Looking for the best camping lights Australia has? Tired of not being able to see properly after sunset around the campsite? Then read on because we’ll help you find the best camping lighting to illuminate your outdoor adventures.
One essential aspect of a successful camping trip is proper lighting. Whether you’re setting up a cozy campsite for two or a larger campsite for a group of mates, having the right camping light can significantly enhance your experience as well as ensure safety during low-light conditions.
Before you run out and buy yourself a couple of camping lanterns or the best camping torch you can afford, it’s worthwhile to consider your individual needs in terms of camping light. The best lights for camping can be expensive, so you’re best to make the right purchase the first time rather than realising that whatever you bought isn’t the best camp lights after all.
If you’re in the market for campsite lights, these camping light reviews will be a great start. In this best camping lights 2024 guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to consider when purchasing lights to ensure you buy the right ones for your camping style. We’ll also look closely at some of the top camping lights currently on the Aussie market.
The camping lights reviews cover a range of different options. We look at options for the best camping lantern, the best camping LED lights, the best solar powered lights for camping, the best flashlight for camping and more! So regardless of your needs and budget, you’ll no doubt find the perfect light for camping in this guide.
So let’s get started and find you the best camp lighting!
If you like to camp in Queensland, join our Queensland Camping FB group, where you can talk with other campers, ask for advice and share your own camping experiences.
This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.
Our Pick for the Best Camping Lights Australia 2024:Ledlenser ML6 Camping Lamp
If you don’t want to read our entire camp light ideas guide and just want our suggestion for the best camp light, we recommend the Ledlenser ML6 Lantern.
For campers, after the brightest rechargeable camping lantern on the market, then the Ledlenser ML6 is the one to buy. With a whopping 750 lumens, this is one of the brightest camping lantern in these reviews.
The Ledlenser lantern is also fully rechargeable and has an excellent battery life of around 70 hours – providing plenty of light for all your camping trips.
Click here to purchase the Tentworld Chief lantern now, or keep reading below for our full review.
Best Camping Lighting Comparison Table
Before we get started on choosing the best outdoor camping lights, below we’ve compiled a comparison table so you can see all the different lighting options that are reviewed later in the guide.
The table helps you easily compare the outdoor lighting for camping options and their features side by side.
Keep reading below for the full reviews.
Product Name | Type | Power Source | Hours of Light (up to) | Lumens (highest setting) | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ledlenser ML6 | Lantern | Lithium Battery / USB | 70 hours | 750 | Check Price |
Life+Gear 1800 Lumen | Lantern | Lithium Battery / USB | 22 hours | 1800 | Check Price |
OZtrail | Lantern | 3 x AA Batteries | 25 hours | 100 | Check Price |
Ledlenser ML4 | Lantern | Lithium Battery / USB | 45 hours | 300 | Check Price |
OZtrail Lumos Fr800 | Torch | Lithium Battery / USB | 12 hours | 800 | Check Price |
LED Lenser P5R | Torch | Lithium Battery / USB | 25 hours | 500 | Check Price |
Coleman Battery Guard | Torch | 3 x AA Batteries | 200 hours | 350 | Check Price |
Led Lenser P2R core torch | Torch | 1 x Li-ion 3.7V | 5 hours Max, .5 hours min | 110 | Check Price |
Oztrail Lumos Fp300 | Headlamp | 3 x AA Batteries | 7 hours | 300 | Check Price |
Energizer 400 Lumen HDL30 | Headlamp | 3 x AAA Batteries | 40 hours | 400 | Check Price |
OZtrail | Bar | 12V | NA | 400 | Check Price |
Hardkorr | Bar | 12V | NA | 2360 | Check Price |
OZtrail | Strip | 12V | NA | 1250 | Check Price |
Luci Pro | String | Solar / direct sunlight USB | 20 hours | 100 | Check Price |
Things to consider when purchasing the best lights for camping
To ensure you are buying the best campsite lights for your camping style, consider the following factors:
Types of Camping Lights
There are different types of camping lights and what is right for you comes down to what you want to use it for, as well as a bit of personal choice. Below we look at the various options.
