Gone are the days when camping meant living it rough with the only light coming from a campfire that needs constant attention. This can be exceptionally tedious in the summer when you may not need to keep the fire burning all night. We love the string lights at home, but why not include them on your next camping trip?
The best camping string lights can create a cozy ambiance in the great outdoors and add just enough light to make your favorite campsite feel like your second home. We’ve found a selection of easy-to-use and versatile camping string lights that will turn any camping trip into something pretty special.
Tip: Other lights you may need for your camping are camping lanterns, solar mosquito killer lamps, and solar mason jar lights.
- Best Solar Powered Camping String Lights
- Best Wired Camping String Lights
- Best USB Powered Camping String Lights
- Best Battery Powered Camping String Lights
Best Solar Powered Camping String Lights
One of the best options for camping string lights is solar-powered string lights. It can be inconvenient to use electric outdoors, but solar-powered products solve this problem perfectly. However, due to their dependence on weather conditions, it is better to choose lights that can be powered by solar panels as well as another charging method, such as USB charging.
1. MAXvolador 48FT Solar RGB Outdoor String Lights
Add a fun and festive feel to your next camping trip with these awesome camping string lights. This set gives you a bright display with 8 fun colors with 6 lighting modes so you can set the scene your way. You can use the lights for illumination, outdoor decoration, or create a party ambience. The lights are dimmable. With the handy remote control, you can change the brightness, choose the lighting pattern, and turn them on or off, without leaving your seat. One of the best parts of the RGB solar string lights is that they can be powered by both a solar panel and USB. This means you can still use them on rainy or cloudy days when there isn’t enough power charged through the solar panel. The pack includes everything you need to easily set these up around your tent.
2. Yohencin Solar String Lights
If you’re heading for the hills for a weekend of romance, these camping string lights are a definite winner. The rattan bulbs are charming and have that fairy lights appeal to set the scene. The solar panel is easy to set up by simply driving the stake into the ground and the solar panels can take in enough sunlight during the daylight hours to give you 8 hours of sparkly light after the sun goes down. You won’t even need to turn them on as these automatically charge during the day and turn on when night falls.
The only negative aspect of these camping string lights is that they may not be suitable in wet conditions so make sure you check the weather report before you head out.
Best Wired Camping String Lights
If you are at a campsite with access to wired power or you have a portable power station with compatible output ports, you have the option of using heavy-duty string lights, which will be longer and brighter.
3. MAXvolador 50Ft LED Outdoor String Lights
String these camping lights around your site and you may forget you’re far away from civilization. This is an extra-long string of lights that gives you 50 feet of lustrous ambient light. You can also add extra strings (up to 19 strands) of these camping lights if you want to cover a larger area. The set includes 27 globe-shaped bulbs that are ideal for camping and give you just enough light so you can see around your campsite without the harshness of overly bright light. These lights are also weatherproof and shatterproof making them perfect for those weekends when you are roughing it.
4. MAXvolador 48FT RGB String Lights with Fairy Rope
One thing you’ll really love about this camping string light kit is its versatility. Not only do you get a charming string of colored lights, the ropes holding the bulbs together also beam in a stunning array of 7 gorgeous colors and 1 multi-color. These lights are easy to install and even easier to use with a remote control so you can set them in any way you like (11 dynamic modes offered). You can also choose a light show mode which you’ll really get a kick out of if your party happens to be when you’re camping. These string lights have an IP65 rating and are made with shatterproof plastic bulbs, so they can even be used in harsh weather.
Best USB Powered Camping String Lights
Not only are these USB-powered camping string lights incredibly versatile and easy to set up, but you can take them anywhere as long as you have a charged power pack on hand to keep the light shining. The disadvantage is that they may not last long because of the limited power provided by a power bank.
5. Brightech USB Powered String Lights
These USB-powered string lights are 24 feet long with 10 shatterproof bulbs. Set up your campsite with ease and have these lights strung up from your tent to the BBQ area. The 2700K soft white light or 3000K warm white light creates a cozy and inviting ambiance that easily helps you and your friends relax. These string lights are commercial quality and can withstand most weather conditions. It may be an idea to grab a few extra bulbs with this set up as some of them may blow out sooner than the rest.
6. Goal Zero Mini Camping Lights
Stop fumbling around in the dark and set up these Goal Zero LED camping lights. Don’t be fooled by their size; these little globes give you just the right amount of light for those balmy nights under the stars. What you get with these is a pack of 4 lights as well as carabiners so you can hook them up anywhere you need a little luminescence. They are easily charged via a USB cable, and you can also bring along a USB power pack if you plan on staying up late. The colored shades make them ideal for different conditions or ambiance. While these do work quite well, the light source may not last long, so keep a few fully charged power packs with you at all times if you want to keep the light shining. Since they only come in 4 bulbs, it is better to use them in the tent or a specific area.
If you’re planning to have a party at your campsite, these Sound-Reactive Smart LED RGB Fairy Lights are a good choice. You can customize the colors of the bulbs and the lighting patterns with a mobile app. Most importantly, it can sync with your music or any other sound. That’s absolutely fun and fascinating.
Best Battery Powered Camping String Lights
For those who don’t like to fuss with wires and cables to power their lights, these battery-powered camping string lights are a winner. However, lights powered by a battery may not be bright enough, so they usually work as decorative lighting.
7. YOYONACY Battery Operated String Lights
Yoyonacy camping string lights cover a length of up to 52 ft with lots of bright LED bulbs that are weatherproof and shatterproof. Choose from 8 lighting modes for just the right amount of light and with a dimmer and a timer, you set the stage for a fun evening. These lights have a rating of IP65 which makes them also suitable for outdoor use. This set is ideal for weekends away with a group of friends but these can get pricey to run as you may need to bring along extra batteries, especially if you’re having an all-night camping party.
8. Abkshine Battery Powered Star Fairy Lights
Twinkling lights that bring the magic of the stars to your campsite, these LAMPDREAM battery-powered fairy lights are as charming as they are functional. You choose the modes and the colors from warm white lights to a dazzling array of multi-color that is sure to delight you and your fellow campers. This set of string lights offers 50 star-shaped LED lights over 25 feet. All you need is three ordinary AA batteries and you’re good to go. It would be nice if these string lights didn’t consume so much battery power, so play it safe and bring extra batteries with you.
Final Words
Transform your next camping trip into something extra special with camping string lights that will please young and old alike. There are plenty of great ones you can choose from to suit you and your personal camping style.
