The Best Camping String Lights: A Complete Guide

They feature a super sleek and portable design, run on free solar power and provide up to 20 hours of light per charge. There is even a built-in flashlight, and the possibility of USB charging is the ideal back-up. 

From a top camping brand, these battery camping string lights are super cute, comprising a line of 10 mini camping lanterns. They are also very highly rated. 

These camping lantern string lights from Coleman are battery powered, so you’ll need to buy 3 readily available AA batteries. This means you can use them anywhere, without a USB, mains, solar or even 12V power source.  

On a 6-foot string, these are a fun choice than can run for up to 20 hours. They’re also one of the most compact and portable picks. 

Pros: 

• Fun design 
• Top outdoor brand 
• Ultra portable

Cons: 

• Smaller than many other options

Waterproof and weather resistant, these camping string lights with battery pack power as their source are bright enough for all sorts of evening activities like cooking. 

Simply take these plus a power pack with you and you’re set up for many happy hours of illuminated camping. These LEDs are also a safer option as they stay cool to the touch.  
Brightech offer a full 3-year warranty, making this a risk-free purchase. This product also comes with high ratings and great reviews.

Pros: 

• Weather and shatter resistant 
• Bright LED lighting 
• Can be used anywhere

Cons: 

• Power pack required

This product is without doubt among the best solar outdoor string lights options around and receives very positive feedback from owners.  

The key selling point of these bright solar string lights is the highly efficient solar panel that means batteries should never be needed. If you do like to have back-up, then they can also be charged via the USB port.  

With an 18-foot cord, 2,000 mAh rechargeable lithium battery and 20 warm white or colored LEDs, these can last for up to 20 hours per charge. They are also waterproof, come with hanging clips and a built-in flashlight. Plus there is a battery level indicator and four lighting modes. 

Pros: 

• 20 LEDS on 18-foot cord 
• High efficiency solar panel 
• Rechargeable 2,000 mAh battery

Cons: 

• Higher price than some other options

If you want the best outdoor string lights that are solar powered, how about a pack containing enough for the holidays as well as camping trips? 
 
This highly rated set of four solar powered LED light strings provides adequate outdoor lighting for use at home and when away. You could keep two sets at your house and two in the car. 
 
These are among the brightest solar string lights around, yet the warm white color makes them less than overpowering.

Pros: 

• Use all year round 
• Bright yet warm LED lighting 
• 288 feet of fairy lights

Cons: 

• May be more than you need for a smaller campsite

Are these the best solar LED string lights around? The answer is likely to be yes if you want a vintage feel – without those glass bulbs that could so easily shatter, leaving broken glass everywhere.  

They are fully weatherproof, and so should not melt in the sun, become damp after rain or be blown away by the wind. In fact, one happy customer in Florida has said they withstood a hurricane.  

The included adapt can lower the voltage to 12V for safer indoor use, while the efficient LED bulbs reduce energy consumption and last for up to 30,000 hours.  

As access to a power source is required, this is not the ideal tent camping option; however, they are ideal as RV camping string lights, or for those with mains hook-up, or if you have a generator. 

If you need a generator, check out my Guide to the Best Generators for Camping.  

Pros: 

• Shatter and weather proof 
• Highly efficient LEDs 
• Vintage feel

Cons: 

• Require mains power or generator

Again, these cafe-style string lights are powered via the mains, and are thus aimed at those with mains hook up while camping or if you have a generator.  
 
These lights receive incredibly high ratings and rave reviews, so they’re clearly worth the higher price tag. There are six color and style options, available in 24- or 48-foot lengths.  
 
With an ultra-tough and durable design, these colorful and stylish string lights for camping will certainly make your RV or pitch stand out. There are various mounting options too.

Pros: 

• Ultra-stylish cafe-style lighting 
• Various designs and lengths 
• Commercial grade construction

Cons: 

• Mains power or generator required

These camping LED string lights feature 30 LED color changing bulbs on a transparent or dark green cord. There are 7 modes to choose from, operated via remote control. 

