Many people who go camping in RVs want to have access to the Internet. Some people can’t quit their job even for a day, and they just need Wi-Fi.
Luckily, there are some methods by which you can access the internet while hiking. It doesn’t matter if you need the Internet for work or for other reasons.
Before you go on a camping trip, consider whether you need internet. Compare the options below and choose the best one for you.
The best way to stay connected while camping is by using the internet over cellular networks.
- How can you get WiFi while camping?
- What are some easy methods to get internet access on a trip?
- How to use a cell phone as a mobile hotspot?
- What is a T-Mobile hotspot?
These and other questions we shall answer in this article. We will also provide you with some price and availability information.
Camping is a summer type of auto tourism, which involves a closed area with places for tents. Some camping sites offer guests ready-made tents or lightweight houses, and trailers.
On its territory, there is always a sanitary zone (toilet, shower), and parking for cars. Some campsites provide additional services as needed by the guest – these are car repairs, shops, sports grounds, and the Internet.
“How to get WiFi while camping” suggestions
Of course, a camping trip is primarily about admiring nature and rest from the bustling world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still want to have some sort of access to the outside world.
You must have access to read the latest news, be in touch with your loved ones, and work. There are several ways to help you with this. Let’s take a closer look at these wonderful options to get Wi-Fi at the campsite.
Campground Wi-Fi connection
The easiest way is to find a place that already has campground Wi-Fi. You do not need to carry a router or look for another way.
You need to contact the caretakers of the place and find out how to connect to Wi-Fi. So you will be online at any time. Whether it is mail or calls with relatives, you have the opportunity for this.
Find out in advance when choosing a place whether there is a campground wifi there. This information is usually provided immediately.
Camp near some cafe
Another great option would be to camp near coffee shops or another place with internet access.
You can also buy tea or coffee in a café if you are too lazy to cook them yourself. Ready breakfast and free WiFi connection will help you gain strength for the day. Fast-food restaurants are an option too, they often have free Wi-Fi.
Get WiFi on your RV
Consider installing a WiFi connection directly on your vehicle, especially if you want to have access to the internet while camping everywhere and always. You can buy a car that already has a WiFi network. Or install it yourself when you buy it.
In both cases, this option gives you much more convenience and flexibility than relying on other options for getting the Internet while camping. After all, you can change your mind at any time and decide to go to another place, the Wifi network will follow you if you have Wi-Fi in the motorhome.
The connection may not be the most stable, like in a campsite or a cafe. But in any case, it will greatly facilitate the process of planning a trip.
Wi-Fi Extender
If you have a modem with an internet connection, you can improve the signal with a WiFi extender. Wifi extender will improve the overall connection.
By using a WiFi extender or repeater, you can boost your WiFi signal and also use it over a larger area. This can be used in campsites where the available WiFi network is too weak.
While many people use them in their homes, you can use them with your RV WiFi. Then, you can have a better signal when in and around your RV. And you may even be able to maintain the connection a little ways away from your vehicle.
Now, you may not be able to take the connection that far, such as on a trail. However, it can be a good option if you want a stable connection. It can also help if you’re camping with other people that need to use the internet at the same time.
Phone as a Mobile Hotspot device
How to share the Internet from your phone via Wi-Fi
STEP 1
In the settings, activate the “Access Point” function. On some devices, it is called “Wi‑Fi Tethering” or “Wireless Tethering”.
STEP 2
As a result, your cell phone will create a Wi-Fi network mobile hotspot through which it can share the Internet.
STEP 3
Then open the access point settings and set the network name and password to protect it from strangers.
STEP 4
Take the device to which you want to distribute the Internet, and connect to the created mobile hotspot Wi-Fi network. After that, everything should work.
STEP 5
When you finish distributing the Internet, turn off the access point on your cell phone.
How to share the internet from iPhone
- Make sure your smartphone is connected to the mobile Internet and has a good signal.
- Open the iPhone settings, go to the “Tethering mode” submenu, and turn on the “Allow others” function. If you have iOS 12 or older, turn on the Hotspot toggle to get a mobile hotspot.
How to share the internet from the phone via USB
- Connect your computer to your phone with a USB cable inserted into the USB port.
- In the smartphone settings, find and enable the “USB tethering” function.
