Not all flashlights are created equal. That’s pretty apparent as you browse around looking for the ideal camping flashlight; they range in price from a few bucks to $100+ dollars. It can be tough to decide which choice will be best for you, but if you keep the following factors in mind you should be able to find a suitable model that fits within your budget; fortunately there’s a number of reliable flashlights that won’t break the bank.

Brightness

Most of us have experienced the unpleasantness of using an ultra-dim flashlight at some point in our lives. If you haven’t, you’re lucky. Flashlight brightness is often marketed in terms of lumens. What’s a lumen, you ask? It’s “the SI unit of luminous flux, equal to the amount of light emitted per second in a unit solid angle of one steradian from a uniform source of one candela.” Which is a bunch of scientific mumbo-jumbo. Basically what you need to know is the more lumens a flashlight puts out, the brighter it is. A bright flashlight is nice, but you won’t usually need a massive amount (2000 lumens is often a bit bright and can create a “hot spot” where the light hits, which can make distinguishing what you’re point the light at a bit tricky). Generally for most purposes, 300 to 1000 lumens is more than adequate. Anything below and you’ll have a dull light that doesn’t do much good.

Portability

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Flashlights vary widely in size, they range all they way from tiny keychain lights and those that are the size of a stick of lip balm; others can be made of heavier metals and be the size of your forearm. Most small-to-mid-sized lights will be ideal when you’re camping, you don’t want holding your flashlight to be a chore when you’re out exploring or looking for firewood after dark. There’s no right or wrong size or weight, but we factored in size and weight when choosing the 7 best flashlights for camping (below), so if you go with any of the options presented you should have no issues with portability.

Durability

Some flashlights are flimsy and cheap feeling, while others are nearly indestructible. As you can imagine, the less-sturdy lights tend to be cheaper, and the more solidly-built models are usually a bit pricier. This comes down to budget at your needs. If you’re going to be enjoying the water (floating a river, canoeing, camping out by a lake, etc.) it’s wise to invest in a waterproof flashlight (which many higher-grade flashlights are). If you’re hiking or rock-climbing, there’s more of a chance you may drop your flashlight, so you want to be sure it can withstand a tumble, especially on rocky terrain. Fortunately, there are some $20-$30 flashlights that are dependable enough, and many of the $50+ flashlights should have no problems taking a bit of a beating.

Power Source

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A flashlight is pretty useless if it doesn’t have the juice it needs to generate light, so it’s important that you plan ahead no matter what type of flashlight you have. No matter which type of flashlight you pack, it’s a good idea to pack at least one backup, and ideally with a different power source.

Battery-Powered Flashlights

Traditional flashlights simply use batteries to generate power, and these are a great choice for any camping trips that are going to last for more than a night. Be sure to bring several extra batteries–a good rule of thumb is to bring enough batteries to do a complete swap each day (so if your flashlight takes two AA batteries and you’re going on a 3-night camping trip, bring 6 extra batteries). You likely won’t need to use most of these backups, but better to be safe and enjoying light than sorry and fumbling around in the dark.

Rechargeable Flashlights

Some flashlights don’t take any batteries at all, and only have a rechargeable battery pack. That sounds great on paper–batteries aren’t exactly cheap, and saving money is always nice. Unfortunately, unless you’re 100% sure you’ll have access to reliable power throughout your camping trip, you may wind up with a chunk of metal (or plastic) instead of a flashlight before the trip is over. If you’re bringing a rechargeable flashlight with you, it’s a great idea to bring along a backup flashlight with a different type of power source, just in case.

Shake Flashlights

Shake flashlights, also known as Faraday flashlights or linear induction flashlights, are handy to have, but not very bright. They’re great because you’re guaranteed a light source. They’re not so great because the light you get is going to be weak, no matter how much you shake it. In addition, if you’re exhausted from a long trek or some other camping activity, the last thing you want is to get an arm workout because you need some light. These are great as a secondary or tertiary backup choice.

