WITH MORE MANUFACTURERS OFFERING capable off-road campers, off-grid camping is more accessible than ever. Many people camp to disconnect, but having reliable cell service in a remote destination can be a lifesaver if the need arises. That’s precisely where a cell phone signal booster for camping comes in handy.
Beyond improving service for calls and texts, especially in an emergency, cell signal boosters can help your cellular hotspot perform better for remote work. That’ll be useful when camped by a remote lake and your boss asks for an unexpected video conference.
Whether you use one for work, emergency calls, or family check-ins, RV travelers should know the features and basic benefits of a cell reception booster.
Key Takeaways
- Cell phone signal boosters improve existing weak signals. They can’t create service where none exists, but they enhance call quality, internet speeds, and emergency communication when 1-2 bars are available.
- Boosters are beneficial for off-grid RV camping, helping remote workers and boondockers stay connected in areas with spotty reception due to natural obstructions.
- Installation involves three main components: an external antenna, an amplifier, and an internal antenna. Setup varies by model, with some made for temporary use and others for permanent RV installation.
What Is a Cell Phone Signal Booster?
Images by Camping World
A cell phone signal booster for camping is a device that boosts your cellphone’s existing signal. It can’t create cellphone reception if none exists. Cellular signal boosters are also known as amplifiers or cell signal repeaters. Most are comprised of an external antenna, an amplifier, and an interior antenna.
The best cell boosters for RV camping are great for boondocking situations and campgrounds with natural obstructions that impact cell service. They’re useful anywhere you have 1-2 bars of service and desire a faster, more reliable connection.
How Does a Signal Booster Work?
Most cell signal boosters add gain—or power—to an existing signal in various directions. The external antenna receives the cellular signal, which is then “boosted” by the amplifier and rebroadcast in your RV by the interior antenna. So, it’s a three-pronged approach to improving a weak cellular signal: capture that signal, amplify it, and re-transmit a stronger signal for downstream devices—aka your phone.
What Are the Benefits of a Signal Booster for RV Camping?
If you mostly RV in established campgrounds where cell service isn’t an issue, you likely won’t need a signal booster. However, many RVers eventually want to explore off-the-beaten-path areas where reception is less reliable.
In these settings, employing a cellular signal repeater can deliver:
- More bars of cellphone service
- Fewer dropped calls
- Faster web browsing
- Improved download and upload speeds
- Increased cellphone battery life
- More reliable emergency communications
Do Cell Phone Reception Boosters Work?
Many RVers have successfully enjoyed the benefits of a wireless mobile signal booster. They are great for improving service in areas with weak or unreliable coverage.
The effectiveness of any signal booster for camping depends on its quality and the strength of the existing cellular signal. It’s important to select an FCC-certified booster and explore options that can span the range of signals you’ll likely boost (e.g., 5G, 4G, LTE).
How To Use a Cell Reception Booster
The process for setting up a cell phone signal booster for camping differs by manufacturer. Consult your manufacturer’s installation instructions for proper setup and use. That said, popular models follow these basic setup instructions:
- Set up the external antenna. Many cell boosters recommend running the wire for the external antenna through your RV window and placing it in an elevated location. Placing it higher will reduce signal disruption from nearby trees or mountains.
- Set up the internal antenna. Place it in a secure location inside your RV. The further you can place it from the external antenna’s location, the better service you’ll enjoy.
- Plug the amplifier into a reliable power source. Ensure the internal and external antennas are connected to the amplifier, and then plug the amplifier into a reliable AC or DC power source. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for the preferred power source for their booster.
Technician Tip: If you run the wire for your external antenna out of an RV window, be careful not to shut the window with too much force to avoid damaging the antenna’s cable.
When a cell phone signal booster for camping is appropriately connected, you should notice stronger service on your phone—more “bars.” You can also conduct a speed test on your phone’s web browser before setting it up to establish a baseline. After connecting to the booster, perform another test to compare download and upload speed differences.
Certain models are designed for permanent installation, making them ideal for digital nomads or full-time RV living. Others are designed to be set up when you reach camp and stored when you travel.
Whether you need service for phone calls to friends or to support your full-time RV lifestyle, here are a couple more resources you may find helpful:
- How To Get Reliable RV Wi-Fi
- The Best RV Internet Options
- Learn About Starlink Internet for RV Camping
Do you have questions about or experience with cell signal boosters? Share in the comments below.
With the RangePro…. 1. Does it have to be permanently mounted on a RV? Or, can you used it on a cabin or vehicle as well?
I have the Winegard 360 for our RV. Works pretty well for internet. We also have a small, metal roofed cabin in northern WI where I could use help with the signal. I used to have a Weboost that worked well up there but it only went to 3G. Then I got a HiBoost (in trying to upgrade) and I am not happy with it at all. Thinking of selling it – but looking for other options.