Flashlights
Generally, a torch or a flashlight is the first thing people consider when considering campsite lighting ideas. A good camping torch is great for lighting up a pathway while walking, although they’re not always the most convenient form of light when lighting up an entire campsite.
Headlamps
A camping head lamp is excellent for each camper. They provide hands-free illumination, allowing you to set up tents, cook meals, and navigate paths in the dark. Although, like a flashlight, a headlamp is not ideal for lighting up an entire campsite.
Lanterns
Lanterns are excellent for lighting up your campsite area, the inside of your tent, or even to light the way while walking in the dark. They can easily be hung around your campsite and quickly moved if you need lighting to navigate your way in the dark or for taking to your tent at the end of each night.
The best lantern for camping today tends to be rechargeable or powered by solar, making them safe, energy-efficient, and often collapsible for easy storage.
Some of the top camping lanterns offer adjustable brightness, colour temperature, and even the ability to charge your devices through USB ports.
Click here for our detail guide on choosing the best camping lanterns.
Bar / String / Strip Lights
These are bars, string lights or light ropes designed to hang around your campsite or attach to tent or awning poles. They are ideal for lighting up your entire camp. Although, unlike a good camping lantern, they are only somewhat portable – usually, once in place, they remain in position for your whole camp trip.
Note that in most cases, this sort of lighting requires a vehicle battery or portable 12 volt power pack to operate.
Power Source
As important as the type of camping light you buy is how it is powered. That is whether the light uses 240v at a powered site, batteries (usually 12v or 24v) when mains power is unavailable, disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or solar power.
Check the estimated battery life on various settings if a disposable or rechargeable battery powers the light. Opt for battery lights for camping that offer a good balance between brightness and battery consumption. Rechargeable lights for camping are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run.
Solar-powered lights are eco-friendly options that charge during the day and provide illumination at night. The best solar lights for camping are particularly useful for longer camping trips where battery life might be a concern. Solar camping lanterns, string lights, and even portable solar panels with integrated lights are available.
Brightness
The brightness of a camping light is measured in lumens. Bright camping lights are essential; at the very minimum, you’ll want a light source of around 100 lumens. However, to clearly light up your entire campsite, look for good camping lights with 400 lumens or even more depending on the size of your site.
The best outdoor lights for camping usually come with multiple brightness settings – low, medium and high. This means you can save battery power with a lower setting and crank up the brightness when necessary.
Durability and Water Resistance
Camping involves exposure to the elements and the chances are your light will be dropped on the odd occasion, so for a long lasting camping light, it’s important to purchase one that is durable and water-resistant.
Look for lights with an IPX rating that indicates their water resistance level. The best lighting options for camping have higher ratings and can withstand rain and splashes better.
Portability and Weight
Like all gear you take camping, the weight and portability of camping lights are crucial. The best portable camping light options are lightweight and pack away compactly, so they won’t add excessive weight to your gear.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the bigger the size of the light, the brighter illumination – as this is often not the case. It’s quite surprising how bright a small top quality compact camp light can be.
Ease of Use
The last thing you want is to struggle with complicated controls in the dark. The best outdoor camp lighting options have intuitive interfaces and easy-to-operate buttons or switches.
Top 10 Camping Light Reviews Australia 2024
In the lights for campsite reviews below, we’ve listed some great options from some of the best camping brands currently in Australia.
Ledlenser ML6 Camping Lamp Review
For campers, after the brightest rechargeable camping lantern on the market, then the Ledlenser ML6 is the one to buy. With a whopping 750 lumens, this is the brightest camping lantern in these reviews and perfect for anyone after the best LED camping lantern 2024 offers.