Solar-Powered Flashlights

Solar-powered flashlights sound great on paper, and they’re handy to have… unless it’s cloudy, or if it runs out of the power its collected before the night is over. Sure, they’ll still charge when there’s cloud coverage, but they won’t charge as fast or as well. A solar-powered light, like a shake light, is a great backup option, but it’s not recommended to bring one as a primary flashlight.

Light Modes

A flashlight has one main job to do: create light so you can see. So, if you have a flashlight that does this, you’re set. However, many flashlights (especially nicer models) have multiple flashlight modes. These modes usually include low, medium, and high settings. Using the low or medium setting is a good way to conserve power and, depending on the overall output the flashlight produces, will be adequate in most scenarios (and its nice to have the high option for when you’re trying to see farther away). Some of the nicer models may include one or two extra modes, which may be nice, but aren’t really necessary. A common one is a strobe light feature. We’ve never been in an instance where that would come in handy, but if you’re trying to signal for help it might catch someone’s eye, maybe? (Though waving a flashlight with a normal beam would probably do the trick equally well.) It could also be handy if you’re planning a rave party in the woods. Some also have an SOS mode, which is what the strobe light mode probably should be–that mode could literally be a lifesaver in a scenario where you need help.

Price

Flashlights can cost anywhere from a few bucks to hundreds of dollars, so it’s important to set a realistic budget. We can tell you up front: $5 flashlights aren’t going to cut it for camping. They may work semi-decently for a bit, but they tend to fizzle out and stop working when you need them most. Fortunately there are some sub-$20 flashlights that are reliable and long lasting, and we’ll look at them below. If you can swing $100 or more for a light, you can look at flashlights in the highest tier, though there are plenty of great sub $100 choices that won’t let you down.

Camping Flashlight Reviews

Supernova Guardian 1300XL Tactical LED Flashlight

If you want to get both durable and bright flashlight for your camping trips, Supernova Guardian 1300XL will be an excellent choice. Firstly, it provides up to 1300 lumens of light, allowing this LED flashlight to deliver illumination at up to 275 meters!

When it comes to functionality, 1300XL also shines (no pun intended) as it has 5 light modes: low, medium, high, strobe, and SOS. The SOS mode isn’t a thing that you see in flashlights that often, and it is certainly useful for camping.

1300XL is also rather durable, with its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy finish making it strong and its waterproof casing protecting it from water.

Supernova kindly includes 2 rechargeable AA batteries with 1300XL instead of one, making this flashlight a great value. Furthermore, the manufacturer additionally includes 3 AAA alkaline batteries, plus a conversion case for them.

Pros:

• Great value for the price.
• 275 meters of lighting distance.
• Waterproof and durable.
• 5 light modes.
• 2 rechargeable AA and 3 AAA alkaline batteries + adapter included.
• Remote pressure switch included.
• 5-year limited warranty.

Cons:

• The light button tends to get stuck.

Streamlight Stinger 75832 DS LED Flashlight

If you are looking for a flashlight for up-close use, then Stinger 75832 DS LED flashlight could be a perfect choice for you. This flashlight features a build quality that is much superior to that of the 1300XL, albeit Stinger’s flashlight is less powerful. We are speaking about almost 1000 lumens of difference between the two models: this one only delivers 350 lumens at the max settings. That won’t be a problem if you don’t need to have a light on for long distances though.

In terms of convenience, Stinger 75832 is great thanks to its rubber grip. This flashlight also features 4 light modes: low, medium, high, and strobe. Remarkably, Streamlight backs up this flashlight by a lifetime warranty. However, bear in mind that the build quality makes this flashlight quite pricey.

Pros:

• Great for short-distant use.
• 4 light modes.
• Water-resistant and durable.
• Convenient rubber grip.
• Limited lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• Only 350 lumens of light delivered.
• Quite pricey.

Streamlight 75458 Stinger DS LED Flashlight

Stinger 75458 differs from the previous Stinger flashlight in terms of its power: it delivers up to 800 lumens of light. Needless to say, the price of this Stinger is also higher. Its battery life is quite similar to the previous Stinger model though, in spite of the noticeable brightness difference.

Aside from the brightness, 75458 is pretty much identical to the other Stinger model. It has the same excellent durable and water-resistant construction. Paired with the rubberized grip, the case of this LED flashlight makes for a solid and comfortable product. And yeah, the limited lifetime warranty applies to this flashlight as well.

