The Best Camping Light In 2024: Recommendations & Advice

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Camping Light
Best Camping Light

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO (4-Pack) Super Bright Tent Lights

Never be in the dark with these 4 super bright tent lanterns from Eveready! Each light has 360 degree lantern mode, directional flashlight mode, red night vision mode, and flashing red strobe/SOS mode for emergencies. These camp lights have a strong magnetic base so you can mount them or simply hang them with the convenient base hook. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Streamlight 44931 Siege 540-Lumen Compact Hand Lantern, Coyote

The Streamlight Siege hand lantern offers a powerful 540 Lumens of light, perfect for finding your way in low-light conditions. The integrated D rings on the top and bottom of the unit allow for inverted or upright hanging, plus a hook for hanging it on a horizontal rope, cable or pipe. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern

LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern is a powerful, rechargeable and portable lantern that provides great visibility with high brightness. With 5 lighting modes and power bank function, it has multiple features to keep you safe, secure and happy during your camping trips. Read Review

4. Best Performance: AYL LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable

The AYL LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable is the perfect lantern for outdoor camping, hiking, or other outdoors activities. Fitted with energy-saving 46 - LED bulbs, this lantern can also be used as a power bank for smartphones or tablets in an emergency. The fully charged lantern can last up to 12 hours and is water-resistant with an IP44 rating. Read Review

If you’re going camping or hiking at night, you need to bring some light. You can bring a flashlight and shine it in the general direction of where you are going to camp so that your friends won’t have any difficulty finding you when they follow, but that would only work for a limited time. Instead, why not bring along a camping light? A camping light can be anything from an LED lantern to a camp stove with an attached lamp.

Whatever type of camping light you choose will depend on your needs and personal preferences. Some want compact and space-saving lights while others prefer bigger units with more lumens output. Some campers and hikers prefer battery-powered lights while others prefer rechargeable options. And some people just want something affordable rather than getting all high-end models too. To make things easier for you, we have compiled this list of the best camping lights available today divided into categories based on features, price, and user reviews.

We think Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO (4-Pack) Super Bright Tent Lights is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Streamlight 44931 Siege 540-Lumen Compact Hand Lantern, Coyote as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched. Also, ensure that it has enough battery life so that you do not run out of charge mid-trip or at nightfall and lastly – the cost!

