Power is one of those things you barely think about at home. Then you head off camping.
Suddenly, it’s the difference between keeping the yoghurt cold, finding the dummy at bedtime, running a fan on a warm night, and staying that extra night without stress. When you’re camping with kids, power isn’t a “nice to have” it can be the difference between how smoothly the trip runs.
This guide breaks camping power down simply so you can make confident choices that match how your family actually camps, whether that’s a caravan, camper trailer, roof-top tent or family tent.
If you’re already comparing options, you can browse complete camping power solutions - solar panels, lithium batteries, inverters and portable power stations 👉 here
Why Power Matters More With Kids
When it's just us adults, we often wing it. Add little people and reliable power becomes part of your safety and comfort setup. Power supports:
- Fridge/freezers for food and medication
- Lighting for evenings and bedtime routines
- Water pumps/camp showers for quick clean-ups
- Fans or cooling on hot nights
- Charging phones, tablets and emergency gear
A well-planned setup lowers the mental load. It gives you the flexibility to stay longer, camp off-grid and toll with surprises without everything unravelling and you losing your complete mind.
Three Main Family Setups
Most family campers land in one of these buckets:
- Built in battery systems (caravan & camper trailers)
- Portable power station (tents & roof top tents)
- Hybrid (batter + solar + car charging)
There is no one "right" answer - just what suits your family style, budget and how often you go.
⚡ Lithium Battery Systems (Caravan & Camper Trailers)
Think of lithium battery as the heart of your caravan or camper's power. Why are they so popular now?
- Lighter - helps with towing weight limits
- Faster charging - less generator time, more play time
- Higher usable capacity than older battery types
- Long life with minimal fuss
In a van or camper, your lithium battery is usually hard-wired to the fridge, lights, water pump and charging points. For towing families, this is a "set and forget" style of power that quietly handles daily routines.
Great for: frequent trips, longer stays, families who want everything to "just work"
⚡ Camping Solar: Your Ticket to Longer Stays
Solar is what makes off-grid realistic. Three common styles
- Roof-mounted panels - perfect for vans/campers; they work whenever the sun's out
- Folding portable panels - easy to angle towards the sun
- Solar blankets - lightweight and space-savvy
When choosing solar, think about:
- How many days off-grid you want
- Daily usage (fridge size, lights, fans, device charging)
- Shade levels where you camp
- Storage space in your setup
💡 Mum tip: Aim a touch bigger on solar than you think you'll need. Over-catered power = a more relaxed trip.
⚡ Portable Power Stations (Simple & Versatile)
Not towing? Portable power stations are the plug-and-play solution.
They bundle:
- A lithium battery
- A built-in inverter (to run small household-type items)
- USB/12V/AC outlets
- Solar input for recharging
They're ideal for tent and roof-top camping, weekenders, or as backup power at home between trips. The screen that tell you input/output and remaining hours is a game-changer - so much less guesswork!
Great for: new campers and families who switch between camping styles
🤔 Built-In Battery Vs Portable Power Station
Choose based on how you camp:
Built-in suits:
- Caravans/camper trailers
- Frequent camping & longer trips
- Families who want a fully integrated system
Portable suits:
- Tents & roof tents
- No-tow setups
- Flexibility across home and camp
- New to camping power
Many families use both - built-in for big trips, portable for quick weekends and day use.
Inverters: When You Need "House Power"
An inverter lets you run certain household-style items from your battery
- Laptop chargers
- Coffee machines (small)
- Hair dryers (short bursts)
- Bottle warmers
- Some medical devices (always check requirements)
Caravans often have a fixed inverter. Portable power stations include one.
Reality check: Inverters can chew through battery quickly. If you love your morning latte or need a bottle warmer, make sure your battery size and solar input can keep up.
Charging (Without the Techy Overload)
Your system can charge three ways:
- Solar - free, quiet, works while you relax
- From the car while you drive (Via DC-DC charger)
- Mains power - when you're at a powered site or at home
You'll hear terms like DC-DC charger and solar regulator. Their job is simple: charge safely and protect battery. A good setup should run in the background so you're not micromanaging volts on holiday.
Plan by Habit's, Not Just Numbers
Skip the spreadsheet - start with real life:
- How often do the kids open the fridge?
- How many devices do we charge daily?
- Do fans or lights run all night?
- Do we use kettles, coffee machines or hair dryers?
Your answers point you to the right battery size, solar capacity and portable power station without needing to become and electrician.
Kid-Friendly Energy Smarts
Camping is a great time to teach simple energy habits:
- Lights off when not needed
- Park or place panels where they'll catch the sun
- Mindful device time (save some juice for the drive home!)
Small habits stretch your power and build responsibility without the lecture.
Three Easy Setups (Good / Better / Best)
Good (weekend Tents):
Portable power station + LED lights + USB fans + phone/tablet charging.
Add a 100-160W folding solar panel for sunny weekends.
Better (longer Tents/ Roof-Tents):
Larger portable power station (with screen) + 160-240W portable solar + 12V fridge.
Top up from the car while you drive.
Best (Caravans/Camper Trailers):
Built-in lithium battery bank + DC-DC charger + roof solar + inverter + dedicated 12V outlets.
Optional: carry a small portable power station for picnics/day trips/.
Buying With Confidence
Choose camping-specific gear designed toi work together - batteries, chargers and solar that "speaks the same language" reduce hiccups.
Quality matters for safety and for your sanity at 9pm when bedtime white noise needs to stay on.
If you're planning or upgrading, explore compatible gear here:
👉 https://campalot.com.au/collections/power
🛠️ Friendly note: For any hard-wired installs chat to a licenses auto electrician.