Camping string lights are a great way to decorate and light your campsite and provide more light where you need it safely and easily.
If you’re camping somewhere that doesn’t allow fires, or if you just want to add a little personality to your campsite, string lights are a great option!
Camping string lights come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find the perfect set for your needs.
Plus, they’re really easy to set up – just hang them from a tree or hang them in your tent.
Because most outdoor camping lights use their own power sources, you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet or running extension cords.
We’ve reviewed the best camping string lights in this guide- here’s what to look for when picking out your set:
- Brightness: Make sure your camping string light sets put out enough light to meet your needs. Typically, the brighter the lights are, the more expensive they’ll be.
- Power Source: Most outdoor string lights run off of batteries, USB power, or solar power. Pick the right one for your situation.
- String Length: If you have a bigger campsite, you’ll want to pay attention to how long your string lights are and may need to get multiple sets.
- Waterproofing: Rain or snow can damage camping lights that aren’t weatherproof, so make sure you are paying attention to this unless you’re camping somewhere that’s completely dry.
Read more: Camping String Lights Buying Guide
The Best Camping String Lights – Our Top Picks
| Best Overall Camping String Lights | Power Practical Luminoodle LED Light Rope |
| Best Solar Camping String Lights | MPowerd Luci Solar String Lights |
| Best Battery Powered Camping String Lights | Zoutog String Lights |
| Brightest Outdoor Camping Lights | Brightech Ambiance Pro USB Powered |
| Best Decorative Camping String Lights | Coleman Lantern LED String Lights |
| Best Decorative Camping Lights Runner Up | Brightown Solar Water Drop LED Lights |
| Best Multicolor String Lights For Camping | Aloveco Multicolor Decorative Camping Lights |
| Best Novelty String Light For Camping | Camco Retro Travel Trailer Lights |
| Best Battery Operated Rope Lights | Bebrant LED Rope Lights |
| Most Affordable Tent Lights | FengChi 3-Piece Hanging LED Bulb Lights |
| Best Camping Fairy Lights | Koopower LED Outdoor Fairy Lights |
Power Practical Luminoodle LED Light Rope
- Length: 5’ or 10’
- Battery: USB port
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
- Weight: 4.7 oz or 7oz
One of our favorite sets of decorative camping lights is the Power Practical Luminoodle Light Rope.
These lights are really versatile – they come in two different sizes (five and ten feet) and both white and multi-color options.
They also have a ton of cool features, such as utility loops and magnets that make it easy to hang them up, and plug into your own power bank or a USB port.
This set of camping lights also comes with a storage bag which allows the string lights to serve dual purpose as an LED camping lantern or tent lantern, which is a great feature.
Plus, they’re waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or snow ruining them.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use set of string lights that will brighten up your campsite, this is a very easy choice.
MPowerd Luci Solar String Lights
- Length: 18’’
- Battery: Solar powered or can be charged through USB port
- Waterproof Rating: Splash resistant
- Weight: 11.03 oz
Our favorite solar camping string lights are the Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights.
These lights come in either white-only or a color option with 6 different colors and can be strung up almost anywhere – they use a small panel that charges during the day and lights up at night.
Since they’re solar-powered, you don’t have to worry about batteries or cords – just hang them in a sunny spot and enjoy the show!
If there’s no sun, you can also power these camping lights through a USB battery pack.
The internal battery pack can also charge your smartphone or other devices, making this a solar charger too, which is very cool.
Zoutog Battery Operated String Lights
- Length: 33’ or 49’
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: No rating, but they are waterproof
- Weight: 1.08 pounds
A great option for battery powered camping string lights is the Zoutog Battery Operated String Lights.
These globe lights come with a remote control which allows you to turn them on or off from your tent for added convenience.
They don’t require any wiring, so all you have to do is hang them up, turn them on, and get to enjoying your campsite.
It only takes 3 AA batteries to power them, and they have 8 different light modes to choose from so you can light your campsite however you want.
Brightech Ambience Pro USB Powered LED Fairy Lights
- Length: 24’
- Battery: USB Port
- Waterproof Rating: Waterproof, weatherproof, shatterproof
- Weight: 1.08 pounds
If you’re looking for a set of camping fairy lights to brighten things up, our top pick is the Brightech Ambience Pro USB Powered LED Fairy Lights.
Each strand is over 24 feet long, containing 10 individual shatterproof and waterproof bulbs that are over 100 lumens each, making these camping lights bright and durable.
You can power these using a USB power bank and they’ll light up your tent or the rest of your campsite very well.
Coleman Lantern LED String Lights
- Length: 6’
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: Waterproof, splash resistant
- Weight: 12.7oz
The Coleman LED string lights combine form and function by offering a powerful set of outdoor string lights that are actually shaped like mini Coleman lanterns.
