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Going camping means getting away from bustling streets and your day-to-day 9-5, but it doesn’t mean you have to go without internet access.

Follow along to find the best portable WiFi devices for camping and how we rank them by pricing, internet access quality, coverage, and data limits.

best portable wifi for camping

How to get WiFi while camping

The obvious first option to get a WiFi connection while comping is free WiFi. However, this can often be unreliable or only available in the main buildings, like the park rangers’ station. It’ll be harder to stay connected at the campground.

Luckily, there are other ways to get WiFi while camping that follows you wherever you go. These portable WiFi options include using your mobile as a portable WiFi for camping or more expensive alternatives like a pocket WiFi device. Here’s a quick breakdown of each option:

  • Mobile hotspot: By turning on your hotspot, your mobile will become a portable WiFi for camping. However, sharing data can cost you a lot of money if you’re abroad and roaming without an unlimited data plan. Using a travel eSIM is one way to stay connected without hefty data roaming fees.
  • Hotspot devices: With a pocket WiFi, you can create a private hotspot when camping. These are usually rented and tend to be more expensive, while most purchased models only support 4G
Camping tent in the nature with mountains in the background
An internet connection is a great solution when going camping. Source: Shutterstock

How to choose the best portable WiFi for camping

We considered the following factors when choosing the best portable WiFi hotspot for camping:

  • Price: Renting hotspot devices costs over $100 for a week. If you buy one, the price starts at $130 plus your data plan for a 4G device. However, you can skip the device altogether and still get a reliable connection by using your phone as a mobile hotspot and only paying for a plan.
  • Coverage: Some camping sites are far from areas with regular coverage. However, some devices might work in specific areas as long as there’s cell service.
  • Delivery times: Some devices, like portable hotspots, require waiting up to a week for delivery. If you’re renting these, you’ll also need to factor in the return process, which often comes with an extra fee unless you buy the device.
  • Data speed: Depending on your internet service, you’ll likely be capped at 4G/5G. Faster connections offer better performance, but hotspot devices that support 5G tend to be more expensive.
  • Battery life: Mobile and pocket WiFi devices typically last around ~15 hours, and a portable charger can extend that time. But, 5G pocket WiFi devices are limited to 7-8 hours of battery life.

With this in mind, what are the best portable WiFi hotspot options for camping in 2025?

The best WiFi hotspots for camping

Based on the factors we considered, here are our top three picks, so you can choose the best mobile hotspot for your outdoor activities.

Holafly Connect: Best mobile hotspot for camping

Our best intenet access option for camping and overall traveling is Holafly Connect.

Holafly Connect offers two plan options that are ideal for getting WiFi when camping.

  • 25 GB: For $49.90/month, you’ll get a reliable internet connection for every outdoor adventure. You’ll get 25 GB of mobile data, plus 25 GB of data for sharing to multiple devices. 24/7 customer support, connectivity in over 170 destinations, and up to 5G data speeds ensure excellent service.
  • Unlimited: For $64.90/month, you’ll get everything from the 25 GB plan. But your data and sharing allowances are unlimited. This is a great outdoor option for using a GPS app, checking the weather forecast, or sharing internet with other hikers.

The best part about Holafly Connect is that it can be used in remote areas when cellular service is available. It’s pretty helpful for downloading GPS routes, streaming if the cell signal permits, and providing internet to several devices.

Pocket WiFi devices: Best for glamping

If you’re up for a fancier camping experience, a pocket WiFi is an excellent option for connecting to other devices.

These are available for renting or purchasing with different data plans to use. Here are some details about each service:

  • Renting: Renting a pocket WiFi can cost anywhere from $100 to $400 a week. These mainly work with 4G/LTE speeds and are limited to 1 GB/day, like TravelWiFi and MyWebspot. Other data plans are more expensive, and there are additional fees because of the delivery/return processes.
  • Purchasing: If you want a 5G/unlimited data pocket WiFi, purchasing is your best option. A 4G pocket WiFi costs an average of $135, while a 5G pocket WiFi costs an average of $390. Data plans can range anywhere from $8/day to $90/month with companies like Solis WiFi.

These hotspot data plans are great for streaming music and using a GPS app, but they are pretty limited for watching Netflix and similar heavy-data-usage apps.

Public WiFi: Best for short trips

Using public WiFi is your go-to if you want to save money and rely on an internet service available in specific areas, like the park rangers’ building or camping sites.

However, these are pretty limited in terms of coverage and data speed, meaning they’ll help you check the route quickly, but they’re not the best option for internet access outdoors.

camping tent in the outdoor close to a house
Public WiFi is a great option for short trips. Source: Shutterstock

What’s the best portable WiFi for camping? 

Each service is different for everyone. If you want to disconnect from the world, relying on limited public WiFi is better. If you’re out on a glamping site, a pocket WiFi is a good option for connecting multiple devices.

But the best option for your camping trip is Holafly Connect. You won’t have to pay extra for using a hotspot, and you’ll pay way less than any other service.

The best part? If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you can use a limited or unlimited data plan for a great camping trip.

Julio Osuna

Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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