Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Camping

By Buck Tanner · December 4, 2020 · 11 min read
A person holding a red portable speaker with picturesque mountain backdrop.

Let us look at some of the best portable Bluetooth speakers for camping. For a quick preview, check out the comparison table below:

Music is one of the most wonderful things we have available to us. Music can make us happy, keep us driven, and can be a means of social interaction.

Nowadays, everyone loves to listen to music on the go, whether it is through headphones, earphones, or portable speakers. We can stream music, movies, and videos through the Bluetooth features in our phones right to our speakers. 

The great thing about Bluetooth speakers is that you can use them literally anywhere. You can take music wherever you go to lift the mood, brighten your spirits and have a little fun.

This is why a Bluetooth speaker should be on your list of essentials that you need to take on your next camping trip!

Camping is such a fun activity that can keep you busy, help you see the great outdoors, and have fun with family and friends. 

With a little music on your camping trip, you can kick back and relax in a wonderful, exciting atmosphere with a portable Bluetooth speaker.

However, as camping is always outdoors and the weather is not always favorable, you will want a portable Bluetooth speaker that can withstand the elements.

To help you find one, we have created a list of the best portable Bluetooth speakers for camping on the market today.

Our Best Pick

Here at Pack Your Tent, we understand that you may have an active lifestyle. You do not want to spend time reading through the pros and cons of multiple speakers, so we have our best pick right here for you!

The best portable Bluetooth speaker for camping is the JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker.

This speaker is built with the outdoors in mind and is great for camping. With rugged rubber housing and durable materials, it can withstand harsh weather conditions or any drops and bumps that can happen outside. 

The JBL Clip 3 was specifically designed for the adventurer and camping enthusiast, with a carabiner clip that can attach to your belt, tent, or backpack when on the go! 

What is even better is that this small, lightweight, portable speaker also has an IPX7 rating, making it waterproof and can sustain dirt, mud, and dust whilst camping. 

What's more, is this speaker never skimps on sound. With JBL, you are assured of audio quality, powerful bass, and crystal clear sound.

This speaker also offers up to 10 hours of battery life for a compact but capable speaker intended for outdoor activities.

For the best portable Bluetooth speaker for camping, go for the JBL Clip 3 speaker. 

Our Top 6 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Camping Reviews

JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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Our favorite speaker for the great outdoors is the JBL Clip Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This speaker is designed for the wanderer, camper, and active lifestyle. 

With rugged rubber housing and durable design, the JBL Clip 3 is perfect for camping. This portable Bluetooth speaker can withstand multiple bumps and knocks without sustaining any damage and also has an IPX7 rating. This means that it is strong and waterproof, which is perfect for camping and on the road travel. 

The JBL Clip 3 also features a carabiner that you can clip to your buckle, tent, or backpack to play music wherever you go!

With up to 10 hours of playtime, you will not have to worry about the battery running out whilst you are having one of the best days of your trip. 

This speaker also boasts crystal clear sound and anti-echo technology for long-lasting and quality music all day! With twelve different colors to choose from, there is one to fit every style. 

For a speaker that is made to be the perfect outdoor companion, trust in the JBL Clip 3.

Pros

Cons

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Anker Soundcore Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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For an unbeatable sound and bass when playing music, you will want to check out the Anker Soundcore Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

This speaker is a little larger and heavier than other portable speakers, but the sound and audio quality are something you will not want to miss!

With 3 colors to choose from, this sleek design is perfect for everyone. However, what the Anker Soundcore does best is, you guessed it, the sound!

This speaker has an advanced digital signal processor that ensures pounding bass and zero distortion at any volume.

Even better, this speaker is still outdoor proof with IPX7 protection that safeguards it against rain, dust, snow, water, and spills. With this speaker, you can get incredible sound at home or camping in the great outdoors!

This portable speaker also offers 24-hour nonstop music with Anker's world-renowned power management technology that can deliver a full day of sublime sound!

With simple controls and a refined and lightened design, this speaker is great for camping.

Pros

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Bose SoundLink Revolve + Portable and Long Lasting Bluetooth Speaker

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When we think about quality sound and a brand of speakers that we can rely on, the Bose company will always come to mind. The Bose SoundLink Revolve + is one of the most popular portable Bluetooth speakers on the market. 

This speaker can deliver deep, loud, jaw-dropping sound with a coverage of 360 degrees, so you can hear crystal clear music all around you.

The Revolve + speaker is also made of seamless aluminum for its body, with a flexible fabric grab-and-go handle for portable on-the-go use. 

It is also water-resistant for up to IPX4 and offers a long battery life of up to 16 hours! With a built-in mic for speakerphone and calls, this speaker can be used for multiple uses when camping.

You can even pair two SoundLink speakers together for louder, better sound, and they can play in sync for those camping parties around the fire!

Pros

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JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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When looking for the perfect portable Bluetooth speaker, you will have to consider the JBL Flip.

This speaker is great for the outdoors, with an IPX7 waterproof rating and rugged, durable housing and fabric.

The JBL Flip is available in 9 colors and styles, all with crystal clear sound and up to 12 hours of playtime for camping out!

You can even connect up to 100 compatible speakers together for party mode or louder volumes.

With impressive audio, anti-echo, and powerful bass, this speaker is a force to be reckoned with. 

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Cons

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COMISCO Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Outdoor

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For music on the go, you should try the COMISCO Bluetooth Speaker. This speaker promises up to 20 hours of playtime with a lightweight but rugged and durable design.

