Power at Campsite: What You Need to Know Right Now

If you’ve ever arrived at a site only to discover you can’t charge your phone or run the fridge, you know how frustrating a power mishap can be. The good news? Getting reliable electricity at a campsite is simpler than you think once you know the basics.

Plug Types and the 33/38 Rule

Most UK sites use the standard 13‑amp “UK three‑pin” plug, but many also offer a 15‑amp “European” socket. The 33/38 rule you’ll see on booking pages means the site provides 33 A for three‑phase connections and 38 A for single‑phase – essentially the maximum load you can draw. If your motorhome needs more than a single 13‑amp socket, look for sites that advertise the 33/38 rule or have a dedicated 15‑amp outlet.

Before you hook up, check the label on your motorhome’s power inlet. Most modern rigs accept both 13‑amp and 15‑amp, but older models might need a simple adapter. Keep an adapter in your toolkit; it’s a cheap insurance policy that saves you from a night of dead batteries.

Portable Power Stations: When Site Power Isn’t Enough

A portable power station can be a lifesaver when you’re on a boondocking spot, a tiny campsite with no electricity, or just need backup during outages. Look for a unit with at least 500 Wh capacity and a pure‑sine‑wave inverter – this keeps sensitive electronics like laptops and fridge compressors happy.

Size matters. A 500 Wh unit can run a 40‑W LED light for over 12 hours, or a small fridge for a few days on low settings. If you plan to power more gadgets, aim for 1000 Wh or more. Remember the rule of thumb: add up the wattage of everything you’ll run at the same time, then pick a station that can handle 1.5 times that total.

Charging the station is easy. Hook it up to the campsite’s 13‑amp socket overnight, or use the solar panel input if you’re camping off‑grid. Solar panels of 100‑200 W will refill a 500 Wh unit in about 6‑8 hours of good sun.

Safety first: never connect a portable station directly to a camper’s internal battery system unless the manufacturer says it’s ok. Use the built‑in AC outlet on the station for small appliances, and keep cords tidy to avoid tripping hazards.

Now you have the two main ways to stay powered: use the site’s hook‑up correctly, and have a portable backup for the times it’s not available. Pairing both gives you freedom to camp anywhere without worrying about dead devices.

Quick checklist before you leave home:

• Know the plug type your campsite offers.
• Match it with your motorhome’s inlet or bring the right adapter.
• Check the 33/38 rule if you need higher amperage.
• Carry a portable power station with enough Wh for your needs.
• Bring a solar panel or charger cable for off‑grid days.

Follow these steps and you’ll never be stuck in the dark again. Happy camping, and enjoy the freedom of reliable power wherever the road takes you.