- After that, the Internet on the computer should work.
- Thus you have a USB connection and internet while camping.
Remember, even if you have an unlimited data mobile plan, it may not offer unlimited hotspot data for a mobile hotspot.
Bring a charged power bank, because wi-fi connection will eat a lot of battery energy of your mobile hotspot.
Of the minuses of this method of connection with a cell phone is not the most stable signal, which may depend on the location of cellular base stations, weather conditions, and other factors. As a result, data transmission may deteriorate – for example, during a thunderstorm or rain.
Thus, it is difficult to count on a constant connection speed – which means that the video connection may suddenly break off, and watching a movie in an online cinema can be delayed.
Buy an Internet USB
If you are planning a long camping trip/hike, a smartphone as an access point is not an option: in the Internet distribution mode, it will quickly discharge, and constant connection to the outlet negatively affects the further life of the phone battery. To connect only one device to the Internet, such as a laptop, you will need a USB modem with LTE support.
This option is quite suitable for those who do not make too high demands on the speed and stability of access. The fact is that USB modems are usually equipped with signal receivers with relatively low power, so in conditions of unstable communication (for example, under adverse weather conditions), they can work intermittently.
The stability of reception and speed can also be affected by the terrain, the presence of tall trees, and other obstacles nearby.
However, without a Wi-Fi router, it will be possible to distribute the Internet only to one computer – the one to which the modem itself is connected. In the Windows 10 settings, it is possible to use the computer itself as a device for distributing Wi-Fi, but in this mode, the laptop battery will run out much faster than usual.
And the number of devices connected at the same time will be calculated in units.
Get a Portable WiFi Router
Portable WiFi routers can use the same nearest cell phone tower and connection as your phone or internet USB. However, they offer a more reliable connection than the other options. That can come in handy if you need to have a video call or do serious work.
Autonomous battery power ensures the performance of the router even where there is no electrical network. The operating time on a single charge ranges from 4-8 hours depending on the battery capacity.
Pocket WiFi routers are great for trips out of town and abroad, outdoor recreation, hiking, and business trips. In situations where transport volume is limited, they can completely replace fixed routers.
The minimum number of connectors and a special form factor make it extremely compact and lightweight. Portable routers fit in the palm of your hand and are easy to carry in bags, briefcases, and even jacket pockets. In size, they are no different from a smartphone, wallet, or business card holder.
A Satellite Internet Specialist System
In those places where ordinary cellular communication does not catch (or the speed is insufficient for comfortable work), and it is impossible to lay a cable for one reason or another, satellite Internet will come to the rescue.
If you plan to camp for a while, you may want to find satellite internet providers.
Such internet connection helps where there is no terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure. Access via satellite can be used both for simple functions, such as sending messages, and for organizing video conferences, using video surveillance systems, and transmitting telemetry information.
Operators practice restrictions on prepaid traffic. So, if you spent a month before making the next payment, then you will pay extra for gigabytes. Usually, the cost of additional traffic is higher in tariffs with a low subscription fee. Consider the cost of additional gigabytes when choosing a provider.
Satellite Internet connection is one-way and two-way. One-way is cheaper but requires an existing network connection, such as a telephone connection. Therefore, it is suitable only in cases where the user is not satisfied with the low data transfer rate. With the help of a satellite, it can be increased.
Two-way satellite Internet is a completely private network. However, portable satellite internet can be expensive. The average plan costs around $100 per month, and you can access broadband speeds.
Installing a satellite dish may be extremely costly.
Best cell phone plans for camping
Plan: Visible
Price – $25.00–$40.00/mo.
Data cap – Unlimited data
Hotspot data – Unlimited data (at 5 Mbps)
Get it – View Plan
Plan: T-Mobile
T-mobile Price – $85.00/mo.
T-mobile Data cap – Unlimited data
Hotspot data – 40 GB (then reduced to 3G speeds)
Get it – View Plan
Which is better, antennas or signal boosters?
Signal boosters work best in areas with weak signals. Antennas can also work in areas with poor cellular coverage, but they work even better in areas with average to excellent signal strength.
Signal boosters should be turned off when placed in areas with good or excellent signals to avoid amplifying noise. However, antennas can be used anywhere.
