When you go camping, it’s inevitable that you need lights to illuminate your tent as well as its surroundings. This not only helps you see things in the night and protect yourself but could also make your camping site more beautiful. And the string light is one of the best ways to do this.
Here are the best camping string lights (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best For A Retro Bistro Look (Solar String Lights): Brightech Ambience Pro-Waterproof Solar LED Outdoor String Lights
- Best For Pop Up Camper (Solar String Lights): jar-owl Solar 72FT 200 LED Fairy String Lights
- Energy-Efficient (Solar String Lights): MagicPro 15 LED Light Bulbs Solar String Light
- Best Overall (Electric String Lights): Guddl Outdoor String Lights 25ft
- Most Durable (Electric String Lights): ALOVECO LED String Lights, 18ft 50 LED Battery Powered
- Best For Camp Awning (Electric String Lights): Coleman LED String Lights, 10 Lanterns
| 6 Best Camping String Lights | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For A Retro Bistro Look | Brightech Ambience Pro-Waterproof Solar LED Outdoor String Lights
| |
Best For Pop Up Camper | jar-owl Solar 72FT 200 LED Fairy String Lights
| |
Energy-Efficient | MagicPro 15 LED Light Bulbs Solar String Light
| |
Best Overall | Guddl Outdoor String Lights 25ft
| |
Most Durable | ALOVECO LED String Lights, 18ft 50 LED Battery Powered
| |
Best For Camp Awning | Coleman LED String Lights, 10 Lanterns
| |
Best For A Retro Bistro Look (Solar String Lights): Brightech Ambience Pro-Waterproof Solar LED Outdoor String Lights
- Bright yet gentle and pleasant – 2700K of color temperature
- Heavy-duty & durable - WeatherTite technology application
- Reliable - backed by a full 3-year warranty
- A bit expensive
Vintage Edison bulbs are frequently seen in many Italian coffee shops. If you want to add that beautiful retro bistro look to your backyard parties, then this option is worth considering.
It is 27’ long and includes twelve 2700K warm white bulbs. The glow brings a gentle ambiance but is still bright enough for eating or grilling. It also holds up well against extreme weather conditions, thanks to the WeatherTite technology application.
In detail, these string lights can handle snow, rain, and strong winds up to 50MPH while the bulb shells are heat-resistant (up to 122 degrees F) and shatterproof. Each LED bulb has a lifespan of 20,000 hours and the whole product is backed by a full 3-year warranty.
One big bonus is that it’s powered by solar energy so no extra cost after purchasing plus it’s eco-friendly. The charging time required is only 6 hours and it still works with indirect sunlight. On a full charge, they can last up to 6 hours.
| Brightech Ambience Pro-Waterproof Solar LED Outdoor String Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 27’ |
Color Temperature | 2700k |
Charging Time | 6 hours |
Working Time | 5-6 hours |
Highlight Features | 2700K of color temperature WeatherTite technology application solar-powered backed by a full 3-year warranty |
Overall, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly, bright yet gentle, warm white camping string lights for a retro bistro look, we highly recommend this.
Best For Pop Up Camper (Solar String Lights): jar-owl Solar 72FT 200 LED Fairy String Lights
- Able to string around large items, like the awning on a pop-up camper – 72’ long
- Controllable – two switches & 8 lighting modes
- Convenient to use - a light sensor & memory function
- The LEDs are rather small to some people’s preference
- May not work on cloudy days
The jar-owl Solar 72FT 200 LED Fairy String Lights might be small in the look but they weren’t inferior to other counterparts in terms of brightness during our tests. And it comes in a perfect length to string around large items, like a pop-up camper.
The wire length between the solar panel and the first LED bulb is 6 feet, which is convenient to put the panel far away if you want.
Solar-powered so its assembly is pretty simple.
The best part of these camping string lights is the two separate switches including a power button and an 8-lighting-mode button. Besides, it’s constructed with a light sensor to automatically turn off at daytime so you can rest assured to keep it running overnight.
