When it comes to camping tent light ideas, there are a lot of great options to make your next camping trip bright. Once the sun goes down, it’s much easier to enjoy the great outdoors with some light to see!
The best way to set up a lighting source in and around your tent is to figure out what options you have and then be sure to make a plan for securing or hanging. While you must be careful about the type of lights you set up, there are many safe lighting options for your next tent camping adventure.
In this article, I’ll share several camping tent light ideas to help you make the right choice for your next camping trip. Let’s get started.
Safety Tips for Campsite Lighting
One of the biggest issues that people have when it comes to lighting their campsite is that they tend to overlook the safety features that come with it.
The biggest tip to remember is that you don’t want to use an open flame in or too close to your tent. It might be tempting, but it can end with a bad outcome. This is because an open flame (such as a candle) is simple to tip over, causing burns, fires, and damages.
Make sure that you are using lighting sources that are safe to use in tents. While they may not say that specifically on the packaging, you want to look for items that discuss indoor use and the proper way to use them.
Also, make sure that you pay attention to the items that you are using in your tent. If you have to plug a bunch of things into an electrical outlet, you risk getting hot and causing shorts or even a fire. Plus, not every campsite will have electrical hookups available, either.
This is why using lighting options that don’t rely on electricity may be your best bet.
In addition, always be prepared when you go camping with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, just in case. It’s also important for families to have a safety plan in place in case some issues arise.
The Best Camping Tent Lighting Ideas
If you are looking for some simple ways to add light to your tent or to the areas surrounding your tent, here are some great ideas.
I like to have multiple options on hand when camping in case something happens to the primary source of lighting. That way, I’m never stuck or stranded in a dark tent without any source of light.
Remember always to be safe, and never put anything in your tent that would be considered a fire hazard!
Collapsible Solar-Powered Lantern
One of the best ways to rely on nothing but mother nature is to have a solar-powered lantern, like the Goal Zero Crush Light. We love using this one in our screen room in the evenings.
Not only does this lantern omit bright lights, but it does so by solar, meaning that it’s effective at what it does without using any type of wasted energy.
This powered lantern is a great way to omit lighting just by letting it charge up by the sun.
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This lightweight solar lantern from Goal Zero is perfect for outdoor adventurers. It collapses to store easily in small spaces, and the Chroma version has several settings, including different colors - a huge hit with kids!
Battery Operated Lanterns
If you know you’ll be camping in an area with a lot of tree cover or if you aren’t expecting a lot of sun in the forecast, having a battery-operated lantern might be a better option.
This 500 lumen lantern is powered by two 6400mAh rechargeable lithium ion batteries and has lots of modes to suit your mood. Can't choose? Just shake the lantern, and it will choose for you!
Inflatable Camping Lantern
Inflatable lanterns are an innovative way to add light to your tent or campsite. These are great because they pack into a small space but inflate into a lightweight lantern.
Many of these inflatable lanterns will also have a handle or strap, making it easy to carry or hang in your tent or around camp.
This inflatable lantern weighs only 4.4 ounces and can last up to 24 hours on one charge. It emits 75 lumens for a soft glow and is waterproof for outdoor use. The best part? All you need to recharge it is the sun!
String Lights or Fairy Lights (Battery, Solar, or USB Powered)
String lights are always a popular choice at campsites. The best part about them is that you can actually make them festive and fun! I’ve seen campers have flamingos, fish, or even little camper string lights, and they’re super cute.
You can also have holiday string lights if you like to go camping during various times of the year. (We’ve seen some really cool Christmas string lights before!)
String lights can be used inside your tent or they can be used around your camp to emit a soft glow as you enjoy your evening.
If you're looking for a camp lighting solution that pulls double duty, this is a great option! This solar-powered light string is 44 feet long with 20 bulbs that contain 2 LED's each. It can last up to 40 hours (on low) with a single charge, and the detachable power hub can also charge your devices!
For our own choice, we’ve used USB Powered Lights with a Goal Flip 12 Portable Charger. I like using the USB lights as it helps with charging and keeping them bright and lit for as long as possible.
Having the portable charger is a super simple way to keep the lights charged up without stressing out about it. (If you don’t own one, I HIGHLY encourage you, too. It works for our cell phones too and is a lifesaver sometimes!)