This is such a powerful camping lantern that even the largest campsites will be well lit. Plus, these best rechargeable camping lanterns seamlessly adjust the beam from a focused spotlight to a broad floodlight, perfect for navigating dark paths and creating ambient lighting inside your tent.
This best camping LED lantern has a great battery life. With up to 70 hours of light on the lowest setting, you’ll get reliable illumination for several nights without recharging it.
The super bright LED camping lantern is easily powered up using a USB source, such as a power bank or solar panel, so you’ll never be left in the dark. And you can use this best rechargeable lantern camping source as a power bank for smart devices with the handy USB port.
The lantern’s sturdy construction feels built to last, and thanks to its IP54 rating, it’s water-resistant, so it handles light rain without a hitch.
The lantern’s comfortable handle makes it easy to carry or hang, while its magnetic base means you can stick it to something metal – this is ideal whether you’re after the best lantern for tent camping or something for awning poles. Plus, the intuitive controls allow for seamless adjustments between brightness levels.
The ML6 Led Lenser camping lantern really is one of the best camping lantern rechargeable options currently on the Aussie market – but it also comes with a high price tag. Still, with all its outstanding features, it may be the only camp light you ever buy.
Click here for more information and to check the current price.
Life+Gear 1800 Lumen Lantern Review
The Life+Gear 1800 Lumen Lantern is not just a light source; it’s a game-changer for any outdoor enthusiast seeking reliable and versatile illumination. With up to 1800 lumens output, the Life+Gear effortlessly lights up your entire campsite, making it easy to set up tents, cook meals, and engage in activities long after the sun has set. Plus, thanks to the convenient top and bottom hooks, this LED lantern can be hung from pretty much anywhere.
The adjustable brightness settings allow you to tailor the light intensity to different scenarios, conserving battery life when full brightness isn’t necessary. The Dorcy battery life is also impressive. With a run time of up to 22 hours, you should be able to use the camping LED light for multiple nights without recharging it. For charging, this LED rechargeable lantern has a USB port making it easy to power up with a power bank or solar panel. Plus, you can use it to power up your phone and other devices.
The Dorcy is constructed with high-quality materials that feel rugged and sturdy. With an IPX4 rating, the USB LED camping light has a water-resistant design that handles a light drizzle without any issues. The Life+Gear 1800 Lumen Lantern is perfect for those after mid – low range priced rechargeable battery camping lanterns. Its impressive brightness, adjustable settings, efficient battery life, and durable design make it a reliable lighting companion for all your outdoor adventures.
Click here for more information or to buy.
OZtrail Portable Camp Light Review
For those after the best cheap camping lantern, you can’t go past the OZtrail portable camp light – the cheapest in these reviews!
For cheap camping lanterns, the brightness of the OZtrail Portable Camp Light is remarkable, with 100 lumens. With its adjustable LED settings, it offers the perfect balance between luminosity and energy conservation. It has a decent run time too of 25 hours on the lowest setting and operates on 3 x AA batteries.
The compact size and lightweight design of these best LED lights for camping make it easy to pack without taking up precious space. Plus, the built-in hanger and magnetic base add to the convenience factor, allowing you to hang it pretty much anywhere, so it’s perfect whether you’re after the best camping tent light or something to light your gazebo area.
The OZtrail Portable Camp Light is perfect for anyone after the best budget camping lantern. For the price, it has impressive brightness, a compact design, efficient battery life, and adaptability, making it an invaluable tool for illuminating campsites, tents, and outdoor spaces.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Ledlenser ML4 Lantern Review
The Ledlenser ML4 Outdoor Lantern is another quality light from Ledlenser. This is a mid-range priced lantern. The lantern is the smallest in our review at only 100mm in height and weighing only 71g, making it very lightweight and portable. Perfect for any hikers.
The ML4 comes with multiple power settings: low, mid, boost, and blink, as well as white and red modes. The lantern has an integrated carabiner allowing you to hang it from a rope, tree, or awning – you can use these camping lanterns just about anywhere.
