Best Camping Flashlights, Lanterns, and Headlamps
What Is The Best Camping Light?
Just as our avid campers take to the woods to experience the best of what nature has to offer, we take pride in finding the best products that are out there to assist you on your next trip. The best camping lights are compact, run on everyday AA and AAA batteries, are weatherproof, and feature multiple lighting modes (including a low light level). A lantern design is ideal for a campsite. We go more in depth on these features down below. Learn More
Top Pick
Nitecore LR50 Camping Lantern
Packed with 9 high-CRI LEDs and a super strong magnetic base, the Nitecore LR50 will quickly become a must-have at the campsite.
Top Pick
Klarus CL1 Camping Lantern
Combines a 390 lumen lantern, bluetooth speaker, and USB-charging power bank all-in-one, so you're the life of the party.
While flashlights and headlights may be great for biking and hiking, they fall short when it comes to illuminating a campsite. Lanterns should pack a punch but still be small enough to fit in your backpack. Bonus points if they collapse or comfortably hook onto your pack for easy storage.
Multiple Lighting ModesAs all night-use lights, camping lanterns and flashlights should have a range of lumen outputs. While you may want a bright area light to set up your tent, you’d want a much lower output for campsite ghost stories or early morning packing.
Common Activities You Need a Light For!No matter the type of camping you are taking a part in there will always be a time you will need to have a flashlight. When you are sitting around a campfire making S'mores you will need to have extra light to see the ingredients. If you want to take a stroll down to the lake for a midnight swim you will need a light to find your way down the trail. Or if you need to walk from your tent to the park bathroom. No matter where you are camping or, how you are camping, there will always be a need for a camping flashlight, lantern, or headlamp.