10 Best Camping Lights and Lanterns for Campfire Families
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When spending time outdoors, especially during camping trips, having reliable lighting is essential for safety and convenience. Whether you need to navigate in the dark, cook meals after sunset, or create a cozy atmosphere in your tent, the right camping lights and lanterns can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the ten best camping lights and lanterns for outdoorsy families, ensuring you have the best options for your next adventure.
Table of Contents
Quick Glance
| Light/Lantern | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern | Best Overall | 400 lumens, rechargeable, USB port, adjustable brightness, long battery life |
| Black Diamond Apollo Lantern | Best for Versatility | 250 lumens, dimming function, USB rechargeable, collapsible legs, lightweight |
| Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern | Best Budget | Compact, water-resistant, 30 LEDs, long battery life, collapsible design |
| BioLite BaseLantern XL | Best High-Tech | Bluetooth control, 500 lumens, USB rechargeable, power bank, compact design |
| Etekcity 4 Pack LED Lanterns | Best Value | 4-pack, 360-degree lighting, durable, battery-operated, collapsible |
| Streamlight Siege AA Lantern | Best for Durability | 200 lumens, water-resistant, impact-resistant, multiple modes, long battery life |
| LuminAID PackLite Nova USB | Best Solar-Powered | Solar and USB rechargeable, 75 lumens, lightweight, inflatable, waterproof |
| Coleman Twin LED Lantern | Best for Brightness | 390 lumens, battery-operated, long runtime, durable, adjustable brightness |
| LE LED Camping Lantern | Best for Portability | 1000 lumens, rechargeable, lightweight, multiple modes, compact design |
| UCO Original Candle Lantern | Best Classic | Candle-powered, 9-hour burn time, collapsible, durable, cozy ambiance |
1. Best Overall: Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
- Six different light colours
- Collapsible
- Compact
The Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern is our top pick for its versatility and reliability. With 400 lumens, this rechargeable lantern offers adjustable brightness and a long battery life. It also features a USB port for charging devices, making it an excellent choice for family camping trips.
2. Best for Versatility: Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
- 3 watt LED with dual reflectors shine through a telescoping frosted globe for bright, even light
- Powered by 4 AA batteries or Black Diamond NRG Recharge Kit
- Unique dimmer switch and battery-life indicator
The Black Diamond Apollo Lantern is perfect for families seeking versatile lighting. It offers 250 lumens of light with a dimming function, is USB rechargeable, and has collapsible legs for easy storage. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for camping.
3. Best Budget: Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern
- BRIGHT & LASTING – Equipped with 30 crazy bright LEDs, this compact lantern cuts through 360 degrees of darkness on the …
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT – Collapsible design that reduces or increases the light as you collapse or expand the lantern. Wh…
- WATERPROOF – Constructed with military grade materials, your lantern is able to survive a 10-foot drop and being tempora…
The Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lanterns provide great value. These compact, water-resistant lanterns feature 30 LEDs, offering bright light and long battery life. Their collapsible design ensures easy storage and portability.
4. Best High-Tech: BioLite BaseLantern XL
The BioLite BaseLantern XL is a high-tech option with Bluetooth control and 500 lumens of light. It’s USB rechargeable and doubles as a power bank for your devices. Its compact design and advanced features make it a standout choice.
5. Best Value: Etekcity 4 Pack LED Lanterns
- 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 & 𝑫𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆: Equipped with 30 bright LED bulbs, this lantern can get as bright as 154 lumens with a 360° lighting …
- 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 & 𝑳𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕: With its collapsible design, the lantern is portable like a smartphone which makes it an ideal ca…
- 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝑼𝒔𝒆: Simply collapse or expand the lantern turn it on/off. You can also control the amount of light emmitted by …
The Etekcity 4 Pack LED Lanterns offer exceptional value with 360-degree lighting and a durable build. Battery-operated and collapsible, these lanterns are perfect for families needing multiple lights for their campsite.
6. Best for Durability: Streamlight Siege AA Lantern
- Multiple Light Modes. White LED, Red LED
- Removable, polycarbonate, glare-reducing cover provides soft, even 360° light distribution; Comfortable to use in close …
- Night vision preserving mode extends run time for emergency preparedness
The Streamlight Siege AA Lantern is built to withstand tough conditions. With 200 lumens, it’s water-resistant, impact-resistant, and offers multiple lighting modes. Its long battery life makes it reliable for extended trips.
7. Best Solar-Powered: LuminAID PackLite Nova USB
- Bright solar powered lantern with 75 lumens of LED light. Multiple brightness settings make it a perfect indoor or outdo…
- Lightweight, inflatable, collapsible, waterproof (IP67), shatterproof, and dustproof. Completely safe for children.
- Great for camping, hiking, fishing, emergency preparedness, patio parties/picnics, fun in the pool, and more. Makes a pe…
The LuminAID PackLite Nova USB is an excellent solar-powered option. It provides 75 lumens of light and can be recharged via solar or USB. Lightweight, inflatable, and waterproof, it’s perfect for eco-conscious families.
8. Best for Brightness: Coleman Twin LED Lantern
- Built-in lithium ion rechargeable battery
- USB charging port to charge your mobile devices (USB cord included)
- 120V charger lets you easily charge the lantern from any home outlet
The Coleman Twin LED Lantern delivers up to 390 lumens of bright light. Battery-operated with a long runtime and adjustable brightness, it’s durable and suitable for illuminating large areas.
9. Best for Portability: LE LED Camping Lantern
- High Brightness & Dimmable: Long press the button to adjust brightness up to 1000 lumen, suitable for reading or illumin…
- 4 Lighting Modes: Short press the button to switch light modes (daylight white, warm white, full brightness, flashing).
- Long Battery Life: Powered by 3pcs D alkaline batteries (not included), it can last 12 hours even under 1000 lumen brigh…
The LE LED Camping Lantern offers 1000 lumens of light in a compact and portable design. It’s rechargeable, lightweight, and has multiple modes, making it a versatile option for any camping trip.
10. Best Classic: UCO Original Candle Lantern
- VALUE PACK INCLUDES: UCO Original Candle Lantern, 3-pack of UCO 9-Hour Candles and protective fleece bag
- ADVENTURE-READY DESIGN: Collapsible lantern collapses down to 4.25 inches tall; Lightweight, durable aluminum constructi…
- SAFE, RELIABLE LIGHTING: Spring-loaded tube keeps candle flame at optimal height
The UCO Original Candle Lantern provides a classic, cozy ambiance with its candle-powered light. It offers a 9-hour burn time, is collapsible, and durable, perfect for families seeking a traditional camping experience.
Final Words
Selecting the right camping lights and lanterns is crucial for ensuring safety and enhancing the outdoor experience for your family. The options listed above cater to various needs, from high-tech and solar-powered options to budget-friendly and classic designs. Consider your family’s specific needs and camping style to choose the best lighting solution for your adventures.