Ah, it also has a memory function. The price is incredible, under $20!
| jar-owl Solar 72FT 200 LED Fairy String Lights Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 72’ |
Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
Working Time | 8 hours |
Highlight Features | 72’ long two switches & 8 lighting modes a light sensor & memory function |
Designed to be moderately bright, durable, controllable, and also inexpensive, the jar-owl is our top recommendation for a pop-up camper.
Energy-Efficient (Solar String Lights): MagicPro 15 LED Light Bulbs Solar String Light
- Durable & long-lasting - waterproof IPX5 rated & shatterproof, weather-resistant bulbs
- Offer different glow effects – four lighting modes
- Expensive
- Might not work on cloudy days
The reason why we decided to choose this as the most energy-efficient option out of other solar-powered string lights is that it can run continuously up to 8 hours with a full charge. Moreover, it’s very bright amongst warm-white LED bulbs.
It offers four lighting modes for different glow effects, 44’ length to capably string around big things, and especially, a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
There’s a good point for such confidence of MagicPro – their products are waterproof IPX5 rated and the bulbs are shatterproof with high weather-resistance properties.
| MagicPro 15 LED Light Bulbs Solar String Light Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 44’ |
Color Temperature | Warm White |
Charging Time | 6-8 hours |
Working Time | 8 hours |
Highlight Features | waterproof IPX5 rated & shatterproof, weather-resistant bulbs four lighting modes |
The MagicPro 15 LED Light Bulbs are not only energy-efficient but also easy to use, control, and durable that can last for years’ abuse.
Best Overall (Electric String Lights): Guddl Outdoor String Lights 25ft
- Reliable – backed by a 12-month warranty and a 3-month money-back guarantee
- Safe and durable – the rubber cord
- Convenient to use – ultra-long 25’ cord
- The bulbs aren’t shatterproof
Aside from offering the longest wire length out of the three, these Guddl Outdoor String Lights stand out for their superior practicality, convenience, and durability.
The package comes up with all the needed tools for installation so it can’t be easier to assemble. In the meantime, the cord is crafted of high-quality rubber, therefore, compared to the traditional models, this is thicker, sturdier but more flexible.
To top up your confidence when purchasing the product, Guddl also provides it with a 12-month warranty and a 3-month money-back guarantee.
For the price, that’s really hard to beat!
| Guddl Outdoor String Lights 25ft Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 25’ |
Color Temperature | Warm white |
Highlight Features | backed by a 12-month warranty and a 3-month money-back guarantee feature ultra-long 25’ cord made of high-quality rubber |
The Guddl Outdoor String Lights come with everything you need for the best overall electric-powered string lights for camping.
Most Durable (Electric String Lights): ALOVECO LED String Lights, 18ft 50 LED Battery Powered
- Dependable and durable - waterproof IP65 rated & covered by an 18-month warranty and a 30-day full-refund guarantee
- Safe to use – heat-resistant ABS material
- Controllable and convenient – a timer button, 8 lighting modes, a wireless remote control & powered by three AA batteries.
- The Slo Glo function has only red/orange or blue/green on at one time
- The remote is attached directly to the lights
- Unable to make all the lights a specific color
If durability is your top priority when looking for the best camping string lights, the ALOVECO is a potential candidate because it’s waterproof IP65 rated. Your purchase will also be covered by an 18-month warranty and a 30-day full-refund guarantee.
It is 18’ long, includes 50 fairy globe LED bulbs made of high-quality glass and heat-resistant ABS materials.
Powered by three AA batteries, it is safer and more convenient to assemble. Your camping trips won’t be interrupted by a power shortage like other electric string lights.