This small portable power bank from Goal Zero is the perfect size to toss in a backpack, purse, or suitcase for any vacation or adventure.
Book Lights
Book lights are like mini nightlights, and are perfect for in-tent lighting. They are an option we’ve been using in our camping gear for years!
Clip-on book lights are great because you can clip them to a section of your tent, your book, or even onto your pillow for easy on-and-off access. They’re also primarily battery-operated or chargeable, meaning they don’t have to be plugged in or attached to a cord.
The negative about using book lights is that they’re small, can be fragile, and they don’t omit a ton of light. So, while they’re great for a small amount of light but aren’t going to light up a big area or perimeter.
But, that makes them a great option for lighting in your tent. Because they emit a small amount of light, they can be great for one person to use without disturbing others.
They are a good choice for battery-powered lighting and can be used on numerous camping trips without changing batteries. (even better if they have a rechargeable battery!)
A book light can be a great option for lighting in your tent to illuminate a book. OR you can just clip it on a section of your tent for a soft, hands-free glow. This option has 3 different settings and will last up to 70 hours on low with one charge.
Handheld Flashlights
Giving everyone at the campsite their flashlight is always a good idea. This is because people tend to move about the camping area at different times and don’t have to ask or wake everyone else up if they need a bit of light.
Flashlights are inexpensive, and some offer an extremely bright light that will shine pretty far into the distance. You can also get them in various sizes so that adults and kids can quickly grab hold of them and keep track of them.
When outdoor camping, the right lighting that is easy to use is key! And it doesn’t get much easier than a standard flashlight. Plus, because you probably already have some at home, it’s a great option if you’re looking to save money.
If the flashlights require batteries, make sure you back extras or bring a charger to charge them as needed.
It’s always a good idea to have a flashlight or two while camping for walks to the bathroom, to use inside your tent, or as a backup if any of your other light sources stop working.
When it comes to flashlights, we love smaller, inexpensive options for camping. This option is great because it's small enough for little hands, easy to pack, operates on one AAA battery, and the light reaches up to 52 meters.
Hanging light bulbs
Talk about a great way to add ambiance to the campsite! Hanging lights are different from string lights in the fact that they’re bigger and made with real bulb shapes.
While you can get hanging bulbs or hanging bulb strings that are made with standard glass bulbs, I don’t recommend those for camping. They’re too easy to break and can potentially injure yourself or someone else.
Instead, I recommend hanging light bulbs made with more sturdy plastic or other materials that won’t break as easily.
The fun thing about hanging light bulbs is that you can get ones with different effects. Some are bright, some are low-lit, and others can even be colored.
String lights like these are great for that cozy feeling around camp! This set is made with plastic instead of glass so they won't break easily. Each string is 48 feet long and has 16 bulbs, but you can connect multiple sets if you need additional length! They do require an AC power source, so you'll likely want to take along a power station with the appropriate outlets (such as a Goal Zero Yeti).
Another option is individual hanging light bulbs that you can hang inside your tent, next to your cooking station, or on a tree branch or rope.
Individual hanging light bulbs are great at camp becuase they are battery-powered and can be hung just about anywhere. They work well to hang with the included clip inside your tent, on a rope, or as task lighting near your cooking station. Plus, you can always unhook them and take them with you when you need to leave your campsite!
Headlamps
While it might seem like a wild and crazy idea to wear headlamps around the campsite, it really does work well!
Not going to lie – the first few times I used them, I felt kind of silly, but then I realized how much easier they are to use. Now, it’s one of the first options I grab.
And honestly? It’s probably the most efficient way to see what you need to see while still keeping your hands free.
Having the bright light beams shooting from your forehead means that you can wander and walk around hands-free. This gives you the option to cook, eat, or head to the bathroom without having your hands hold onto anything.
Or worse…having to figure out what to do with a flashlight or lamp in the bathroom so you can see and not contaminate it. 😅
Headlamps have become our go-to light source for most activities when camping. In fact, when we backpack, they are often the only light source (aside from supplies to start a campfire) that we bring with us.
Headlamps come in various sizes for kids and adults, so make sure that you find the right fit. I also suggest making sure you purchase the ones that come with an adjustable band.