Our Top Picks

  • The Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO is a must-have for your next camping adventure.
  • This lantern has 4 awesome light modes: 360 degree lantern mode, directional flashlight mode, red night vision mode, and flashing red strobe/SOS mode for emergencies.
  • With a strong magnetic base and convenient base hook, the lights are easy to mount on any surface or hang in your tent.
  • These camp lights have a strong magnetic base so you can mount them or simply hang them with the convenient base hook.
TOP Choice #2 Streamlight 44931 Siege 540-Lumen Compact Hand Lantern, Coyote
Our Score:
9.7
Streamlight
  • Streamlight 44931 Siege 540-Lumen Compact Hand Lantern, Coyote offers a compact light source with a powerful 540 lumens and an exceptional battery life of up to 5 hours.
  • With an integrated D ring on top and bottom for hanging in either inverted or upright positions, this lantern allows for easy attachment to items like cables, pipes, or ropes when the need arises.
  • Incorporated Hook Allows For Hanging On Horizontal Rope, Cables And Pipes.
  • The lantern provides light for both hands, is water and fog resistant, and has an above average run time of 8 hours.
TOP Choice #3 LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern
Our Score:
9.5
LE
  • Water Resistant. Good for outdoor activities in light rain or snowy day with IPX4 water resistant rating.
  • 5 Lighting Modes. Front torch: full brightness (1000lm, 2H) and low brightness (400lm, 5H). Left side light: full brightness (130lm, 6H) and half brightness (70lm, 12H). Right side light: red flashing light. Satisfy different needs.
  • Easy to Carry. A length-adjustable shoulder strap is provided together with a large comfortable handle, easier to carry when doing outdoor nighttime work. Relatively lightweight than the same type of lanterns.
  • High Brightness. Made of superb Cree XML LED, the main beam gives out brightness up to 1000 lumen with a long illumination distance of 500m (1640ft), bright enough for outdoor searching and emergencies.
  • USB Rechargeable and Power Bank. With built-in rechargeable batteries, this lantern is charged via USB cable (included). Also work as a power bank to charge your mobile phone, very convenient. Blue indicators on the bottom will tell the battery life.
  • WATER-RESISTANT- This LED light lantern has been constructed to be waterproof so that you can easily carry it with you for your camping or hiking trips. Similarly, this makes it an ideal candidate for your emergency or survival kit.
  • SLIP-PROOF HANDLE- This rechargeable LED lantern features a slip-proof handle for easy hanging and a hand-free light source. This LED flashlight can also help light up your patio or backyard during winters!
  • FOUR MODES- This emergency light comes with 4 light modes- daylight, warm light, both, and flash mode. Additionally, these modes are also dimmable and this brightness can be adjusted by pressing down on the ON/OFF switch.
  • BRIGHT LED BULBS- This camping lantern is fitted with 46 LED light bulbs to deliver an extremely high 1800 lumens. to deliver an extremely high 1800 lumens. As we now know, LED light bulbs are some of the best light bulbs in the industry when it comes to brightness, energy-saving and low energy consumption, as well as longevity.
  • Rechargeable & Power Bank- The LED lantern has built-in 4400mAh rechargeable battery. A fully charge can be last up to 12 hours. The lantern can be used as power back for smartphone or tablet in emergency. It is perfect for power outage, earthquake, camping and indoor usages.
  • Step up your camping game with the Coleman LED Lantern. With a powerful 390-lumen twin LED, this lantern produces excellent light for camping, backpacking, or wherever you need an emergency light.
  • Eight D-cell batteries power the LEDs while 8 hours of battery life provide up to 85 hours of runtime on high and 299 hours of runtime on low. It’s water resistant and has a 5-year limited warranty.
  • Powered by a super-compact, water resistant design, this lantern provides reliable light wherever you go..
  • EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, 2 CAMPING LANTERNS & 2 BONUS CASES - Keep one in your car, one in your home, or gift one to a friend or family member. Every genuine Wsky Lantern comes with an extended one-year warranty and friendly customer service provided by Wsky.
  • RECHARGEABLE & High Capacity POWER BANK: Desperate in the darkness when your smart phone is powered off when camping and exploring? Here comes the savior. This emergency and rechargeable camping lantern working as a power bank for smart phone or mobile services and supporting USB cable to recharge brings hopes and convenience for you. Say goodbye to frequent battery changes.Your next trip may be much more fun with it.
  • 6 LIGHTING MODES & MULTIFUNCTIONAL: High/ low modes flashlight & lantern with extra Red light (also SOS mode) , easily adjusting by a single button and satisfying every needs for any occasions. The 360° super-light lantern flashlight is perfect for searching, camping and hiking, while extra steady and strobe red light may be life savers in emergency. Just this battery powered led lantern can bring you enough brightness and security to prepare for darkness, power outage and emergency situation.
  • PORTABLE & HANGING: With the handle and a two way hook, it can be portable and hanging from everywhere. The extremely compact and lightweight build allows us to long take our lantern on the go with ease.For example, it can also hang outside and inside of tents to extend illumination dimension or scare wild animals out when you are camping, hiking, night riding and exploring etc.
  • WATER RESISTANT & INCREDITABLE DURABLE: Its rubber structure designed for water resistant and stability. Rugged terrain or rain is no match for this lantern and it can even vigorously survived from storm, earthquake and hurricane.
7 Tough Light LED Rechargeable Lantern
Our Score:
8.9
Tough Light
8 Dancing Flame Led Vintage Lantern
Our Score:
8.8
YINUO LIGHT
  • Special Dancing Flame Design, Realistic flickering flames, A safe alternative to the real flame in the light cast a safe, soft, mood enhancing glow, making this lantern more attractive.
  • Easy Installation, Size 6.4, 4.5, 9.7 in with 2 Pack. Equipped with a durable hanging clamp and a hook, the lantern can be hung or clip on anywhere you want.
  • Wireless Remote, Turn the lights Flame Mode Lighting Mode with the remote or knob. Remote can control all lanterns at 30 feet distance max. No hassle to control the light even in hardly reached places.
  • Portable Safe, The vintage lantern requires 3Aa batteries not included. No wiring required, you can take your lantern on the go, on hiking, camping and picnics.
  • Vintage Design, The classic style makes it more unique with aesthetic sense, Lighting soft and fills the area with quiet and elegant ambiance at night.
  • 🏕️ BEAUTIFUL AND PRACTICAL DESIGN - The beautiful vintage design is optimized with a practical hanger for hanging. The classic oil lamp look can be used very nicely for decorative purposes. The eye-catcher for garden party or barbecues.
  • 🏕️ LED TENT LANTERN: extra high light output - up to 1300 lumens, this lamp has a high brightness, ideal for outdoor use as camping light, garden lighting. Dimmable with each colour setting using the practical spin button. For the perfect light setting in every situation
  • 🏕️ WATER RESISTANT - Suited to outdoor use in the garden and camping in any weather. The outdoor lantern with a robust, shockproof housing is drop resistant up to 3.3ft and is also water-resistant, protection class IP64.
  • 🏕️ ADJUSTABLE COLOR TEMPERATURE - The colour temperature of the light can be adjusted using the control button: neutral white> cold white> warm white. The lantern also has a candlelight mode that simulates cosy light of flickering candles. Atmospheric, romantic light guaranteed.
  • 🏕️ SCOPE OF DELIVERY: LED Lantern, handle, size: Ø9.6 x 4.8in, weight: 2.8 lb (batteries included), the lantern is powered by four 1.5V D / Mono batteries (not included).
10 LE LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable
Our Score:
8.2
Lighting EVER
  • Bright and Water Resistant: With 360 degree beam angle and 1000 lumen, this camping light can give off pretty bright light. And the IP44 grade, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
  • Rechargeable & Power Bank: The camping light can also serve as a power bank for smartphone or mobile devices in emergency. Support USB cable (included) and 5V DC charger adapter (not included), not compatible with adapter over 5V voltage.
  • Dimmable and 4 Light Modes: Simply press the switch of the lamp to adjust from white light (6000k), warm light (3000k) and combined light (6000k+3000k) to flash mode. While long press it can adjust the brightness to whatever you want.
  • Convenient and Portable: There is one hook on the top and one hook at the base of this camping lantern that can hang the tent light upside down to get better light when lighting up a big area.
  • Long Play Time: This rechargeable lantern flashlight is rated to last up to 12 hours, perfect for power outage, earthquake, survival kit and other outdoor and indoor purposes.

