Outdoor camping lights are essential elements of any camping trip to provide safety, functionality, and ambiance. Innovative lighting solutions can provide enough brightness and create a unique ambiance to make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable and memorable. In this blog, these are 10 creative campsite lighting ideas inspired by Glitzcamp to brighten your camping nights.
Camp Lighting Setup: Things You Should Consider
Setting up your camping with lights is not an easy thing to do. You need to think about where you need lighting, when you’re gonna need it, and how you’re gonna use your camp light. In the wild, some of the easiest things to worry about also include waterproofing and insect plagues.
Don’t fret – we’ll cover it. First, let’s ask yourself where you need to set up lighting when camping.
Lighting Uses
Depending on your camping preferences, you may be more inclined to spend a lot of time around your campsite or inside your tent. This means that you can be selective about the lighting you set up in these two places. For example, for those who are rarely outside at night, you can set up brighter solar powered lanterns or string lights inside your tent and set up weak campsite lights around your tent.
Flashlights or headlamps are always needed as you will most likely go out to the restroom. They are handy and don’t affect your night vision with low lumen.
Lighting Supply and Camping Methods
Before heading out to your campsite, you need to check how the lights are connected. Some campgrounds and RVs provide electrical hookups, so you don’t have to worry about the power of camp lights.
But some wilderness campground does not have fixed power sources. For such cases, choose solar powered lighting or battery powered ones as your options. Among them, solar powered lighting is influenced more by the weather. It may be undercharged in cloudy weather, so it could be used as a campsite decorating idea for mood light rather than bright light.
For battery-powered lighting, you need to consider the battery storage capacity. So it’s best to have some extra batteries just in case.
Waterproofness
Some areas are prone to sudden rainfall. Even if it is cloudy, you will inevitably occasionally come across wet weather outdoors. Therefore, choose a water-resistant or waterproof outdoor camping light. After all, some low-quality, non-waterproof campsite lights may have safety issues such as short-circuiting or leakage when exposed to moisture.
It is safe to check the IP protection rating of the camping light, and it is better to choose a camping light with an IPX4 rating and above to ensure adequate waterproofing.
Insects Prevention
In the outdoors, the brighter the light, the easier it is to attract bugs. Besides, strong white light is also highly attractive to bugs. So it is recommended to choose low-lumen white, amber, or red as the main light source of the camp lights because these colors have little attraction to the bugs.
Does Camp Lights Need to Be Highly Bright?
Illuminate the campground with a strong light in all directions. Sounds great, right? As mentioned above, if you were to do this, all the bugs in the area would run over your campsite, which is undoubtedly awful.
Excessively bright camp lighting can also stimulate your eyes and make you unable to see what’s around you. So, a moderately bright light is more likely to give you a better view of your surroundings and the night sky. Choose soft camping lights with adjustable brightness and with red or amber color settings. These lights attract fewer bugs and also add warmth to the ambiance of the campfire.
Before going over the different campsite lighting ideas, let’s list some nice lighting matches to go with the campfire. After reading the sections below, you will see the reasons why these work to set up your camping with lights:
- Battery-supplied headlamp or flashlight for nighttime activities + waterproof solar-powered LED lanterns around the campsite (can be hung from trees or sidewalks) + decorative small lanterns inside the tent
- Red LED flashlight or headlamp for night tasks + ambient string lights + solar lanterns inserted on the tent floor
A mix and match would be a better camp lights setup. Not just the above, the specific light source you choose depends on your needs and budget.
1. Solar Powered Lanterns
Solar-powered lanterns are ideal campground lighting for reducing your carbon footprint while ensuring reliable lighting throughout the night. These lanterns often come with various brightness settings and can also serve as charging stations for small electronic devices. Some models are easy to pack and carry because of their collapsibility, which is suitable for backpackers on a budget.
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Lighweight and compact
- Provide brightness and mood match with the campfire
Tips for Placement:
- Place the lantern in the place that gets the most sunlight during the day to ensure a charge that will illuminate your campsite during the night time.
