How to get wifi in a camper will be explained in this article. The next time you’re out camping or RVing and want to get a little more out of your experience, all you need is an Internet connection, and a wireless router or hotspot.
And now thanks to the magic of Verizon 4G, there’s nearly blanket coverage of reliable wireless service across the country.
You don’t have to be a digital nomad to need a strong internet connection while you’re traveling. Whether you’re van life Instagramming, posting your travel vlogs to YouTube, or just want to be able to stream a movie after the kids are in bed, mobile wifi for your camper is a must-have.
And those aren’t the only reasons.
If you have health issues or take medication that requires refrigeration, it’s crucial that you stay connected so you can find the nearest RV park and get plugged in if you start running low on power.
Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but for some, it’s not really camping without internet access. If you’re looking to stay connected during your next camping trip, consider using your cell phone as a portable hotspot.
It’s easy enough to get wifi service at the campground, but if you’re camping offsite or in locations where there are no cell towers, then you’ll have to rely on your own devices for internet service.
If you don’t already have a mobile hotspot device and aren’t ready to invest in one, you can use your smartphone as one. We’ll show you how to set up a portable hotspot with your phone so that you can stay connected while camping.
The good news is that there are several ways to get wifi in your camper at every budget and for every level of technical ability. We’ll show you everything from how to get wifi in a camper without internet (just like back at home) all the way up to building your own DIY hotspot.
Table of Contents
Use your phone as a hotspot
The simplest option for getting wifi in a camper is also one of the least expensive: using your smartphone as a mobile hotspot. This will require either an unlimited data plan or one with plenty of data available before hitting your monthly limit (especially if you are a serious internet user).
Satellite Internet
If you’re in an area with little or no cell coverage, or your home is too remote for a landline connection, consider satellite Internet. Satellite providers offer fast download speeds, but upload speeds are usually much slower.
That can make it difficult to use some online services that require frequent uploading and downloading of data – online gaming and video conferencing, for example. Satellite service is also expensive, and its reliability depends on the weather: It’s common to lose your signal during heavy rain or snowstorms.
Buy a Portable Hotspot device
If you can’t get a landline phone in your home, consider buying a portable hotspot device. Many providers offer them for $50 to $100 upfront, but monthly data plans can be expensive – sometimes as much as satellite Internet service.
In rural areas without wired Internet options, fixed wireless technology may be available. This is similar to satellite service in that it uses wireless technology to connect to the Internet, but its signal comes from a tower instead of a satellite dish.
Use Free Public RV Wifi Hotspots
You can find free public WiFi hotspots at many locations including libraries, restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores and other locations. These are usually available without any need for a password or fee. We’ve generally found that these are more reliable than campground WiFi, although it does depend on where you’re camping.
Take RV Wifi Boosters on the Road with You
There is some equipment that you can take on the road with you specifically to boost your signal strength when you’re parked at a campground with WiFi – or even just out in public when there’s a free hotspot available nearby.
There are several different types of wifi boosters that work in different ways but all have their own pros and cons.
FAQs
How do I get wifi at the campground?
If you can get a cell signal, you can get wifi. Your phone, tablet or other mobile devices can connect to wifi at thousands of campgrounds and RV parks across the country. You can as well use your phone as a Hotspot device.
How can I get internet while camping in 2022?
To maximize your vacation experience and stay connected to everyone, buy a portable hotspot device before you leave. A portable hotspot device will enable you to use the Internet on all your devices wherever you go.
Is a portable hotspot good for internet access while camping?
A portable wifi hotspot allows you to share your cellular connection with up to 10 devices, from anywhere in the world. Available from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, these little devices can make all the difference when you’re on the road.
Conclusion
The outdoor world is a wonderful place but it can also be isolated, especially if you’re one of the many who try to avoid paying for expensive campsite wifi.
But this is not so in 2022 when the internet is practically everywhere you go. It’s the year of truly mobile internet with brand new small and portable hotspots that are suitable for camping.
