Best Camping Lighting Ideas for Campsite or Tent
Everyone needs a little light while camping. A list of the Best Camping Lighting Ideas for your Campsite to Light Up Your Next Camping Trip.
Outdoor Camp Lights to Light Up Your Next Camping Trip
Depending on how close you are to a power source, you will need a light source to brighten up the great outdoors while cooking, playing a game at your picnic table, or heading to the rest room in the middle of the night.
All of these are a great way and provide plenty of light for large areas or smaller tents.
Some will give you bright light and some have different colors.
We added strip lighting under our RV and it looks great.
Whether you are looking for something that runs on rechargeable batteries, solar-powered lights, tiki torches, mason jars, candle lanterns, or strobe lights, we have many lighting solutions for you to choose from.
The first thing is to decide exactly how much light you want for your next outdoor adventure.
An open flame isn’t a good idea to have inside of your tent. While it’s an excellent option for emergency lights, it’s not advisable.
20 Camping Lighting Ideas to Choose From
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Best String Lights Overall
The 200-LED Fairy Lights with Remote by Afalah are a versatile option for indoor and outdoor use. With a variety of lighting modes, a waterproof design, and a handy remote control, these lights are as decorative as they are convenient.
The best portable solar panel
Small but mighty, the Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Foldable Solar Suitcase is an ultra-portable panel that doesn’t skimp on power. It was easy to set up and use, and while it isn’t the lightest or most compact option, it more than holds its own when it comes to performance.
Best Glow Sticks for a Party
When you need to keep a large group of children entertained, the HSGUS Glow Sticks for Kids are a great option. Not only do you get plenty of product for the price, but it’s impossible to be bored when you have 200 glow sticks at your disposal.
The best type of light camping lantern overall
The Coleman One-Mantle Kerosene Lantern is lightweight and compact and illuminates with a strong, warm light with the right amount of light. It’s not as bright as other lanterns we tested, but its low price and portability make it worth considering.
Best LED tent light
The Anhay Rechargeable Tent Light may be small, but it packs a powerful punch and is a great thing to have in any camping kit. Yes, it’s a bit of a luxury, but you’ll be surprised how often you find yourself using it. It’d make a good, affordable gift too.
The Best LED camp lantern
The Favorbrite Collapsible LED Camping Lantern is a great value at around $20, offering a wide range of light options that look like light bulbs and a high-quality rechargeable battery. It could be brighter, but it’s reliable, well-constructed, and versatile for camping, emergencies, and more.
Best budget tent light
The EverBrite Camping Lanterns are an affordable and fun way to light up your tent and your campsite. You won’t regret buying them.
The Best Tent Light to Share
If you are looking for an affordable, small, lightweight camping light it is hard to go wrong with the Fly2Sky Clip-On Camping Lantern. You can also use this light around the home in places such as closets, attics, and basements.
Best headlamp for the whole family
Simple, functional, and better value than most of its rivals, the Energizer Vision HD offers plenty of extra light when it’s needed. It’s easy to use and won’t let you down, and it comes with batteries, so it’s a great buy. It gives great light output and is a good idea to add to your camping gear.
The Best cheap flashlight
If you’re looking for an inexpensive but reliable flashlight, the Blukar Rechargeable LED Flashlight is an excellent choice. With a compact design, adjustable beam, and emergency features, it performs well beyond its price tag.
Outdoor Lighting Ideas 10-20
Best bamboo torches
If you are looking to recreate a party atmosphere in your backyard, these are a great affordable option. They are simple to set up and use, and they provide enough light and heat to make your guests comfortable. Just make sure you have a secure place to store them when you’re not using them.
The Best solar wall lights overall
Battery-Operated Lanterns
The COOO Outdoor Solar Crystal Glass Jar Lanterns are a good investment if you want to elevate your outdoor space at night. They’re aesthetically pleasing without being over the top, and the overall quality is impressive. Sure, the solar panel is a little weak, but given that these lanterns last for up to 10 hours on a full charge, we don’t consider it a deal breaker.
The Best outdoor Bluetooth speaker
For outdoor gatherings, the portable AOMAIS GO-JR speaker is a powerful and affordable option. Though it’s not the lightest or brightest portable speaker we’ve tried, it has features that we love, like dustproofing, eight hours of battery life, and a waterproof rating of IPX5. We especially appreciate that this rugged little speaker can fill a room with sound.
Best solar camping lantern
If power is out and light is needed, all you need is the Etekcity Lantern. It will provide more than bright enough light to see by for up to 50 hours. Plus, it’s actually small and lightweight enough to be genuinely portable.
The Best budget solar string lights
Very good battery life, totally ambiance-enhancing, and an all-around comprehensive solar lighting solution, the heavy-duty, commercial grade Brightech Ambience Pro Solar-Powered Outdoor String Lights are made for an outdoor space that you use after the sun goes down. They aren’t budget-friendly, but the quality and appearance are superior to other solar lights on the market.
Cheap LED strip lights
We think the Govee Wi-Fi RGB LED Strip Light Set is outstanding, but it’s not right for every situation. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to light up some cabinets or add cool lighting effects to a room, it’s hard to argue with the price-to-performance ratio of the Govee.
Best hurricane candle holder overall
Nuptio’s Hurricane Candle Holders are a sleek, solid set that will instantly add some understated elegance to any room. We loved the three varying sizes, which don’t actually impact the candles’ burn times – just their overall appearances. And since beyond the hinges, there are no moving parts to these candle holders, we think they’ll last you a long time.
The Best value AA battery charger
The POWEROWL Rechargeable AA Batteries With Charger provides longer battery life and a fast recharge time. However, the trim design and sharp edges detract from its overall appeal.
Best LED strip lights for a bedroom
The GUPUP LED Strip Lights are an easy-to-use, energy-efficient way to add customizable lighting to any room. These strip lights can be placed almost anywhere and controlled with a remote or the included app, and offer a wide range of brightness and color options.
The Best LED rope lights overall
The Jnaurb LED Rope Lights are a worthy pick if you need a flexible, durable set of outdoor light strings. You’ll benefit from the lights’ high durability, resistance to fraying, and waterproof construction. Our only concern is that the lights may be too short for some users.
Best Campsite Lighting Ideas Conclusion
While there are more lighting options available with different brightness levels, we just posted the most popular choice in each category
Book lights, glow lights, tea lights, RV awning lights, tent lanterns, and more will provide hours of light for your needs.
A DIY Lantern is also a possiblity made out of a water bottle, or tin cans. Hang them from tree branches for ambient light.
With the right lighting, all are a great addition to your camping tent, car camping, or RV.
Whether it is just a single charge or with a power bank, your next trip will a hit.
Get the sleeping bag ready and pack up the best lights for ease of use.
Happy camping.