The lantern can be recharged via a magnetic charger. It has a dual power source allowing it to run on a standard AA battery or rechargeable Li-ion 3.7V. The ML4 is built to withstand the rigours of camping and with a waterproof rating of IP66 it will remain operational even in challenging conditions.
The Ledlenser ML4 Outdoor Lantern is the best small lantern available. With its impressive brightness of 300 lumens and rugged construction, it’s one of the best camping lanterns 2024 offers.
Click here for more information or to buy.
OZtrail Lumos Fr800 Rechargeable Flashlight Review
If you’re after a bright, mid range priced torch, then the OZtrail Lumos is well worth considering – its one of the best camping flashlight 2024 options currently on the Australian market.
With an output of 800 lumens, not only is this the brightest camping flashlight in this guide, it is the brightest light overall. With this torch, you get a strong, clear beam of light that easily illuminates your surroundings.
This best rechargeable camping flashlight has three levels of brightnesses and a focusable beam – you can adjust the beam from a focused spotlight to a wider floodlight. This flexibility allows you to tailor the light to your needs, whether casting a broad glow around your campsite or honing in on something detailed. The beam can travel up to 165 metres!
The Lumos FR800’s rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 hours and has the convenience of recharging via USB. This makes it easy to keep the flashlight powered using a power bank or solar panel, ensuring you always have reliable illumination.
The comfortable grip and intuitive controls make it effortless to hold and operate, even when wearing gloves. This best small flashlight for camping has a rugged construction that feels sturdy and can handle rough conditions. The water-resistant design provides peace of mind when facing unexpected rain showers or splashes.
For a well priced, bright and sturdy torch, the Lumos FR800 is an excellent contender for those after the best rechargeable flashlight for camping – which won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Click here for more information or to buy.
LED Lenser P5R Core Rechargeable Torch Review
If you want the very best LED flashlight for camping and money is no object, you’ll want to purchase the LED Lenser P5R Core torch. But be warned; you’ll need deep pockets for this little beauty!
With an output of 500 lumens, this compact torch effortlessly illuminates even the darkest corners of your campsite. Plus, with its adjustable focus system, you can seamlessly transition between a focused spotlight and a broader floodlight. It also has adjustable brightness levels.
The rechargeable battery of the P5R Core has an impressive battery life lasting up to 25 hours. And the convenience of recharging via USB adds to the torch’s practicality, ensuring you’ll always have a reliable light source by using a power bank or solar panel.
The P5R Core has a robust construction and feels sturdy and capable of withstanding the rigours of the outdoors. The IP68 rating and Flex Sealing Technology make this best camp torch completely waterproof, withstanding prolonged water submersion and providing high protection against dust.
Read any camping flashlight reviews and you’ll see the LED Lenser P5R Core Rechargeable Torch recommended for campers wanting the very best LED camping torch. Despite being expensive, its impressive brightness, adjustable focus, long-lasting battery, and durable design make it an ideal companion for camping, hiking, and any nighttime exploration.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Coleman Battery Guard LED Torch Review
If you don’t mind using disposable batteries, this Coleman torch is well worth considering. It has an impressive battery life and decent brightness, all at a good price.
While not the brightest torch in these reviews, with 350 lumens, this torch effortlessly illuminates even the darkest corners of your site. The adjustable beam focus is a practical feature, allowing you to switch between a spotlight and a wider beam depending on the situation. The beam itself has a distance of up to a huge 300 metres.
The unique BatteryGuard technology is a standout feature that preserves battery life by disengaging the batteries when the torch is turned off, preventing energy drain and corrosion. And in terms of battery life, it will last up to 200 hours which is extremely impressive.
The comfortable grip is secure and makes it effortless to hold and operate, even when wearing gloves or in low-light conditions. While the lightweight aluminium construction with rubber edged bezel makes it impact resistance up to 2 metres. It also has an IPX4 rating making it water resistant.
