Best Campsite Lighting Ideas for Your Next Trip to the Woods

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This is a part of our review series, where we give detailed reviews of all of the gear that we use on our trips. You can see the full list of gear here.

Setting up your camping gear in broad daylight is no problem. (Aside from swatting away flies and dealing with pesky tent poles that just won’t snap into place even though it all went smoothly at home.) But what happens when the sun falls behind the trees and the campfire burns out? Peeing in the dark is absolutely a no-go.

So that’s why you need fantastic lighting options to keep your site perfectly glowy. We’ll take you through details to watch for, unique lighting ideas, plus do’s and don’ts for tent lighting. Let’s get our shine on!

What to Look for in Camp Lighting

Choosing campsite lights is totally different from picking out a stunning chandelier for your dining room or flawlessly bright light for your vanity. (Gotta get that premium selfie lighting.) 

But when it comes to camping lights, there are a ton of factors you need to consider — ones that don’t really matter at home. After all, finding that perfect glow is unique and based on your specific needs. So let’s explore what to look for when choosing a camping light. 

Lumens

All lighting is measured in lumens. The TL;DR version is that lumens indicate a light’s brightness, so the higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

Sooo, why does this matter? Paying attention to lumens guarantees that you’ll have just the right amount of light for your next camping trip.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for Camping?

Honestly, the number of lumens you need around your campsite can be a fairly personal preference. There isn’t just one answer — sorry! It depends on the size of your site, the number of people with you, and the atmosphere you’re after.

Generally speaking, 100-200 lumen camping lanterns give you enough light to explore dark trails with confidence, while 200-400 lumens will illuminate your entire campsite with ease.

Power Source

Power sources are one of the biggest reasons we’re even writing this piece! If you had access to a good ol’ outlet like you do at home, you wouldn’t need to consider your light source as much. Plugs aren’t so easy to come by in nature, but you still have some choice.

• Solar. Solar powered lights are fueled by the sun. They contain a built-in solar panel that converts rays into energy, which powers up your devices. It’s a great option if you’re after something portable, green, and ideal for those of us who always forget to pre-charge their power banks *raises hand.*
• Battery. Battery operated lighting solutions come in so many different forms. From a battery powered lantern to rope lights, it’s a pretty versatile option. Extra packages are easy to have on hand, plus you can opt for rechargeable batteries to keep it cleaner.
• Rechargeable. Technically, rechargeable devices do contain batteries, but they work differently. Plug these babies into an outlet or power bank, and they’ll be ready to go when you are.
• Propane. Portable cans of propane are a staple for many people’s camping trips. If you’re staying near a townsite, you’ll have no problem tracking some down to fuel your gas powered lanterns or even camping stove.
• Fire. Obviously, fire is the OG camping light. Let your vibey campfire provide gentle light, ignite a couple of tiki torches, or take a match to some tea lights spread out on your picnic table. There’s nothing like that warm glow you only get from fires. Sigh, are you daydreaming about it too?

Run Time

You need to factor in how long you’ll be using your light source to make sure you have enough juice to keep things lit (pun proudly intended). So that’s why knowing run time is vital — so you aren’t left in the dark. It simply refers to how long the source lasts on a single charge (or fuel-up).

Weather Proof

We all fantasize about sunny, balmy days while planning camping trips. Ahhh, to sit back with a cold can around your best girls. That’s the dream. But sadly, you gotta be prepped for the worst-case weather scenario too. So consider how vulnerable your camping lights are to the elements before you get packing. 

Would rain put out your propane lantern? Can your fairy lights survive rough winds? It’s best to know before you go. 

Colors and Extra Modes

Some outdoor lighting is a bit more extra than others. Kick off the party vibes by choosing colorful led lights or set the tone when you choose between warm and cool battery powered string lights.

Vibes aren’t everything, though! For example, red light is gentler than white light, making it better suited for late-night activities like reading or illuminating your path to the bathroom. Check out practical modes like automatic shut-off timers and brightness settings too.

Portability

What kind of camper are you? Do you thrive in the backcountry with dehydrated foods and only the gear on your shoulders? Or do you prefer to have an SUV filled with comforts (that are all complete necessities, btw) nearby at all times? We’re not judging — we see both of you.

But really, this matters. Bare-min campers need lightweight, portable illumination. This isn’t as big a factor for glampers, so long as you have the room.

4 Creative Campsite Lighting Ideas

Lanterns (Solar Power, Rechargeable, Battery, or Fuel Burning)

Lanterns are the most popular lighting solution among campers as they’re portable, bright, long-lasting, and central. But they’re also bulky and emit blue light. 

Average run-time varies greatly based on the power source and brightness settings.

Our Picks

Glow Sticks

Heavy-duty glow sticks offer subtle illumination that doesn’t require a charge — perfect for tent camping! Sadly, they’re one-time-only. After that, you just have to let them fade out. And that might take 24 hours or merely a few minutes.

String Lights

Hang some Christmas lights on tree branches for the cutest camp lights around! Just make sure you have the perfect spot for them, or else you might need another lighting alternative. Battery powered string lights last about 4-7 hours. 

Our Picks

Citronella Candles

Citronella candles fend off bugs while adding to the camping ambiance, but they’re vulnerable to the elements and can’t illuminate a large space. Tea lights burn about 16 hours, while 3-wick candles last 80 hours. 

Join Explorer Chicks Camping!

Is all this talk about camping tent lights making you itch to be outside, falling asleep in the fresh air with your best gals? Us too. So what’s stopping you from joining us on Explorer Chick camping trips?! From island glamping to backcountry camping, there’s an EC tour for every woman. Pack your bags!