Camping is fun, but once the sun goes down, it is more than just fun and adventure. Whether you’re cooking, reading, or just relaxing by the tent, the right camping lights can make a lot of difference.
Let’s explore the best types of camping lights, how to power them, and how to set up a cozy, safe, and eco-friendly camp.
Why You Need Good Camping Lights
Just imagine a scenario where you are deep in the woods. It’s late. You fumble with your gear, trying to find the path to the restroom. Suddenly, your phone flashlight dies. No backup. It’s frustrating and very dangerous.
Camping lights aren't just a luxury—they're essential. They reduce accident risks, deter wildlife, and create a safer, more comfortable campsite.
Soft lighting also helps create ambience, while brighter lights support cooking, reading, or moving around safely. You just need to pick the right setup for your needs, depending on the usage.
Last fall, my buddy Mark and I set out for a three-night hike in Olympic National Park. We packed light, just the basics. A tent, our packs, and not much else. But we didn’t skimp on the lighting. Each of us brought a headlamp. We also had a solar lantern and a small LED light that folded flat.
Night one? Easy. The sun was out all day, so the solar lantern gave us plenty of light. We made dinner, played cards, and didn’t think twice.
But night two was different. Clouds rolled in. No sun, no charge.
That’s when the little LED saved us. Used carefully, it lit the tent just right. Mark clipped his headlamp to a low branch for extra light. I kept mine on for a late-night bathroom run.
We didn’t bring a ton of gear. Just what we needed. And when it got dark, the right lights made all the difference.
Types of Camping Lights
|
Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
LED Lanterns |
Long-lasting, bright, energy-efficient |
Can be bulky |
|
Gas Lanterns |
Very bright, good for groups |
Needs fuel, not eco-friendly |
|
Solar Lanterns |
Eco-friendly, no batteries needed |
Needs sunlight, can be weak |
|
Battery-Powered |
Easy to use, portable |
You need spare batteries or a charger |
|
String Lights |
Great for ambiance |
Not ideal for strong lighting |
|
Headlamps |
Hands-free, focused beam |
Not great for wide lighting |
Picking the right camping light isn’t just about grabbing the first thing that looks bright. It helps to know what kinds are out there, and more importantly, what each one does for your trip. Some shine brighter, some last longer, and a few are just super handy in weird situations.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types, plus the good and not-so-great stuff to help you find the best match.
LED Lanterns
These are a go-to for modern campers. Bright, efficient, and long-lasting. Some run all night on a single charge or set of batteries. Most have dimmer settings—great for switching from cooking mode to chill-out mode. They’re also tough. The only downside? Bigger models can be bulky, and the cheaper ones sometimes glitch.
Gas Lanterns
Classic camping vibe. That steady amber glow feels cozy and nostalgic. They light up big areas really well. But they run on fuel canisters, which are heavy and a bit of a hassle. Also, they get hot. And thus not ideal in a small tent. Not the greenest choice either. Best for car camping or old-school setups.
Solar Lanterns
These are perfect for low-maintenance campers. Just charge them in the sun and go. No batteries, no fuel. Super lightweight, ideal for backpackers. But—they’re weather-sensitive. Cloudy day? You might be in the dark. And they’re not super bright. Good for mood lighting, not for serious tasks.
Battery-Powered Lanterns
These are all about flexibility. You can use regular batteries or rechargeables. Sizes vary—from tiny pocket lights to big, site-lighting beasts. Handy, no doubt. Just remember to pack extra batteries or a power bank. And skip disposable ones if you can—rechargeables save cash (and the planet).
String Lights
Not for seeing where you’re going, but awesome for setting the mood. Hang them around a tent, tree, or table, and boom. Most are LED and run on batteries or USB. Great vibe, low effort. Just don’t rely on them for actual light. Pair them with something stronger.
Headlamps
Need hands-free light? This is your MVP. Great for night hikes, late-night pee breaks, or setting up after dark. Lightweight, compact, and points wherever you look. But they don’t light up wide spaces well. That’s why most folks bring a lantern too. Solid combo.
Every light has its moment. Most campers mix and match. Use what works for you—whether it’s task lighting, ambiance, or just finding the bathroom in the dark.
Pro Tip: Bring a mix. Use headlamps for hikes, LED lanterns for cooking, and string lights for hanging around the fire. A combo setup gives you flexibility for every moment.
Choosing the Right Light for Your Trip
Your light choice depends on your camping style:
-
Solo backpacking: Go lightweight—use a headlamp, compact LED lantern, and solar light.
-
Family camping: Mix headlamps for kids, a large LED lantern for central lighting, and string lights for fun.
-
Group base camp: Add powerful lanterns and motion-sensor lights for safety.
-
Car camping or glamping: Bring string lights, table lanterns, and even fairy lights for vibes.
Understanding Brightness and Battery Life
Brightness is measured in lumens. A small tent light might use 50–150 lumens, while a cooking area may need 300+. Headlamps often range from 100 to 500 lumens.
Battery life varies widely. An LED lantern running on low can last up to 100 hours, but high brightness drains it faster. Many lights today use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are more sustainable and long-lasting than disposable ones.
Always check the manufacturer’s specs before you pack. And if your trip extends beyond a weekend, having a power source becomes essential.
How to Power Your Lights Off-Grid
Most camping lights today run on USB rechargeables or AA/AAA batteries. If you're just out for a night or two, a single charge might do the trick.
But for longer trips—or when you're using multiple lights—it helps to bring backup power. That’s where a portable power station comes in. A quiet, clean alternative to noisy generators. No fumes, no noise. Just plug and play.