The great thing about having headlights is that you can use them when you’re hiking as well. So double the uses for one purchase price!
We're huge fans of our Black Diamond headlamps and this model is one of our top picks because it includes dimming and a red light function. Plus, you have the option of using alkaline OR rechargeable batteries.
Nite Ize BugLit
Every once in a while, you come across a really cool invention that serves a purpose – and this is it. Not only does it look like a bug, but its legs were created to wrap around things to hold it in place.
This means that you can have this light hanging (literally) anywhere outside and have the light emitted for you to see. This would be perfect for hanging on a camp chair or table, on the handle of your camper door, or even wrapped around the base of your camper stairs so that no one would trip and fall. (If you have a camper, otherwise, you can wrap it on the poles of your tent!)
We’ve also seen this used and wrapped around the handle of a spatula so that the person cooking can see to flip the burgers. So many uses, and so cute and fun! Plus, they’re always a win with kids!
Our kids were gifted these a couple of years ago and they love them! The four bendy legs work perfectly to wrap around things like tent poles or chair legs to aid in lighting your campsite. You can also hold them like a micro flashlight (or clip them on your shirt) during a late-night walk to the bathroom too. 😉
Glow Sticks
Wanna know a secret? You would think that glow sticks when camping are for the kids, but it’s really for the parents.
Seriously. If you want to be able to keep an eye on your kids, just give them a glow stick necklace, and you’ll be able to spot them across the campsite in an instant.
Kids are way more likely to set down (or turn off…or lose) a lantern or flashlight, but since glow sticks are basically toys, they’re way more likely to leave them on or play with them.
Pack up a bunch and crack them all at your campsite, and you’ll be surprised at how much light you’ll have for a few hours. These are always fun camping light ideas! (And a creative way to add lighting, too!)
When I think of glow sticks, I think of the skinny and small ones we had growing up, but times have changed since then! Now you can order and buy glow sticks in a variety of sizes and colors, and some offer a really long lifespan, too. You can also find these in rechargeable options as well!
I love that these glow stick necklaces are rechargeable. And yes, while they're marketed for dogs, they could be used in lots of other ways - hanging on a tree branch, looped around a chair back, or for kids to play with.
This battery powered glowstick is so fun - especially for kids! Attach it to a lanyard to wear around your neck or use the included clip to hang on a chair, backpack, or in your tent.
Ahhh! These look just like the glow sticks we used as kids and surely bring back the nostalgia. These are kid-safe and non-toxic and come in various colors with connectors so they can be used as bracelets and necklaces!
These multi-colored bright glow sticks are designed to last up to 12 hours and are waterproof and non-toxic. You can hold them in your hand or use the included strings to make a necklace or lanyard.
Fan Lighting
Tents can be hot during the summer, as we all know, so having a fan and light in one is a perfect solution! Not only will the fan keep you nice and cool during those hot summer nights, but you’ll have a light handy for any and all times that you need to turn it on.
These fans tend to be small and portable, making it super simple to move them about the tent.
If you tend to get hot in your tent or are camping in the middle of summer, this is a great solution! This light and fan combo is battery-powered and it has a hook so you can hang it around camp as needed.
Collapsible Solar Lanterns
Anyone who camps knows that space often comes at a premium. There isn’t always a lot of room for packing a bunch of stuff. This is why having collapsible gadgets is so handy!
Solar lanterns that collapse down into small and flat areas mean that you can easily squeeze them in and not have to stress out about finding a space for them.
They are nice and compact while collapsed, but once they are popped open, they emit a nice and bright light. Typically, they have LED lights in them, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Some will even cycle through different colors!
If you choose to take multiples camping with you, you can even get them in individual colors so that each person knows which one is theirs.
This packable light is waterproof and made from TPU for durability. It can be recharged by solar power or USB and lasts between 3-12 hours depending on your color mode (the multicolor (Spectra) version has 9 modes). Or, if you prefer, the Bright White or Warm White versions provide a longer battery life of up to 24 hours.
Lighted Gloves
Want something a little more unique and fun – especially for the kids? Try lighted gloves!
You can purchase gloves with lights on the fingertips, making it perfect for wearing when you are inside the tent. These would come in quite “handy” for reading or just as an option to shine a tiny bit of light in your area.