Not to say that with this option, you’ve got a timer button to have it continuously run for 6-18 hours, 8 lighting modes, and wireless remote control.
| ALOVECO LED String Lights, 18ft 50 LED Battery Powered Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 18’ |
Color Temperature | Multicolor |
Working Time | 6-18 hours |
Highlight Features | waterproof IP65 rated covered by an 18-month warranty and a 30-day full-refund guarantee heat-resistant ABS a timer button, 8 lighting modes, a wireless remote control powered by three AA batteries |
The ALOVECO LED String Lights are our most favorite go-to when it comes to the most durable camping string lights for 2020.
Best For Camp Awning (Electric String Lights): Coleman LED String Lights, 10 Lanterns
- Lightweight and long enough on a camp awning – a weight of 0.79 pounds & a 6.7’ length
- Versatile & flexible to use – runtime of 20 hours & powered by three AA batteries
- A bit pricey
Weighing only 0.79 pounds while the runtime is up to 20 hours (more than perfect for overnight use), we ranked the Coleman LED String Lights as the best for the camp awning.
It does a great job of providing some light at night and adding camping ambiance.
It’s operated by three AA batteries, which comes in handy for out-of-the-wood camping trips where power outlets are something nearly impossible.
| Coleman LED String Lights, 10 Lanterns Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 6.7’ |
Working Time | 20 hours |
Highlight Features | a weight of 0.79 pounds & a 6.7’ length the runtime of 20 hours & powered by three AA batteries |
For those who are looking for beautiful string lights with enough wire length to hang on their camp awning, Coleman LED String Lights are hard to skip.
How To Choose The Best Camping String Light?
Length
When you shop for string lights, it’s important to know the size of space in which you will use the lights to determine the length of the light string. The good news is that you can now get linkable cords to form longer lights for a large space.
Brightness And Color Temperature
The choice of brightness and color temperature depends on your own preference, which should also be considered based on the surroundings of the camping site.
When you choose lights, remember to check the information regarding this factor on each product. You can go with either very bright lights or more tempered lights.
Energy-Efficient
When you turn on the lights in the evening, you will likely need them for hours, so energy efficiency is crucial or you will consume a lot of electricity.
LEDs have been known as the most energy-efficient option out there, but if you prefer fluorescent lights, you should find less energy-consuming bulbs.
Durability
String lights for camping will definitely be used outdoors, so they must be weather-resistant and durable. It’s ideal to get heat-resistant bulbs with at least an IP67 waterproof rating.
Which Brands Make The Best Camping String Light?
Brightech
This brand focuses on making lights with great designs and affordable prices. Not just that, it also ensures high quality with each product.
Coleman
Not just lights, this brand also offers several categories of products for outdoor activities, so it knows exactly what outdoor lights should be like. That means you will surely get reliable string lights for your camp here.
FAQs
What are the best lights for camping?
Here are two of the best camping lights for you:
- Brightech Ambience Pro Lights
- Coleman LED Camping String Lights
Are string lights dangerous?
String lights will be dangerous if the cords are damaged. In such cases, the damage can result in an electrical short, which can ruin other lights and even cause a fire.
How many lumens do you need for a tent?
For a tent, 35 to 60 lumens are enough.
What are the 10 essentials for camping?
These are 10 essential items for camping:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Firestarter
- First aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Map and compass
- Weather-resistant clothes and rain gear
- Flashlight, headlamp, or lantern
- Toilet paper
How do I know how many lumens I need?
To determine the lumen value needed for a room, you need to multiply the room’s square footage by its foot-candle requirement.
For a living room or a bedroom, you need 10-20 foot-candles. For a kitchen general or a dining room, the value should be 30-40. The number for a kitchen stove, a kitchen sink, or a bathroom is 70-80. And the recommended value for a hallway is 5-10.
For example, if your living room is 100 square feet, you need 100x10 or 100x20 lumens.
Conclusion
Through this post, we hope that you will be able to find the best camping string lights. Remember to consider all the factors we listed out, including length, brightness, color temperature, and durability, as they are all important and directly related to the resulting performance. Good luck!
Bryan Listor
