Campground Power: What You Need to Know About RV Electricity

When you're camping in a motorhome, campground power, the electricity supplied at campsites to run appliances, charge devices, and power lights. Also known as RV hookups, it's what turns a basic stop into a comfortable stay. Not every site offers it, and not every camper knows how to use it right. That’s where things get messy—fried circuits, drained batteries, or worse, no coffee in the morning because your fridge died.

There are three main ways to get RV power, the total electrical supply your motorhome needs to function: shore power (plugged into a campground outlet), solar panels, and generators. Most UK and US campgrounds offer 30-amp or 50-amp shore power, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. Overloading a circuit is easy if you run the air conditioner, microwave, and electric kettle all at once. A portable power station, a battery pack designed for outdoor use that can run small electronics and even mini-fridges is a smart backup—it’s quiet, needs no fuel, and works anywhere. For longer off-grid trips, a RV generator, a fuel-powered device that produces electricity when no hookups are available gives you more muscle, but it’s loud, needs maintenance, and isn’t allowed everywhere.

Knowing how much power your gear uses makes all the difference. A typical fridge pulls 50-100 watts, a laptop 60, and a microwave 1,000+. If you’re running off a 100Ah battery, you’re looking at maybe 6-8 hours before you need to recharge. Solar panels help, but only if the sun’s out. That’s why many experienced campers mix methods: solar during the day, generator for heavy loads at night, and a power station for lights and phones. It’s not about having the most power—it’s about using what you have wisely.

When you see a campground listing that says "full hookups," it usually means water, sewer, and electricity. But what’s the amperage? Is it 30-amp or 50-amp? Do they allow generators? Are there quiet hours? These details matter. You can’t just plug in and assume everything will work. A bad connection, old wiring, or a faulty adapter can kill your power—or worse, damage your RV. Always carry a voltage tester and a 30-to-50-amp adapter just in case.

Below, you’ll find real guides on how to manage electricity on the road—whether you’re boondocking in Michigan, glamping in the UK, or just trying to keep your phone charged at a basic site. No fluff. Just what works.