Solar-powered lights have become one of the most practical and versatile accessories for camping, offering both convenience and atmosphere. Whether you want to create a warm, cozy glow around your tent or provide reliable illumination for cooking, games, or late-night camp chores, solar lights make it simple.
Modern LED technology allows these lights to shine brightly for hours, all while recharging during the day with no need for spare batteries, cords, or power banks. Their portability and ease of use make them especially appealing for both short overnight trips and extended adventures. That said, solar lights vary widely in design, brightness, and durability. Some excel at casting soft mood lighting, while others are built to flood your campsite with functional light. Knowing the difference can help you pack the right option for the right job. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider—and what we recommend—depending on your needs.
5 Reliable Solar Lights to Pack for Your Next Camping Trip
Best When Waterproof Is Key
While there are certainly ways to keep your gear dry on a river trip, it’s best to set yourself up for success by assuming things will get wet. BioLite’s Luci Outdoor 2.0 collapsible lantern is waterproof for up to 30 minutes when submerged up to a meter underwater, so it’s ready to withstand a potential dunking in the river. Thanks to its 7-hour recharge time, you can collapse and set it out on the boat to catch some rays while you’re moving for the day, and it’ll be ready to go when you get to camp.
Pros:
- Super waterproof
- Lightweight & collapsible
Cons:
- With just 75 lumens, this light is more for ambiance than lighting up a whole site
Best for a Festive Touch
The BioLite Luci 44′ Solar String Lights with Detachable Power Hub are a game-changer for camping, combining cozy ambiance with practical illumination. With 44 feet of durable, weather-resistant cord strung with 20 shatterproof warm-white LED bulbs, they provide up to 40 hours of light on a single charge. The detachable hub makes recharging simple—just pop it off and power it up via solar or USB-C without taking down your setup. Rugged enough for the outdoors and versatile enough to double as a device charger, these lights are the perfect way to brighten your campsite while keeping gear lightweight and hassle-free.
Pros:
- Long run time (up to 40 hours on low mode)
- Durable & multi-functional
Cons:
- Long string can take a while and be a little wonky to pack up and close
Best for Fast and Light Trips
When you don’t have a ton of extra room—or when you’re carrying all your weight on your back—shaving weight and keeping things simple is key. Goal Zero’s Crush Light weighs in at just 3.2 ounces and packs down to just over half an inch thick. With a runtime of up to 35 hours on its lowest setting, this light can be shoved in a pack and retain some charge for when you need it. (It can also be charged in advance at home via a USB port.) Bonus: Its “candle flicker” mode feels super-cozy when you can’t make a campfire.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Long run time
Cons:
- Long charge time (20 hours for full charge via the built-in panel)
Best for Getting Silly
The LuminAID Solar Beam is a versatile little lantern that’s just as fun as it is functional. It inflates into a glowing tube that can brighten up camp kitchens, tents, or backyard gatherings, and it’s waterproof and floatable, so it works just as well on the water as it does off-grid. With multiple brightness settings, up to 200 lumens of light, and even a built-in battery for a quick phone charge, it’s a trusty tool for any adventure—or even an impromptu lightsaber battle when the mood strikes.
Pros:
- Fun shape that’s oddly useful for lighting large area
- Red light for night vision
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit in small spaces when inflated
Best Mood Lighting
The BioLite Luci Candle 4-Pack is perfect for adding a warm, cozy glow without the hassle—or risk—of real flames. These lightweight, collapsible solar candles mimic flickering candlelight with three brightness modes and can shine for up to 28 hours on a single charge. Waterproof, floatable, and tough enough to handle being stepped on, they’re built for both backyard gatherings and nights under the stars. With simple solar recharging (or backup USB-C), they’re an easy, packable way to set the mood anywhere.
Pros:
- Very compact
- Short charge time & long run time
Cons:
- Single function (no ability to charge other devices)
An earlier version of this post was published in 2022 and has since been updated with contributions from Dylan Silver.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE LINKS ABOVE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS, AND OARS WILL EARN A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE AFTER CLICKING THROUGH THE LINK.
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