Good lighting can make or break a camping trip. It’s not just about seeing in the dark. Proper illumination enhances safety, navigability, and comfort. It discourages wildlife from wandering into your site and helps avoid accidents like tripping over tent cords or stepping on unseen objects. A well-lit campsite also makes tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or finding your way to the portable toilet far less challenging.
Camping lights provide visibility and enhance safety at the campsite. They help you navigate around the campsite, find your way to the bathroom or other facilities in the dark, and avoid potential hazards such as tree roots, rocks, or uneven terrain. Adequate lighting can deter potential intruders or wild animals from approaching your campsite. Illuminating the surroundings can create a sense of security and help you keep an eye on your surroundings. Camping lights can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall camping experience. In case of emergencies, such as power outages or unexpected situations, having reliable camping lights can be crucial.
Types of Camping Lights
Headlamps
Headlamps are often dubbed as a camper’s best friend, and for good reasons. Worn around the forehead, they provide hands-free illumination, perfect for activities that require both hands like cooking or setting up a tent. Most headlamps come with adjustable brightness settings and light modes, including red light for preserving night vision. A solid headlamp is a non-negotiable for camping! There are tons of options at different price points, but I personally look for one with a red light feature and a budget-friendly price (since I tend to lose them). The Black Diamond Cosmo 350 has been my go-to for years!
Lanterns
When it comes to lighting up a broader area, lanterns are your go-to. Their 360-degree light is ideal for illuminating dining areas, inside tents, or around the campfire. Modern camping lanterns offer the charm of traditional gas lanterns but with safer and more efficient LED camp lighting technology. Lanterns have come a long way since the kerosene days, and the best camping lanterns these days are incredible. Most are rechargeable, some use solar-charging, and some offer multiple colors options and brightnesses.
String Lights
LED string lights are a must-have for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere at your campsite. These versatile lights can be easily hung around your tent, picnic area, or campfire, adding a warm glow to your surroundings. Choose solar-powered or battery-powered options for an eco-friendly and convenient lighting solution. The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights are great for any festive occasion outdoors. If setting the ambiance is your thing, this product should be in your camper or backyard for your next cookout.
Flashlights
Flashlights are a reliable companion in any camping gear. They’re handy for personal use, especially when moving around the campsite at night. With their focused beam, they’re excellent for tasks requiring directed light like following a trail or looking for something specific in your backpack. The Torch 500 is lightweight, compact, and incredibly versatile. The ruggedized body is about the size of a traditional household flashlight, but the IP67 rating means it’s resistant to drops, dust, and shakes as well.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Light
- Brightness (Lumens): For most campers, 100 lumens or above is enough to light up many camp spaces. If you prefer a more gentle glow, 50-75 lumens will be enough. Electric lanterns under 50 lumens are good for in-tent use.
- Battery Life: Look for lights with long battery life or ones that are lightweight and rechargeable batteries for convenience. The range on battery life is vast¡ªit can be anywhere from 2 to 300 hours.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry, camping lights can be packed into your gear without hassle. If you’re a backpacking or ultralight camper, portability is key. Look for lightweight, compact camping lanterns that weigh next to nothing and fit easily into a backpack or suitcase pocket.
- Durability: Choose lights built to withstand outdoor conditions, including impacts and moisture. Fenix LED camping lanterns not only light up entire areas, but they can endure extreme weather conditions as well. Rated IP66 and IP68, our brightest lanterns will provide you light despite unexpected weather conditions.
- Ease of Use: Choose lights that are easy to use. Look for lights with user-friendly features like simple on/off switches or adjustable brightness settings. This will make it easier for you to operate the lights, especially in low-light situations.
- Price: Consider your budget when choosing lights. There are a variety of options available at different price points. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for lights that offer good value for money.