They emit a really bright white light and are waterproof, making them perfect for all-weather use.
They run for up to 20 hours off of 3 AA batteries and the string of lights is 80″ long and weighs only .79lbs with the batteries installed, so it’s easy to hang from small branches without worry.
Brightown 40 LED Water Drop Solar Powered Lights
- Length: 33’ or 49’
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: No rating, but they are waterproof
- Weight: 1.08 pounds
If you’re looking for decorative camping tent lights with a unique design then you’ll want to pay attention to these Brightown 40 LED Water Drop Solar Powered Lights.
These lights are very distinctive and look amazing, especially at night – the 20-foot long strand of lights is powered by a solar panel that you can place almost anywhere to charge during the day that will power the lights for 8-10 hours once the sun goes down.
They have 8 different modes to suit your camping vibe, and they’re also waterproof so rain or snow won’t pose a problem.
ALOVECO 50 LED Battery Powered Fairy String Lights
- Length: 18’
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Weight: 6.7oz
Our favorite affordable tent string lights are the ALOVECO 50 LED Battery Powered Fairy String Lights.
These led camping string lights come with a remote control that allows you to adjust the brightness, color, timer and more, making this a great value.
They are waterproof (IP65) so rain won’t ruin them – they’re great for outdoor use in general or as patio lighting – and each strand is 18 feet long, meaning it’s very easy to light up your campsite without having to get creative with hanging locations.
Each strand of camping string lights comes with 50 led globe lights, offering plenty of light for your tent or camping area.
Camco Retro Travel Trailer Lights
- Length: 8’
- Battery: Corded Electric (Plug-In)
- Waterproof Rating: Not waterproof
- Weight: 13.6 oz
The Camco Retro Travel Trailer Lights are a great set of vintage camper string lights that have a little extra flair.
They are made with an attractive retro-inspired design that looks great whether they’re on or off, and plug in to a 120V outlet, making them great string lights for use in a camper, RV, or e port tent.
Bebrant LED Rope Lights
- Length: 40’
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: Lights are IP65, battery case is IP44
- Weight: 10.2oz
If you’re looking for a weatherproof set of battery operated rope lights, the Bebrant LED rope lights are a solid choice.
They come with a remote control that allows you to change the color, brightness and more, and the rope light is IP44 waterproof so it can be used no matter what’s happening outside.
They don’t require any wiring, so all you have to do is hang these camping rope lights and turn them on, and it only takes three AA batteries to power these lights and has an automatic timer to make sure the lights only stay on when they’re supposed to.
FengChi 3 Piece Outdoor Light Set
- Length: Not Applicable – Each light measures 4” x 2”
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: Waterproof and crack-resistant
- Weight: 5.11oz
The FengChi Outdoor Light Set is a great choice for those looking for an all-in-one battery operated LED tent light that’s super affordable.
This set comes with three different lights that you can easily hook to different spots.
Each one of these tent lights are powered by 3 AAA batteries, and they’re all IP65 waterproof so rain or snow won’t be a problem.
They’re lightweight and portable, so they’re great for emergency use or throwing in your camp kit , and they offer a full brightness, half brightness, and SOS settings, making them great for multiple scenarios.
Koopower Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights
- Length: 36’
- Battery: 3 AA Batteries
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Weight: 3.99oz
If you’re looking for camping string lights that are both attractive and powerful, then the koopower Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights might be right up your alley.
This LED tent light string has a cool white color and comes with a remote control and offers 8 different settings.
They even have a timer setting so you don’t run down your batteries unnecessarily, and are rated IP65 waterproof so you can use them in any weather with confidence.
Camping String Lights Buying Guide
There are a lot of options when it comes to outdoor camping lights.
Pay attention to the following items to make sure you pick the right outdoor string lights for your situation.
Brightness
One of the most important considerations is finding a set of outdoor camping lights that are bright enough for you to see everything.
Whether you’re looking for something to brighten up your campsite or just provide some ambient light, it’s important to find a set of string lights that gets the job done.
Bulb Type
Most modern decorative camping lights have LED bulbs in them, which are much better than conventional bulbs.
LED bulbs are brighter, more efficient, more durable, and more weather-resistant than conventional bulbs.
Length
Make sure the camping string lights you choose are long enough to cover the area you want to light up.
Nearly all the outdoor string light sets we reviewed in this guide will light up a tent with ease, but you may need to grab several sets of camping string lights if you’re looking to light up a large camping area.
Measure first if you need to!
Indoor Vs. Outdoor Use
Most of the best camping string light sets we reviewed today are intended for outdoor use, as almost all of them offer some sort of waterproofing capability.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use them for some extra ambiance indoors or under a covered area like an RV awning or under your deck at home, or even in a dark room inside.
