10 Best Camping Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The LuminAID 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern is a versatile and lightweight option for camping, hiking, and emergency use. It offers a bright 300-lumen LED light with multiple modes, including red and turbo settings, which helps adjust lighting based on your needs. The built-in 4000mAh lithium-ion battery powers the lantern for up to 100 hours on low, and it can also recharge your phone 2-3 times, making it handy for longer trips or power outages. Recharging options include solar power, which takes about 16-20 hours of direct sunlight, or a faster 4-hour USB charge.

Weighing just 12.3 ounces and folding down to a slim 1 inch thick, it’s easy to carry without adding much bulk. Its inflatable design expands into a 6-inch cube, providing a soft, diffused light. The lantern’s construction uses durable, waterproof (IP67) TPU material, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions and even float on water. The twist-to-inflate feature makes it simple to set up and pack away quickly.

There are some limitations such as the relatively long solar charging time, which depends on sunlight availability, and the moderate brightness that might not fully light up large areas. While the phone charging feature adds extra value, it won't replace a full power bank for heavy device use. This lantern suits campers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a compact, reliable light that doubles as an emergency phone charger, especially for backpacking or casual camping where weight and space matter.

The LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern is a versatile and user-friendly option for camping and emergency use. It offers a good range of brightness settings from 15 to 600 lumens, meeting different lighting needs—from a soft night light to a powerful beam. Battery life varies accordingly, with the lowest setting providing an impressive 100+ hours and the brightest around 2.5 to 4 hours. This lantern is powered by both solar energy and USB, making it convenient for outdoor adventures, though solar charging can take about a full day in direct sunlight, which may be slow if you need quick power.

It weighs just over a pound and is inflatable, so it’s very portable and floats on water, adding safety and durability with waterproofing up to 1 meter depth. The plastic construction is sturdy but lightweight, and the lamp’s simple twist-to-inflate design makes it easy to use without any technical hassle. It also includes two USB ports to charge phones, a handy feature for emergencies.

While 600 lumens is decent, it may not be bright enough for some larger outdoor spaces or tasks needing intense light. Additionally, the inflatable design, while innovative, may require occasional maintenance to keep it airtight. For those seeking a durable, solar-powered, multi-use camping lantern that doubles as a phone charger, this is a solid pick, especially for hikers, campers, and emergency kit users looking for lightweight and waterproof lighting.

The Goal Zero Skylight is a versatile camping lantern that offers an impressive 6000 lumens of brightness, making it suitable for a range of outdoor activities like camping, tailgating, and job sites. Its customizable lighting features, including four brightness settings and six adjustable LED petals, allow you to adapt the light to your needs, which is a big plus for creating the right atmosphere or ensuring visibility in different situations.

Portability is another strong point, as it weighs 14.08 pounds and comes with a hard plastic carrying case, making it easy to transport. The lantern can run for an extended period, up to 250 hours on the lowest brightness when plugged into a compatible Yeti power station, and has a rechargeable internal battery for short-term use during power outages.

On the durability front, the Skylight is water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, so you don’t have to worry about sudden rain. However, its weight might be a drawback for those looking for ultra-lightweight options for backpacking. In addition, while it performs best when plugged into a power station, relying on the internal battery for more than 8 hours can be limiting. The lantern’s adjustable height and multiple light modes make it user-friendly, but those unfamiliar with LED lighting might take some time to figure out the optimal settings. The price point, while justified by its features, may be on the higher side compared to simpler lanterns.

This lantern is best suited for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize brightness and versatility over portability. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor lighting experience, as long as they're prepared for its heft and occasional reliance on external power sources.