Antennas do not require power to operate. However, signal amplifiers must be connected to a power source.
Signal boosters can be left installed on the van or vehicle while driving. The antennas can also be left mounted while driving, depending on the height of the pole. Generally, you need a taller antenna pole, but you must remove it while driving.
If you want to enjoy improving your mobile phone signal, please use an antenna. There are many more options for antennas, masts, low-loss coax, and grounding solutions. Signal boosters are generally limited to stand-alone devices that don’t offer much customization flexibility.
FAQs
How do I get WiFi when camping with no service?
You can opt for portable satellite internet or a portable wifi router. If cellular networks won’t work that will make a great option.
Mobile hotspot device is suitable too. Just look for the nearest cell phone tower to get access to internet service. Mobile phone plans sometimes do not include a mobile hotspot device. Buy a sim card with unlimited data usage to have wifi access at any time.
How can I get internet when I’m camping?
Here’s how you can easily get internet access while camping:
· Use your mobile phone for tethering. If you have enough data plan, this is by far the easiest solution.
· Use a USB data dongle. Very useful for a single device connection only.
· Mobile modems for camping.
· Make use of the campground Wi-fi.
· Satellite internet.
How do I get WiFi in the wilderness?
You can use an internet signal from the campsite or your cellphone. You might need a signal booster in remote locations where reception isn’t strong. Another option is to use a satellite-based connection.
How much does it cost for portable WiFi?
You can get Verizon network unlimited plans for about $45/mo: 25GB
$55/mo: 50GB, as an example.
T-mobile:
· $10/mo: 2GB
· $20/mo: 5GB
· $30/mo: 10GB
· $40/mo: 30GB
· $50/mo: 50GB
How long will 40 GB of hotspots last?
If you look at the statistics of the average consumption of Internet traffic per person, then the numbers there will be much less than 40 GB, since this volume in the current realities will be enough for more than 1 month.
Let’s say an ordinary person visits various social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, etc. daily.
Very little Internet traffic is spent on such resources, and then an Internet package of 40 GB can be enough for 3 months.
But the situation is completely different when watching video material since with an average video quality of 720p, one minute of video will cost 7 MB of traffic.
Then 40 GB of the Internet will be enough for 5715 minutes, and this is already almost 95 hours of video material. Thus, we can conclude that a 40 GB service package is enough for visiting social networks and watching YouTube videos.
If a person plans to use the Internet, in addition to entertainment, also at work, then the situation can also change.
For example, a person works remotely and conducts classes through an online platform. Every weekday, he spends about two hours broadcasting video from a laptop camera.
Then the Internet may be enough back to back since in total a person will spend more than 20 GB of Internet traffic and there will not be so much left for entertainment.
How long does 100 GB of hotspot last?
Your data should normally refresh every month or 30 days, so theoretically you have an average of 720 hours to fill a month. 100GB can last almost non-stop for the entire month, so you’d never have to connect to Wi-Fi if you didn’t want to.
Are wi-fi boosters worth it?
Yes, they are. They can boost the overall signal strength, and coverage area and also conserve the battery of your phone, and increase internet speed.
Getting good internet access while camping is becoming more and more important to many. Antennas and signal boosters are equally effective, although each has its advantages in different situations.
The antennas work great whether you are in a low-signal area or a high-signal area. However, signal boosters generally only work effectively in areas with weak signals.
How can I improve my cell service while camping?
The best option is to use a cell phone booster kit.
Conclusion
There are various ways to connect to the Internet in the wilderness. The choice of the optimal option by the user is influenced by the location, financial capabilities, and the pros and cons of a particular option of getting internet service.
For some campers, bringing work to a campsite means compromising the outdoor experience. For others, it offers the best of both worlds by combining the love for outdoor life with the demands of professional life. Besides, connectivity can also be a lifesaver at times.
At the end of the day, there are many ways to access the internet while camping. However, not all the options are best for you. You need to consider your exact requirements for choosing one.
Unless you’re a frequent camper, we won’t advise you to spend tons of money on a high-end mobile hotspot device or any device. Get a sim card with unlimited data of internet service.
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By the way, If you want to take your baby camping with you, but you are worried about your baby’s safety, you will find the following guide helpful Best Baby Monitor For Camping.
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