When I was a kid, nights spent camping with my family created some of my best memories. Every year, we camped with extended family members for a family reunion. One of my favorite things was sitting by the campfire singing Kumbaya and other folk songs. If you want to create some of the same types of memories, or if you just want to be able to see at night, you’re probably wondering how to light up a campsite at night.
Here are some fun and practical ways to light up your campsite:
- Assess your campsite
- Choose your lighting sources
- Create an ambiance with string lights
- Use lanterns for practical lighting
- Get creative with DIY lighting
- Stay safe with headlamps and flashlights
- Consider environmental impact
- Use reflective gear
- Keep it low
- Add a campfire
- Use natural light
- Test your setup
Assess Your Campsite
Before you start planning your lighting setup, take a look at your campsite and consider the terrain, vegetation, and layout. This will help you determine the best locations for lighting and the types of lighting that will work best.
Start by considering the location of your camper and the areas around it that will need lighting. For example, you may want to have lighting near your camper entrance, cooking area, or other frequently used areas.
Take note of any natural lighting sources, such as moonlight or stars, that will be available at your campsite. This can help you determine how much additional lighting you will need.
Consider the terrain of your campsite and any potential hazards or obstacles that could impact your lighting setup. If the ground is uneven or rocky, for example, you may need to use portable lighting sources that can be moved easily.
Take a look at the vegetation around your campsite and consider any potential hazards or obstacles. Trees can provide natural shade and shelter, but they can also block the light from your lighting sources. On the other hand, some of the best campsites have trees where you can hang string lights and lanterns.
If you plan to use electrical lighting sources, make sure to check if your campsite has electrical access. Some campsites may have outlets or other electrical connections available, while others may require you to bring your own portable power source.
Choose Your Lighting Sources
There are many different types of lighting you can use to illuminate your campsite, including string lights, lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps. Consider the pros and cons of each type of lighting and choose the ones that will work best for your needs.
Camping Lanterns
Lanterns are a popular choice for camping lighting because they provide bright, 360-degree lighting that can be easily moved around the campsite. There are several different types of lanterns available, including fuel-powered lanterns, battery-powered lanterns, and solar-powered lanterns.
Fuel-powered lanterns can provide long-lasting light, but they can be noisy and may require more maintenance than other types of lanterns. Plus, I always worry about the safety of fuel-powered lanterns. Especially for something you might want to hang on a tree.
Battery-powered lanterns are more convenient and easier to use, but they may not provide as much light as fuel-powered lanterns. We prefer rechargeable battery-powered equipment. Our favorite new brand is Olight. We got the Olight Olantern 360. It puts out quite a bit of light for its small size; 360 Lumens to be exact.
Solar-powered lanterns, like a Luci light, can come in handy. We put our on the dashboard of the truck to charge it up. I like it because you’re not searching for batteries to use. Plus, as long as you leave it on the dashboard, it’s ready to go – you don’t have to charge it. Plus, they are very compact when deflated. On the flip side, we have had a few of these get leaks and deflate.
Camping Flashlights
Flashlights are a reliable and versatile lighting source that can be used to light up specific areas or objects, such as your tent, campfire, or cooking area. They are also portable and can be carried with you when you’re out and about.
In addition to the Olamp lantern, we got an Olamp flashlight, the Warrior Mini 2. It gives off a ridiculous 1750 Lumens of light for such a small flashlight. It’s barely bigger than your hand. Plus, it’s rechargeable. For a flashlight, it’s pricy but built like a brick house.
Camping Headlamps
Both Black Diamond and Petzl are good brands of headlamps. My husband has the Petzl Rechargeable headlamp. You can get Petzl headlamps for your kids too.
Rechargeable Lights
Rechargeable lights are the way to go when camping. Leave the batteries behind. I have some rechargeable, motion-operated lights inside the cupboards in our camper, but you can easily use these outsides. They are magnetic. So you just attach them to any magnetic surface and viola! – You have light.
Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are a fun and inexpensive lighting option that can be used to provide a soft, colorful glow. They are often used to mark trails or identify tent stakes at night.
If you have kids, they’ll have a blast using glow sticks at camp.
Create an Ambiance with String Lights
String lights are a great way to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere at your campsite. Consider hanging them from trees, around your tent, or along your camping chairs. You can also wrap them around your camping stove or cooler for added functionality.
There are several types of string lights available, including battery-powered and solar-powered lights. Consider which type of string lights will work best for your needs based on the length of your trip, the amount of sunlight available, and the availability of power sources.
Make sure to choose string lights that are designed to be weather-resistant and can withstand the elements. This will help ensure that your lights stay lit, even in rain or wind.