Pros:

• Quite powerful.
• 4 light modes.
• Water-resistant and durable case.
• Rubberized grip.
• Limited lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• Expensive.

ThruNite TN42 Thrower Flashlight

TN42 is maybe the most spectacular model on our reviews of the best camping flashlights. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a very bright LED flashlight since it delivers insane 2000 lumens of light, which allows for a maximum lighting distance of 1550 meters.

ThruNite fit TN42 with 6 light modes: firefly, low, medium, high, turbo, and strobe. TN42’s battery can run for weeks on the lowest setting and for 1.5 hours on the turbo 2000-lumen mode.

Speaking of the batteries, ThruNite includes none with this flashlight, unfortunately. No charger as well. And this flashlight costs about 200 bucks as it is, mind you! The buyers of TN42 praise it highly though and don’t regret spending the money on the flashlight, its batteries, and the charger.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality.
• Delivers up to 2000 lumens.
• 1550 meters of lighting distance.
• Knurled handle for firm grip.
• 6 light modes.

Cons:

• No batteries or chargers included.
• A truly astronomical price.

Anker Bolder LC90 Super Bright Tactical Flashlight

LC90 is an excellent choice if you don’t wish to spend too much money on a flashlight. In spite of the low price tag, this flashlight still has a couple of things to surprise you with!

Firstly, it has a zoom feature which switches the width of the light beam between narrow and wide. Secondly, LC90’s battery can be charged via a USB port thanks to the included USB cable, which certainly greatly adds to this flashlight’s convenience.

LC90 also has the same light modes as the 1300XL we reviewed in the beginning, though this flashlight delivers a bit less light: 900 lumens at max, to be exact. And it should be noted that switching between the light modes is inconvenient with the LC90: it requires you to repeatedly and quickly push the on/off button, which isn’t as easy as it may seem.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Water-resistant.
• Adjustable beam width.
• 5 light modes.
• Good power.
• Charges via a USB port.

Cons:

• Inconvenient mode switching.

Outlite A100 LED Flashlight

Outlite A100 LED flashlight is another good affordable option for camping. A100 is pretty similar to LC90 we reviewed previously, though it doesn’t have the USB-charging capability. Still, the about $10 lower price may attract some people more.

So what does A100 have to offer? Well, it has the same zooming feature and 5 modes present in LC90. It is likewise water-resistant as well. When it comes to brightness, A100 is pretty good, but don’t expect it to light objects from 600 feet (as claimed by Outlite).

As a little bonus, Outlite includes a small keychain flashlight with A100, as well as a battery with holder & tube, a charger, and a sling. The keychain flashlight could be very useful for you, but don’t expect much to come out of it.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Water-resistant.
• Adjustable beam width.
• Fairly good brightness.
• 5 modes.

Cons:

• Not as bright as you may expect.

J5 Tactical V1-PRO LED Flashlight

And the last product on our reviews of best camping flashlights is suitable for those who want a durable yet affordable flashlight. V1-Pro by J5 Tactical is compact and very tough.
Delivering 300 lumens, V1-PRO is quite a bright flashlight as well. The manufacturer also claims that it can focus objects at distances of up to 600 feet, but that’s probably a bit exaggerated. Still, this flashlight should do good at short distances, especially given that it has the zoom feature that allows you to focus objects.

A nice feature of V1-PRO is that it has a belt clip, which could become useful if you like to keep your flashlight on your belt rather than in the pocket.

Unfortunately, no batteries or chargers come with this flashlight, which could slightly reduce its price advantage over some of the other flashlights we examined.

Pros:

• Very affordable.
• Water-resistant.
• Very sturdy build.
• Beam zoom feature.
• Inbuilt belt clip.

Cons:

• No batteries or chargers included.
• 3 modes.

When you’re out enjoying your camping trip, there’s no reason for the fun to come to an end as the sun goes down. With some creative lighting ideas you can keep the party going late into the evening and make your campsite feel more like home. While you can use a flashlight and/or headlamp (and you should have these in your camping gear), strategically placing different kinds of camp lighting around is a more convenient and comfortable way to illuminate your nights so you can cook dinner, enjoy some libations, play games, and enjoy yourselves after sunset.

