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10 Best Camping Lights 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,159
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
8422 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern light is very bright and the flashlight is a really usable and convenient bonus feature.
Power Source
Rechargeable via USB or solar, these lanterns are far less expensive to run and pay for themselves after a charge or two.
Portability
Bright, lightweight, and fast charging, they are perfect for gifting.
Durability
Handles may pop off easily but can be reattached just as easily.

The Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern by XTAUTO offers a versatile lighting solution for both indoor and outdoor use. One of its key strengths is the 360° lighting coverage provided by 6+1 high-intensity LED chips, which can easily illuminate an entire room when fully opened. The lantern’s collapsible design makes it extremely portable; it’s as small as a phone when collapsed, and it includes a folding handle for easy hanging, making it convenient for various situations, including camping, hiking, and emergency power outages.

Weighing only 2.25 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for even children to handle comfortably. Durability is another strong point, as it’s made of high-quality ABS material, making it waterproof, heat-resistant, and freeze-resistant, suitable for tough environments. Additionally, the lantern boasts a long battery life of over 25 hours when fully charged. The dual charging options—solar and USB—provide added convenience, and it can also function as a power bank for Android devices during emergencies.

There are some limitations to consider. With a brightness of 300 lumens, it may not be the most powerful option available, particularly for users needing extremely high illumination. Furthermore, the use of lithium metal batteries, while effective, might require careful handling and disposal. This lantern is well-suited for general outdoor activities and emergency home use, but may fall short for those requiring exceptionally high brightness or specific light mode adjustments.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,159
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
8422 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern light is very bright and the flashlight is a really usable and convenient bonus feature.
Power Source
Rechargeable via USB or solar, these lanterns are far less expensive to run and pay for themselves after a charge or two.
Portability
Bright, lightweight, and fast charging, they are perfect for gifting.
Durability
Handles may pop off easily but can be reattached just as easily.
#2

Lichamp 4 Pack LED Camping Lanterns, Battery Powered Camping Lights COB Super Bright Collapsible Flashlight Portable Emergency Supplies Kit, Black

Rating
10.0
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
7772 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The brightness is impressive, with the lantern delivering great light distribution and coverage.
Battery Life
Battery life is reasonable with AA batteries, especially with Energizer max AA batteries.
Power Source
The lanterns are easy to set up with batteries and work without any issues.
Portability
This lantern is lightweight, easy to carry, and compact, making it perfect for camping and emergencies.
Durability
The construction is solid, though the metal handles can wobble a bit, but overall quality is good for the price.

The Lichamp LED Camping Lantern comes in a pack of four and features 30 LED lights with 350 lumens brightness, ensuring a wide 360-degree lighting coverage of up to 97 square feet. It's powered by 3 AA batteries (not included), providing a battery life of up to 30 hours, which is quite reasonable for camping trips or emergencies. The lantern is compact, collapsible, and equipped with foldaway handles for easy portability and hanging.

Turning it on or adjusting the brightness is straightforward as it doesn't require any switches—just pull up the handles. This design makes it very user-friendly, especially in dark or stressful situations like power outages or storms. Durability is a strong point, as it is made from military-grade water-resistant plastic, allowing it to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and resist external shock. Additionally, the lantern is safe to touch at low temperatures, making it suitable for children and family use.

Its simplicity and reliable construction make it an excellent choice for camping, hiking, emergency kits, and home use. The compact size and lightweight build add to its portability, making it easy to carry in a backpack. The Lichamp LED Camping Lantern is a versatile and practical option for various needs, especially suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness.

Rating
10.0
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
7772 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The brightness is impressive, with the lantern delivering great light distribution and coverage.
Battery Life
Battery life is reasonable with AA batteries, especially with Energizer max AA batteries.
Power Source
The lanterns are easy to set up with batteries and work without any issues.
Portability
This lantern is lightweight, easy to carry, and compact, making it perfect for camping and emergencies.
Durability
The construction is solid, though the metal handles can wobble a bit, but overall quality is good for the price.
#3

Lepro LED Lanterns Battery Powered, Camping Essentials, Collapsible, IPX4 Water Resistant, Outdoor Portable Lights for Emergency, Hurricane, Storms and Outages, 4 Pack

Rating
9.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
6748 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Pleasantly surprised by how bright these little lanterns are.
Power Source
Powered by AA batteries, making them convenient for emergencies without the need for recharging.
Portability
Lightweight and easy to store, ideal for camping trips or emergency kits.

