Every camper needs a good portable light source – it’s absolutely essential for navigating a campsite in the dark.
The best camping lights are fitted with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). They give off really bright light and have great battery life.You’ll find LED camping lanterns and lights in a variety of sizes, from head torches to keep your hands free, all the way to solar powered lanterns to light up your interior all night long.
The different types of camping lights and lanterns
Gas lanterns
Many campers choose a traditional gas lantern for their camping light source. These come in a variety of sizes and qualities.
Gas lanterns are powered by small disposable cartridges filled with Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), normally butane or propane or sometimes a cocktail of both.
Any gas equipment has its dangers but if it’s used sensibly it has a remarkably good safety record. Nevertheless, manufacturers still recommend you don’t use a gas lantern inside your tent.
Liquid fuel lanterns
The main brand supplying liquid fuel lanterns is Coleman and not surprisingly the fuel is called Coleman fuel. In fact, Coleman fuel is simply a very clean version of the same unleaded petrol you probably put in your car.
If you buy Coleman fuel in small cans in a camping shop you’ll find it quite expensive. If you fill up at the local petrol pump it’s certainly the cheapest way of lighting your camp.
Electric lanterns
Electric lanterns can run off ordinary batteries, rechargeable ones or an inbuilt rechargeable power pack. This power pack can be charged from the mains, a 12V leisure battery in your car, using a winding handle, by solar power or – in some of the more pricey units – by any of these methods. Electric lanterns are simple and easy to use without the fuel challenges of gas or liquid fuel lights.
Please note: Any fuel burning appliance releases carbon monoxide (CO). To learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide and to ensure you have a safe camping trip, read our camping safety guide. If you’re planning on using petrol to power your camping lights it’s absolutely essential that you use a properly labelled and purpose built container to transport and store any unleaded petrol you use.
Here we have put together a list of the very best camping lights of 2023. Club members benefit from discounts at a number of outdoor retailers so ensure you visit your offers and discount or join the Club if you haven’t already.
1. Vango Lunar 250 Eco Recharge USB
Illuminate your nights with the Vango Lunar 250 Eco Power lantern, perfect for all types of camping. Featuring an in-built rechargeable battery with a USB output and eco solar panels to absorb energy you can charge your phone and tablet wherever you are.
Other brilliant features include a useful carry handle and compact size for portability and flexibility.
2. Coleman Northstar Lantern
The Coleman Northstar is an extremely durable and versatile liquid lantern that requires Coleman fuel or unleaded petrol. This lantern can run up to 7 hours on one bottle of Coleman fuel and has a light distance of 17m. It has an authentic design with a hanging handle and works best as a base camp lantern. It also is great for fishing and other uses.
Buy it here from £174.00
3. Edelrid – Bodhri – LED light
If you’re after a super small and compact light that will brighten up your tent from the inside, the Edelrid Bodhri LED light is a great option. Weighing in at only 90g, this tiny light may be small but that doesn’t make it any less mighty, with a max lumen of 185.
It is rechargeable and customer reviews praise its durability. The Bodhri LED light comes in 3 different light modes, including SOS mode and blink light.
Buy it from here from £49.95
4. Biolite AlpenGlow lantern 500
Light up your nights with the Biolite Alpenglow 500 rechargeable lantern, a versatile light source ideal for those starry nights spent camping outdoors. This product features sustainable ChromaReal LED technology which means you have control over both the brightness and colour of the bulb. Different modes of the Alpenglow 500 include a soft white, candle flick and single or multi-colour options.
The AlpenGlow 500 features a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 6400 mAh and produces an impressive 500 lumens, shining brightly for up to 5 hours.
Buy it here from £80.00
5. Campingaz Lumostar Plus PZ
Compact and lightweight, the Lumostar Plus PZ Camping Lantern is ideal for backpackers and trekkers. There is no need for a lighter or matches with the Lumostar Plus PZ as it has a built-in piezo ignition. The addition of an easy-clic cartridge connection system simplifies the process of changing cartridges and reduces any unnecessary steps.
The Campingaz Lumostar Plus PZ operates on Campingaz CV plus cartridges which must be purchased separately. It runs for 6 hours 20 minutes on CV300 Plus and up to 12 hours on CV470 Plus.
6. Eurohike 12 LED Lantern
If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly camping light, the Eurohike 12 LED Lantern is for you. This lantern offers 30 lumens of Mahjong Ways power and runs up to 12 hours. It also has a dimmer feature, meaning you can choose how bright you want it. You can opt for the lantern in either red or black.
Buy it here from £8.00
7. Biolite Headlamp 800 Pro
The Biolite Headlamp 800 pro is perfect for all the adventurers out there. Ultra-compact and water resistant, this headlamp is great for all sorts of after-dark outdoor activities, including cycling, climbing and trail running.
The headlamp has 800 lumens and a beam distance of 135m. It has easy-adjust clips to ensure you find the most comfortable fit and can wear the headlamp for as long as you need.