Read moreKeeping Your Tent the Perfect Temperature

When it comes to outdoor lighting you can’t beat a combo of solar powered and battery powered light sources. Solar-powered lights are great to help save on batteries but they aren’t as effective on stormy or cloudy days, so having battery-powered lighting to act as a backup is a wise decision (especially if you bring along a rechargeable battery pack and a way to charge these batteries).

Fortunately, there are many creative and effective ways to utilize camp lighting. Below, you’ll find a list of campsite lighting ideas.

Camping Lanterns

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Having lanterns scattered around your campsite can really improve your adventures after dark. You can choose from several choices, such as an electric lantern or a fuel-burning camping lantern. You can set your lanterns on the ground, or if you have room you can bring along camping lantern poles to hang them up around and throughout your campsite. When it comes to choosing the right camp lantern, you have several options to consider: fuel source, weight, size, and price.

Electric Lanterns

Most battery-powered options available on the market are LED lantern solutions, which means they use very little power while emanating bright light. An LED camping lantern has many benefits, including the fact that they are usually lightweight and can be used safely inside tents.

Battery-Powered Lantern

However, if you choose an electric lantern that runs on batteries, it’s a good idea to consider bringing along a rechargeable battery pack that you can recharge with a solar charger during the day. An LED camping lantern can be used for anywhere from 12 hours to 100+ hours depending on which model you choose, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing, and know how much power you’ll need to operate them based on the length of your camping trip and estimated usage.

A few downsides of a battery operated lantern are: battery disposal and battery cost over time (if you’re not using rechargeable batteries), and recharge time if you’re on a trip that spans more than a day or two.

Rechargeable Lantern Options

Some options have built-in battery banks, so a rechargeable lantern can be a great option if you know you’ll be able to access power.

Solar Lantern

Other options have a solar panel built in, and a solar lantern can be handy as long as you have plenty of sunlight on your trip. A solar powered lantern will usually fully charge in 6-8 hours, and should last about that long before needing a recharge.

Here’s a list of the best electric lanterns on the market.

Fuel-Burning Lanterns

An alternative to electric power is a gas powered lantern, such as a propane lantern or a butane camping lantern. These types of lanterns are often more bright than LED lantern alternatives, as many models can light up your entire campsite (where you might need multiple electric lanterns to achieve a similar level of illumination with LED light).

Another benefit of these lanterns is that they are often more adjustable than their electric counterparts, and they can burn for long periods of time. They’re reliable (a Coleman lantern is about as a dependable as a camp lantern can get) and you don’t have to worry about whether or not your batteries are going to run out unexpectedly.

A few downsides of almost any gas lantern are: they’re heavier and less portable than electric options, you’ll need to haul some extra fuel with you (a propane lantern needs a propane canister, a butane lantern needs a butane canister, etc.), a gas powered lantern usually costs more, and they aren’t safe to use in enclosed areas such as a tent. Also, a gas lantern tends to generate a faint buzz or hissing noise, which can be irritating to some.

Click here to see the best gas-powered lanterns.

Candle Lanterns

A candle lantern is another popular lighting choice for campsites, and for good reason. For lighting in the camping lantern category, they’re lightweight and don’t require carrying extra fuel with you, plus they’re relatively cheap.

However, they don’t cast light nearly as far as electric or fuel-based options, and you’ll need to carry extra candles in your bag. They do, however, create a nice soft glow if you’re looking for a relaxing ambiance, which is a benefit unless you’re needing light to do more labor-intensive tasks after dark.

Additionally, the candles used as the light source can present a hazard, so it’s important to keep them away from flammable objects such as your tent and sleeping bag.

We’ve reviewed the best candle lantern options here.

Mason Jar Lanterns

When it comes to campsite lighting ideas, the more creative you can get, the better! Lanterns are a popular campsite lighting option, but they can be expensive. Candles and mason jars are another great combination for illuminating your campsite–and they’re much cheaper. Instead of bringing multiple bulky lighting sources, you can use an assortment of recycled mason jars to light your campsite with a candle in each.