You can’t go wrong with this Coleman torch for anyone after the best LED camping flashlight at a good price. It offers great functionality with incredible battery life, suitable for lighting up a range of camping scenarios.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Led Lenser P2R core torch Review
This Led Lenser P2R core torch is worth considering for those after a small torch that easily fits into a pocket. It’s a mid-range priced torch, perfect for complementing other light sources you have around the campsite.
This pocket-sized torch is truly remarkable; it easily fits in the palm of your hand (103mm in length) and slips into your pocket or backpack without adding any noticeable weight (36g).
The pen torch provides a concentrated beam of light to a range of 65 meters. The torch also has 3 modes: high, medium, and low. The light is capable of an output of 110 lumens and is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion 3.7V battery.
For a compact flashlight, you can’t go wrong with this Led Lenser pen torch. Its brightness, portability, durability, and user-friendly design make it perfect for all campsites.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Oztrail Lumos Fp300 Dual Powered Headlamp Review
The Oztrail Lumos Fp300 the perfect all rounder headlamp. It offers a bright light and decent battery life, all at a good affordable price.
With an impressive 300 lumens output, this headlamp floods the surrounding area with a bright and consistent beam (up to 78 metres) that cuts through the darkness. Plus, it features an adjustable brightness setting providing versatility for various scenarios.
The headlamp’s battery efficiency is impressive, giving you extended usage before needing a recharge or battery replacement. It runs on 3 AAA batteries and lasts up to 7 hours on the lowest setting.
The headlamp comes with an adjustable headband and comfortable fit, allowing you to wear it for extended periods without discomfort. The tilting mechanism allows you to direct the light exactly where needed.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Energizer 400 Lumen HDL30 Headlamp Review
For a top-of-the-range headlamp, consider the Energizer 400 Lumen HDL30 Headlamp. Whether exploring the wilderness, setting up camp, or engaging in outdoor activities after dark, this headlamp provides a reliable and versatile light source to illuminate your way.
One of the standout features of this Energizer Headlamp is its impressive brightness, boasting 400 lumens of light output. With multiple lighting modes and a red LED mode for preserving night vision, you can easily adapt the headlamp’s output to suit different scenarios. It has an impressive beam distance of up to 80 meters and the headlamp has an anti-glare pivoting head to direct light where needed.
For a secure and comfortable fit, the Energizer Headlamp has an adjustable headband, preventing discomfort during extended use. The lightweight design adds to its wearability, making it a practical choice for extended outdoor activities.
Powered by 3 AAA batteries, this headlamp offers remarkable battery life of up to 40 hours, ensuring you have reliable lighting throughout your camping trip. Additionally, the headlamp is waterproof (with a rating of IPX4) and has a durable construction built to withstand outdoor demands.
If you’re the sort of camper who wears their headlamp most of the time after dark, then the top-quality Energizer 400 Lumen HDL30 Headlamp is definitely an excellent consideration for the best camping light. It is a high-performance lighting solution that meets the needs of camping enthusiasts.
Click here for more information or to buy.
OZtrail 3 Bar LED Lighting Kit Review
For more permanent camping lighting ideas around your campsite, you can’t go past a bar LED lighting kit like this OZtrail set. It’s such a flexible lighting source, which can be added to overtime, and provides excellent illumination to your campsite.
These 12V LED lights for camping kits come with three separate bars, each containing 15 white and 15 amber LED lights, producing 400 lumens per bar. It also comes with a dimmer control for adjustable brightness, so you can customise the lighting to match your needs.
Installation of the OZtrail 12 volt LED lights for camping is surprisingly simple. The built in magnetic mounts and included reusable flexi ties allow you to effortlessly attach the bars to various surfaces, whether inside your tent, the canopy of your gazebo, or even the side of your camping trailer.
The kit comes with 2 x 12V DC power cables, 2 dimmers and a splitter cable, so you really can set up the lights where and however you like. Plus, you can always add other bars to your kit down the track if you like.
The energy efficiency of these 12V lights for camping is a pleasant surprise. With a power consumption of just 0.69A per bar, you’ll notice minimal impact on your power sources, even with extended usage.
With a waterproof rating of IP66, the bars and connectors are designed to withstand the elements, giving you peace of mind even in rain or light splashes.
The OZtrail 3 Bar LED lighting kit is perfect for those starting with their first 12 volt lights for camping – not only are they affordable and energy efficient, but they’re one of the best 12V camping lights currently on the market.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Hardkorr 4 Bar Tri-Colour Light Kit Review
This Hardkoor 4 Bar Tri-Colour light kit is ideal for anyone after top of the range LED lights – 12V camping solution. Not only will you love using these 12 volt lights for camping, but they are ideal for creating an inviting atmosphere in various outdoor settings.
This kit has four bars, with a massive 2360 lumens of total light output. Each bar comes with orange and white LED lights, and with the tri colour dimmer switches, you can create three distinct colours of light – cool white, warm white and orange.
Installation of the HardKoor 4 Bar Light Kit is straightforward. There are over 24 metres of cabling that easily plug into the lights. While the built in magnets make it easy to attach the lights to metal surfaces and the removable pole clips make it easy to attach to non magnetic tent or awning poles. This is ideal whether you’re after the best tent lighting or something for under the gazebo.
Despite the captivating colour displays, you’ll notice a minimal impact on power consumption. This energy-conscious design ensures a well-lit campsite without concerns about draining your power sources.
This kit has a rugged build made with aluminium alloy housing and UV resistant epoxy resin filling. It has a waterproof rating of IP68, so the lights are entirely watertight, in fact, so watertight that these lights will even work when fully submerged in water! Plus, they include heavy-duty, double insulated cables that prevent voltage drop, which results in brighter light for your campsite.
With all its great features, it’s easy to see why the Hardkoor 4 Bar Tri-Colour light kit is a top contender for campers after the best 12V LED camping lights.
Click here for more information or to buy.
OZtrail 2M Strip Light
If you like the idea of bar lighting but have a smaller budget, this OZtrail strip light may be the next best solution.
These led strip lights 12v camping kits come in 2 metre lengths, each containing 30 white lights and 30 amber lights. Each strip provides an impressive light output of 1250 lumens, which provides plenty of coverage to illuminate a gazebo or for lights for camping tents. It also has a dimmer control to adjust the brightness depending on your needs.
With a waterproof rating of IP66, these camping strip lights are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, providing peace of mind even in light rain or humid environments.
Other features of these best LED strip lights for camping include a low power consumption at 1.2A per strip and multiple reusable flexi ties so you can attach the light to various locations.
Click here for more information or to buy.
Luci Pro Solar String Lights Review
These Luci Pro Solar String Lights are nice for a bit of a festive look around your campsite and being able to be completely powered by the sun means they are super easy and efficient to run.
With a length of 18 feet, these nylon braided cord lights provide ample coverage for draping or hanging in various configurations. The set features 20 warm, dual directional LED lights with four different light modes to create a lovely ambience in any outdoor setting.
The best part about these lights is how easy they are to operate. Harnessing the sun’s power, the Luci Pro Solar String Lights offer an environmentally friendly way to illuminate outdoor spaces without relying on traditional energy sources. However, on those shady days, you’ll be pleased to know the solar powered LED lights for camping also come with a USB port and a 240V outlet for camping at a powered site.
Once charged, you can get around 20 hours on the low setting from these best string lights for camping. You can even use it to top up the charge on your mobile device if needed.
Last but not least, these best solar string lights for camping are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including light rain (with a waterproof rating of IPX4) and humidity, without compromising their performance.
Click here for more information or to buy.
_______________________________________________________
We hope you found this guide to the best camping lights. Remember, if you need help choosing other camping gear, we have a range of guides, including the best esky for camping, camping stoves and camping chairs.