- Use them to light up key areas like the entrance, dining area, and pathways.
Popular Brands:
- Goal Zero
- MPOWERD
- LuminAID
2. Campground String Lights
Campground string lights are one of the campsite lighting ideas that can add a charming touch to your campsite. They are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various colors and designs, creating a perfect ambiance. Some models also come with remote controls or timers for added convenience.
One of the cheap options is LED string lights. It’s lightweight, energy efficient, and usually has a long lifespan, so you don’t have to worry about consuming too much power either. It is often recommended to use battery-supplied LED string lights, which you can hang on the tree to serve as a decorative ambiance. And take it down while you are sleeping. This will also help you avoid disturbing your neighbors.
Versatility: It is perfect for decorating tents, trees, and campfire areas.
Decorating Ideas:
- Drape around the tent’s entrance.
- Wrap around trees to create a magical canopy.
- String above the campfire for a festive look.
Safety Tips:
- Ensure lights are waterproof.
- Using battery-powered or solar-powered optionsto avoid hookup connections, which require extended cords.
3. Portable Battery-operated Lights
Portable battery-operated lights are essential for mobility around the campsite. They are easy to pack and perfect for unexpected situations or moving around after dark. Some battery-operated lanterns also have hooks or magnetic bases for versatile placement options.
Types:
- Lanterns
- Flashlights
- Headlamps
Benefits:
- Highly portable and convenient.
- Ideal for areas without access to solar power.
Recommendations:
- Use rechargeable batteries for sustainability.
- Opt for LED lights for longer battery life and better brightness.
4. Firefly Jars
A firefly jar is one of the fun and creative DIY camping lighting ideas. As the name implies, it mimics the lighting effect of fireflies. The inside of the transparent jar can be a DIY option to put LED lights or solar lights to create unique camping with lights. And because of the cover, such a design is quite friendly to the eyes at night without having to look directly at the light source.
They are easy to make and can be customized with different jar styles and light colors. For added variety, you can use colored LED lights or jars with decorative patterns.
🎈DIY Guide
Materials Needed: Mason jars, LED fairy lights, batteries.
Instructions:
- Place the LED fairy lights inside the mason jar.
- Secure the battery pack to the jar lid.
- Close the jar and place it around the campsite.
Placement Suggestions:
- Scatter around the campsite for a whimsical ambiance.
- Use as table centerpieces inside the tent.
5. Glow Sticks and LED Bracelets
Glow sticks and LED bracelets are inexpensive and easy to use. They are perfect for keeping track of children and pets in the dark. They won’t be overly bright but still allow you to see clearly. They also come in various colors and sizes, allowing creative decoration and adding a festive touch to any outdoor camping and gathering.
Uses: Nighttime visibility and fun decoration.
Decor Tips:
- Hang glow sticks from tent poles.
- Use LED bracelets to mark pathways.
Safety Precautions:
- Ensure glow sticks are non-toxic.
- Dispose of them properly after use.
6. Campfire Lights
An artificial campfire light is ideal for areas with fire restrictions. They provide the same cozy glow without the risk of wildfires, a great alternative for responsible camping with lights. Some models even simulate the flickering effect of real flames for a more authentic experience.
Safe Alternatives:
- Propane fire pits
- LED flame lights
Traditional Campfire vs. Artificial Campfire Lights
- Traditional Campfires: Authentic experience, requires wood and maintenance. It’s full of warmth and ambiance and is great for cooking.
- Artificial Campfire Lights: Safer, easier to manage, and with less environmental impact.
7. Pathway Lightings
Pathway lighting, such as tiki torches, kerosene lamps, and solar stakes, is a great camping lighting idea. They are cheap and affordable and have a knack for creating a campground atmosphere. Among them, solar stakes are a popular choice due to their ease of installation and low maintenance.