While USB is the most efficient mode of charging, they can also be run on three AA batteries, giving you more flexibility.  

They have an IP65 waterproof rating and are ideal for parties and other occasions as well as camping. Even when used for long periods of time, they stay cool to the touch and are thus a safer choice for families. 

Pros: 

• 30 color changing LEDs 
• Can also be battery powered 
• IP65 water resistant rating

Cons: 

• Batteries not included

This is a rather unique product from Power Practical, as it can be used in two ways. The light rope can be placed wherever you like, or you can set it up as a handheld lantern.  

The product listing is well worth checking out, as it shows the USB powered lights being strung around a surfboard and even people out cycling.  

You can choose between various options, including 5- or 10-foot strings with or without colors or a battery. Whichever you go for, they come with noodle ties, integral magnets, a ripstop pouch and a remote control.

Pros: 

• Use as light rope or lantern 
• Pouch, magnets & ties included 
• Various length, color & battery options

Cons: 

• Battery pack an optional extra

Like the above product, this also comes from Power Practical, but this time it’s a 12V powered option that’s ideal for use as camper awning string lights or car camping string lights. 

With 20 feet of bright lighting, this can also be used as a lantern. The package comes complete with noodle ties, integral magnets, wall mounts, a remote control and a ripstop pouch. There is also a 12V wall charger and a 12V car adapter. 

There are 3,000 lumens of light and it can be fixed up pretty much any way you like. With various colors and modes, there are around 500 setting combinations in total. 

Pros: 

• 12V wall & car chargers  
• 15 colors & 10 brightness settings 
• Magnets, ties, mounts & pouch supplied

Cons: 

• Not the cheapest option

In this case the ‘12V’ refers to the output rather than the power source, and these low output lights are ideal for RV use for this reason. 
 
The LED bulbs are extremely energy efficient and are also shatterproof. They come complete with hook holes for super simple installation. 
 
With an IP44 waterproof rating, an FCC certificate and a one-year warranty, this 24-foot string of 8 large, warm white LEDs is perfect for those with a camper van.

Pros: 

• Safe 12V output 
• IP44 waterproof rating & FCC certificate 
• 1-year warranty

Cons: 

• Mains or generator powered

If you want the best camping lights that are decorative, take look at these star-shaped LED string lights. You don’t have to choose between warm white and multicolored lighting, as you can easily switch between the two. 

The lights take six hours to charge (in direct sunlight) via the built-in solar panel and can then run for up to 12. Taking these on your camping trips will ensure you see the stars every night. 

As well as for camping, you could set these up outside at home during the Christmas, Hanukkah or other festive seasons. They have 50 LEDs on a 25-foot cord, and a remote control with 11 modes. 

Pros: 

• Multi-purpose star lights 
• 50 LEDs on 25-foot cord 
• Switch between white & multicolor modes

Cons: 

• No other power option

A lot of vintage or retro style options have glass bulbs, which look pretty but are not the most practical option for camping. These are among the best camping fairy lights around because they are a little less breakable. 

With 40 warm white LEDs on a 16.5-foot cord, these are ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere at the campground. They’re powered by 3 AA batteries (sold separately). 

These appealing string lights are durable as well as decorative, made from heat and weatherproof plastic. The warm white bulbs and twisted string gives them an authentic vintage feel.  

Pros: 

• Decorative dandelion style 
• Durable and weatherproof 
• 40 LEDs on 16.5-foot cord

Cons: 

• Battery purchase required

If it’s novelty you’re seeking, then how about this product? Surely the best solar powered string lights for those with pets. Some also purchase them to remember their furry friend by. 

They come as a set of four, joined together by a thin cord that runs from paw to paw. There is also a choice of colors, so you can select neutral white or a brighter shade. 

These tough, weather-resistant lights run solely on solar power, and will automatically light up when the skies over the campsite darken. 

Pros: 

• Choice of colors 
• Wind and rain resistant 
• Automatic switch-on at dusk

Cons: 

• Limited lighting

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James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and all of the main national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.

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