It would be lovely if bonfires and stars were the only camp lighting we needed. However, while many might argue that they are, other campers still require proper lighting to enjoy activities and maximize their camping experience. So read on to discover fun and practical camp lighting ideas, like camping lanterns, rope lighting, garden stakes, and more!

Camp Lighting Ideas

If you want to create the perfect camp lighting setup, there are a few things you should consider. Think of where you frequently camp and consider where lighting is needed most. Van-lifers, bell tent glampers, overlanders, and so on: Each camper and campsite has different needs. Before packing for your next camping adventure and selecting your camp lighting, keep in mind these four lighting categories and lighting suggestions:

• Inside or around the tent 
• Pathways around the campsite 
• General overhead lighting
• Task lighting

Camping Lanterns

When you think of camp lighting ideas, camping lanterns are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Whether you lean into timeless Coleman lanterns or portable, inflatable Luci’s, there’s a camping lantern style for everybody. Seriously, it’s almost overwhelming. 

Although, if you appreciate those modern touches but prefer a classic style, Today, camping lanterns offer tons of modern advancements while still providing ample lumens to light up your entire campsite. Here are a few we think you’ll love:

• Edison Hanging Camping Lantern
• Retro Camping Lantern
• Barebones Railroad Lantern (See LiT's full review)

Tiki Torches

Keep the bugs away while giving your campsite an elevated ambiance. Tiki torches make a great camp lighting idea (if you have room in your vehicle). Anchor tiki torches securely in the ground around your site and the eye-level glow can provide the perfect amount of light. Extinguish the torch before hitting the sack, but if you’re worried about flames, there are even rechargeable tiki torches out there. Some tiki torches have tops that can pop off the stake and transport to the picnic table. 

String Lights or Fairy Lights

String lights or fairy lights are a nice addition to fill out the rest of your camp lighting setup. Wrap string lights around anything from tree branches to awnings using safety pins, hooks, or clips. You can also use string lights around your tent, attaching them to the tent’s entrance or even winding them around poles.

LED Rope Lighting

Another fantastic camp lighting idea is rope lighting. A bit thicker and stiffer than string lights or fairy lights, LED rope lighting can wind around large, wide objects. Think fencing or tree trunks or clip LED rope lighting to your canopy shades and awning too. Bright and energy-efficient, LED rope lighting offers enough illumination for task lighting (like preparing delicious meals at your camp kitchen).

Garden Light Stakes

Garden lights can create a charming illumination around a dark campsite. Typically solar-powered, simply stake them in the ground to mark the border of your campsite or to create a clear pathway. A smart and practical camp lighting idea for campers with a bit more space to carry gear, garden light stakes are best positioned along the border of a site or somewhere that won’t pose a tripping hazard. 

Paper Lanterns

If you’re looking for a camp lighting idea that will create a cozy ambiance, then paper lanterns are the perfect solution. Available in all sorts of shapes and sizes, paper lanterns are lightweight enough to hang from trees or between tent poles using a line between two points. Most paper lanterns also compress flat for easy storage and transport and are battery-operated LED lights for safety. Real paper lanterns are not waterproof, however, so keep that in mind. 

Water Jug + Headlamp Combo

A classic camping hack, the water jug and headlamp combo works in a pinch. All it is is a water-filled clear jug strapped with an inside-out headlamp. A flashlight works too! This camp lighting idea hack is especially helpful for backpackers or kayak campers who need to pack light for the journey, but still need water to stay hydrated. Simple, yet effective, don’t underestimate the amount of light put out by this easy camp lighting idea.

Rechargeable Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are one of those camp lighting ideas that are both practical and fun. Glow sticks add a pop of color to illuminate areas like tent pegs and marking pathways around the site. Some even offer color-changing modes or flash red. Plus, they’re fully waterproof so you can leave them out overnight.

Portable LED Floodlights

Ideal for larger campsites, portable LED floodlights make the best camp lighting idea for overlanders. LED floodlights are like construction site work lights but are often rechargeable (or can run off your overlanding vehicle). Perfect for overlanders hitting the road and setting up in the middle of nowhere (read: with no one else around). In other words, these bad boys can get super bright. Like, a “spaceship has landed” kind of bright. So if you’re at a campground, be respectful to your neighbors and avoid blinding folks.

Features to Consider For Your Camp Lighting

Battery Life

Whatever camp lighting ideas you choose, make sure it has the battery life you need. Most modern camp lighting is solar-powered or rechargeable, meaning you don't have to lug around batteries. Of course, remember that higher lumens will drain the battery life faster. 

Different Light Modes

A camping lantern or light with dimming options is very beneficial (especially in terms of extending the battery life, as mentioned). Red light modes are better for reading and enjoying a little stargazing, while some camp lighting offers an SOS strobe setting as headlamps do.

Weight and Portability

For backpackers, weight and portability is important. So choose one of the above camp lighting ideas that can compact down easily and are lightweight. A solar-powered Luci lantern is an excellent choice for this scenario. 

Versatility

The best camp lighting ideas make the most out of limited trunk space in your camp getaway vehicle. Choose camp gear with dual functionalities (or more). This Tripod Portable Fan Light offers both a dim light and a fan to create a breeze and keep away pesky bugs. Some camping lanterns and camp lighting even offer features like a USB charging port to plug in devices.