What Are the Most Critical Aspects of best camping light That You Should Concentrate on?

You must know the best camping light to make a substantial purchase. There's a slew of additional issues which have to be looked at and assessed. Each commodity has its own set of difficulties. As a result, you can rely on us to give you comprehensive counsel and support.

Through AI and Big Data, this post offers properly reviewed and selected product information. The goal is to provide you with a reliable and accurate set of data.

You might quickly become overwhelmed on your quest for the best camping light because there are so many models and features. Avoid being suffocated by an expensive item that only serves to take up room in your cupboard by following our advice.

Battery Life

You should consider the battery life of an electric lantern if you plan to use it for longer periods. Most lanterns can last between five and ten hours at high settings, while the lowest setting will provide a longer time.
If your lantern is made of disposable batteries, it pays to bring extra batteries with you. To charge your lanterns, you can bring along either a solar charger or a portable rechargeable battery.

Water-Resistance Vs. Water-Proof

When camping outdoors, there are always risks of rain and splashes. Waterproof and water-resistant are two different terms. A waterproof lantern is a good choice if you live where there are unpredictable weather conditions. It will last longer, and you won't have to worry about it getting wet.

Ease Of Use

Electric lanterns are the easiest to use for the majority of the time. The electric lanterns can be turned on and off with a push of a button. They also have an easy brightness adjustment. The application of the fuel canister to light the wick and the lighting is a little more labor-intensive for gas lanterns.

Extra Features

Some lanterns have additional functions, like the ability to double as a flashlight and charge up your electronic devices. While these are nice perks, they aren't essential features when selecting a lantern.
We believe that the most essential features are those that improve the main function of the lantern. You should look for lanterns with integrated solar chargers, multiple dimming options, water and dust resistance, as well as waterproof and dustproof.

