If you’re a fan of camping and outdoor activities, this is one article that you do not want to miss.
What can you do aside from chatting, eating and playing traditional games? See a movie with your projector and projector screen.
Projectors are a good source of camping entertainment. You can see movies and even play games using a projector.
There are many projectors that can suit this purpose. They are designed to withstand the elements and are convenient for outdoor use.
Outdoor projectors should be portable. They should also have a range of built-in functions to reduce the number of devices you take with you.
Are you interested in purchasing one of these portable camping projectors? We have put together a guide for you.
This article will show you what to look for in a camping projector. We have also made a list of the best camping projectors for you. Read on!
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Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
8 Things to Look Out For in a Camping Projector
Trust me, you do not want to be stuck with the wrong projector on your camping trip.
There are projectors for areas with controlled light, and there are others for areas with high ambient light.
Some projectors can project large images from a short distance while others cannot. Some projectors are bigger than others.
For a camping projector, you need more functions and less bulk. Here are some features to look out for in a camping projector:
1. Size and Portability
You want a device that you can easily pack into your backpack. If it is weighty, it may slow you down if you’re walking.
The best projectors for camping are usually portable with built-in features for convenience. The mini projectors are best used in low ambient light.
Projectors within a 5 lbs. or less range are best. The lighter it is, the easier it is to carry around your projector and screen ensemble.
2. Long Battery Life
Your camping projector should have a strong internal battery. Get one with at least 2 hours on a full charge.
Projectors that depend on an external power source are not advisable. Carrying a power source around can be inconvenient for camping trips. (Read more: How to Power a Projector while Camping?)
Go for projectors with LED lamps. LED technology is energy efficient so they have longer battery lives.
3. Brightness
Camping is an outdoor activity. It is not easy to control ambient light outdoors and you may not want to wait around for nighttime.
To make sure you get the best image quality, get a projector with a bright lamp. It will need to be 2000 lumens or more.
For good quality daytime projection, go for 3000 – 4000 lumens projectors.
4. Resolution and Contrast
The resolution of a projector is important. For outdoor viewing, you need projectors that can display higher resolutions.
Some projectors can accept HD images and then reduce them to lower-quality images. This is called downsampling.
From 780p to 1080p native resolutions are ideal. Anything less may reduce the quality of your viewing experience.
Also, the contrast ratio should be considered. Find one with a high contrast ratio to deliver better pictures.
5. Throw Ratio
This is a representation of the size of a projector’s image based on its distance from the screen.
The further the projector is placed from the screen, the larger its displayed image. This can be inconvenient for people with small setup spaces.
Short-throw projectors are designed to project a large image from a short distance. They’re good for personal or small group camping trips.
6. Built-in Speakers
It’s best if your projector has a strong built-in speaker. This way, you would not need to bring external speakers.
Due to lack of space, the speakers may not be very powerful. If you’re camping alone or in a small group, this should not be a problem.
7. Connectivity Options
In these times, it’s important for you to be able to connect your various devices.
Your camping projector should have multiple options open for connecting to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, your laptop, USB devices and other devices.
8. Resistance to Elements
Outside the house, your projector is exposed to various elements. Water and dust can cause damage to projectors.
Look for a projector designed to resist these occurrences.
Go for projectors with strong builds to withstand falls. Also, go for those made from water-resistant material.
5 Best Projectors for Camping Trips
If you have decided to take a projector along with you, that’s only the first step.
Now you have to decide which projector to buy. Look out for size, brightness, durability, and image quality, amongst other things.
1. BenQ GS50 Projector
Why is the BenQ GS50 a great camping projector?
- BIG & CLEAR CINEMATIC PICTURE: 1080p Full HD Resolution, 500 ANSI Lumens with HDR10/HLG showcase...
- 2.1 CHANNEL AUDIO W/EXTRA BASS: 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Speaker with Extra Bass (5Wx2 midrange...
