Camping lights

Which camping lights do you need for your trip?

Start by thinking about what you actually do after dark. Do you need wide light for cooking and board games, a directed beam for walking to the facilities, or even lighting inside your sleeping area? A simple approach is to pack two layers: one “area light” and one “personal light”. A lantern covers the table, porch, or windbreak area, while a headlamp keeps your hands free for zips, guy lines, and late-night tidying.

Pay attention to brightness (lumens), beam style (wide versus focused), and how you control the light. Multiple light modes are useful because you can lower output to save power, or switch to a warmer tone for a more relaxed feel. Water resistance matters too: if you often cook outside or leave your light hanging overnight, look for an IP rating that suits typical British weather.

Camping lights for tent: what makes good tent lights?

Inside a tent, the most suitable light is usually the one that feels even and practical. Harsh glare from a single point can make it harder to find small items, while a soft, spread-out glow makes the space easier to live in. That is why LED strip solutions work so well as tent lights: they brighten a larger area and reduce shadows when you are organising sleeping bags, changing clothes, or settling children.

A great example is the Twinflower Tent Light, a 150 cm LED strip in a polyester sleeve that attaches with hook-and-loop backing and textile patches. It is USB-C powered, has stepped dimming up to 950 lumens, and an IP65 rating for confidence with condensation and splashes. Once you have your lighting sorted, it is easier to plan your full sleep setup with camping tents that include practical hanging points and roomy living areas for evening routines.

Do you want a lantern that is rechargeable or battery-powered?

Lanterns are the classic choice for camping tent lights because they are simple: stand one on a table, or hang one from a hook, and you instantly light the space where everyone gathers. The big decision is power. USB rechargeable lanterns suit weekends and trips where you can top up from a powerbank, while battery-powered models are reassuring when you prefer to carry spare AAs and keep going without charging.

In the easy camp range, the Starflower Lantern is a strong all-rounder: USB-C rechargeable, dimmable, with cool and warm light modes, and a 3600 mAh powerbank for topping up devices. If you like the same style but want a battery option, the Starflower AA Lantern runs on 4x AA batteries and still offers a dimmer plus warm/cool settings. For a compact rechargeable alternative, Polar Willow offers dimming and colour options up to 200 lumens. For relaxed evenings, it also helps to pair your lantern with a stable surface from camping furniture so meals and games feel easier and more organised.

Camping lights: are headlamps worth packing, even on a family campsite?

Yes, and not only for hiking. A headlamp is often the most-used camping light because it follows your gaze and frees both hands. It is ideal when you arrive late, pitch in fading light, or need to find the torch pocket, pegs, or a dropped tent toggle without waking everyone up. Headlamps are also lightweight, so keeping one per person (or at least one spare) is a practical habit.

Look for comfort, simple controls, and multiple light modes. The Crowberry Headlamp includes a sensor switch for hands-free control and offers modes such as high/low output, COB lighting, plus red and red strobe. Red light is useful when you want to preserve night vision and keep glare down inside the sleeping area. For straightforward, battery-powered options, Foxglove uses 3x AAA batteries, while Clover is ultra-small and runs on 2x CR2032, making it a handy just-in-case light in a pocket or wash bag.

How can LED strips and light chains change the feel of your camp lights?

If you want lighting that does more than “on or off”, LED strips and light chains are an easy upgrade. They let you shape the atmosphere around your pitch while still being practical for cooking, reading, and keeping an eye on children. A light chain around the porch or along an awning edge also helps everyone see guy lines and step points, which can reduce trips and stumbles.

The Lupin Stringlight Lantern combines a lantern with a 9-metre light chain stored inside, so you can hang it up, then pull out the string lights to spread light across the area. It is rechargeable via USB-C input, includes multiple modes (from warm yellow to cool white and mixed settings), and also works as a small powerbank. If you prefer a simple, battery-driven option, the Blur Light Chain uses 3x AA batteries and features 15 bulb-shaped LED lights with an easy on/off setup. Both options suit anyone who wants flexible lights for camping without complicated rigging.

Ready to pack your camping light kit?

A good kit is usually simple: one lantern for the communal area, one personal headlamp, and optional tent lighting (like a strip) if you want more comfort. Add a light chain if you spend a lot of time outside in the evenings. Before you leave, check charging cables (USB-C for many models), pack spare batteries if you use AA/AAA lights, and test the modes so you know how to dim quickly. It is also worth thinking about where the light will sit or hang, and whether you need a higher IP rating for damp conditions.

If you want to round out the rest of your essentials at the same time, browse camping accessories to build a setup that feels tidy and user-friendly. When you are ready, choose your camping lights in our shop, or contact easy camp for guidance on picking the right lantern, headlamp, LED strip, or light chain for your next trip.