8 Best Powered Lanterns For Camping on Amazon (Tested)

Camping is all about embracing the great outdoors, but having a reliable light source is key to making your adventure both safe and enjoyable. Lanterns for camping are an essential piece of gear, offering dependable illumination for everything from setting up a tent after dark to creating a cozy atmosphere around the campfire. With options ranging from battery-operated models to solar-powered designs, these lanterns are designed to suit every camper’s needs. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best powered lanterns for camping to help you light up your next adventure with ease and style! Ready? Check out the following review with the National Park Shops team!

Best Overall: UST 60-day Duro Led Lantern ($66.20 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Battery Powereds
• Material: Rubberized ABS
• Brightness: 1200 Lumen

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The UST 60-Day Duro Lantern is an excellent choice for those who value powerful illumination, offering up to 1,200 lumens at full brightness. In this setting, these lanterns for camping run for 41 hours, but you can also opt for a medium (200 lumens, up to 192 hours) or low setting (20 lumens, up to 60 days). All settings emit a crisp, white light. We found the highest setting perfect for lighting large outdoor areas, the medium ideal for inside a tent or on the camping table, and the lowest great for a soft nightlight, though it wasn’t bright enough for reading.

For a downlight option, simply remove the globe and hang it by the built-in hook on the base. The lantern operates on six DD batteries (not included), which gives it a bit of heft, making it the heaviest option in this review. However, the sturdy handle makes it easy to carry for long periods. Despite its weight, it remains cool to the touch and has held up impressively after three months of use. With rugged ABS plastic housing and a rubberized coating for added impact resistance, this lantern is durable enough to endure a few rain showers without issue.

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Best Lightweight: Goal Zero Crush Light ($24.95 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Solar Powered
• Material: Plastic
• Brightness: 60 Lumen

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At just 3.2 oz, the Goal Zero Crush Light is the lightest solar lantern we tested and one of our favorites. Its warm, yellow-orange glow blends perfectly with campfire light, creating a cozy ambiance that’s far more pleasant than harsh white LEDs. We often used it for cooking or relaxing in the tent, thanks to its inviting light quality.

While the candle-light mode, designed to mimic a flickering candle, felt unnecessary and unconvincing, it didn’t detract from the lantern’s overall appeal. Despite shorter runtimes compared to other lanterns for camping, it reserves power well, allowing another hour or more on low after shutting off from high power. This is especially handy since it lacks a battery indicator to warn when it’s running low.

The solar panel, though the smallest we tested, charged efficiently in direct sunlight. Downsides include difficulty folding it flat, no battery indicator, and uncovered LEDs that can be blinding if hung directly overhead.

Still, the Crush Light’s cozy glow, lightweight design, and compactness make these lanterns for camping an excellent choice for backpackers or anyone wanting a reliable, simple solar lantern for backcountry trips.

Best for Backpacking: MPOWERD Base Light ($49.95 – $59.95 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Solar Powered
• Material: Plastic
• Brightness: ‎360 Lumen

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The Mpowerd Luci Pro Series Lantern offers two options: a clear version (cool white light up to 150 lumens) and a moonstone matte finish (warm white light up to 135 lumens). We tested the clear version and were impressed by its portability. It’s the lightest lantern we’ve used at just 6.1 ounces. Collapsible to a compact 5 x 1.5 inches, it’s perfect for backpackers or anyone prioritizing lightweight gear. Despite its minimal weight, these lanterns for camping proved sturdy, easily withstanding strong winds and staying stable on the ground. Setting it up is as simple as pulling the pieces apart and inflating it by mouth.

The lantern features four modes: low, medium, high, and flashing. On the highest setting, it fully illuminated dark areas, while the lowest mode provided up to 50 hours of runtime. A handy battery level indicator helps manage power, and recharging can be done via solar panels or the included USB cable. Bonus: it doubles as a power bank for charging devices on the go.

Surprisingly durable, the Luci Pro showed no signs of wear after extensive testing. It can endure up to 150 pounds of pressure and boasts an IP67 waterproof rating. After three months of testing, including two camping trips and frequent backyard use, we’re still impressed by its portability, durability, and reliability, making it a long-lasting addition to any outdoor kit.

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Best for Camping: Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern ($69.95 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Solar Powered
• Material: Aluminium
• Brightness: 600 Lumen

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The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 camping lantern is a solid choice for car camping, though its size and weight (about one pound) make it less ideal for backpacking compared to lighter options. Designed for versatility, it features adjustable, directional LED light and collapsible legs that maximize light dispersion. Setting these lanterns for camping up is a breeze, just flip down the legs and switch it on. A built-in handle makes transporting it between your car and campsite effortless. The lantern delivers up to 600 lumens of warm white light with high and low settings, and you can choose to illuminate only half of the lantern to save power.

This half-light mode extends runtime significantly, offering up to 320 hours of light on low compared to 180 hours for full 360-degree lighting. These lanterns for camping also include a red flashing emergency mode, though we found it somewhat dim for practical use. The lithium battery can be recharged via USB or with Goal Zero’s Nomad 10 solar panel (sold separately). Additionally, the crank handle allows you to generate 10 minutes of light with just one minute of cranking.

