The Best Two-Way Radios for Camps
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your camp, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for camps?
Cabin 3 is out of bug spray and one of the kids has a bee sting. The lifeguard at the lake needs extra sunscreen for the campers but can’t leave their post.
Meanwhile, the arts and crafts counselor is waiting on supplies that were supposed to arrive 20 minutes ago.
Staff are scattered across the campground with no quick way to reach each other—and no one knows who’s handling what.
These are all common issues in a camp - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios.
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your camp, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For smaller camps, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 200k sqft (1-2 miles outdoor) of coverage.
Larger camps, covering up to 350,000 square feet or 3-5 miles, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Recommended groups for camp:
- Leadership For camp directors, coordinators, and key staff to manage operations and make quick decisions.
- Activities Used by counselors running daily activities like archery, canoeing, or arts and crafts to check in, request supplies, or report issues.
- Health & Safety Dedicated to the nurse, lifeguards, and staff responsible for medical or emergency response.
- Logistics For maintenance crews, kitchen staff, and transportation to coordinate behind-the-scenes support.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great camp radio?
- Long Battery Life Radios should last through full camp days—ideally 10+ hours—without needing a recharge.
- Durability Camps are rough environments. Look for radios that are water-resistant, dustproof, and built to withstand drops.
- Clear Range You’ll need solid communication across cabins, fields, lakes, and wooded areas. Choose radios with strong range for outdoor use.
- Multiple Channels Allows different teams—like counselors, health staff, and maintenance—to communicate without overlapping.
- Hands-Free Options (VOX) Voice-activated transmit lets staff communicate without using their hands—ideal during activities or emergencies.
- Emergency Alerts Some radios offer a one-touch emergency button that sends an alert to all channels or designated radios.
- Compact & Lightweight Radios should be easy to carry all day, ideally with belt clips or lanyard options.
- Easy to Use Large buttons, simple interface, and loud audio are essential—especially for younger or seasonal staff who need a quick learning curve.
- NOAA Weather Alerts for camps in areas prone to storms
- Privacy Codes to minimize cross-talk from nearby camps using similar radios
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Camps
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for camps of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Smaller Camps
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One of the most durable radios on the market.
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Larger Camps
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Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your camp – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!