The Lepro LED Lanterns are a practical choice for camping and emergency situations. Each lantern provides 190 lumens of brightness, which is sufficient to light up a tent or small room. The design is collapsible and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store in your backpack or survival kit.

The lanterns are powered by three AA batteries (not included), ensuring that you can use them immediately without needing to recharge. Battery life is approximately 14 hours, which should last through a night of use. These lanterns are also IPX4 water-resistant, meaning they can handle light rain or splashes, adding to their durability. However, they might not withstand heavy downpours or submersion in water.

With a simple pull or push to switch on/off mechanism, adjusting the brightness is hassle-free. On the downside, the brightness might not be high enough for larger areas, and frequent battery replacements could become costly over time. These lanterns are best suited for campers and homeowners looking for reliable emergency lighting.

Rating
9.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source
Portability

Most important from
6748 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Pleasantly surprised by how bright these little lanterns are.
Power Source
Powered by AA batteries, making them convenient for emergencies without the need for recharging.
Portability
Lightweight and easy to store, ideal for camping trips or emergency kits.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Lights

Choosing the right camping light can significantly enhance your outdoor experience, providing you with the necessary illumination for various activities such as cooking, reading, or navigating your campsite. When selecting a camping light, consider the type of camping you will be doing, the environment, and your specific needs. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light a camping light emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in the dark. For general campsite use, 100-200 lumens is usually sufficient. For tasks that require more light, such as cooking or reading, you might need 200-400 lumens. If you need to light up a larger area or for safety purposes, consider lights with 400 lumens or more. Choose the brightness level based on the activities you plan to do and the size of the area you need to illuminate.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the camping light will last on a single charge or set of batteries. This is crucial for ensuring you have light throughout your trip. Shorter trips or occasional use might be fine with a light that lasts 5-10 hours. For longer trips or frequent use, look for lights with 20 hours or more of battery life. Consider your trip duration and how often you will use the light to determine the appropriate battery life.
Power SourceCamping lights can be powered by various sources, including disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or solar power. Disposable batteries are convenient but can be costly and less environmentally friendly. Rechargeable batteries are more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run but require access to a power source for recharging. Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly and great for extended trips but depend on sunlight availability. Choose a power source based on your access to power and environmental considerations.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can carry and transport the camping light. This is important for backpackers or those with limited space. Smaller, lightweight lights are ideal for backpacking and easy to pack. Larger lights may offer more features but can be bulkier and heavier. Consider the size and weight of the light in relation to your mode of travel and available space.
DurabilityDurability indicates how well the camping light can withstand outdoor conditions such as rain, dust, and impact. This is important for ensuring the light lasts through your camping trips. Look for lights with water-resistant or waterproof ratings (IPX4, IPX7, etc.) and robust construction materials. If you plan to camp in harsh conditions or rough terrain, prioritize durability to ensure reliability.
Light ModesLight modes refer to the different settings a camping light can offer, such as high, medium, low, strobe, or red light. These modes are important for adapting to various situations and conserving battery life. High mode is useful for maximum brightness, while low mode can extend battery life. Strobe mode can be used for emergency signaling, and red light mode helps preserve night vision. Choose a light with modes that match your activities and needs.
Beam DistanceBeam distance measures how far the light can project its beam. This is important for activities that require seeing further distances, such as hiking or navigating in the dark. Short beam distances (up to 50 meters) are suitable for close-up tasks and general campsite use. Medium beam distances (50-100 meters) are good for short hikes and broader area illumination. Long beam distances (over 100 meters) are ideal for long hikes and spotting distant objects. Select a beam distance based on the type of activities you will be doing.

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