Use one to:
-
Recharge your headlamp or lantern
-
Run USB string lights around camp
-
Keep your phone or camera topped up
-
Power a small fan or cooler during hot nights
Power Station Picks for Campers
BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station
The BLUETTI AC70 is a compact and capable power station designed with light campers in mind. With a 768Wh LiFePO₄ battery and a 1000W output (2000W surge), it’s a solid choice for weekend trips, solo adventures, or couples who don’t need a massive power bank.
It can easily run LED string lights, recharge your headlamps and lanterns, and keep your phone powered without breaking a sweat.
Thanks to fast charging options, including AC, solar (up to 500W), and car charging, it’s ready to bounce back quickly after a day of use. Weighing just 22 lbs, it’s easy to carry around the campsite, and it runs nearly silently under light loads. Plus, the multiple USB-A and USB-C ports mean you can charge multiple lights or devices at once.
BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station
The BLUETTI Elite 200 V2 is built for bigger setups and longer stays. Whether you're powering a full campsite, group gear, or heavier appliances like fans and coolers, this beast won’t let you down.
With a massive 2,073.6Wh LiFePO₄ battery and a 2600W output ( 3900W surge), it handles just about anything short of a full RV. It features multiple AC outlets, USB ports, DC ports, and a high-powered car outlet, perfect for running multiple lanterns, charging every camper’s gear, or even supporting a small fridge. It also has a 6000+ cycle lifespan battery.
It’s heavier at nearly 53 lbs, but ideal if you’re car camping, staying in one spot for a while, or going all-in on solar with its 1000W input capacity. Smart display readouts give you control over your power usage, and the UPS feature adds extra protection.
|
Feature |
AC70 |
Elite 200 V2 |
|
Battery Capacity |
768Wh (LiFePO₄, 3,000+ cycles) |
2,073.6Wh (LiFePO₄, 6,000+ cycles) |
|
AC Output (Continuous / Surge) |
1000W / 2000W |
2600W / 3900W |
|
Weight |
22 lbs (light and portable) |
53 lbs (heavy-duty) |
|
Solar Input |
Max 500W |
Max 1000W |
|
Ports |
2x AC, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C (100W), 1x car port |
4x AC, 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C (100W), 1x car, 2x DC5521 |
|
Best Use Case |
Weekend trips, solo or couples, light setups |
Extended stays, groups, and high-demand gear |
|
Noise Level |
Quiet under light load |
Quiet with active cooling under load |
|
Ideal Lighting Support |
USB string lights, rechargeable lanterns, headlamps |
Multiple lanterns, fans, coolers, ambient + task lights |
Lighting Tips for a Great Camp Setup
When it comes to camp lighting, a little thought goes a long way. Warm white LEDs are easier on the eyes, perfect for winding down after dark.
Stick with rechargeable or solar lights whenever you can; they’re better for the planet and your pack weight. Place your lights low, like on a picnic table or a rock, to avoid lighting up the whole forest.
Motion-activated lights near your tent?
Great for late-night walks and a little extra peace of mind. Oh, and always pack spare batteries or charging cables. You’ll thank yourself.
Light Up With Less Impact: Leave No Trace
Good lighting doesn’t have to mean a big footprint. You should always go with the “Leave no trace” idea. Go with solar or rechargeable lights instead of disposable ones. Skip the floodlights, too much brightness can mess with wildlife and other campers trying to enjoy the stars.
Power stations beat gas generators any day, quieter, cleaner, and way less hassle. Flip everything off before bed. It gives the animals their space and makes your camp feel calmer, too. The idea’s simple: enjoy nature without leaving a mark..
Expert Picks: Best Lights for Different Needs
|
Situation |
Best Light Option |
Why It Works |
|
Hiking or bathroom runs |
Headlamp |
Hands-free, focused beam |
|
Cooking or card games |
LED lantern |
Bright, steady light |
|
Relaxing or eating |
String lights |
Soft and cozy atmosphere |
|
Tent lighting |
Solar or USB lantern |
Lightweight, easy to hang |
|
Perimeter lighting |
Motion sensor lights |
Boosts safety, deters wildlife |
Conclusion
When it comes to camping lights, it's not just about brightness. The best ones make your campsite feel safe, warm, and even a little magical. Throw in a portable power station, and you’re pretty much prepped for anything, whether you're flying solo or rolling deep with the family.
Think through your lighting setup before your next trip. Choose a mix of lights for visibility, comfort, and safety—and keep your power source ready. And when the daylight fades? Kick back and soak in the glow under a sky full of stars.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best light for tent interiors?
A: I personally suggest USB-rechargeable or solar-powered lanterns. They’re light, easy to hang, and super convenient.
Q: How long do battery-powered camping lights last?
A: Honestly, it kind of depends—how bright you’ve got it set and what batteries you’re using. But in general, most LED lanterns will last somewhere between 5 and 50 hours.
Q: Are solar lanterns reliable?
A: Yep—as long as they get a good sunbath during the day. Full sunlight = a fully charged night.
Q: Can a portable power station run all my lights for a weekend?
A: Totally. For example, something like the AC70 can keep 5W string lights glowing for over 100 hours.
Q: Why not just use a gas lantern?
A: Well, they’re powerful but kind of a hassle—heavy, noisy, and you’ve got to carry fuel. Note, they’re not suitable inside tents due to fire and carbon monoxide risks. LEDs and solar lights are way easier, safer, and kinder to the planet.
