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6 Ways to Shed a Little Light on Your Campsite
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Though a roaring fire lights up your campsite when the sun goes down, you need additional campsite lighting to navigate safely through the darkest of nights. Trips to the bathroom, your kitchen area, tent or elsewhere require lighting options outside the reach of your campfire. Shed a little light on your campsite with one or more of these options.
Campsite Lighting Tips
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When you think of campsite lighting, flashlights, headlamps and lanterns likely come to mind. However, before purchasing any of them, consider this:
- If the light is battery operated, bring plenty of extra batteries. And always double check the kind needed, as this varies greatly from one brand to another.
- Check for solar powered options. While these may be a bit more expensive at purchase, you'll save money on batteries. Keep them in the sun all day, and they'll light your campsite all night.
- LED lighting is a newer technology and very camper friendly. With a longer burn life, some up to 100,000 hours, you'll conserve batteries, which leads to cost savings down the line.
- If the light is battery operated, bring plenty of extra batteries. And always double check the kind needed, as this varies greatly from one brand to another.
- Check for solar powered options. While these may be a bit more expensive at purchase, you'll save money on batteries. Keep them in the sun all day, and they'll light your campsite all night.
- LED lighting is a newer technology and very camper friendly. With a longer burn life, some up to 100,000 hours, you'll conserve batteries, which leads to cost savings down the line.
Flashlight
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Always bring at least one flashlight, and keep it in a place you can find it without light. When sleeping, keep it next to your bed for late-night bathroom breaks. Allow your children to keep a flashlight next to their bed, too — this often helps to ease fears of sleeping in a tent.
Lantern
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Lanterns help when navigating through the dark, but can also light an entire area of your campsite. Some tents have hooks to hang a lantern, which is ideal for changing at night or in the early morning. You can also keep one in the kitchen for cooking in the evening and digging for items in deep coolers. They are also nice for nighttime games at the picnic table.
Headlamp
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Headlamps are perfect for hands-free lighting. Why struggle with one hand when you can cook and set up camp with two? They're by far the best option for moving into your campsite at night. Make sure everyone that helps with set-up wears a headlamp for ease, efficiency and safety.
Candles
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Instead of using regular candles, help combat bugs at the campsite with citronella candles. Keep them in the kitchen or other areas where your campfire light doesn't reach.
String Lights
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For full-time RVers this is a fun way to make your rig a bit more festive. Hang string lights from your awning or on the side of your motorhome. Tent campers can use these, too. Hang them on your pop-up shelter or in the kitchen area. If there are no electrical hookups, be sure to bring battery-operated lights.
Tiki Torches
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Tiki torches are an excellent way to light your campsite, no batteries needed. Place them near the kitchen, the woodpile, or make a walkway to your tent. Make sure they're allowed at camp, and be sure to place them securely in the ground for safety.