Weather Resistance
If you’ll be camping in rainy or snowy conditions then you’ll need to make sure your campsite lighting offers some sort of waterproof protection.
Nothing will put a damper on your camping trip like a set of ruined lights and a dark camping area due to some moisture!
Durability
Depending on where and how you’ll be using your lights, it’s very important they can take a beating and withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
Wind can rattle thetent string lights around, bouncing them against each other or into trees, and they can fall to the ground on occasion, so it’s important that they are up to the task.
Power Source Options
What power source you want your camping string lights to have really comes down to personal preference.
Some of the outdoor light sets we covered here require a USB power bank to run them, while others require batteries.
Make sure the campsite string lighting set you choose offers the right kind of power supply that you are okay with.
Battery Powered
Most battery powered string lights run off of AA or AAA batteries that are in an enclosed battery pack on the end of the string.
If you decide to go the battery-powered camping string light route, look for an automatic timer feature that’ll keep your camping string lights from draining your batteries overnight when no one is awake to enjoy them!
Additionally, be prepared to bring along extra batteries if you choose this type of camping string light.
USB Powered
USB-powered camping string lights will require an external battery pack to run them from, like a device charger.
The benefit here is that a USB power bank can easily be charged from a car, holds way more charge than standard batteries, and can also charge your smartphone, heated camping chair, or other devices.
The power pack is often sold separately and you must remember both to bring it on your camping trip and to make sure it’s charged!
Solar Powered
Solar camping string lights are really convenient because they’re eco-friendly and don’t require any batteries or power packs, but you must consider the environment you’re camping in to make sure the solar panel will get enough sun throughout the day to adequately power your camping string lights at night.
Electric Plug-In
Old-school plug-in string lights are nice because there’s an endless power source, but there aren’t too many power outlets in nature!
These types of camping string lights are best used in RVs, campers, or at campsites that have electric outlets installed.
If you’re not sure what will be at your campsite, check ahead to see what amenities (like power or water) may be offered.
Energy Efficiency
Check the run time of your campsite lights ahead of time to know how many sets of batteries or how large of a USB power pack you’re going to need to adequately power your lights at night.
You’d be surprised how much runtime can vary between different brands and types of camping string lights.
Design And Appearance
This all comes down to personal preference.
Fortunately, there are many different styles of camping string lights: globe lights, LED rope lights, fairy lights, colored camping lights, and other kinds of decorative camping lights you can choose from.
Many versions even offer color options to add a little extra interest to your camping adventure.
Additional Features
Features like remote controls, pattern selections, and different brightness levels all add extra convenience that can make a huge difference.
Pay attention to the features offered in the set of campsite lighting you’re choosing to make sure the features they have are ones that you’ll actually use.
How To Hang String Lights In A Camping Tent
It’s quite easy to hang camping string lights in a tent.
- Test the lights at home to make sure they work – you don’t to discover a broken set of camping string lights once you’re at your campsite.
- Untangle the lights and get them ready for hanging.
- Hook up your power source such as batteries, USB power pack, or a solar panel (solar camping string lights will be harder to use inside a tent).
- Wrap the lights around the tent poles or clip them onto the support poles or lantern hooks inside your tent.
- Tidy everything up and make sure there are no loose wires above or on the ground to prevent tripping.
Camping String Lights Frequently Asked Questions
While you can leave camping string lights on all night, it doesn’t mean that you should.
Leaving battery operated string lights running all night will drain your batteries and also can disturb other campers near you, especially if left on overnight or after lights-out times at your campsite.
Many popular string lights offer automatic timers that will save the battery if you forget to turn them off.
While it is very rare, anything that uses electricity has the potential to start a fire, including camping string lights.
Always use caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using and hanging your camping lights.
Most string lights for camping are durable and shatterproof, which is what you should be looking for when making your selection.
Avoid string lights with glass bulbs, as they’re not going to hold up to the elements and rigors of outdoor use.
Yes, you can hang string lights inside a tent by hanging them from the poles or lantern hooks on the tent’s interior.
This is a great alternative to a lantern and most camping string lights offer different brightness levels to suit your needs.
The higher the camping string light set’s waterproof rating, the longer you can safely leave them outside without worrying about them getting damaged.
Look for camping string lights with at least an IP44 rating to ensure they can hold up to rain and other moisture.
Leaving camping string lights outside year round will make them wear out faster over time than if you bring them inside between uses.
How long camping string lights last depends on their brightness and power source.
Brighter string lights that use USB power will last much longer than battery-powered ones.
Most manufacturers will clearly state how long their lights will run on a single charge.
Wrapping Up Our Guide To The Best Camping String Lights
We hope this guide helped you to choose the best outdoor string lights for your situation.
Which set did you choose, and how did they work out for you? Let us know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other great camping guides: