10 Best Camping Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern stands out as a versatile option for camping enthusiasts and those preparing for emergencies. Its main strength lies in the impressive 360° lighting coverage, with a brightness of 300 lumens that can easily illuminate a room or outdoor space. Its collapsible design makes it incredibly lightweight and portable—small enough to fit in your hand or bag when not in use. This is especially beneficial for families or younger campers who need access to dependable lighting without the bulk.

Durability is another highlight, as the lantern is made from high-quality ABS material, making it waterproof and resistant to various weather conditions. This durability, coupled with a long-lasting battery life of over 25 hours when fully charged, ensures it can handle outdoor adventures with ease.

A unique feature is the dual charging method: you can recharge it via solar power or USB, providing flexibility depending on your situation. Plus, it can function as a power bank for other devices, which is a handy addition for emergency situations. However, there are a few things to consider. While the lightweight design is an advantage, some users may find it less sturdy than heavier options. Additionally, despite the versatility in light modes, adjusting the brightness requires pulling the lantern up, which some might find cumbersome compared to traditional switches.

The Etekcity Lantern is a versatile camping lantern that stands out for its brightness, ease of use, and portability. Equipped with 30 LED bulbs, it can reach up to 154 lumens, providing ample light for emergencies such as power outages and hurricanes. The lantern is also dimmable, allowing you to adjust the light output by collapsing or expanding the lantern, which is a handy feature for different situations. Additionally, it has a 360° lighting effect that ensures no dark spots around your campsite or home during an emergency.

Its compact and lightweight design, similar in size to a smartphone, makes it easy to carry in a backpack, ideal for camping or hiking trips. The collapsible feature further enhances its portability, making it a great companion for outdoor adventures. The lantern runs on 3 AA batteries (included), offering up to 50 hours of bright light, which is impressive for its size. However, it's worth noting that battery-operated lanterns may require you to carry extra batteries for extended trips. Constructed with durable ABS material, it is built to withstand drops and is water-resistant, adding to its reliability in various weather conditions. This durability is crucial for camping and emergencies where conditions can be unpredictable.

The lantern also comes with a handy storage compartment at the top, perfect for keeping small items like keys or spare batteries. One downside is that while the brightness is sufficient for most needs, there are brighter options available if you need more intense lighting. Another minor drawback is the lack of multiple light modes beyond brightness adjustment, which some users might prefer for versatility in different scenarios. Despite these minor cons, the Etekcity Lantern offers a solid balance of functionality, durability, and convenience, making it a suitable choice for camping, emergencies, and general outdoor use.

The LE 1000LM Battery Powered LED Camping Lantern is a solid choice for camping and emergency situations. With a high brightness of up to 1000 lumens, it can light up your entire tent or campsite easily. The dimmable feature allows you to adjust the brightness according to your need, which is great for reading or just illuminating a small area without blinding yourself.

It comes with four light modes: daylight white, warm white, full brightness, and a flashing mode for emergencies. This makes it versatile for different situations and preferences. However, it is worth noting that it runs on three D alkaline batteries, which are not included. The battery life is decent, lasting 12 hours on the highest brightness setting, but some might find it inconvenient that the lantern is not rechargeable.

The lantern is also IPX4 water-resistant, meaning it can handle splashes from any angle, making it suitable for use in rain or snow. The build is plastic, and while it’s lightweight at 408 grams and portable, it may not be as durable as some metal alternatives. The hanging hook and removable cover add to its ease of use, allowing you to hang it inside a tent or carry it around effortlessly. While it's a reliable and user-friendly lantern, the dependency on D batteries and the plastic construction could be potential downsides for some users. It’s a well-rounded camping lantern that excels in brightness and versatility, making it a good companion for outdoor activities or emergency preparedness.