While they aren’t very bright and are more of a novelty, they do emit a little bit of light and there are options for varied sizes and colors.
If you're looking for something fun and unique for the kids around camp, lighted gloves are an option! This pair has 6 different modes and comes in 3 sizes, including kid sizes!
Rope Lights
Rope lights are like the sturdy cousin of string lights. With these, the lights are encased in a transparent rope that allows light through but offers extra protection and durability.
These rope lights have a remote control, 8 lighting modes, and 10 levels of brightness. The battery case is waterproof and the lights themselves are rated IP67 for water resistance. Because they are flexible, you can wind them around a tree, wrap them around your tent, or line a pathway to prevent tripping.
Waterproof LED Lights
Sometimes you just need a small light that can be tossed anywhere….like your cooler. Literally.
These mini LED lights from Nite Ize are great to help illuminate a small dark space or to use in place of tea lights.
These small lights from Nite Ize are super unique! They're waterproof so you can toss them in a cooler or use them in the rain. They are battery-powered. Though they aren't rechargeable you can replace the batteries and they last up to 20 hours.
Motion Sensor Lighting
Kids always get a kick out of motion sensor lighting whenever we’re at a campsite. The great thing is that the lights will only kick on when it detects motion, but that can also sometimes be a negative, too.
If you’re in a camping spot that is very crowded or has a lot of critters, there’s a very high probability that the light is going to be going off and on at all hours of the night.
This isn’t always my favorite way to have light at the campsite, but it is a good option for getting up in the middle of the night and to alert you if someone or something comes close to your site. Instead of searching around for a flashlight, the lights will click on quickly and fast.
If you choose to go with a motion sensor light, I suggest looking for one with the option to turn off completely, different brightness levels, and a range that isn’t too far from your tent or camper entrance. It’s not fun to walk past someone’s campsite in the middle of the night to the bathroom and get blinded by a motion sensor light. 😅
If you're looking for a motion-activated light for your campsite, this is a great option. These motion sensor lights can be clipped onto almost anything around your campsite to illuminate your space and alert you to movement.
Hand Crank Flashlight
Ideal for emergency situations, a hand-crank flashlight is great to have around. While they generally don’t shine as bright as other light sources, you don’t need anything to power it other than your own two hands.
Having a backup light that doesn't require power or batteries is always a good idea in case of emergency. Plus, this set comes with 3 so you can put one in your emergency kit at home and in your car!
The Best Campsite Lighting Ideas
While the options above that are ideal for lighting your tent will work around your campsite and may be all you need, there are also additional options you can use to light your campsite outside your tent or camper.
Tiki torches
Another option to light your camping area are tiki torches. Of course, this option is not for inside your tent, but they can be a fun way to light up your space.
That said, tiki torches aren’t part of our camping light choices for a couple of key reasons:
- They are bulky to transport. Space is always at a premium for us, and I don’t want to take it up with large lighting options when there are so many that are more compact.
- Fire risk. Tiki torches have an open flame, and because they stand so high off the ground, they’re easier to knock over – especially if you’re camping with kids. Also, if you are camping on a windy night, it may not be a good idea to use them as the wind can blow the embers and cause major fire hazards.
That said, if you love the idea or look of tiki torches, you could always opt for a solar-powered option!
These solar torch lights are a much safer and more compact option than tiki torches for camping. They're designed for the outdoors and are rated IP65 waterproof to handle rain or snow. I love that they break down into pieces for easier transport!
Campfire
A classic way to light your campsite is a campfire.
Of course, this is another idea that is not to be inside the tent – ever. But a campfire outside of the tent can omit a lot of light and heat.
If you can make sure that you keep the tent a distance away but facing the fire, you can open the doors of the tent and let the light shine into anyone inside.
While many campgrounds have fire rings, sometimes you’ll find yourself where there isn’t one. In those instances, you may want to take along your own fire pit.
The Solo Stove is great for this as you can keep your fire safely contained, stay warm, and experience less smoke. There is even a tabletop version!
Similar to the other fire pits in the Solo Stove lineup, the Mesa is designed to provide a low smoke fire. But this one is made for tabletop use (it's just 6" tall) - and it comes in a variety of colors in addition to the classic stainless steel!