This speaker offers 360 degrees sound, crystal clear audio, and impressive bass quality. With 8 colors to choose from and an easy-to-carry handle, you can take this speaker wherever life takes you. 

The COMISCO speaker also has an IPX5 rating that makes it great for taking camping and outdoors without worrying about water, dirt, or dust.

Pros

Cons

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Travel Case Portable Speaker

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If you would prefer a mini, easy-to-pack portable speaker for your camping trip, then we have the smallest option for you!

The EWA travel case portable Bluetooth speaker is the perfect addition to your camping rucksack. 

It is affordable, lightweight and easy to carry, and great for outdoor activities. With impressive sound for its size, this portable Bluetooth speaker is small yet powerful. 

With a battery life of 6-8 hours, this little speaker is great for use whilst you camp. It is simple and easy to use, with a metal hook for your tent and an IP rating of IP67 waterproofing for use outdoors!

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Cons

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Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Camping Buying Guide

What to look for in the best portable bluetooth speakers for camping

When purchasing a portable Bluetooth speaker for camping, there are a few things that you should consider.

Camping can be a messy, wet, difficult pastime, so you will need a speaker that can withstand harsh weather conditions and a little rough living. 

The best portable Bluetooth speakers will need to be durable and able to withstand dirt, mud, sand, and water in order to be useful when camping.

You will not want to invest in an expensive speaker that breaks the first time you take it on a camping trip. 

One of the main things you will need to think about when purchasing a Bluetooth speaker that is perfect for camping is if it is portable.

It will need to be lightweight enough so that you can pack it perfectly into a backpack or small bag and will not be too heavy to carry on your travels. 

In addition, you will need a Bluetooth speaker that is water-resistant or waterproof. You can check the IP rating in order to see which are able to withstand long periods of time underwater or more water depth in case of any accidents or bad weather. This is vital in your decision to purchase a Bluetooth speaker for camping!

You may also benefit from one with an easy-to-carry handle, a clip, or a carabiner to attach to your clothing or tent for easy portability. As you will be using your speaker outdoors, you will also have to think about the volume and the range of your speaker.

Most Bluetooth speakers have a range of around 30 feet, which is perfect for playing some music around your campsite. However, if you wish to connect from further away, then you may need a speaker with a more powerful range. 

Finally, you should always consider the battery life of a speaker before purchasing. Bluetooth speakers can drain the battery quite quickly, which will be so frustrating if you are camping in the middle of nowhere, without a power source handy.

If this is the case, then look for a portable Bluetooth speaker with extended battery life so that you can enjoy your music for so much longer. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell if my Bluetooth speaker is waterproof?

Most Bluetooth speakers will now have waterproof or water-resistant properties. You can check if the Bluetooth speaker you are using or interested in by the IP rating. This is the abbreviation of Ingress Protection which is a way of measuring how the product withstands water and dust. 

For instance, if you have a speaker with an IP rating of IPX0, then it is most likely not a good idea to take it outside or near any water. As the IPX grows higher, the water protection is stronger. 

For example, IPX4 can be protected from a small splash of water, whereas IPX5 can offer protection from a larger spray of water for up to 3 minutes.

For outdoor activities or areas where there may be water or the risk of submersion, then an IPX7 is far more suitable.

IPX7 means that your speaker can survive complete water submersion up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This means that if your Bluetooth speaker gets wet or falls into water, it will still work and is safe for use afterward. 

How do I connect to a portable Bluetooth speaker?

The most common way to connect to a portable Bluetooth speaker is by using your phone. This is so simple to do, and you can start streaming music to videos through your Bluetooth speaker.

To connect to a Bluetooth speaker, you will have to go to the settings on your mobile device. Find the tab that says networks or Bluetooth. Then, make sure your Bluetooth is turned on. 

You should see a list of available Bluetooth devices nearby. If your Bluetooth speaker is turned on, then it should show up on the list. If it does not, then ensure that you have pressed the button on your speaker that makes it discoverable via Bluetooth. 

With your mobile device, select your Bluetooth speaker and connect. You will then have to pair your phone to your speaker so that you can connect more quickly and easily next time. 

Does a Bluetooth speaker need Wifi?

It may surprise you to find that Bluetooth speakers do not require any internet access.

Bluetooth works by using short-range radio waves between devices. This means that you do not need wifi or an internet connection in order to use them. 

That being said, if you are streaming music or using your speakers to play from an application like Spotify or Netflix, then you will need Wifi or internet access in order to play them through the speaker.

However, if this is unavailable, you can pre-download music and videos before going anywhere without Wifi so that you will be able to play on your Bluetooth speaker without fail. 

How far can a Bluetooth speaker reach?

This will depend on each particular Bluetooth speaker. However, in general terms, most Bluetooth speakers can reach at least 30 feet, whereas others can reach up to 100 feet.

About the author
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Buck Tanner
Veteran outdoors columnist · Bozeman, MT

Buck spent 38 years in green and grey before hanging up the radio. He writes the way he talked at the ranger desk — half answers, half stories about his Border collie Sadie. He once spent 17 nights in a row at the same Wyoming dispersed site and considers that a fine vacation. Buck is suspicious of glamping but will admit a four-season tent helped him after a 2019 incident he still won't fully explain.

38 years with the National Park Service (retired). Backcountry permit clerk turned trail-crew foreman at Glacier, Yellowstone, and the North Cascades.

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