We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Camping Lights 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern with Dual Phone Charger - Inflatable LED Lamp for Camping, Hiking and Travel - Emergency Light for Power Outages, Hurricane, Survival Kits

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,453
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
12419 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern delivers a pleasant, adjustable light that suits both practical and ambient needs effectively.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, especially on lower brightness settings, supporting extended use during outages or camping.
Power Source
The built-in solar panel is convenient but charges slowly, so pairing it with a larger solar panel significantly speeds up recharging.
Portability
Its compact, foldable design and well-crafted handle make it incredibly easy to carry and store.

The LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern is a versatile camping light known for its solar charging capability and portability. It offers a range of brightness levels—from a bright 600 lumens on turbo mode down to a low 15 lumens setting that can last over 130 hours, catering to different needs like bright task lighting or long-lasting ambient light. Charging via direct sunlight takes about 24-30 hours, which is slower than USB charging but handy when you're off-grid. USB charging is much faster, around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Made of shatterproof plastic, the lantern inflates to provide a soft, diffused light, while also being waterproof up to 1 meter and able to float, making it durable and reliable in outdoor conditions. Its lightweight and inflatable design contribute to excellent portability, ideal for hiking or travel. A unique feature is its ability to charge two phones through USB ports, providing a useful backup in emergencies.

The turbo mode only lasts a few hours, so users might need to balance brightness with battery life on long trips. This product is a solid choice for campers wanting a multi-functional, eco-friendly light source that’s easy to carry and can support basic charging needs, while those seeking intense, long-distance illumination might want additional lighting options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,453
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
12419 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lantern delivers a pleasant, adjustable light that suits both practical and ambient needs effectively.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, especially on lower brightness settings, supporting extended use during outages or camping.
Power Source
The built-in solar panel is convenient but charges slowly, so pairing it with a larger solar panel significantly speeds up recharging.
Portability
Its compact, foldable design and well-crafted handle make it incredibly easy to carry and store.
#2

LuminAID Max Quick Inflate 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern and Phone Charger - Rechargeable LED Lamp for Camping, Hiking & Travel - Waterproof Emergency Light for Power Outages, Hurricane, Survival Kits

Rating
9.4
Portability
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source

Most important from
12419 reviews

Portability
This lantern is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for ultralight backpacking without sacrificing brightness.
Brightness (Lumens)
The adjustable brightness levels prevent harsh glare inside tents while still illuminating the entire space effectively.
Power Source
Its solar panel performs well even in low light, maintaining charge through multiple days of use during stormy weather.
Battery Life
A built-in battery indicator provides clear power status, a feature often missing in similar backpacking lanterns.
Durability
The durable, waterproof design holds up well in harsh outdoor conditions, offering peace of mind during adventures.

The LuminAID Max Quick Inflate is a versatile solar-powered camping lantern that also functions as a phone charger, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. It delivers a bright 200 lumens output with adjustable brightness settings, including a powerful Turbo mode, sufficient for most camping and hiking needs. The lantern inflates into a lightweight, compact 6-inch cube weighing just 10 ounces, making it easy to carry without adding bulk to your pack.

Its battery life of up to 25 hours is respectable, especially considering it can be recharged by solar power in 16-20 hours under direct sunlight or quickly via USB in 1-2 hours. This dual charging option ensures continuous lighting availability. Durability is a strong point, with a waterproof and shatterproof TPU design rated IP67, meaning it can handle rain, dust, and even float on water, making it reliable in various outdoor conditions. It features a 90-degree beam angle, providing decent light spread for camping tasks, although the beam distance isn’t very long, so it’s more suitable for close-up illumination rather than lighting large areas.

The phone charging capability is useful, delivering around 75-100% charge for most smartphones, which can be a lifesaver on extended trips. The relatively slow solar recharge time depends heavily on sunlight availability, so having USB charging as a backup is beneficial. While the lantern is compact and lightweight, some users might find the inflated cube shape less convenient to pack compared to rigid lanterns. For campers and travelers who value solar power and emergency readiness, this product offers reliable, multipurpose lighting and charging with strong portability and durability.

Rating
9.4
Portability
Brightness (Lumens)
Power Source

Most important from
12419 reviews

Portability
This lantern is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for ultralight backpacking without sacrificing brightness.
Brightness (Lumens)
The adjustable brightness levels prevent harsh glare inside tents while still illuminating the entire space effectively.
Power Source
Its solar panel performs well even in low light, maintaining charge through multiple days of use during stormy weather.
Battery Life
A built-in battery indicator provides clear power status, a feature often missing in similar backpacking lanterns.
Durability
The durable, waterproof design holds up well in harsh outdoor conditions, offering peace of mind during adventures.
#3

LuminAID 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern and Phone Charger - Inflatable LED Lamp for Camping, Hiking and Travel - Emergency Light for Power Outages, Hurricane, Survival Kits - As Seen on Shark Tank

Rating
9.1
Brightness (Lumens)
Portability
Durability

Most important from
12419 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Produces a pleasant quality of light with adjustable brightness levels, making it versatile for various needs.
Portability
The inflatable design folds down flat for easy storage and is lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry.
Durability
Built to withstand tough conditions, it remains durable even after being left outside through winter weather and freezing temperatures.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, holding charge for extended periods and supporting multiple brightness settings.
Power Source
Solar charging is convenient but slow with the built-in panel; using an external solar panel significantly speeds up recharging.

The LuminAID 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern is a versatile and lightweight option for camping and emergency use. It offers a bright 300-lumen LED light, with multiple brightness settings including a practical red light mode that helps preserve night vision. Its unique inflatable design makes it very portable, expanding to a 6-inch cube and collapsing down to just 1-inch thick, weighing only about 12 ounces.

The built-in 4000mAh battery provides up to 100 hours of light on low mode, and it can also recharge your phone 2-3 times, which is handy for longer trips. Powering up is flexible: the lantern can be charged via solar energy in a day or two of sunlight, or much faster using the included USB cable. Durability is a strong point here, as it’s made from tough, waterproof, and shatterproof materials, making it suitable for rough outdoor conditions and even floating on water.

With a brightness level sufficient for most campsite needs, the lantern is more useful for close-range lighting and ambiance rather than powerful spotlighting. This lantern is ideal for campers, hikers, and those preparing for emergencies who want a reliable, compact light source that doubles as a phone charger. It balances portability, durability, and multi-functionality well, though if you need extremely bright or long-distance lighting, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
9.1
Brightness (Lumens)
Portability
Durability

Most important from
12419 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Produces a pleasant quality of light with adjustable brightness levels, making it versatile for various needs.
Portability
The inflatable design folds down flat for easy storage and is lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry.
Durability
Built to withstand tough conditions, it remains durable even after being left outside through winter weather and freezing temperatures.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, holding charge for extended periods and supporting multiple brightness settings.
Power Source
Solar charging is convenient but slow with the built-in panel; using an external solar panel significantly speeds up recharging.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now