Mason jars come in all different shapes and sizes, and while you can buy expensive or fancy glassware, you can also easily find glass jars (and candles!) at your local dollar store to use.

Just keep in mind that while mason jars and candles are a cheap camping light option, they’re fragile and can break easily–so they aren’t a great option if you’re hiking to your campsite. They can also present a flame hazard, so you shouldn’t use these in or near your tent (or near any other flammable items).

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are another favorite light source among campers of all ages. These versatile lights come in a variety of shapes and colors and can be used in a number of creative ways to create a fun atmosphere for your campsite after dark.

Staking in the Ground

Tripping is never enjoyable, and it’s a lot easier to trip when it’s dark out. Prevent tripping and avoidable injuries by sticking glow sticks in the ground to mark tent ropes and stakes, exposed tree roots, coolers, and other objects that can present a hazard in the dark.

In Jars & Bottles

Glow stick lanterns are cheap, easy, and effective. Any mason jars or old bottles will work, simply fill them with water and place an activated glow stick inside before sealing. These lanterns aren’t as bright as more traditional lanterns, but the water amplifies the light and they’ll glow for about 12 hours. They’re also safe and fun to illuminate the inside of your tent with, which is an advantage over candles and fuel-based lights. (A battery-powered LED bulb can be used instead of a glow stick in a mason jar with a similar effect).

Hanging Glowsticks from Trees

Suspending glow sticks overhead from tree branches is another fun way to spice up your camping trip. All you need is some string, a few glow sticks, and some branches overhead. Run the string through the glowsticks and toss them over the branches–just be sure to remove them and the rope before departing. If you have enough glow sticks you can even make a glow stick chandelier!

Glow Stick Fun & Games

In addition to providing relaxing and fun ambient lighting, glow sticks can also be great for evening game time! From bowling to frisbee, there are dozens of ways to use glowsticks to add even more fun to your trip. Make up your own games, or get some inspiration from our Camping Glow Stick Party Games guide.

Tiki Torches

Tiki torches can serve multiple purposes in your campsite–not only are they a fun source of light that can make your trip more relaxing, they can also help keep away bugs when filled with citronella-infused torch fuel. Standard size tiki torches can be a bit tall and cumbersome, so they may not be a great choice if you’re planning on hiking to your campsite or if you’re limited on space for any reason.

However, there are mini tiki torches that are created for table tops that give off a similar vibe–while being easier to carry and transport. Just keep in mind that any size tiki torch can present a fire hazard, so it’s important to keep them away from tents, trees, bushes, and other flammable objects; be sure to extinguish them before you leave through your campsite.

Citronella Candles

Alternatively (or in addition) to tiki torches, citronella candles are another popular and effective light source for your campsite. The wicks tend to be much smaller so they won’t burn as bright as tiki torches, but they’re great for illuminating your table to eat, play card games, read, etc. They also tend to be more portable than tiki torches (even the mini torches), and can help repel mosquitos and other pesky insects.

String Lights

String lights are another common lighting solution that you can use around your campsite to create a fun, bright, and relaxing atmosphere. These camping string lights are generally made up of a series of LED light bulbs or incandescent bulbs, and are powered by either battery, solar light, or a standard wall outlet plug.

Christmas lights are a common form of string light, and they’re a popular lighting solution as far as camping string lights go. If you celebrate Christmas or any other holiday where you hang lights around your house, you can save some and spruce up your campsite with them instead of buying all new lights! If you don’t, however, these lights are fairly cheap and can really add to your camping experience.

If you’re going to bring these types of lights, it never hurts to have an extra LED bulb or two to replace a burned bulb (or an incandescent bulb or two if using incandescent lighting).

Battery-Powered String Lights

Alkaline batteries can efficiently power string lights of varying sizes for all or most of an evening. Be sure to read the box of the lights you want to bring on your trip to ensure you have enough batteries (and consider rechargeable batteries if you can utilize solar light panels to recharge them during the day).