Top Camping Light Recommendations
Best Overall Camping Lantern: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern & USB Power Hub was hands down the best camping lantern we tested. For starters, the Lighthouse 600 is rechargeable via USB, but it also can be charged using solar or the built-in hand crank, so you never have to worry about being stuck in the dark. The Lighthouse has a knob that allows you to easily adjust the light from dim to super bright. This lantern got the brightest out of any we tested. Full brightness wasn’t necessary most of the time, but was helpful when setting up our campsite in the dark. At low output, the battery can last for an astounding 180 hours; at maximum output, the battery lasts about 2.5 hours. Buy on Amazon
Best Rechargeable Lantern: BioLite AlpenGlow 500
The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 is an aesthetically-pleasing rechargeable camping and backpacking lantern. Its pleasing colors and modern design make the BioLite AlpineGlow a good option for all campers. Plus, Biolite impacts people living in energy poverty through safe lighting. We found the AlpenGlow to be the least finicky and most reliable of the rechargeable battery lanterns we tested. It has a protector for the USB charger to prevent water or sand from entering and blocking delicate pins in the micro-USB port. Its buttons and USB ports are more straightforward than other rechargeable camping lanterns we tested, which stopped taking a charge after 6 months of use. Buy on Amazon
Best Budget Lantern: Black Diamond Moji R+
Weighing in at just three ounces and fitting easily in the palm of your hand, the Black Diamond Moji R+ is the ultimate compact choice for campers concerned about saving space. Setup is as easy as charging the lithium ion battery using the included micro USB cable. Ours went from completely dead to fully charged in under two hours. It emits up to 200 lumens of bright white light and is easily sufficient for illuminating your tent or camp table. Buy on Amazon
Best String Lights: MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights are great for any festive occasion outdoors. If setting the ambiance is your thing, this product should be in your camper or backyard for your next cookout. If you need to charge up the string in a hurry, it comes with a USB plug that can get the job done. The attached carrying case makes the lights easy to manage when not in use. The light also has a USB port that can charge other devices as well. Buy on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Camping Lights
| Product | Type | Max Lumens | Battery Life | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | Lantern | 600 | 180 hours (low), 2.5 hours (high) | 1 lb 1.6 oz | $60-$80 |
| BioLite AlpenGlow 500 | Lantern | 500 | 200 hours (low), 5 hours (high) | 13.8 oz | $70-$90 |
| Black Diamond Moji R+ | Lantern | 200 | Not specified | 3 oz | $20-$30 |
| MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights | String Lights | 100 | 9 hours | 3.4 oz | $30-$50 |
Tips for Using Camping Lights
- Minimize Light Pollution: Remember to minimize light pollution to enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky. Use red light modes when possible to preserve night vision and reduce impact on wildlife.
- Storage: It’s also a good idea to keep all your lights in one designated storage container or bag to keep them organized and easily accessible for your next adventure.
- Maintenance: After your trip, clean your lights and properly store them to ensure they have a long lifespan.
- Emergency Preparedness: Many camping lanterns come with emergency features. If you’re headed off the beaten track into an area with few people around to help in the event that you lose your way or have an accident, one of the most important features is a red strobe or SOS signaling light.
Eco-Friendly Camping Lighting Options
Campers increasingly seek environmentally conscious lighting options as the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products grows. Here are some eco-friendly camping lighting options and tips for minimizing environmental impact while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Solar-Powered Lights: Solar-powered lights harness energy from the sun, reducing reliance on disposable batteries and electricity. They have minimal operating costs once purchased as they don’t require frequent battery replacements or electricity.
- Rechargeable Batteries: Although we have included a couple of non-rechargeable camping lanterns on this list, first prize will always go to those that have a rechargeable battery. It just makes sense, both for the environment and for your wallet, especially if you plan on using the lantern regularly.
- LED Technology: Long-lasting, extremely bright, and energy-efficient, our lanterns are all built with LED bulbs. These lanterns are incredibly reliable light sources and are sure to provide you with the brightest light for the longest amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of camping light for car camping?
For car camping, where weight and space are less of a concern, lanterns like the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 or BioLite AlpenGlow 500 are ideal due to their high brightness, long battery life, and versatile features like USB charging. String lights can also add ambiance to your campsite.
Are solar-powered camping lights reliable?
Solar-powered lights, such as the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights, are reliable in sunny conditions and eco-friendly. However, their performance may be limited in cloudy or shaded areas, so consider having a backup power source like a USB charger or spare batteries.
How many lumens do I need for a camping light?
For general campsite illumination, 100-200 lumens is sufficient. For tasks like cooking or reading, 200-600 lumens is better. For in-tent use, 50-75 lumens provides a gentle glow without being too harsh.
Can I use camping lanterns inside a tent?
Yes, but only use non-fuel-based lanterns, such as battery-powered, solar, or rechargeable LED lanterns, inside tents. Propane or gas lanterns pose a fire and carbon monoxide risk and should never be used in enclosed spaces.
How do I maintain my camping lights?
Clean your lights after each trip to remove dirt and debris. Store them in a dry, organized container to prevent damage. For rechargeable lights, ensure batteries are charged periodically to maintain their lifespan. Check for any wear or damage before your next trip.
For more camping gear recommendations, check out REI’s Expert Advice or Outdoor Life’s Gear Reviews.