A Guide To Buying A Battery Chainsaw For Camping In [2025]

Discover why a battery chainsaw for camping is the game changer you need for easy firewood collection on your next adventure. When it comes to camping in Australia firewood is essential for warmth and cooking. A battery chainsaw can make collecting firewood easier and more efficient than ever.

With advancements in battery powered tools, you no longer have to rely on bulky, petrol powered chainsaws or struggle with a manual saws. As someone who’s used the Makita DUC252Z 36V 18V 250mm Chainsaw for over three years I can confidently say that a battery chainsaw is an invaluable tool for camping. When properly maintained including keeping the chain sharp a battery chainsaw can perform just as well as a traditional gas chainsaw like the my Husqvarna 120 Mark II.

If you’re considering a battery chainsaw for your next camping trip, here’s everything you need to know about the benefits, features and the top models available in Australia.

Why Choose A Battery Chainsaw For Camping?

1. Portability and Convenience
   Battery chainsaws are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips. You won’t have to worry about lugging around heavy fuel tanks or dealing with gas-powered engines. Simply charge the battery before you head out and you’re ready to go.
2. Low Maintenance
   Unlike traditional chainsaws that require constant maintenance, battery chainsaws are virtually hassle-free. There’s no need to deal with mixing oil and fuel and they don’t have carburettors that need tuning. All you have to do is keep the chain sharp and ensure the battery is charged.
3. Quieter Operation
   Battery chainsaws are significantly quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. This makes them perfect for camping, where you want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature without disturbing other campers or wildlife.
4. Environmentally Friendly
   Battery chainsaws are much more environmentally friendly than gas-powered models. They produce no emissions, helping to keep the air clean while you enjoy your outdoor adventure.
5. Ease of Use
   Battery chainsaws are easy to start – simply pull the trigger and you’re good to go. No pulling on a cord or dealing with stubborn engines. This ease of use makes them suitable for both beginners and seasoned campers alike.
6. Battery Chainsaws Are Virtually Silent
   When collecting camping firewood you generally won’t want to be making a nuisance of yourself in respect to being noisy. Don’t be that guy at the campsite firing up his petrol fired chainsaw at 7am and waking everyone up. Instead reach for your battery powered chainsaw and cut up some logs for the breakfast campfire in total silence.

My Experience With The Makita DUC252Z

For the past three years, I’ve been using the Makita DUC252Z 36V 18V 250mm Chainsaw and I find it to be an awesome tool for collecting firewood during camping trips. The Makita is compact and well balanced. This makes it easy to handle even for extended periods. The 2 X 18V batteries provide plenty of power. The 250mm cutting bar is perfect for small to medium sized firewood which is typically all you need for camping.

What’s really impressive is how well it cuts. As long as I keep the chain sharp it performs just as well as my Husqvarna 120 Mark II, a reliable petrol chainsaw I’ve used for years. The Makita’s ability to slice through logs efficiently without the loud noise of a petrol chainsaw makes it a winner for camping. Plus the battery lasts long enough for a decent amount of firewood collection before needing a recharge.

Is it the absolute best battery chainsaw for camping? Probably not, three years on from when I bought it there are a lot more options available. The number one reason we went with the Makita battery chainsaw is we already have a decent investment in suitable Makita batteries and chargers. We had been using the Makita range of cordless tools for many years before buying the battery chainsaw for camping.

10 Best Battery Chainsaws for Camping in Australia

If you’re in the market for a battery chainsaw, here’s a list of the top 10 models that are well suited for camping in Australia. These options are ranked based on popularity, performance and user reviews.

1. Makita DUC252Z 36V 18V 250mm Chainsaw

As I mentioned previously this in reality isn’t the best available these days however I searched Google for the top 10 battery chainsaws ordered by user reviews and popularity and this is what came out. I’m guessing that Google knows I own one so bumped it to the top.

Key Features:

• 36V and 18V battery compatible
• 250mm bar length
• High-performance motor
• Lightweight design
• Anti-vibration system

The Makita DUC252Z remains a top choice for campers thanks to its solid performance and ease of use. The combination of two battery options (36V and 18V) gives flexibility in power choices and its 250mm bar length is perfect for cutting firewood without being too heavy or cumbersome.