Thank you!
Hi Debbe,
The RangePro is indeed designed for permanent mounting, but you certainly have freedom to choose that mounting location. I’d recommend reaching out to Winegard’s support team directly to tell them more about your preferred use case. They’ll be your best resource to recommend their ideal product for your cabin.
Hope that helps!
we’ve been going to a campground in the NY Adirondacks and there is no cell signal. If you begin to walk about 1,000 feet, text messages begin to come in. Are these signal boosters able to sniff out a signal and then amplify enough for you to use your cell phone for calling, text, etc.?
Hi Art!
From my experience, a signal booster isn’t effective if there is truly no signal at your campsite. Have you looked into Starlink internet at all?
Here’s a link where you can learn more: https://blog.campingworld.com/gear-and-accessories/everything-you-need-to-know-about-starlink-internet-for-rvers/
Let us know if you have any other questions!
I just bought the king pro Wi-Fi extender and router. It reaches the campground Wi-Fi but no internet. Have you tried this?
Hi John,
The King Pro WiFi Extender allows the user to connect to the nearby WiFi if it is available. The actual connection to the internet is a function of the WiFi provider. I’d check with the campground or their internet provider in this case.
Hope that’s helpful!
It would be interesting to know if this KING KX2000 Extend Pro Cell Signal Booster would work with T-Mobil’s Internet Service.
Hi Gary,
According to the manufacturer’s website, this cell signal booster “supports all US cellular carriers.”
I’d recommend contacting them directly if you have any additional questions: https://kingconnect.com/contact/
Hope that helps!
Remember that the FCC restricts the amount of boosting which is allowed for boosters while traveling on the road, however the amount of boosting allowed when at a campsite (not moving) is much greater. I use a home/office booster when camping because I have a trailer and wouldn’t be using it while traveling, only when stopped. If you have don’t need to use your booster while moving, get a home/office model instead of one of the “mobile” models and you will get a greater signal boost.
Also, if you put the outside antenna on the top of a large extendable pole (mine is 25′), then you can pick up the signal better in many places.
Can you do an article about the TravlFi unit and system?
Hi Franklin!
Stay tuned! We have a piece on Wi-Fi hotspots coming. Anything specific you’d like to know about them?
Is there boosters for our tv that will bring reception in. The nearest tv station is 65 -70 miles away. I’ve tried a couple that didn’t work.
Hi Mike!
Here’s an article on tips for improving your TV reception: https://blog.campingworld.com/learn-to-rv/tips-for-getting-tv-reception-in-your-rv/
And another on all things Winegard antennas: https://blog.campingworld.com/gear-and-accessories/everything-you-need-to-know-about-winegard-tv-antennas/
Let me know if you have any follow up questions!
What are your thoughts about smoothtalker cell booster.
Hi David!
I don’t have any personal experience with Smoothtalker, but I’m adding your comment here in hopes that some of our community members might be able to chime in.
My apologies that I couldn’t be of more assistance!
How do these work with 5G?
Hi Parker!
5G currently comes in 3 flavors, depending on location. In remote spaces where distance is an issue, the low band is used, but it doesn’t have the benefits that 5G is touted for.
In rural or suburban areas, mid band is the best compromise between distance and features. Both piggyback on the old 4G equipment and so the 4G boosters should still work…just don’t expect the speed or quality of urban 5G. Urban 5g utilizes all new equipment in the high band. It shares nothing in common with 4G LTE so there is no way the old booster will help.
The drawback of the high bands is that the signals don’t go far and we have to have a lot more towers. This is why it only makes sense in the city. If the carrier still supports 4G LTE, the new 5G phone can be set to 4G LTE and it will work, but without the 5G benefits. You may have to do this if you don’t have good 5G reception where you are at.
Hope this helps, but let us know if you have any other questions!
How do these work with the growing popularity of 5G?
5G currently comes in 3 flavors, depending on location. In remote spaces where distance is an issue, the low band is used, but it doesn’t have the benefits that 5G is touted for.
In rural or suburban areas, mid band is the best compromise between distance and features. Both piggyback on the old 4G equipment and so the 4G boosters should still work…just don’t expect the speed or quality of urban 5G. Urban 5g utilizes all new equipment in the high band. It shares nothing in common with 4G LTE so there is no way the old booster will help. The drawback of the high bands is that the signals don’t go far and we have to have a lot more towers. This is why it only makes sense in the city. If the carrier still supports 4G LTE, the new 5G phone can be set to 4G LTE and it will work, but without the 5G benefits. You may have to do this if you don’t have good 5G reception where you are at.
Hope this helps, but let us know if you have any other questions!