As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
How to Keep Your Camera Charged While Camping (2026 Guide)
Running out of camera power in the middle of a multi-day camp shoot is frustrating — missed golden hours, dead timelapses, and stuck gear. This guide is for photographers who camp, hike, or shoot in remote locations and need reliable, practical ways to keep shooting. You’ll learn how battery grips, on-camera accessories, power-bank workflows, and solar options solve the problem, and why we selected these specific products (customer feedback on build, battery life and value, plus compatibility). All picks are chosen for real-world camping use: durability, extra capacity, and easy field swaps.
Quick Answer
For most campers the fastest fix is a battery grip — the NEEWER Battery Grip (Replacement for BG-E14, ASIN B01ELDHJ9G) doubles or lets you swap to AA cells to extend runtime. For tight budgets pick the Neewer MB-D15 replacement (ASIN B010HKEF76); for on-camera lighting that won’t drain your camera, the VILTROX VL-162T (ASIN B07C9ZNY17) is a strong complement.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Select 2-3 products to compare side-by-side
| Compare | Product | Rating | Price Tier | Key Feature | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NEEWER BG-E14 Grip
|
(1.8K+ ratings) | Premium | Holds 2x LP‑E6 or 6x AA | Canon shooters needing long runs | Check Price | |
NEEWER Sony NP‑FZ100 Grip
|
(1.1K+ ratings) | Premium | Works with 1–2 NP‑FZ100 batteries | Sony full‑frame shooters who want extra runtime | Check Price | |
NEEWER MB‑D15 Grip
|
(2.7K+ ratings) | Budget | EN‑EL15 or 6x AA support | Budget-conscious Nikon shooters | Check Price | |
VILTROX VL‑162T Light
|
(2.1K+ ratings) | Mid-Range | On-board battery + charger included | Shooters needing independent on‑camera light | Check Price |
1. NEEWER Battery Grip (Replacement for BG-E14), Vertical Grip with Shutter/Function Buttons, Powered By LP-E6 Battery or 6 PCS AA Batteries for Canon EOS 90D 80D 70D DSLR Camera (Batteries Not Included)
The Neewer BG-E14 grip doubles your battery capacity by accepting two LP‑E6 packs or six AA cells. On camping shoots this directly solves the 'dead battery' problem by letting you swap cheap AAs in the field or carry a second set of camera batteries for uninterrupted shooting and easier vertical handling.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Canon EOS 70D/80D/90D
- Power: up to two LP‑E6 batteries or 6 AA/LR6 batteries
- Controls: shutter, main dial, multi-controller, AF point buttons
- Design: ergonomic vertical grip for high-volume shooting
Pros
- Effectively doubles runtime with two LP‑E6 batteries
- Solid build and good button layout praised by users
- Accepts AA batteries for field replacement
Cons
- Higher price tier than basic third‑party grips
- Batteries not included — you'll need spares
Best For: Canon shooters needing long runs
Check Latest Price on Amazon2. NEEWER Vertical Battery Grip for Sony A9 A7III A7RIII Camera Replacement for Sony VG-C3EM Only Works with NP-FZ100 Battery (Battery Not Included)
This Neewer vertical grip accepts one or two NP‑FZ100 batteries to extend shooting time and improve handling for long sessions. It solves the camping power problem by giving Sony mirrorless users extra built-in capacity and ergonomic controls for vertical shooting, reducing battery swaps mid-sequence.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Sony A9, A7III, A7RIII
- Power: works with one or two NP‑FZ100 Li‑ion batteries
- Mounting: 1/4" tripod screw attachment
- Design: rubber coating for comfort and vertical triggers
Pros
- Provides double battery life with two NP‑FZ100s
- Ergonomic rubber finish improves grip during long shoots
- Good value for extended Sony runtime
Cons
- Some users report occasional button-function inconsistencies
- Batteries sold separately (adds to total cost)
Best For: Sony full‑frame shooters who want extra runtime
Check Latest Price on Amazon3. Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for MB-D15 Works with EN-EL15 Battery or 6 Pieces AA Batteries for Nikon D7100 D7200 Digital SLR Camera
The MB‑D15 replacement is the budget solution to keep Nikon DSLRs running on long trips — use an EN‑EL15 or six AA cells. It solves the field‑power problem affordably: customers praise fit and value, and the AA option is handy when you can’t recharge.
