Picture this: you roll up to your campsite, kettle ready, only to realize your plug won’t fit the post. It happens to a lot of campers, even the folks who’ve been at it for years. Campsites don’t all use the same outlets, and while you might spot a couple of familiar sockets now and then, there isn’t just one universal camping plug.
Most powered campsites across North America use the NEMA TT-30R (that’s the classic 30-amp, three-prong RV plug). If you’re in Europe or the UK, expect to see the blue CEE 16A plug—most often called the ‘caravan plug.’ Some older US sites have 20-amp standard outlets, and a few even supply a beefy 50-amp plug for big rigs, which looks nothing like your regular household plug.
What does this mean for you? Check what your gear needs. If you’re bringing a regular tent and only want to charge your phone, you might be fine with a standard socket. But for RVs, campervans, and motorhomes, you’ll almost always need one of those chunky three-prong or blue connectors. Don’t just trust campground photos or generic site info—ask ahead or check their website’s specifics if you can.
- Common Campsite Plugs Explained
- Choosing the Right Adapter
- Essential Safety Tips for Hookups
- Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Camp Power
Common Campsite Plugs Explained
Here’s where people get tripped up—there’s more than one plug at campsites, and the type you’ll need can totally change depending on where you camp and what you’re bringing. On most North American campgrounds, the TT-30 plug is the gold standard for RVs and campers. It’s a 30-amp, 120-volt plug with three prongs, and most sites with dedicated RV spots offer at least one of these. Tent campers who just need low-power things sometimes get by with a standard 15-amp household outlet, but those aren’t always guaranteed.
In the UK and Europe, it’s usually the blue CEE 16A plug. This one is 16-amp, 230-volt, single phase, and has three chunky round pins. It’s often called the "caravan mains plug" or "site connector." Without this, you won’t get power at most European sites.
Some American campgrounds throw a curveball with the beefy NEMA 14-50 (that’s the big four-prong, 50-amp plug). This one tends to show up at premium or newer sites for large, power-hungry rigs. Pulling up with a regular camper and trying to force this plug—nope, it won’t work without an adapter.
| Plug Type | Region | Voltage/Amperage | Usual Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT-30 | North America | 120V / 30A | RVs, travel trailers |
| 14-50 | North America | 120/240V / 50A | Large RVs, motorhomes |
| Household (5-15) | Most regions | 120V / 15A (NA), 230V / 10A (EU/UK) | Small appliances, charging |
| CEE 16A (Blue) | Europe/UK | 230V / 16A | Caravans, campervans |
Here’s a quick way to remember what to expect:
- If you drive an RV or camper in the US or Canada, expect the TT-30—unless your ride is super-sized, then hunt for the 14-50 plug.
- Tenting? You might find a household outlet, but it’s less common at RV-focused parks.
- Traveling Europe with a caravan? Don’t forget that blue CEE 16A plug—most European campsites don’t offer anything else.
The real key here: always double-check your campsite plug needs before rolling in. An adapter can save your trip if you end up with the wrong one, but showing up unprepared spells trouble real fast.
Choosing the Right Adapter
The last thing you want is to show up at your campsite and realize your plug won’t work. The type of adapter you need totally depends on both the campground’s hookup and your gear. Let’s break it down so you don’t end up with dead gadgets or no fridge for your food.
First, check what the campsite offers. If you’re in North America, you'll usually run into the 30-amp NEMA TT-30 outlet or a basic 15/20-amp household plug. Bigger sites sometimes toss in a 50-amp (NEMA 14-50) for larger RVs. If you're camping in Europe or the UK, look for the blue CEE 16A plug. Always bring your own adapters—you really can’t count on the campground to supply them.
If your RV has a 30-amp plug but the site only offers 50-amp, you’ll need a 50-to-30 amp adapter (commonly called a "dogbone"). Have a regular household plug on your camper but you’re visiting a European site? You’ll need a CEE to UK 3-pin or a CEE to Schuko adapter, depending on what you plug in.
- campsite plug adapters are easy to find, but double-check for the right amperage. Plugging a 15-amp cord into a 50-amp source without an adapter will fry your stuff.
