for most small to mid-size RVs with one air conditioner. You’ll need to manage your loads (don’t run the microwave while the AC is cycling), but it covers the essentials. For more comfort or a larger RV with two AC units, consider stepping up to 5,500–6,500 watts.
Now you know what size generator for camping works best for your specific needs. Whether you’re tent camping with basic gear or running a full RV setup with air conditioning, the right generator size makes all the difference.