Key Specs
- Compatibility: Nikon D7100, D7200
- Power: holds 1× EN‑EL15 or 6× AA batteries
- Construction: engineering plastic body, drop-tested
- Controls: vertical shutter, command dials, AE‑L/AF‑L
Pros
- Low cost with functional battery extension
- Accepts commonly available AA batteries in the field
- Generally praised for fit and value for money
Cons
- Build and shutter button quality are mixed across users
- Feels less premium than manufacturer originals
Best For: Budget-conscious Nikon shooters
Check Latest Price on Amazon4. VILTROX VL-162T CRI95+ LED Video Light, Portable Camera Photo Light Panel Dimmable for DSLR Camera Camcorder with Battery, Charger, High Brightness, 3300K-5600K Bi-Color, White Filter and LCD Display
While not a battery grip, the VILTROX VL‑162T helps keep your camera capable on long camping shoots by powering bright on‑camera light independently—so you don’t drain camera batteries when shooting video or continuous flash. Its removable battery and charger give you a self-contained power source for lights and reduce pressure on camera power.
Key Specs
- Lighting: 162 LEDs, CRI 95+, 3300K–5600K bi‑color
- Power: includes battery with charger (AC adapter not included)
- Controls: dimmable 20%–100% with LCD display
- Mounting: standard hot shoe and linkable design
Pros
- High color accuracy and adjustable brightness
- Includes battery and charger for field use
- Lightweight and linkable for flexible setups
Cons
- Battery life is mixed in user reports for long sessions
- Doesn’t provide USB power output for charging cameras
Best For: Shooters needing independent on‑camera light
Check Latest Price on AmazonWhich One Should You Choose?
If budget is tight → NE EWER MB‑D15 Grip (ASIN B010HKEF76). If you need portable on‑camera lighting that reduces camera battery drain → VILTROX VL‑162T (ASIN B07C9ZNY17). If premium capacity and the ability to use AA batteries in a pinch matters most → NEEWER BG‑E14 Grip (ASIN B01ELDHJ9G). If you shoot Sony full‑frame and want ergonomic control plus doubled NP‑FZ100 runtime → NEEWER Sony NP‑FZ100 Grip (ASIN B07KLV7DSM).
Best for Specific Scenarios
- Multi-day landscape timelapses: NEEWER BG‑E14 Grip — doubles battery life and lets you swap AAs in the field so you won't miss sunrise/sunset sequences.
- Backpacking where weight matters: NE EWER MB‑D15 Grip — budget and lightweight option with AA support for emergency swaps.
- Night video or interviews at camp: VILTROX VL‑162T Light — powers bright, color‑accurate light independently so your camera battery is conserved for capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra shooting time will a battery grip actually give me?
A battery grip typically doubles your available onboard power if it accepts a second identical camera battery, translating to roughly twice the run time under similar shooting conditions. If the grip accepts AA cells, runtime depends on AA type and number; alkaline AAs will give less run time than lithium AAs or the camera’s original lithium packs.
Can I use a power bank to charge camera batteries while camping?
Yes for cameras that support USB‑charging (many mirrorless bodies), use a high‑capacity power bank with USB‑C PD and matching voltage/current. For cameras that use removable batteries, a power bank plus an external battery charger that accepts USB input works well. Always check your camera’s charging specs and use properly rated cables.
Is solar reliable enough to keep my camera charged on multi‑day trips?
Solar can be reliable if sized correctly: a foldable panel of 20–30W or larger plus a battery pack to store energy is a practical setup. Expect variability from weather — use solar to top up a power bank or battery pack rather than rely on it for immediate, guaranteed charging.
What should I carry to avoid running out of power on a remote shoot?
Pack a combination of solutions: at least one battery grip or multiple spare camera batteries, a 20,000mAh+ power bank (PD if needed), a compact solar panel if you’ll be off-grid for days, and a small multi‑charger for charging spares at camp. Test everything before the trip to ensure fit and charging compatibility.
How We Selected These Products
Our recommendations are based on data-driven analysis: we evaluated 155229+ products across 23916+ brands using a composite scoring system that weighs rating (40%), review volume (30%), price value (20%), and demand signals (10%). Every product is ranked by data, not opinions.
Last updated: May 02, 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
Ratings and review counts reflect data at time of writing and may have changed. Click through to Amazon for current information.