- Don’t forget GFCI protection for your safety. Portable power strips with built-in GFCIs add an extra layer just in case the site’s wiring is sketchy—which, honestly, happens more than people think.
- If you have lots of gadgets, consider bringing a surge protector. RV surge guards are a lifesaver if the post sends a power spike your way.
To keep things simple, here’s a quick table showing some popular plug types and which adapters you might need:
| Plug Type | Common Use | Popular Adapter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| NEMA TT-30 (3-prong) | Standard US campsites, RVs | TT-30P to 14-50R, TT-30P to 5-15R |
| NEMA 14-50 (4-prong) | Big RVs, premium sites | 14-50P to TT-30R, 14-50P to 5-15R |
| CEE 16A (Blue) | Europe/UK sites, caravans | CEE to UK 3-pin, CEE to Schuko |
| 5-15 (Standard 3-prong) | Regular household items | 5-15P to TT-30R, travel adapters |
Bottom line: Double-check your gear, the campsite’s power supply, and pack at least two adapters to cover your bases. If you aren’t sure, camping forums and campground reviews usually spill the real scoop on what’s actually available on-site. Over-prepared is always better than left in the dark.
Essential Safety Tips for Hookups
Don’t just plug in and hope for the best—bad hookups can ruin your gear or even start a fire. Always double-check the post before you connect anything. Look for signs of damage, scorch marks, or wobbly outlets. If something looks off, find another post or ask campground staff for help.
Use cords that match your amperage needs and are rated for outdoor use. Indoor extension cords just don’t cut it outside. For RVs, always use a cord that matches your vehicle’s rating—30 amp for most, 50 amp for big motorhomes. An undersized cord can overheat, especially if you’re running microwaves or AC units all at once.
One key tip: never try to ‘make it work’ with homemade adapters or random plug converters you find at the back of your garage. Use legit, tested adapters meant for campsite or RV use. And if you’re unsure which way the power flows, plug into the campground’s campsite plug before connecting anything inside your rig or tent. That way, you’ll know right away if something trips or sparks outside, not inside your sleeping area.
- Always check the breaker is off before you plug or unplug.
- Keep power cords rolled out (not coiled), so they don’t overheat.
- Dry your hands before touching any socket or plug.
- If there’s rain in the forecast, use a weatherproof cover over your connection point.
- Never daisy-chain extension cords—use one good quality cord to reach your supply.
If you travel with kids or pets, keep cords out of walkways or tape them down to avoid trips and pulls. When it’s time to head home, unplug from the outlet first, then disconnect from your stuff. Following these safety steps keeps your trip on track and your gear in one piece.
Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Camp Power
Want to avoid blown fuses, confusion, or waking up with a phone at 3%? Follow some proven moves from seasoned campers.
- Always bring extra adapters. Not all campsites have the hookup you expect, and even regulars slip up. A universal adapter kit with both 30-amp and 50-amp RV adapters (plus a standard household plug) saves the day more times than you’d think.
- Double-check the campsite plug type with the actual campground. Sometimes, what’s pictured online isn’t what’s sitting at your pitch. Don’t rely on reviews—email or call for the right info.
- Use a surge protector. Campgrounds are notorious for sketchy wiring. According to RVTravel.com, “More electrical equipment gets fried at campsites than anywhere else because voltage isn’t always stable.”
- Inspect sockets before plugging in. Wiggle the outlet or look inside—it’s not rare to find dirt, dead bugs, or even scorch marks. A little caution goes a long way in avoiding shorts or melted cords.
- Don’t chew through all your amps at once. If you’re running the A/C, water heater, and microwave at the same time, you’re risking a tripped breaker—especially on a 30-amp setup. Spread out your high-power appliances if you can.
Another simple tip? Pack a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord (ideally 12-gauge or thicker). Thin, cheap cords overheat and fail—not what you want when you’re miles from the nearest hardware store.
"At least once a month, I see folks who thought any power cord would work, and then they’re stuck with no juice until the local shop opens," says Dan Shears, campground manager at Pine Hollow Park. "Invest in the right gear up front—your future self will thank you."
Test your gear at home before you leave. Plug everything into the adapter you plan to use. It’s way easier to fix hiccups in your driveway than on the first night of your trip. A little prep shields you from a lot of hassle.