Solo Stoves are awesome becuase they burn mostly smokeless and still put out heat. They come in several sizes and the Ranger (15 in (diameter) x 12.5 in (height)) is their smaller, portable fire pit ideal for camping.
During certain times of the year, you may find yourself camping during a burn ban (current fire restrictions in Oregon). However, depending on the current fire risk, you may be able to use a propane campfire.
When you’re not able to have a wood fire, you may like having a propane fire ring. You’ll still be able to cozy up to stay warm and light your campsite!
During fire season, it's common to have burn bans when regular fires aren't safe to burn at camp. However, it's often permitted to have a contained propane stove or firepit like this one. (Btw, we picked this one up at a huge discount through REI - if they still have them in stock, it's definitely worth checking out!!)
Tea Lights
Battery-operated tea lights are great because they are small, portable, and emit a small amount of light, but can be spread around to create a fun ambiance. Adding about 5-10 tea lights onto your picnic table is a really fun way to eat dinner by “candlelight.”
While you can use regular tea lights in some instances, multiple open flames can be quite dangerous. In some cases, open flames (yes, even from tea lights) may not be allowed at your campsite anyway.
So, I recommend sticking to battery-operated tea lights. You can even find rechargeable options that you can use time and time again.
Create some fun ambiance at your campsite with these tea lights! This set of 12 LED tea lights are inexpensive, easy to use, and have a super long battery life of up to 100 hours.
Propane or Gas Camping Lanterns
Propane camping lanterns have been around for a long time. In fact, I still own one that originally belonged to my great-grandfather! It’s no longer working, but it worked up until probably 5 years ago and is well over 50 years old.
Although solar and battery-powered options are becoming more popular, they are definitely still an option for illuminating your campsite.
However, it’s important to remember they should never be used inside your tent due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
Coleman has been making camping equipment since 1900 - starting with a portable gas lantern! This updated version includes a base with feet that fold in for storage, a dial to adjust brightness (up to 967 lumens), and a protective hard carrying case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What light can I use for the tent?
Various lights might work, but the most efficient lighting option is LED lights. Not only do they burn brightly, but they stay charged for quite some time, too.
LED lights come in a variety of options, so you can choose what works best for your situation and the ambiance you’d like to create.
For instance, you could choose to use an LED lantern with multiple settings that can be as bright as you need it to be, or you can choose LED string lights with a soft glow to make the space feel cozier.
There isn’t just one light source that will work for camping, which makes it fun! You can pick and choose what works best for you or find a way to use what you already have at home.
Should you leave lights on when camping?
It’s generally considered best camping etiquette to keep lights dim, especially late into the night. We generally turn our outside lights off when we go to bed so we don’t disturb other campers.
Though it seems this is the age-old debate of campers all over the world. Even though this question is typically asked of outdoor lighting, it deserves some thought.
Leaving lights on while camping is something that should be done on the inside of your personal tent, but when it comes to lighting outside of your tent, be respectful of other campers.
Lights can omit plenty of light that is great for you and the inside of your tent and outside, but that doesn’t mean that your neighbors want to see a ton of light. A soft glow might be fine, but try to keep the light options to a minimum on your next trip. Your neighbors will thank you.
Are battery-powered tent lights a good idea?
Yes, and no. The problem with having a battery-powered tent light is that you have to remember to either charge the batteries or keep new batteries with you on your trip.
The positive is that you can have rechargeable batteries that you can charge over and over again, meaning that they’re super cost-effective and don’t drain as much energy.
If you can find a portable battery charger and keep that charged, this would be the best-case scenario for keeping your battery-powered lights bright for anytime that you want to turn them on.
Is it better to sleep with or without LED lights?
While it may feel safer at times to have the lights on in your tent, that doesn’t always mean that it’s a good idea. LED lights can emit a very bright light that can be extremely distracting to anyone who is trying to sleep.
If you are using the lighting to light up the tent, it’s best to turn them off or dim them if possible once it’s time for bed.
How do I safely hang lights at my campsite?
Safety is the key here! While you might be tempted to try and climb up a tree to hang lights, there are other better options and safer ways to get those lights hung.
The fun thing about camping is that you might not actually have to hang lights at all. If there is a picnic table, you can use that to set the lighting up. Good lighting can be put up in so many ways!
