How to Get Wi-Fi on a Camping Trip

If you’re planning a camping adventure, don’t think about going totally offline just because an amateur influencer told you to do so. Staying connected to the internet is important for communicating with friends and family, working remotely, and exploring new trails. That’s why we’re sharing the best options for Wi-Fi on a camping trip. So, stick with us till the end!

Best Options for Wi-Fi on a Trip

When looking for internet options for camping, you can choose from cell phone internet plans, mobile hotspots, and satellite internet. Below are detailed overviews of all the available options.

Best Cell Phone Internet Plans for Camping

A cellular internet plan is one of the best internet plans for camping. It allows you to enjoy the internet anytime, anywhere as long as you’re within the coverage area. Some of the potential mobile internet plans include:

*Price shown is after all discounts, which start w/in 2 bills Eligible plans: AT&T Unlimited Premium® PL, AT&T Unlimited Extra® EL, & AT&T Unlimited Starter® SL. Compatible device for 5G, and AT&T ActiveArmor app access. Download of app req’d. Some mobile security features are not avail. while roaming internationally 5G coverage not available everywhere. Learn more at att.com/5Gforyou.2 G off net data speeds may apply. After 5GB/30GB/60GB speeds slowed to max. 128kbps. Add’l charges, usage, speed & other restr's apply

Mint Mobile’s cell phone plans are quite valuable when it comes to choosing a temporary internet connection for camping. You get more than 350 Mbps internet speed and can subscribe to a data plan starting from 5 GB to unlimited. The good thing is you can get unlimited data at the same introductory price ($15/mo for 3 months).

However, AT&T and T-Mobile are viable choices with flexible plans that you can check out for your camping internet needs and beyond.

Best Mobile Hotspots for Camping

A mobile hotspot is an ideal choice for connecting multiple devices on a camping trip without worrying about signal strength or battery issues. Check out the options that you can consider:

You need to pick your mobile hotspot device based on your carrier. For example, the Franklin is good for T-Mobile, the Nighthawk M6 for AT&T, and the Orbic for Verizon.

In addition, always consider the cost of the device as the listed price does not include a provider subscription. For instance, if you’re buying the Orbic Speed 5G, you’ll need to subscribe to Verizon’s internet plan to use the mobile hotspot feature.

It is important to note that you will need to activate a dedicated mobile hotspot plan (if available from the provider). Otherwise, you can activate a service that includes a data hotspot feature.

Best Satellite Internet for Camping

 Satellite internet may be slow, but it’s readily available everywhere and is a good choice for a camping internet connection. Let’s check out the options below:

¹Stated speeds are not guaranteed.

²Standard Data may be slower than other traffic during high-traffic periods.

*Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary.

**If your data usage is trending to exceed the "typical usage" of a residential user on our network, you may have reduced priority during times of network congestion resulting in slower speeds. Typical usage currently means usage trending to not exceed 850 GBs in any 30-day period. The typical usage amount will vary based on network demands. Please visit www.viasat.com/legal for more details.

The primary reason to choose Starlink is that you can carry its dish equipment wherever you go. The Roam Unlimited with in-motion plan allows users to connect to the internet with the dish on the go. However, it is a bit on the pricier side. People seeking economical options can choose Viasat or Hughesnet.

How to Choose the Right Internet for a Camping Trip?

Your selection of a Wi-Fi depends on the type of camping trip you’re planning. Whether you want the internet for updating loved ones or working remotely, defining your goals can help make a smart choice. There are two key factors to consider when choosing a Wi-Fi for your trip: the internet usage and the length of stay.

The Internet Usage

Identify the types of online activities you may engage in while on your trip. The most common activities may include:

Playing Campfire Music:

If you just need to play music at the campsite or stream a movie (definitely not in 2K or 4K), you can simply choose a mobile internet plan that will come with at least 5 GB of data or more.

Workamping:

In case you have plans of working remotely from the wilderness, you should consider a mobile hotspot or satellite internet.
When you’re accompanied by a group, you can carry a mobile hotspot so that everyone can connect at a time. In addition, a mobile hotspot has ample battery capacity, allowing you to use the internet without a worry.

The Length of Stay

If you’re planning to stay for a long time(more than a week) at the campsite, then it’s better to opt for a portable 4G internet service. However, a cell phone with internet will be convenient and cost-effective for a trip of less than a week.

Important Considerations

Some of the additional elements to consider when choosing the internet for your trip include:

• Data: Make sure the plan you’re choosing has ample data for your camping Wi-Fi needs. Reading a data usage guide beforehand may help you make the right choice.

• Speed: If your travel itinerary includes offline activities, then you may not need to spend on high-speed internet. However, make sure you have enough data and internet speed to accommodate your basic requirements for the trip.

• Type of Connection: Whether it’s a cellphone plan, mobile hotspot, or satellite, evaluate every option skeptically before picking one.

• Campground Wi-Fi: Most campgrounds have public Wi-Fi available for travelers. If you think that can suffice, then there’s no need to get an additional plan. However, public Wi-Fi is not safe and poses several risks.

Our Verdict

Your internet connection and availability will vary based on the location you’re camping. However, it’s better to stick with the cheapest and most available option so you can have a reliable Wi-Fi on a camping trip .