If you like to chat, drink, and play trivia games with friends and family outside your camping tent, then your campsite lighting ideas cannot be without path lighting for safe navigation.
Creative Ideas:
- Solar stakes
- LED markers
- Tiki torches
- Krosene lamps
Installation Tips:
- Space lights evenly along pathways.
- Ensure lights are sturdy, weather resistant, and waterproof.
8. Hanging Lanterns
Hanging lanterns can transform your campsite into a cozy, picturesque setting. They come in various styles and can be a focal point of your campsite decor. Consider using lanterns with LED candles for a safe and flickering effect, and choose a hanging lantern with a clip on top. These clip lights are designed to hang the lights on the tree or tent poles easily.
Styles:
- Moroccan
- Vintage
- Modern
Hanging Techniques:
- Use sturdy branches or tent poles.
- Secure with strong, weather-resistant hooks, clips, and ropes.
- Hang the lanterns as high as possible in the tree to provide plenty of light.
9. Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are versatile and easy to install, with delicate, small designs. They are perfect for creating a dreamy, magical ambiance, and the campsite will feel like a fairy tale. Some models come with remote controls or multiple lighting modes for added customization.
Setup Ideas:
- Weave into tree branches.
- Line tent edges.
- Drape over seating areas.
Power Supply: Choose solar-powered or battery-operated versions for eco-friendliness.
10. Headlamps and Hands-Free Lighting
Headlamps are essential for any camper, providing hands-free lighting for nighttime camping activities. They are particularly useful for tasks that require both hands, such as setting up a tent, preparing food, and going to the shower and toilet. High-quality headlamps are reliable tools in various conditions because they are water-resistant and durable. They are the best campground lighting ideas for 2-person or 3-person camping to reduce attention and bug infestation.
Advantages:
- Provides focused illumination while keeping hands free.
- Easy to carry
- Cheap and easy to set up
Recommendations:
- Select headlamps with adjustable brightness and long battery life.
- Choose low-lumen white, amber, or red headlamps.
Best Practices:
- Use for tasks requiring precise lighting, such as cooking or reading.
- Keep a spare set of batteries handy.
Conclusion
From the environmental protection of solar-powered lanterns to the dreamy charm of fairy lights, there are numerous ways to light up your campsite. By referring to these 10 creative campsite lighting ideas, your camping experience will make a difference. Try different options to find the best solution that fits your camping style and creates a magical outdoor atmosphere.
If you want to build your own campsite with lights and start a campsite business, contact Glitzcamp. With 10 years of experience as a luxury camping solution service provider, we specialize in tent production and provide comprehensive campsite planning services to let your guests be satisfied.
FAQs About Campsite Lighting Ideas
What Are the Best Ways to Light Up Your Campsite?
When camping, especially at night, setting up safe and comfortable lighting can avoid unexpected situations. Below, we have collected the best ways to illuminate your camping. We recommend a reasonable combination of different cam[ lights to make it convenient and worry-free for you to go around the camp, in the tent and out for activities.
- Solar powered lanterns
- Campground string lights
- Portable battery-operated Lights
- Firefly jars
- Glow sticks and LED bracelets
- Campfire lights
- Pathway lighting
- Haning lanterns
- Fairy lights
- Headlamps
- Flashlights
- Solar powered lamps
What Is the Best Lighting for Camping?
From the perspective of protecting night vision, avoiding affecting neighbors, and reducing attracting insects, the best lighting for camping is low-lumen white light, amber light, red light headlamps and flashlights, etc.
How Many Lumens Do I Need for Camping at Night?
The higher the lumen, the brighter the light. As mentioned above, too bright lighting can cause some bad problems. Generally, 200-300 lumen headlamps and flashlights can be used for nighttime camping activities. 100-200 lumen flashlights can be used in tents.
For brighter lighting around campsites, 300-600 lumens is enough, not dazzling, and provides a certain amount of lighting to prevent you from tripping or getting lost.