If you’re using something like hanging light bulbs, you can hang them from a rope or hammock strung between two trees.
You can also use string lights and place them all around the campsite too. Having string lights hanging up high in the air can give off a good light, but putting them around the perimeter of your campsite isn’t a bad idea either. This is a great way to light the way for everyone so that people don’t trip and fall.
Plus, when the lights are lower, they’re not quite as bright for other campers, which means that they’re a good way to have some sort of lighting active at the campsite, even if it’s later at night.
Please keep in mind that you shouldn’t do anything permanent for light hanging. Putting nails in tables or trees is a big no-no and one that doesn’t need to happen.
If you can’t display your lights in a natural way without disturbing something that is already there, then don’t plan on hanging lights at all.
Are there negatives to having lights in the tent?
The biggest concern about lighting in or near a tent is that it could create a fire hazard.
Be sure you are aware of that possibility and communicate that with everyone at the camping party.
Reiterate the importance of not having anything lying on top of any light sources so that there isn’t a risk of anything overheating and catching fire.
If you smell anything getting hot, that is your indicator to act immediately and unplug or turn off anything you have going for light.
How do I charge (or recharge) my lights when camping?
Depending on the type of camp lighting you choose, you can charge your lights by using a power bank, power station, solar panels, replacing batteries, or plugging into an electrical outlet, if available.
If you just need a single recharge, a power bank or portable charger is probably the best option. But, if you’d like to be able to recharge multiple times (or multiple devices), it is best to go with a larger power station. You can also opt to bring a solar panel to recharge your power station. This allows you to keep your power station full so you can charge as needed.
A portable power station is helpful when camping or traveling to keep necessary (and not-so-necessary 😆) devices charged and ready to go. This model from Goal Zero can charge a variety of devices with it's multiple ports that include USB, USC, 12V, and standard outlet.
What to Look for in Campsite & Camping Tent Lighting
What you’re looking for in campsite and camping tent lighting will vary, depending on the type of camping you’re doing.
Regardless of your camping plans, you’ll want to consider these factors when choosing what to bring camping for your camp light source.
Lumens
When it comes to lumens, the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Most camping lights will use LED lights now, and you’ll find options ranging from around 25 lumens up to 1000-2000 lumens. Lower ranges will be better for personal lights or softer lighting in the tent where higher lumen counts may be best for task lighting (i.e. when cooking, etc.)
Power Source
To choose the best camp lighting, you want to choose a power source that makes the most sense for your situation. In addition to wood (such as fires) or flame (as in candles), you’ll find electric, battery-powered, and solar-powered.
Run Time and Battery Life
Take note of the average run time or battery life on your light source to ensure it fits your needs. If you choose battery-powered light sources, it’s always a good idea to bring an extra set or two of batteries, just in case.
Adjustability and Dimmability
Having the ability to dim or adjust your light settings is ideal in most scenarios. For example, if you have a lantern that has 1500 lumens, but it is dimmable, it will be perfect for cooking, but then you can dim it as it gets closer to bedtime so you don’t disturb your neighbors or even take it into your tent as a nightlight.
Some lights will even have different color options, such as headlamps with a red setting – this still allows you to see when you need a dim light, but is less likely to attract bugs and won’t blind your friends and family when you’re side by side. Thankfully, many options available now include these features.
Packability and Weight
Camp lights can vary widely in size, packability, and weight so it’s important to choose an option that fits your personal needs and scenario. For instance, if you’re car camping, weight isn’t as much of a factor, and you can focus on bringing fun light sources like lanterns and string lights.
But if you’re backpacking, space and weight are at a premium, so you’ll want to choose lightweight, versatile options such as headlamps or possibly a collapsible solar-powered lantern.
Now that we’ve covered safety tips and what to look for check out the best tips and ideas below for adding lights to your camping tent and area. These options will give you enough light that you can continue with outdoor activities or hang out easily in the outdoor area of your camping spot.
Final Thoughts on Campsite and Camping Tent Light Ideas
As you can see, there are many ways to get some lighting into your tent area. You have to be sure that you choose wisely and only use light sources that will not harm anyone.
Any of the camping lights above are a great choice and can provide a ton (or a little) of light in your camping area. Start with one or two and see what you think. You can easily change things the next time you head out the door!