2. Ryobi OCS1830 18V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 18V battery
• 300mm bar length
• Tool-less chain tensioning
• Compact and lightweight

Ryobi’s OCS1830 is popular for campers who want a lightweight and easy-to-use chainsaw. Its 300mm bar is ideal for cutting larger logs and the tool-less chain tensioning system makes maintenance a breeze. It’s a great option for those already using Ryobi 18V tools.

3. EGO Power+ CS1800 56V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 56V battery
• 300mm bar length
• Brushless motor
• Weather-resistant construction

The EGO Power+ CS1800 has quickly gained popularity due to its superior power and performance. Its 56V battery delivers impressive cutting power and the 300mm bar can tackle larger logs. The brushless motor extends the lifespan of the chainsaw, making it an excellent choice for regular campers.

4. DeWalt DCCS670X1 60V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 60V battery
• 400mm bar length
• Brushless motor
• Low kickback chain

DeWalt’s DCCS670X1 is a heavy-duty chainsaw built for more demanding tasks. It’s equipped with a 400mm bar, perfect for larger firewood or cutting through tougher timber. Its brushless motor ensures efficiency and durability and it has a low kickback chain for safer operation.

5. Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ 36V Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 36V battery
• 300mm bar length
• Lightweight design
• Tool-less chain tensioning

The Stihl MSA 160 C-BQ is a reliable, lightweight chainsaw that’s perfect for campers who need a tool that’s both efficient and easy to handle. The 36V battery provides enough power for cutting smaller firewood and the tool-less chain tensioning makes it convenient for quick adjustments.

6. Makita DUH523Z 18V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 18V battery
• 230mm bar length
• Soft start mechanism
• Rubberised grip for comfort

Another offering from Makita, the DUH523Z is a compact 18V chainsaw that’s great for light-duty firewood collection. It’s easy to handle and the soft start mechanism makes it a smooth operation. The 230mm bar length is sufficient for small to medium-sized logs.

7. Husqvarna 120i 36V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 36V battery
• 300mm bar length
• Low weight
• Silent operation

The Husqvarna 120i is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, environmentally-friendly option. It’s lightweight, with a 300mm bar that’s ideal for cutting small to medium-sized firewood. This model is designed with ease of use in mind, making it a great choice for novice users.

8. Black+Decker LCS1240 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 40V battery
• 300mm bar length
• Automatic oiling system
• Comfortable grip

Black+Decker’s LCS1240 is a well-rounded option for campers looking for a reliable battery chainsaw. Its 40V battery provides solid cutting power and the automatic oiling system ensures smooth operation. The 300mm bar length makes it versatile enough for most camping firewood needs.

9. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 18V battery
• 350mm bar length
• RedLink Plus intelligence system
• Lightweight and durable

Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL model is known for its durability and cutting power. The 350mm bar is great for tackling thicker logs and its RedLink Plus system ensures the chainsaw operates efficiently without overloading. It’s a great option for both camping and more demanding tasks.

10. Makita XCU03PT1 36V Cordless Chainsaw

Key Features:

• 36V battery
• 400mm bar length
• Brushless motor
• Chain brake for safety

The Makita XCU03PT1 is a powerful 36V chainsaw with a 400mm bar, making it perfect for larger firewood collection. The brushless motor improves battery efficiency, while the chain brake adds an extra layer of safety. It’s a robust option for campers who need a high-performance chainsaw.

Conclusion To Buying A Battery Chainsaw For Camping

Choosing the right battery chainsaw for camping depends on your needs. If you’re after something lightweight and easy to use, the Makita DUC252Z or Ryobi OCS1830 might be the best fit. For those who need more power, models like the DeWalt DCCS670X1 or EGO Power+ CS1800 offer plenty of cutting capacity.

Battery chainsaws are an excellent option for campers. They provide the two magic keys when camping, convenience and portability. With proper maintenance, including keeping the chain sharp these tools will make firewood collection a breeze and help you make the most of your outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just getting started, investing in a good battery chainsaw is a smart choice.