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Let there be light: Camping Solar Lighting

Photo by Cindy Chen on Unsplash

Let there be light! Welcome, fellow campers and outdoor aficionados, to the enlightening journey of camping solar lighting! So, you're nestled in nature's embrace, the stars glittering overhead like diamonds in the sky, and a crackling campfire casting its warm glow. But what happens when darkness descends, and you're left fumbling in the shadows? Fear not, for we're here to shed some light on why getting your camping solar lighting right is not just practical but downright essential.


Whilst there are lots of different types of lighting that you could choose for your camping trip, from battery-powered (with disposable batteries), to rechargeable from a cable or wind-up arm, to gas powered from a fuel canister or candle/paraffin powered, we are looking at solar powered options today.


The Camping Dilemma: Ah, the age-old camping dilemma: to bring or not to bring lighting. While some purists may argue for an authentic wilderness experience sans artificial illumination, let's face it – stumbling around in the dark isn't exactly fun or safe. That's where camping solar lighting swoops in as your beacon of hope, quite literally. Once you have safely navigated all the tent pegs and guy ropes, absolutely turn off the lights, sit back and enjoy nature's celestial light show in the sky.


Safety First: Now, let's talk safety. While communing with nature is all well and good, navigating your campsite without proper lighting can quickly turn into a game of "Twist Ankle Roulette." From tripping hazards to nocturnal wildlife encounters, a well-lit campsite is your best defence against the perils of the night.


Eco-Friendly Enlightenment: In a world where environmental consciousness reigns supreme, embracing solar-powered lighting is a no-brainer. Bid farewell to disposable batteries and fuel-powered lanterns – with solar lighting, you're harnessing the power of the sun to illuminate your outdoor escapades. It's a win-win for both you and Mother Nature.


Practical Brilliance: "But wait," you say, "what about practicality?" Fear not, dear camper, for camping solar lighting is as practical as it is illuminating. With a plethora of options ranging from compact solar lanterns to string lights powered by the sun, there's a lighting solution to suit every camping scenario. Plus, many solar-powered lights boast impressive battery life and durability, ensuring they'll keep shining bright throughout your adventures.


Campsite Cooking Lighting: You've spent the day exploring, hiking, or simply soaking in the serenity of nature, and now it's time to whip up a delicious campfire feast. Enter solar-powered lighting, your trusty sous chef in the wilderness kitchen. With strategically placed solar lights around your cooking area, you'll effortlessly navigate the chopping board, spice rack, and grill with precision and ease. No more squinting in the dim light of a fading sunset or relying solely on the flickering flames of your campfire. Solar lighting ensures that every culinary masterpiece you create at the campsite is crafted with precision and illuminated to perfection. So fire up the grill, sharpen your knives, and let solar-powered brilliance transform your outdoor cooking experience into a culinary adventure worth savouring.


Mood Setting Magic: Ah, the ambiance of a well-lit campsite – it's positively magical! Whether you're swapping stories around the campfire or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, the right lighting sets the mood for memorable moments in the great outdoors. So why settle for darkness when you can bask in the glow of solar-powered serenity?


What is a definite though with solar powered lighting, you are not going to be blinded by the lumens! Most solar powered lights hover around 100-200 lumens, some below. All will be great for more close up work, or for setting the right ambiance and vibes. Overall, the things you may want to think about when selecting your solar lights are:


  • Battery life: Fab if you are planning on being out in the full sun for most of the day for solar recharging, but if you’re camping in a shady spot, or the weather gods are not on your side, you might want one with a larger capacity or that can be recharged via USB.

  • Cost: Cheap and cheerful or comprehensive and costly? Are these lights an investment or a one season wonder?

  • Brand values: Are environmental and socially responsible companies important to you? Lots of light companies are actively involved in getting clean power and lighting to countries around the world, including, MPowered, Luminaid, Goal Zero and BioLite that we feature in this blog.

  • Size and weight: What are you planning on hanging/sitting them on? Are you planning on hiking and will they fit in/on your backpack?

  • Light temperature and lumens: Camping Scamping always goes for a warm glow, but you might want brighter if you need the lighting for cooking/chopping wood etc.

  • Special features: What other features can your lighting offer? Will you want to be able to charge your phone? Do you need it to act as a flashlight, radio or to signal distress? These are all things to consider.

  • Aesthetics: What vibe are you going for? Festival and chillout, or utilitarian? This could be the difference between warm, coloured or bright white lights or those that sync to your beats!

Whatever your needs, keep reading below for some of our Camping Solar Lighting recommendations...


Camping Scamping is now a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk. Therefore if you click and purchase via any of the links below (Amazon or otherwise), we will get a small % of any sales generated. The fees we earn from affiliate links allow us to keep the blog going and also invest in new kit and recipes to trial, review and share our thoughts on.


