4 easy ways to get Wi-Fi while camping

Many of us go camping to disconnect from our busy lives, reconnect with nature, and spend some real quality time with friends or family.

However, there are times when having Wi-Fi is simply a necessity, whether you have work obligations, need to stay in touch with loved ones or want to provide some nighttime entertainment.

In today’s world, it’s understandable why going completely off the grid can in some ways be more stressful than it is relaxing. So, if you're looking to get Wi-Fi for your next camping trip, we've got you covered. We’ve created a simple guide with four easy ways to help you access the internet on your next outdoor adventure.

Tip: Before heading out, make sure you use our coverage checker to see what the mobile signal is like where you’re camping. Our 4G network covers 99% of the UK outdoor population, meaning you should be able to get online from almost anywhere. 

If you want to stream movies, check your emails, find directions, or share photos with friends, here's how to access Wi-Fi – even in the wilderness.

Using a mobile broadband device with a data plan is one of the best ways to access the internet whilst camping, especially if you want to share the connection with others.

Also known as mobile internet, a MiFi device is a small, wireless router that allows you to create a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. It taps into 3G, 4G or 5G mobile phone networks and creates a Wi-Fi connection that can be shared with smartphones, laptops, and tablets on the go.

MiFi is a pocket-sized device that’s small enough to fit in your rucksack and carry with you on the move. Plus, using MiFi to get online instead of using your mobile phone helps to conserve your phone’s battery while you camp out.

We have both 4G MiFi and 5G MiFi available. Having 5G MiFi gives you access to faster speeds on the UK’s Fastest 5G Network – and it still works on 4G. But if you’re only going to travel in areas with 4G coverage, 4G MiFi will give you all the connectivity you need. You can check signal coverage here.

Using a 4G or 5G-connected tablet is another good method of accessing the internet when camping.

You can enjoy the full benefits of mobile Wi-Fi wherever you camp by inserting a SIM card into a tablet that comes with built-in cellular connectivity. With 4G and 5G tablets, the internet is always at your fingertips, meaning you don’t need to use a hotspot or rely on public Wi-Fi. Instead, you can stream your favourite shows or check up on work tasks straight from your tablet while enjoying the outdoors, as long as you have mobile coverage.

At Three, we offer a fantastic range of cellular iPads and Android Tablets that will be the perfect companion on your next camping trip. We recommend picking one up with a Pay Monthly Data Only SIM to get online whenever you like.

One of the most common ways of getting internet access is to connect to your campground’s Wi-Fi network.

Many campsites offer their guests free Wi-Fi access, allowing you to get online without using the data on your mobile phone or portable device. Although campground Wi-Fi can be a convenient option, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

If you want to avoid patchy public Wi-Fi and get uninterrupted internet access, we recommend using our 4G MiFi and 5G MiFi routers.

Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is one of the easiest ways to get Wi-Fi while camping. In campsites where you have a mobile signal, simply turn on your hotspot feature, and you can share your phone's internet connection with other devices. Though the internet speeds can vary, it's generally sufficient for light usage, such as browsing online and scrolling through social media.

When it comes to using your smartphone as a hotspot, there are two main things you must think about. Firstly, you'll need to watch your data usage to ensure you don't run out. At Three, we've made it easy for you to boost your allowance with our data add-ons. The second thing you’ll need to consider is your phone battery. Hotspotting consumes a lot of battery, and you will want to avoid running out of charge if you’re on a multi-day camping trip.

Staying connected while camping has never been easier, with portable Wi-Fi routers like 4G MiFi and 5G MiFi, 4G and 5G-connected tablets, and mobile phone hotspots. You can get online almost anywhere – but you are camping. So make sure you leave plenty of time to disconnect too.