Idiots Guide to Campsite Lighting

I am often amazed at the amount of light that campers feel they need in their campsite, so I thought that I would write the Idiots Guide to Campsite Lighting. Forest campgrounds by nature are dark, the height of the trees in the forest often block out even the moonlight, I love it. Campfire lighting is my preference for subdued lighting at my campsite. At times, campers seem to have more light in their campsite than they likely have in their backyard patio at home.

5 Ways to Add Light to Your Campsite

• Electric Lighting- If electricity is available at your campground, you can light the campsite with a shop light, clip-on lights, or work lights on a stand. I have seen these types of lighting in many campgrounds that I have worked at, personally I find this to be too harsh of lighting for a campsite.
• Fuel based Lighting- For many years, campers used Kerosene or white gas for their campsite lantern. With liquid based lanterns, you need to carry and store gallon cans of kerosene or white gas, have a funnel, and often need to pour this liquid into the lantern in the dark. I used to try and remember to take care of the lantern before dark, but as I relaxed in the campsite, I would forget until I needed it. Propane lanterns are the most convenient to use at a campground, and by having a propane post that attaches to a 5-gallon propane tank, all the camper needs to do is light the lantern.
• Battery Lighting- Battery operated lights for a campsite are by far the safest form of lighting, specially in a tent. There are a lot of string lights that use batteries. I use these in my campsite because they give off a low amount of light without losing my ability to star gaze. You can get some really bright halogen battery operated lanterns today, that do a better job of lighting your campsite than the old fashion propane lanterns. The other popular thing that campers do, is the head light style of flashlight or cob light, great for hands free lighting.
• Solar Lighting- Solar lighting is the most safe and economical lighting choice for a camper. No batteries, gas, propane, or electric cords to store. Light your walkways with pathway lights, table with solar lantern, tent with solar lights, even flashlights are available with solar.
• Candle Lighting- I used a candle lantern when I backpacked because it was light weight, I do not recommend this method of campsite lighting, however, due to the possibility of a candle falling over and starting a fire. But these candle lanterns are still available in the sporting goods stores, so they need to be mentioned.

My recommendation of campsite lighting

Although there are many forms of campsite lighting: electricity, fuel based, battery, and candles. I highly recommend solar light strings, solar lanterns, and solar flashlights. Our landfills are full of used batteries, fuel-based lanterns are messy and potentially bad for the environment, and candles can tip over and ruin your belongings. Renewable energy is the safest and most economical form of lighting for your campsite.

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