BioLite AlpenGlow 500 ($79.95 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Battery Powered
• Material: Plastic
• Brightness: 500 Lumen

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The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 lantern combines functionality with a touch of nature-inspired beauty. These lanterns for camping offer both cool and warm white light, delivering up to 500 lumens, which proved excellent for night hiking and reading without straining our eyes. What sets it apart is its vibrant mood lighting options, including single color, multicolor, candle flicker, and blended modes mimicking sunrise and sunset. A quick shake cycles through these settings, and the fireworks mode quickly became our favorite for its playful charm.

Setup is as simple as charging it with the included micro USB cable, which takes about two hours from low battery. Even when the battery runs low, the lanterns for camping maintain two functional light settings sufficient for basic visibility. It also doubles as a power bank for small USB devices, adding extra utility. Compact and easy to carry, it fits comfortably in one hand and features a hanging hook and anti-slip rubber base. With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, it shrugged off hours in the rain during testing and still looks brand new after three months of use.

Versatile for Camping: AlpsWolf Rechargeable Camping Lantern ($22.99 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Battery Powered
• Material: Abs
• Brightness: ‎800 Lumen

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The AlpsWolf Camping Lantern is a versatile four-in-one device that serves as a flashlight, lantern, spotlight, and emergency red-light strobe. With a hanging hook and convertible handle, it offers multiple carrying options and can stand independently for hands-free use. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into a backpack pocket, making it a convenient choice for outdoor adventures. These lanterns for camping boast an IP65 water-resistance rating and survived a drop onto concrete during testing, proving its durability.

Performance-wise, it delivers up to 800 lumens with a range of 1,640 feet. The highest setting provides a bright, daylight-like glow, and you can switch between focused and diffuse beams as needed. Its rechargeable battery, with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, offers up to 12 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Blue indicators show battery levels, and the lantern fully recharges in about two hours. Impressively, it remains functional while charging and can double as a power bank to charge your phone – a valuable feature for camping or emergencies.

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Sofirn BLF LT1 Camping Lantern ($84.99 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Battery Powered
• Material: Aluminum
• Brightness: ‎800 Lumen

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For an ultra-durable car camping lantern, the Sofirn BLF LT1 is a standout choice. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can survive submersion in up to 3.3 feet of water for 30 minutes. Its hefty weight ensures stability, even in strong winds or on uneven ground. Despite its solid build, these lanterns for camping are ergonomically designed for easy carrying. During testing, it withstood multiple drops without a scratch, and months of use haven’t left a mark, its durability truly impressed us.

The Sofirn BLF LT1 delivers up to 800 lumens and offers two brightness settings: neutral white at full power and warm white at half power. A dimmer function allows precise adjustments, making it versatile for cooking, walking at night, or other campsite tasks. Powered by four rechargeable batteries, these lanterns for camping provide over 24 hours of runtime in half-power mode. As a bonus, it doubles as a power bank to charge mobile devices, making it a reliable and practical addition to any camping setup.

Best Camping Lantern for Overlanding: Goal Zero Skylight ($299.95 on Amazon)

• Light Source Type: Light Emitting Diode (LED)
• Power Source: Internal Battery
• Material: Other
• Brightness: ‎‎6000 lumens

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The Goal Zero Skylight Portable Area Light delivers an impressive 6,000 lumens, lighting up 150 feet in every direction, perfect for Overlanding, base camps, or group gatherings. Unlike string lights, this single unit provides expansive illumination effortlessly.

Its design is inspired by worksite lights but with a warm 3250K glow for a cozy campsite vibe. The six adjustable LED petals let you focus light where needed or shield it from neighbors. Mounted on a 12’ telescoping pole with a sturdy tripod base, these lanterns for camping spread light widely and keep bugs at bay. Even in sandy soils, its staking holes ensure stability.

The Skylight has an internal battery (33 Wh, ~8 hours on low) but shines best when connected to external power sources. With four lighting levels, including a boost mode, it’s a must-have for large campsite setups.

How we tested the best lanterns for Camping

The lanterns for camping highlighted here are our top choices, designed to handle the wear and tear of frequent use, whether it’s the bumps of packing and unpacking or the jostling in the back of your car. During testing, we focused on key features like light output, battery performance, and user-friendliness, while also evaluating durability, portability, and overall value.

Outdoor lighting technology has come a long way. Not too long ago, propane lanterns were the go-to option, offering charm but also their fair share of challenges. Today, most lanterns for camping rely on battery power, with advancements in lithium-polymer and lithium-ion batteries delivering longer runtimes. LED technology has also revolutionized the market, offering features like adjustable brightness, color temperatures, and even customizable hues.

FAQs

How many lumens do I need for a camping lantern?

The ideal lumens for a camping lantern depend on your needs. To light up an entire campsite, aim for 750 to 1,000 lumens, depending on size. For smaller tasks like food prep or playing cards, 300 lumens is sufficient. Inside a tent, anything over 200 lumens might be too bright, with 50 lumens being perfect for a nightlight.

What size lantern should I buy?

Many people believe that you need a huge lantern to fully harness the sun’s energy and achieve that “wow” factor in your space. However, that’s a misconception. A compact 100x100cm lantern can still capture a surprising amount of sunlight, while a 150x250cm lantern provides ample lighting coverage for a medium-sized roof.

How long do battery lanterns last?

The battery life of a lantern can vary greatly depending on its power source, settings, and usage. Typically, battery-powered lanterns last anywhere from 5 to 50 hours on a single charge or set of batteries. On lower brightness settings, many lanterns can last longer, with some even extending beyond 100 hours. However, at maximum brightness, most battery lanterns will have shorter runtimes, often around 10 to 20 hours.