Choosing the Best Camping Lights: Headlamps, Lanterns and String Lights

Fall and winter camping means long evenings and early sunsets, so good lighting matters more than ever. The right mix of lights makes cooking, setting up and finding the restroom at night much easier and safer. Most campers do best with a combination: a headlamp for each person, a lantern for the campsite and maybe some string lights for atmosphere. Here’s how to choose.

Types of camping lights

Headlamps

A headlamp is the most useful light you can pack because it leaves your hands free for cooking, pitching a tent or digging through a bag. Every camper, including kids, should have one.

Look for: a comfortable strap, a few brightness levels, a red-light mode and a beam that can switch between spot and flood.

Lanterns

A lantern lights up a whole area, such as a picnic table, camp kitchen or tent interior.

• LED lanterns are safe to use inside a tent, run cool and last a long time on a charge or set of batteries.
• Solar lanterns charge in the sun during the day. They’re great for long trips but depend on the weather.
• Fuel lanterns (propane or liquid fuel) are very bright and work in the cold, but they get hot and produce carbon monoxide. Use them outdoors only, never inside a tent or closed space.

Flashlights

A flashlight throws a focused beam farther than most headlamps, which is handy for checking out noises, finding a trail marker or spotting a campsite number. Many campers keep one in the car or at the tent door.

String lights

LED string lights add a cozy glow to a canopy, tent or RV awning and make your site easy to find after dark. Battery or solar versions work at sites without power.

Features to compare

Brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens. More isn’t always better. A lower setting is easier on the eyes around camp and stretches battery life. Save the high or boost mode for when you really need it.

Beam type

Flood beams spread light over a wide area, which is ideal for camp chores. Spot beams reach farther, which helps on trails. Many headlamps offer both.

Power source

• Rechargeable (USB): convenient and cheaper over time. Bring a power bank for longer trips.
• Disposable batteries: easy to swap and good for backups. Some lights accept both.
• Solar: great for lanterns and string lights on sunny trips.

Water resistance

Look for a water-resistance rating if you camp in rain or snow. An IPX rating tells you how well a light handles splashes or submersion.

Weight and size

Backpackers should favor small, light headlamps and collapsible lanterns. Car campers can bring larger lanterns with longer run times.

Cold-weather tips

• Batteries lose capacity in the cold. Keep spare batteries and your headlamp in an inside pocket or your sleeping bag at night.
• Lithium disposable batteries generally handle cold better than alkaline batteries.
• Charge everything fully before you leave and pack a power bank.
• Bring more light than you think you’ll need. Long winter nights drain batteries quickly.

Campsite lighting etiquette

• Use red mode around camp to protect your own and others’ night vision.
• Don’t shine lights at people’s faces or into neighboring tents and RVs.
• Turn off string lights and lanterns at quiet hours. Dark skies are part of the experience.
• Think about bugs. Lights attract insects in warm weather. Many campers place a lantern a little away from where they’re sitting, or choose a warmer light color.

A simple lighting kit

• One headlamp per person, plus spare batteries or a charging cable
• One or two lanterns for the table and tent
• A flashlight in the car or at the tent door
• Optional string lights for atmosphere
• A small power bank

Not sure what else to bring? Check our camping essentials list, and if you’re new to camping, start with our camping for beginners guide.

FAQ

How many lumens do I need for camping?

For most camp chores, a low to medium setting is plenty. Higher outputs help on dark trails or in fog, but they drain batteries faster.

Is it safe to use a lantern inside a tent?

Battery-powered LED lanterns are. Never use fuel-burning lanterns inside a tent because of fire and carbon monoxide risks.

Rechargeable or battery-powered?

Rechargeable lights are convenient for short trips. For long or cold trips, a light that also accepts disposable batteries is a useful backup.

Why use a red light?

Red light helps preserve night vision and is less disruptive to others around the campsite.