For the off-the-grid-ers.
While there are plenty of techy options that we’ll get to later, you bare-bones campers probably don’t need that level of connectivity. After all, why shell out a lot of money just to check email here and there, or look up something online now and then? So, here are a few budget-friendly Wi-Fi camping solutions that can work for you:
- Campgrounds with good network coverage. Your mobile provider probably has a data service coverage map online, which can give you an idea of what type of coverage to expect at your destination. T-Mobile’s coverage map, for example, lets you search by address, zip code, or by a location’s name to see what kind of coverage you may expect. Knowing what kind of signal is available simplifies vacation planning and may even help you narrow down a great camping spot where you’ll still be able to respond to emails and stay in touch with family without much effort.
- Public Wi-Fi. If your location isn’t negotiable, checkout the availability (and strength!) of the campground’s public Wi-Fi before you go. A quick online search will turn up several websites and online camping forums dedicated to the topic—and they’ll likely have all the information you need. It’s important to note that if you do choose the public Wi-Fi route, it is generally less secure than a private connection, especially if it doesn’t have password protection. So, make sure you avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or financial details while online.
- Mobile hotspot for camping. A basic portable Wi-Fi hotspot can give you the connectivity you need and, starting at under a hundred bucks, they’re pretty easy on the wallet. A hotspot can supply multiple devices (phones, laptops, etc.) with connectivity during your camping trip. Just be aware that there are data limits, which may or may not be an issue depending on how much you’re online. To avoid any surprises, be sure to check your mobile plan ahead of time and then consider purchasing an upgraded data plan if you think you’ll need it.
- Take a drive. If you have no cell phone signal and no hotspot—and the Wi-Fi at your campground just isn’t cutting it—take a trip into town and utilize the public Wi-Fi offered at a nearby fast-food restaurant, grocery store or coffee shop. It’s a quick way to connect for a few minutes and you might even fit in some shopping and/or sightseeing along the way!
For the glampers
This is for those of you want to get back to nature—but still want all the luxuries of home. Maybe you want to stream your go-to shows after cooking-up the catch of the day. Or your teens want to play their favorite multiplayer games before hitting the sack. You’ll need some strong connectivity for activities like that—and public Wi-Fi alone probably won’t cut it. So, here are some options to consider:
- Mobile RV/camping gateway. The ability to combine a powerful 5G network with an advanced 5G gateway suddenly brought wireless internet to millions of homes. But what about the people who are always on the road? Now, there’s a similar product designed just for road warriors who need RV internet during their outdoor adventures! T-Mobile now offers AWAY™, which delivers connectivity just about anywhere you travel. Here’s what you’ll get with the AWAY™ plan:
Since it’s powered by T-Mobile, America’s largest 5G network, it’s a budget-friendly option for getting coverage on 90% of highway miles coast to coast.
- Wi-Fi extender. If you want to take a chance with the public Wi-Fi offered at some campgrounds, purchasing an extender is a way to “extend” that wireless internet signal to your RV. (Some RVs even have them built in.) But be warned, a Wi-Fi extender won’t work well if the public Wi-Fi at the campground is weak to begin with. It’s only a solution for when the signal is strong—but it’s just not reaching your particular camping spot. Since, you can expect to spend anywhere from a hundred dollars to a few hundred for a good extender—be sure to do some homework ahead of time to find out what others are saying about the Wi-Fi at the campground. As mentioned earlier, be extra careful when using public Wi-Fi, as the connection is not private.
- Satellite internet. If you’re livin’ large and plan on an extended camping getaway, there’s always the satellite route. What is satellite internet exactly? Satellite internet is often used in rural/remote areas where terrestrial internet options like DSL, cable, or fiber optic internet just aren’t available. Luckily, many satellite companies offer antennas and receivers specifically designed for camping enthusiasts. While satellite internet will more-than likely give you better connectivity than public Wi-Fi (barring bad weather or a blocked view of the sky) it can get pricey, since you’ll need to buy special equipment in addition to paying for monthly service. Also, some satellite providers keep your service tied to one place. In other words: it won’t travel with you across multiple locations or when you’re on the move. So, be sure to do your homework!
Need great connectivity on the road without expensive equipment fees and long-term contracts? T-Mobile has you covered virtually anywhere you roam! Learn more about AWAY™ to see if it works for you.
Explore RV Internet
Sources:
- https://www.rv.com/lifestyle-travel/life-on-the-road/everything-you-need-to-know-about-satellite-internet-in-your-rv/
- https://kingconnect.com/blog/what-is-an-rv-wifi-booster-how-much-do-they-actually-help/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/public-wifi-risks/
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wi-fi-extender/
- https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/rv-connectivity/
- https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/affordable-data-plans/hotspots
- https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map
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