- OPTIMAL PICTURE MODES: Optimized Picture Modes powered by CinematicColor and 98% Rec.709 wide color...
Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The BenQ GS50 has everything we mentioned in the buying guide.
For starters, it has 500 ANSI Lumens. You might think 500 ANSI Lumens is not bright enough for an area where a fire is giving off plenty of ambient light.
However, one of the best things about this cute projector is its unique ambient light detection feature, which other projector brands need to consider.
In other words, the projector detects the ambient light of any room and adjusts its brightness so its brilliant colors can be seen.
Apart from this excellent feature, the projector’s native resolution is 1080p, and its auto-keystone allows you to project on several uneven surfaces.
We believe the GS50 is powerful enough for any camping trip.
What We Like About It:
- It’s modern and stylish.
- It comes with a 6000 mAh Li-ion battery for 2.5 hours of standalone power after fully charging with its DC adaptor or USB-C cable.
- It’s completely portable with a handle that makes it easy to carry.
- It’s camping proof! Don’t worry about splashing river water on it. It’s splash-proof and waterproof. The casing is thick enough to withstand rain.
- With a thick protective casing, it’s not a big deal if you accidentally drop it. This makes the GS50 drop-proof.
- It has a one-inch kickstand you can use to project at an upward angle.
- Its native resolution is full HD 1080p.
- Connecting to Wi-Fi is easy.
What We Don’t Like:
One thing that strikes me as odd is its inability to use Netflix natively. But this is a common problem for BenQ projectors and isn’t unique to the GS50.
To watch Netflix, the best thing to do is cast it using your Chromecast or plug it into your monitor via HDMI, and that’s a lot of hassle if you’re going camping.
2. Anker Nebula Capsule Mini Projector
The Anker Nebula Capsule Mini Projector is the size of a soda can. Therefore, transporting it to your campsite is as easy as putting it in your backpack.
- Remarkable Clarity and Contrast: DLP's advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver a remarkably bright...
- 360° Speaker: Equipped with a powerful omnidirectional speaker, this mini projector pumps out sound...
- Home Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and more up to 100 inches big anywhere in...
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Not only is it a space saver, but it’s also completely portable once you charge it. It gives you about four hours of battery life. That’s enough juice for two full-length movies.
The unique soda can design lets you place it on any flat surface. To top it off, its small size also matches its price tag.
What We Like:
- Netflix and other apps like YouTube and Hulu run natively on the projector.
- Its 360-degree speaker gives you a powerful sound that will scare off any bears wandering nearby.
- Although it’s a small projector, you can watch your movies on a 100-inch screen.
- Mirroring with an iPhone is easy.
- The battery life is great for the size of it. It lasts up to four hours on one single charge.
What We Don’t Like:
The Anker Nebula Capsule Mini projector is, without a doubt, a great little machine. However, its shortcomings reside in the image itself. At 100 ANSI lumens, ensure you put out that fire, or you won’t see a thing.
Want to watch a movie with only the moonlight as your guide? Now is your chance.
3. XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector
The XGIMI MoGo Pro portable projector is compact and, yes, portable.
- 1080p Image with 300 ANSI Lumens: An advanced DLP lamp delivers FHD resolution and 300 ANSI lumens,...
- Built-In Battery: MoGo Pro's strong built-in battery provides at least 2HRS of big-screen...
- Android Tv: Download apps directly to the projector from Google Play, including YouTube, Prime...
Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
It’s roughly the size of a smartphone, except a lot thicker. Its dimensions are 5.74 inches tall by 3.72 inches wide, by 4.15 inches deep.
Its size makes it lightweight, allowing you to carry it in your purse if you choose to.
The auto-keystone is fantastic. It allows you to use your projector at a 40-degree angle, correcting the image automatically, so you see it perfectly on your wall.
This stylish projector runs Android TV 9.0 with a native resolution of 1080p and 300 ANSI Lumens.
It has built-in speakers and supports 3D.