Generally, incandescent battery-powered string lights can last between 6-12 hours with C or D batteries, and 4-6 hours on a pair of AA batteries. LED string lights can last for 16-24 hours on a set of AA batteries depending on their length and number of bulbs.

If you’re going to use battery-powered string lights, calculate your you estimated total hours of usage and bring enough AA battery, C, or D battery replacements to last through your trip.

Solar-Powered String Lights

Some string lights have solar panels built in so you can harness the power of the sun with minimal effort. Just make sure that you place the panels in sunny locations and be aware that if the forecast is projecting cloudy days it won’t be able to charge as quickly or as well, which means your lights may not last quite as long through the evenings.

If your lights use a plain power outlet plug and you have a nearby power source (such as an RV or camper, or if you’re car camping) you may be able to power them and keep your string lights running from dusk until bed time that way. If not, you can purchase a solar power battery bank and plug your lights into it.

Rope Lights

Rope lights are a great alternative to, or supplement for, string lights. They’re low-power, easy to hang around your campsite (wrap them around tree trunks, branches, tables, and tents), come in a variety of colors, and hold up well against rain and the elements. They’re also affordable, portable, and reliable.

Similar to string lights, these lights can be incandescent or an LED strip and can be powered by batteries, solar power, or with power drawn from a camper.

Solar Camping Lights

Solar camping lights come in a variety of options, from lanterns to rope lights, string light options, LED strips, fixtures, and more.

You may prefer a solar powered lantern over a battery operated lantern, which can help save on battery and fuel costs over time. But if you have other lights that aren’t solar light, you can utilize a solar panel and power banks to capture and store energy during the day, while plugging your lights in at night. Alternatively (or in addition), you can bring along rechargeable batteries and charge them during the day with your solar panels.

Fortunately solar panels are cheap and portable, so they’re worth the small investment if you can work them into your budget. Here’s an overview of the best portable solar panels available.

Dangers of Propane and Gas Lights

While fuel-burning light sources can be handy, it’s important to stay alert and safe when utilizing them. Popular choices such as a Coleman lantern can provide a lot of light, but using them in your tent or in a confined space can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. These fumes are colorless and odorless, making them even more dangerous.

Additionally, this type of camping lantern uses a flame to create light, so there’s always a fire hazard present. Because of this, it’s important to extinguish these lanterns when you aren’t near them.

Lighting Inside Your Tent

Campsite lighting ideas don’t apply exclusively to your campgrounds–you’ll want to light up your tent as well! Sure, you could scrape by with nothing but a handheld flashlight or headlamp to illuminate your tent when you need to rummage through your camping gear after dark, but camping should be a comfortable experience, and there’s better ways to enjoy your time in your tent.

As mentioned earlier, a camping lantern is a great way to illuminate your tent (as long as it’s electric or or solar powered), or you can go with glow sticks or other safe sources of light. However, it’s worth checking the best tent lighting options on the market, as some have an LED camping light along with extra features to make your tent more comfortable.

Investing in an LED camping light solution for your tent can make it feel less like a temporary shelter & more like a home.

Lighting When You’re on the Go

Whether you plan on doing some hiking, want to explore the current area, or need to scavenge around for more firewood as the sun is setting, having some powerful, lightweight & portable lighting is important. Ideally you’ll have one or more flashlights on hand, and a headlamp to help when you need to use both hands (gathering firewood, etc.).

Click here for a list of the best flashlight options on the market, and click here for an overview of the best headlamps available.

Campsite Lighting Ideas: Wrapping Up

As you can see from the options outlined above, you have a lot of choices when it comes to illuminating your campgrounds on your next adventure. With a little planning ahead you can decide which types of camping lighting will work best (if you’re car camping or staying in an RV or camper you’ll have more options than if you’re hiking, for example). The key is to be creative and factor in how much energy you’ll need to keep the lights on and decide which types of power sources will work best for your outdoor lighting. If you’re going to use battery power for your lights, make sure you have enough alkaline batteries, and the right size batteries (don’t bring an AA battery if you need C or D, etc.). If you’re planning on using solar power, make sure you have enough solar panels and power banks to store up energy.