Consider the placement of your string lights when setting up your campsite. You may want to hang them around the perimeter of your tent or drape them over a nearby tree or branch to create a cozy atmosphere.
Always follow proper safety precautions when using string lights. Make sure to hang them securely, away from flammable materials, and avoid leaving them unattended for long periods of time.
If you are using battery-powered string lights, make sure to bring extra batteries or a portable power bank to recharge them as needed. This will help ensure that your lights stay lit throughout your camping trip.
Camping Spot Lights
If you’re really serious and camping off the grid, you might need a spotlight. My husband bought one of these lights from Overland Vehicle Systems. It’s huge but packs down into a case. It’s also rechargeable. It works great for really dark nights when you need a spotlight. We use it when we are cooking dinner outside when it’s dark.
Get Creative with DIY Lighting
If you’re feeling crafty, consider creating your own DIY lighting solutions. You can use mason jars, tin cans, or even solar-powered garden lights to create unique and functional lighting for your campsite.
Mason jars can be turned into rustic lanterns by adding a tea light or LED light inside. You can decorate the outside of the jars with twine, lace, or other materials to give them a personalized touch.
Tin cans can also be repurposed as lanterns by puncturing holes in the sides and adding a tea light or LED light inside. These can be hung around your campsite to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
You can make your own solar lights by repurposing old mason jars or glass bottles and adding a solar-powered light inside. These can be placed around your campsite to provide soft, ambient lighting at night.
Rope lights can be used to create a unique and colorful lighting effect. You can wrap them around trees or other objects in your campsite to create a fun and festive atmosphere.
You can create your own firefly jars by filling a jar with battery-powered LED lights and adding a few sprigs of fake greenery or flowers. These can be placed around your campsite to create a magical and whimsical atmosphere. I made some of these for our wedding. They are super cute and maximize the campsite ambiance.
Campfire cones can be made by filling waffle cones with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and other goodies, and wrapping them in foil. These can be placed near your campfire to create a warm and inviting glow.
Consider Environmental Impact
When choosing your lighting sources, consider the environmental impact of each option. Opt for solar-powered or rechargeable batteries to minimize waste and reduce your carbon footprint.
Use Reflective Gear
In addition to lighting up your campsite, it’s important to make sure you are visible to others. Consider wearing reflective gear or adding reflective tape to your tent, camping chairs, and other gear to make sure you can be seen at night.
Keep it Low
While it can be tempting to light up your entire campsite, be mindful of your neighbors and the impact your lighting may have on their experience. Keep your lighting low and focused on your own campsite to avoid disturbing others.
To me, there is nothing worse than having a campsite neighbor who has bright lights and then has them on all night! Don’t be that person. Turn off your lights when you go to bed. If you’re worried about things that go bump in the night, get some motion-activated lights.
There are many options for soft lighting and dimmable lights. Dim the lights so that you can see, but you’re not blasting your neighbors or your retinas. Plus, soft light creates more ambiance than harsh, bright lights.
Add a Campfire
A campfire is not only a great source of warmth and light, but it also creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Just be sure to follow local fire regulations and keep your fire contained in a fire pit or designated area.
I have good memories have sitting around the campfire with my own kids, who are now grown. One of the fun things that we did around the fire, aside from roasting marshmallows, was to throw in some color packets. They call these things “Magical Flames Fire Color Changing Packets.” Basically, they are minerals that change the fire to different colors. They’re fun, but you can’t use them with a propane firepit.
We live in a high-fire danger area and often cannot have wood campfires. We still have a campfire though! We have a couple of propane fire pits that create ambiance and warmth.
Of the two, my favorite is the Ignik FireCan. It’s small, portable, and sips propane. Our other fire pit takes up a bunch of room in the truck, but the Idgnik FireCan folds up into a compact box for storage. It’s good for about four or five people around the fire. If you have more, you’ll need something bigger.
Use Natural Light
Don’t forget about the natural light available to you! Set up your tent in a location that will receive morning sun and consider leaving your tent flap open during the day to let in natural light.
Also, check out the lunar calendar to determine the phase of the moon before you go camping.
Test Your Setup
Before you head out on your camping trip, test your lighting setup at home to make sure everything is working properly. This will help you avoid any surprises or last-minute trips to the store.
It’ll be fun! Really.
Conclusion
Proper lighting is essential for a safe and enjoyable camping experience. There are various types of lighting options available for camping, including lanterns, flashlights, headlamps, and string lights. When choosing a lighting option, it is important to consider factors such as brightness, battery life, durability, and ease of use. Have fun and enjoy your campground ambiance.