What We Like:
- The rechargeable battery gives you about two hours on a single charge.
- It contains two built-in 3W speakers.
- The 1080p resolution is great for its size.
- It’s portable, lightweight, and easy to transport.
- It supports 3D!
What We Don’t Like:
Like other projectors on our list, it doesn’t run Netflix natively. However, it seems XGIMI found a workaround by using its Desktop Manager app and installing it on your XGIMI “desktop” versus your “projector.”
We’re glad they found a workaround, but it seems overly complex for a simple app install.
It sounds a little confusing, but here is a video on how to install Netflix, in case you’re wondering.
4. FATORK Smart Portable Movie Projector
If you’re looking for a small, portable projector to take camping with you, the FATORK Smart Portable Movie projector is smaller than a soda can. It has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity purposes.
- ✔【CLARITY & SHORT FOCAL DISTANCE】:FATORK DLP projector with 5G WiFi supports 1080P resolution...
- ✔【PORTABLE & AUTOMATIC KEYSTONE CORRECTION】：Take this mini projector with you wherever you...
- ✔【WIRELESS 5G WIFI CONNECTION】：The Wifi projector supports 2.4G/5G, realizing the screen...
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The battery lasts around 2.5 hours when it’s fully charged and it has a built-in speaker.
The auto-keystone correction is great if you plan on tying a projector screen to some trees. This ensures your picture is not crooked.
What We Like:
- It’s portable, mini in size, and weighs less than one pound.
- The rechargeable battery lasts 2.5 hours when fully charged.
- The native resolution is 1080p.
- It comes with a tripod stand so you can tilt it upwards.
- Adjustable 45-degree angle projection and auto-keystone make it easy to project on your tent ceiling.
- It has a 360-degree built-in speaker.
- Its Wi-Fi capabilities make connecting to a smartphone easy.
- It’s a short-throw projector. You can place it close to your wall for a picture as big as 114 inches.
What We Don’t Like:
150 ANSI lumens make it hard to see anything if there’s ambient light around.
However, that’s not all we didn’t like about the FATORK. According to the specifications, you cannot natively play YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu from it.
To do so, you must purchase an Amazon Firestick or Chromecast, which is sold separately.
5. Wemax Dice Portable DLP Projector
The Wemax Dice is a cute cube with a leather handle that makes it easy to pick up and take anywhere you want, including camping.
- 【3 Hours Battery Video Time, Portable Outdoor Theater】 With the built-in 16000 mAh battery, you...
- 【700 ANSI Lumens 4K Support, Remarkable Clarity】 WEMAX Dice Movie Projector delivers 1920x1080p...
- 【Auto Keystone Correction, Angles Never Bother You】 Just put WEMAX Dice at any angle, the...
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
What makes this projector great for camping is its three-hour battery life. Once it’s charged, you can watch up to two movies.
One of the best specifications of the Wemax is its resolution. Natively, it supports 1080p, but it also supports 4K.
What We Like:
- At four pounds, it’s lightweight and portable with a handle for easy carrying.
- If used in ECO mode, the rechargeable battery lasts about three hours.
- Native resolution is 1080p and supports 4K.
- Dolby Audio Speakers gives it great audio for music and movies.
- 700 ANSI Lumens make it very bright, even if you have a campfire going.
- The projected image ranges from 40 to 120 inches in size.
- It doubles as a power bank, so if you decide you don’t need a projector on your camping trip, you can always use it to charge your smartphone.
- It uses an LED as its light source.
What We Don’t Like:
You’ll have many apps to choose from if you wish to stream a show. However, Wemax recommends using a Firestick or Google Chromecast if you want to use Netflix.
Last update on 2023-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
James Quintanilla is a technical copywriter. Although his experience allows him to write on many topics, he loves to focus on tech and travel. As a freelancer, James has worked on projects with Pointer Clicker, Lonely Planet, and the Travel Channel. When he’s not writing or planning his next adventure, he’s watching a scary movie.