Have a look our recommended Camping Solar Lighting below:



2 Solar TruGlow® Tiki Torches How about lining the route to your tent, or placing these flickering Tiki torches either side of your entrance? Dimensions: 73 x 2.8cm 2700K warm white lights £19.99 https://tidd.ly/3vDEiuL - Lights4fun



TechKen Solar Powered Shed LED Light Bulb, 2 Pack Hanging hook Up to 150 Lumens with 12 LED Beads 900 mAh battery Remote control Up to 8 hours lighting on a full charge 420 g £21.99 https://amzn.to/4aObKxr - Amazon



Solar Camping Stowable String Lights 39 ft strong with 120 LED lights Can be wound into container to form a hangable central light 8 Modes 3600mAh battery Remote control Waterproof Up to 24 hours on high brightness mode 3000K soft and bright warm light illumination 420 g £25.99 https://amzn.to/3xvZxiv - Amazon



Solar Camping Light Rechargeable Lantern Adjustable 3 Light Modes & Brightness (from 3000K (Warm Light) to 6500K (Cool White Light) 24hrs Standby Work Battery Powered Portable Phone Charger Function Water Resistant Camping Tent Light Rechargeable 4400mAh battery Dimensions: 27.8 x 10.8 x 10.6 cm; 725 g £29.99 https://amzn.to/4aSlneF - Amazon



200 Lisse Solar USB Flower Starburst String Lights Why not invest in some seriously pretty flower lights for the entrance to your tent? 3m string with 2.3m of lights 10 light clusters Remote controlled with 8 modes Timer function £29.99 https://tidd.ly/49xPWFp - Lights4fun



Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma Lantern Six different light colours Collapsible and small Four different lighting modes Dimensions: ‎20.32 x 17.78 x 2.54 cm; 8 g 60 lumen ambient light £30.17 https://amzn.to/4cUEzu3 - Amazon



Solar String, Colour Changing Lights 48ft string with 25 edison-style bulbs Bluetooth enabled - Music sync, app and remote control options 20 lighting modes and dimmable Solar Powered/Rechargeable using USB Charger Waterproof, sunproof, snowproof Up to 10 hours light 1.29 kg £30.99 https://amzn.to/3PTabWU - Amazon



SolarCentre® Lancaster Table Lamp Stylish table lamp that is solar powered and USB chargeable. Available in Black, Blue and White. Warm white colour with three brightness settings. Dimensions: 24.7 x 17.8 x 17.1 cm; 880 g Low ambient lighting £39.99 https://amzn.to/3PXGP9I - Amazon



MPOWERD Luci Colour Solar String Lights + Phone Charger 18ft cord with 6 colours 100 Lumen Lasts up to 15 hours Waterproof and compact when the lights are wound in (they fit inside the casing) Base dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 5.08 cm; 320.35 g £42.99 https://amzn.to/3JjFwy9 - Amazon



Brightech Ambience Pro Outdoor String Lights 48ft string, with lights over 42ft, where the lights are each 3ft apart Vintage Edison Bulbs Commercial Grade WeatherProof Patio Lights with Shatterproof S14 Bulbs - can withstand snow, rain and 50mph winds 3000K soft white lights Up to 5-6 hours illumination on a full charge 1.47 kg £45.99 https://amzn.to/3PYoZDA - Amazon



MPowerd Luci Pro Series Hang on your backpack/tent during the day and by night you will have up to 50 hours of warm ambient lighting Dimensions: 12.7 x 12.7 x 10.8 cm; 172.37 g Collapsible and waterproof Four lighting modes and hanging hook 2000mAh battery 165 Lumens £48.43 https://amzn.to/49yGuS1 - Amazon



LuminAID Titan 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern and Phone Charger Extra Bright Solar Lantern - 300 Lumens (so good for activities like cooking!) Multiple brightness settings Expands to full size with a "twist to inflate" action Dimensions: ‎21 x 6 x 23 cm; 350 g 4000 mAh built-in battery Up to 100 hours of light on Low setting Waterproof and floats on water when inflated. £79.31 https://amzn.to/3xEStQz - Amazon



Set of 5 Tyvek Moroccan Hanging Solar Lanterns After a more bohemian vibe? 5 fabric covered Moroccan style hanging solar lanterns Various shapes and colours with delicate flower detailing Dimensions: 40, 30, 30, 20 and 20 cm deep Up to 6 hours of lighting Water resistant £179.99 https://tidd.ly/43UFPJt - Lights4fun



BioLite Solar Home System 625 Lantern If you are truly off grid, this comprehensive system will get you up and running in no time. Designed for longer stays in mind Kit contains Control Box, 2 Hanging Lights, 1 Security Light, 1 Solar Panel, USB Adapter and Wall Screws The Control Box houses an integrated 4th light as well as a built-in FM radio, MP3 player, and two USB ports to charge mobile phones and other devices. 3800 mAh, 6.4V battery 130 Lumen (each light) Dimensions Control Box: 20 x 15.4 x 6.8 cm Hanging Lights (each): 15 x 14 x 8.2 cm) Solar Panel: 29 x 19 x 1.6 cm), 2.04 kg Packs down to size of a shoe box £184.49 https://amzn.to/4aOUHLs - Amazon

Please note, Amazon and other linked company's product prices and availability of all the items showcased above are accurate as of the 10/04/2024 10:30 GMT and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk  or other linked websites at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.


Parting Illuminations: As we bid adieu to our illuminating adventure, remember this: when it comes to camping, getting the lighting right isn't just about convenience – it's about safety, sustainability, and setting the stage for unforgettable experiences. So, let your Camping Solar Lighting shine bright, powered by the radiant energy of the sun, and may your outdoor adventures be forever illuminated. Happy camping one and all!

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