Essential Campsite Lighting

A Guide to Nighttime Adventure

There's nothing quite like camping under the stars. The only downside? Trying to navigate a dark campsite without breaking an ankle. Fear not, because with a little preparation, you can light up your campsite like the stars above.

In this guide, we'll cover the essential camping lights you need to make your next trip a success, from lanterns to headlamps. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, we've got you covered with the essentials for your campsite lighting needs.

Lanterns

A good lantern is an essential piece of camping gear. It provides light for the entire campsite, so you can cook, play games, or just sit around the campfire. Lanterns come in many shapes and sizes, from small, battery-powered models to large, propane-powered behemoths.

If you're car camping, go for a larger lantern with a bright LED bulb. These lanterns are typically powered by propane or batteries, and they provide a lot of light. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the manufacturer's guidelines, as propane lanterns can be dangerous if used improperly.

If you're backpacking, consider a compact, battery-powered lantern. These lanterns are lightweight and easy to pack, and they still provide enough light for you to cook and see what you're doing.

Headlamps

Headlamps are an incredibly useful piece of camping gear. They free up your hands so you can cook, set up your tent, or take a night hike. Headlamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small, lightweight models to large, high-powered lights.

When choosing a headlamp, consider the brightness and battery life. You want a light that is bright enough to see by, but not so bright that it drains the battery quickly. Also, consider the weight of the headlamp and whether or not it is comfortable to wear.

String lights

String lights (my partners favourite) add a touch of ambiance to any campsite. They are great for wrapping around trees, your tent, or even the picnic table. String lights come in a variety of lengths and styles, from simple white lights to multi-colored lights that can change patterns.

When choosing string lights, consider the length and power source. You want lights that are long enough to wrap around your campsite, but not so long that they are difficult to pack. String lights can be powered by batteries or plug into an outlet or even 12v, so choose what works best for your camping setup.

Flashlights

Every camper should have a reliable flashlight. They are great for finding your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night or for taking a nighttime hike. Flashlights come in many shapes and sizes, from small, keychain-sized lights to large, heavy-duty flashlights.

When choosing a flashlight, consider the brightness and battery life. You want a light that is bright enough to see by, but not so bright that it drains the battery quickly. Also, consider the size and weight of the flashlight and whether or not it is comfortable to carry.

Candles

Candles are a great way to add a little of light to your campsite without adding much weight to your pack. They are also great for creating a cozy atmosphere. Just be sure to follow campfire restrictions and only use candles in designated areas or in a fire pit.

When choosing candles, consider the size and type. Small, votive candles are easy to pack and provide a reasonable amount of light, while larger candles can provide more light for a longer period of time. You can also choose between scented and unscented candles, depending on your personal preference. While candles can be a great option, I personally prefer to use the campfire as one giant candle. Plus, you don't have to pack it!

12V Lighting

If you're car camping, you might want to consider 12V lighting. This type of lighting is powered by your vehicle's battery and is a great way to bring a bit of luxury to your campsite. 12V lights come in many shapes and sizes, from simple interior lights to full-fledged outdoor lighting systems.

One great advantage of 12V lighting is that you can use it for extended periods of time without worrying about battery life. This makes it ideal for longer camping trips where you need a reliable source of light.

Another benefit of 12V lighting is that you can choose between warm white and cool white lights, depending on your personal preference. However, if you want to reduce the number of bugs attracted to your campsite, it is recommended to use warm white or amber lights. These colours have been shown to attract fewer insects than cool white lights.

So whether you're looking to light up your campsite for a late-night game of cards or just to create a cozy atmosphere, 12V lighting is a great option. Just be sure to bring a battery charger or extra batteries, in case your vehicle's battery runs low.

Solar Lighting

If you're camping in a remote area where there's no access to power, solar lighting might be the way to go. Solar lights use the energy from the sun to power the lights, so you don't have to worry about running out of batteries or finding an outlet.

There are many types of solar lights available, from small lanterns to larger lighting systems. Some lights come with built-in solar panels, while others require a separate solar panel. Either way, solar lights are a great way to keep your campsite lit without having to worry about running out of power.

One great advantage of solar lighting is that it is eco-friendly. You don't have to worry about consuming limited resources or contributing to pollution. And since the sun is a renewable resource, you can use solar lights as much as you want, without having to worry about running out of power.

Another advantage of solar lighting is that it's easy to set up. Just place the lights in a sunny area during the day and they'll be ready to use at night. And since there are no wires or cables, you don't have to worry about tripping or getting tangled up.

So, if you're looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to light up your campsite, solar lighting is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to choose lights with a good battery life and a strong, bright light, so you can see what you're doing at night.

In Conclusion

With the right lighting, you can make your campsite feel like home, no matter where you are. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, there's a lighting solution for you. Just be sure to choose lights that are bright enough, have a good battery life, and are comfortable to use. And most importantly, always follow fire restrictions and be safe when using candles or other open flame sources.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to light up your next camping trip, it's time to grab your gear and hit the trails.

Happy camping!