Brightness

In lumens, the brightness of a light source is expressed in lumens. Higher numbers indicate a brighter light. Most lanterns use LED lights bulbs that are extremely bright and do not overheat. The size of the campsite and distance required to see will determine the brightness needed. For the interior of your tent, a lower lumen count will be sufficient. However, to light up your entire campsite, you'll require a few hundred or more lumens.

Lumens

The lanterns should be bright enough that it lights up the area but not too striking to temporarily blind you. The average lantern's lumen output is between 200-500 lumens. It is enough light to illuminate most campsites.
You can get a pleasant glow with 60-100 lumens. For use in a tent, electric lamps below 60 lumens are ideal.

Light Modes

There are several light settings available for different lanterns. These can be used to adjust the light's brightness. For extremely dark conditions, you can set the light at a lower setting during daylight or dusk. A bright, powerful light is not the best choice for your daily needs. It's also not something you want to use when trekking in darkness. Switching between different light modes can help you save batteries for long camping trips. Lower brightness can make the lantern last longer. A few lanterns have an SOS button that can be used to alert you if something happens.

Electric Vs. Gas-Powered Lanterns

It all comes down to your preference for features when choosing between an electric or gas-powered lantern. An electric lantern is quiet and lightweight. It can also be used inside a tent. Alkaline batteries can lose half of their power when it is below freezing. Rechargeable batteries might not be able to last for long trips, so make sure you have a spare.
The gas-powered lanterns are bright and long-lasting. They also work in temperatures below freezing. However, the runtime of alkaline batteries is shorter. They are very hot and should be ventilated as they burn with a flame. These flames are more delicate than an electric one.

Weight And Packed Size

Think about how you'll be using the lantern. Car camping is not about weight or size. You will need something lightweight if you intend to take your lantern with you into the woods. For backpacking trips, you might want a smaller or collapsible lantern.
Lightweight backpacking lanterns can be found in many sizes. These are just a few of the many options.

Portability

You need to know how to operate your lantern from the buttons and easily accessible handles. One control that has too many settings can be confusing. A lack of settings could result in a brighter or dimmer environment. You will find it beneficial to pick something that is easy to use and can be turned on or off quickly.

FAQs

How Many Lumens Do I Need For A Camping Lantern?

Most campers will need 100 lumens to brighten many spaces. You can also use 50 to 75 lumens for a gentler glow. In-tent lighting is possible with electric lanterns below 50 lumens.

How Long Do Lantern Mantles Last?

The lantern mantle can be kept in good condition for many years if you are careful. The lantern's life expectancy can be extended by not dropping it or shaking it too much.

Which Lantern Is The Best For Power Outages?

For occasional usage, a brighter lantern equipped with replaceable batteries is sufficient. Replaceable batteries can be used if an external charger is not available. In the event of power cuts, it is likely that you will need to charge other things. A lantern with a double function would work well as a battery bank. Candle lanterns are another alternative that can work because they don't need any additional fuel and are easy to use.

What Is The Best Camping Lantern?

You should choose the best camping lantern for your needs. You want a lantern bright enough for your campsite and easy to use at the end of a hard day's hiking.
A lightweight lantern is the best choice for backpackers. It doesn't need to take up much space in your bag. An electric lantern must be capable of providing light for several nights without needing to recharge.

What Is The Best Lantern For Power Outages?

A brighter, more portable lantern that has replaceable batteries is ideal for occasional usage. For situations where an external charger is not available, replaceable batteries can be a great option. Because they do not require fuel, candle lanterns can also be used.

What Is A Lantern Mantle?

Lantern mantles, made of ceramic mesh and used to protect the flame from gas-powered lanterns, are ceramic mesh bags that can be used as lantern mantles. These keep the flame contained within the lamp.

How Many Lumens Does A Camping Lantern Require?

Campers find 100 lumens to be sufficient for most areas. For a soft glow inside your tent, you can use 50 to 75 lumens. Tents can be lit with electric lights that are less than 50 lumens.

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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio