Discover the 7 Best Camping Lanterns for a Cozy Night Under the Stars

When you venture into the great outdoors, having the right lighting can make all the difference. Camping lanterns not only illuminate your surroundings but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere for you and your companions. Whether you’re setting up camp, enjoying a late-night chat, or navigating through the dark, a reliable lantern is essential. In this article, you’ll discover the best camping lanterns that will enhance your outdoor experience and ensure you feel safe and comfortable under the stars.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern – $23.99
• Best Value: Etekcity Lantern Camping Essentials Lights – $14.16
• Best for Emergencies: Etekcity Camping Lanterns for Power Outages 4 Pack – $22.94
• Best Brightness: ENERGIZER LED Camping Lantern X1000 – $29.78
• Best Portable: LED Camping Lantern, Consciot Battery Powered – $29.97
• Best Compact Design: 2 Pack Lantern Camping Essentials Lights – $17.99
• Best Multicolor Option: MalloMe Camping Lantern Multicolor 4 Pack – $19.99

How We Selected the Best Camping Lanterns

When selecting the best camping lanterns, we considered factors such as brightness, battery life, portability, durability, and user reviews. Each lantern listed here has been chosen based on its performance and value for money, ensuring you have the best options for your outdoor adventures.

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern is your go-to companion for cozy nights under the stars. With its lightweight design and waterproof features, it’s perfect for both camping trips and home emergencies. You can easily charge it via solar power or USB, making it super convenient for any situation. Whether you’re hiking, having a picnic, or just need some extra light during a power outage, this lantern has got you covered. Plus, it collapses down to the size of a phone, so you can toss it in your bag without any hassle.

What People Say

Users rave about the lantern’s brightness and versatility, especially appreciating its dual charging options and lightweight design. Many have found it invaluable during power outages and camping trips.

• These work as expected, and at least as good as similar AA battery powered models I have owned. But since these are rechargeable via USB or solar they are far less expensive to run and immediately pay for themselves in one charge or two, compared to purchasing alkaline batteries. The lantern light is very bright and the flashlight is ok but a really usable and convenient bonus feature. I’ve charged them both via solar and USB. I recommend charging initially with USB and anytime they are in frequent use.

  – Customer

• I took four of these on a two-day camping trip, and they performed well in that time. Solar charging appears to work – you can see the indicator light come on when the panel is placed in sunlight. None of the four ran out of charge on our trip, and the lights are plenty bright enough for walking in the dark.

  – NFB

Why You’ll Love It

• Rechargeable via solar or USB
• Lightweight and portable design
• Durable and waterproof for outdoor use
• Bright 300-lumen output
• Multipurpose for camping, hiking, and emergencies

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is not just for camping; it’s also a lifesaver during power outages at home. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store and carry, ensuring you always have light when you need it.

Current Price: $23.99

Rating: 4.5 (Total: 8120+)

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Etekcity Lantern Camping Essentials Lights

The Etekcity Lantern is your ultimate adventure companion, designed to brighten up your outdoor experiences. With its compact and lightweight design, this lantern is perfect for camping trips, hiking, or even just cozy nights in your backyard. It’s powered by three AA batteries, providing up to 50 hours of bright light, making it reliable for emergencies or power outages. Plus, its durable and waterproof construction means it can handle whatever nature throws at it. Whether you’re setting up camp or enjoying a late-night chat around the fire, this lantern is a must-have for creating that warm, inviting atmosphere.

What People Say

Users appreciate the Etekcity Lantern for its impressive brightness and long battery life. Many have found it indispensable during camping trips and emergencies, highlighting its ease of use and portability.

• These are small and lightweight but very bright! I like that it takes 3 AA batteries and it seems to last quite a long time! Built-in hanger handles are very handy as well. Great value overall!

  – Craig L. Thompson

• Shipping was overnight, light is very bright for the size of the lanterns. They came ready to go, with the batteries already installed. You just have to unscrew the bottom to pull out the plastic tab. Pull up on the handles to light up! Inexpensive, fast shipping, easy to use and bright! Great for hurricane season.

  – Salty dreamer

Why You’ll Love It

• Bright, adjustable light with 360° illumination
• Long-lasting power with up to 50 hours of light
• Portable and lightweight for easy carrying
• Durable and water-resistant for outdoor reliability
• Convenient storage compartment for small essentials

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is perfect not only for camping but also as a reliable light source during power outages at home. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your emergency kit or backpack, ensuring you’re always prepared.

Current Price: $14.16

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 22356+)

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Etekcity Camping Lanterns for Power Outages 4 Pack

The Etekcity Camping Lantern is your go-to solution for brightening up any outdoor adventure or emergency situation. With its compact and lightweight design, this lantern is perfect for camping trips, hiking, or simply enjoying a cozy evening in your backyard. It runs on three AA batteries, providing up to 50 hours of bright light, ensuring you’re well-prepared for power outages or unexpected situations. Plus, its durable and waterproof construction means it can withstand the elements, making it a reliable companion for all your adventures. Whether you’re setting up camp or gathering around the fire, this lantern creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What People Say

Users rave about the Etekcity Lantern for its impressive brightness and long battery life. Many find it essential for camping trips and emergencies, praising its ease of use and portability.

• I bought a four-pack of these Etekcity lanterns years ago and I love them. They performed beautifully during power outages, illuminating my entire downstairs. One neighbor thought I had restored power because of how bright they are. The cool white light is a huge plus for me, and the batteries last quite a while too.

  – tommyo

• These are lightweight, long-lasting, and very user-friendly. Just pull up the handles to turn them on, and push down to turn them off. They come with batteries included, so you can start using them right away. I have two sets—one for power outages and another for camping. Highly recommend!

  – Karen Streeter

Why You’ll Love It

• Bright, adjustable light with 360° illumination
• Long-lasting power with up to 50 hours of light
• Portable and lightweight for easy carrying
• Durable and water-resistant for outdoor reliability
• Convenient storage compartment for small essentials

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is not just for camping; it’s also a reliable light source during power outages at home. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your emergency kit or backpack, ensuring you’re always ready for anything.

Current Price: $22.94

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 25634+)

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Energizer LED Camping Lantern X1000

The Energizer LED Camping Lantern X1000 is your reliable companion for all your outdoor adventures and emergency situations. With its rugged design and impressive brightness of up to 1150 lumens, this lantern ensures you have ample light whether you’re camping under the stars or facing a power outage at home. It features multiple lighting modes, including warm and cool light options, allowing you to set the perfect ambiance. Plus, its water-resistant construction means you don’t have to worry about unexpected weather. Lightweight and easy to carry, this lantern is perfect for both casual backyard gatherings and serious camping trips.

What People Say

Users appreciate the Energizer Lantern for its powerful brightness and versatility. Many find it essential for camping trips and emergencies, highlighting its ease of use and long battery life.

• I love this Energizer rechargeable lantern. It is so easy to charge, quite bright, and has a very long battery life. It illuminates my path around the yard beautifully, and the dimmer setting is a great feature. Plus, I appreciate that I never have to replace the batteries.

  – DMC5

• We’ve been using this lantern for a couple of seasons now, and it has completely replaced our old propane lantern. The power bank output is a nice touch, and the light dims nicely. It runs a long time when dimmed, making it perfect for camping.

  – Greg

Why You’ll Love It

• Bright illumination with up to 1150 lumens
• Multiple lighting modes for different occasions
• USB port for charging devices on the go
• Water-resistant design for outdoor durability
• Lightweight and portable for easy transport

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is not just for camping; it’s also a fantastic light source during power outages at home. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your emergency kit or backpack, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation.

Current Price: $25.37

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 1206+)

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LED Camping Lantern, Consciot Battery Powered Camping Lights

The Consciot LED Camping Lantern is your go-to light source for all your outdoor adventures and unexpected power outages. With a bright output of 1000 lumens, this lantern ensures you have plenty of light whether you’re setting up camp or enjoying a cozy evening in your backyard. It features four different light modes, including a warm light option that creates a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, its IPX4 waterproof rating means you can use it without worry, even if the weather turns a bit rainy. Lightweight and portable, this lantern is perfect for everything from camping trips to emergency situations at home.

What People Say

Users rave about the Consciot Lantern for its impressive brightness and versatility. Many find it essential for camping trips and emergencies, highlighting its ease of use and long-lasting performance.

• I recently purchased the Consciot LED Camping Lanterns and couldn’t be happier. The warm light mode is a game-changer for creating a cozy atmosphere while camping. It’s impressively bright for its size and has a user-friendly design with a hanging hook, making it easy to use in a tent or around the campsite.

  – Sara

• These lanterns are my go-to for power outages. They provide fantastic brightness and have a long battery life. I love that they use D batteries, which last much longer than rechargeable options. Plus, the dimming feature is easy to use once you get the hang of it.

  – Techgineer

Why You’ll Love It

• Ultra-bright with 1000 lumens for maximum illumination
• Four lighting modes including warm light for a cozy feel
• IPX4 waterproof rating for reliable outdoor use
• Lightweight and portable for easy transport
• Long-lasting battery life with D-cell batteries

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is perfect not just for camping but also as a reliable light source during power outages at home. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your emergency kit or backpack, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation.

Current Price: $29.97

Rating: 4.6 (Total: 4383+)

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EZORKAS 2 Pack Lantern Camping Essentials Lights

The EZORKAS 2 Pack Lantern is your reliable companion for camping trips and unexpected power outages. With its bright LED output, this lantern ensures you have ample light whether you’re setting up your tent or enjoying a cozy evening under the stars. It features multiple lighting modes, including a flashlight and a red warning light, making it versatile for various situations. Plus, it’s rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about running out of batteries when you need it most. Lightweight and compact, this lantern is perfect for both outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness at home.

What People Say

Users appreciate the EZORKAS Lantern for its impressive brightness and versatility. Many find it essential for camping trips and emergencies, highlighting its ease of use and long-lasting performance.

• I rarely write product reviews, but this lantern is a must-have. I’ve bought this 2 pack twice for emergencies and they have never let me down. The brightness is incredible, lighting up my entire condo. Plus, the rechargeable feature means I don’t have to rush to the store for batteries during a storm. They’re compact, easy to use, and the design is well thought out.

  – Kerr

• This camping lamp is fantastic! It’s lightweight and provides bright, reliable light for all our outdoor adventures. The battery life is impressive, lasting through multiple nights without needing a recharge. I also love the sturdy design and how easy it is to operate. Highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.

  – Sajida A. Salam

Why You’ll Love It

• Super bright with multiple lighting modes for versatility
• Rechargeable and battery-powered for convenience
• Compact and lightweight design for easy transport
• Durable and water-resistant for outdoor use
• Includes a red warning light for emergencies

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is perfect not just for camping but also as a reliable light source during power outages at home. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your emergency kit or backpack, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation.

Current Price: $17.99

Rating: 4.8 (Total: 13374+)

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MalloMe Camping Lantern Multicolor 4 Pack

The MalloMe Camping Lantern is your go-to light source for camping trips, power outages, or cozy nights in the backyard. With its vibrant multicolor options, this lantern not only brightens up your space but also adds a fun touch to your outdoor adventures. It features a collapsible design that allows you to adjust the brightness simply by pulling it open or pushing it down. Whether you’re reading a book in your tent or hosting a backyard gathering, this lantern provides a warm, inviting glow. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to pack for any occasion.

What People Say

Users rave about the MalloMe Lantern for its bright, adjustable light and fun colors. Many find it essential for camping trips and emergencies, appreciating its ease of use and sturdy design.

• I love everything about these lanterns: the quality is there – not some cheap item; fair price; the variety of colors; the soft glow of light; ease of setup & handling; size. They were ordered right after a power outage during the night. I feel comfortable knowing these lanterns are on hand. I highly recommend them – give them a try if you’ve been thinking of getting some.

  – Bebe

• These are great lanterns. Just the right size for my grandkids to use when camping. I like that you can adjust the amount of light you need. Was actually surprised at how bright the light was. It’s very sturdy and lightweight. I will definitely purchase again in the future.

  – Cindy S

Why You’ll Love It

• Vibrant multicolor options to brighten up any setting
• Adjustable brightness with a simple pull-open design
• Lightweight and portable for easy transport
• Durable construction for reliable outdoor use
• Perfect for both camping and emergency situations

Perfect for Every Occasion

This lantern is not just for camping; it’s also a fantastic backup light during power outages at home. Its compact size makes it easy to store in your emergency kit or take along on any adventure, ensuring you’re always ready for whatever comes your way.

Current Price: $19.99

Rating: 4.7 (Total: 10717+)

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FAQ

What should I consider when choosing a camping lantern?

When selecting a camping lantern, think about the brightness you need, which is measured in lumens. For general use, look for lanterns with at least 100 lumens. Consider the power source as well; rechargeable options can save you money in the long run, especially if you camp frequently. Also, check the lantern’s weight and size for portability, and ensure it has a durable, water-resistant design to withstand outdoor conditions. Lastly, think about how long you need the lantern to last on a single charge or battery set, especially during extended trips.

How do I properly use and maintain my camping lantern?

To get the most out of your camping lantern, always read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific usage guidelines. Make sure to charge rechargeable lanterns fully before your trip. If your lantern uses batteries, keep spares on hand, especially if you plan to use it for several nights. After each use, store the lantern in a cool, dry place to prolong its lifespan. Regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, and clean the exterior to maintain brightness. If your lantern has multiple brightness settings, use lower settings when possible to conserve battery life.

Can I use my camping lantern for emergencies at home?

Absolutely! Camping lanterns are versatile and can be a great addition to your emergency preparedness kit. They provide reliable light during power outages, making them ideal for indoor use as well. Just ensure that your lantern is easily accessible and fully charged or has fresh batteries. If you live in an area prone to storms or outages, having a few lanterns around can make a significant difference in comfort and safety during emergencies.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right camping lantern can greatly enhance your outdoor experience. With options ranging from compact designs to powerful illumination, there is a lantern for every need. By investing in one of the top picks mentioned above, you can ensure that your nights under the stars are not only cozy but also safe and enjoyable.