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10 Best Camping Lantern 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,334
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
9877 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
These lanterns are very bright and lightweight, with a fast charging feature that adds to their convenience.
Battery Life
With a prolonged battery life and convenient hanging feature, these lanterns are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Power Source
The dual charging options, via USB or solar, make these lanterns far less expensive to run compared to models that require alkaline batteries.
Weight and Portability
These lanterns are very bright and lightweight, with a fast charging feature that adds to their convenience.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Handles can pop off easily but are also simple to reattach, which doesn’t detract from the overall excellent performance.
Light Modes and Features
The flashlight function is a great bonus, providing good length for lighting up distances.

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern is a versatile and practical choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Its 360° lighting coverage, combined with the ability to function as both a lantern and a flashlight, means it provides ample illumination that can easily light up an entire room.

The collapsible design and lightweight construction make it highly portable, perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It's also sturdy and weatherproof, made from high-quality ABS material that can withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring durability over time. Additionally, the lantern offers over 25 hours of battery life when fully charged, which is impressive for prolonged use during power outages or extended camping trips.

The dual charging methods, via USB or solar power, add to its convenience, and the USB output can be a lifesaver, doubling as a power bank for Android devices in emergencies. However, with a brightness of 300 lumens, it may not be the brightest option available for those who require high-intensity lighting. Moreover, although the lightweight design is a plus, the need for four lithium metal batteries (included) might be considered a drawback for those preferring fewer batteries. The lantern's dimensions and multiple included components make it slightly bulkier when considering packing space for minimalist campers. The XTAUTO Camping Lantern is a solid and reliable choice for a wide array of users, from casual campers to emergency preparedness enthusiasts.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,334
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
9877 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
These lanterns are very bright and lightweight, with a fast charging feature that adds to their convenience.
Battery Life
With a prolonged battery life and convenient hanging feature, these lanterns are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Power Source
The dual charging options, via USB or solar, make these lanterns far less expensive to run compared to models that require alkaline batteries.
Weight and Portability
These lanterns are very bright and lightweight, with a fast charging feature that adds to their convenience.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Handles can pop off easily but are also simple to reattach, which doesn’t detract from the overall excellent performance.
Light Modes and Features
The flashlight function is a great bonus, providing good length for lighting up distances.
#2

LED Camping Lantern, Consciot Battery Powered Camping Lights, 1000LM, 4 Light Modes, IPX4 Waterproof Tent Lights, Portable Flashlight for Power Outages, Emergency, Hurricane, Hiking, 2-Pack

Rating
9.6
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
5148 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
These lanterns deliver a powerful 1000-lumen brightness with a 360-degree glow, lighting up campsites and tents effortlessly.
Battery Life
The lanterns’ battery life is impressive, lasting through multiple nights even under continuous use during extended power outages.
Power Source
Using D-cell batteries means you can keep these lanterns running without relying on recharging, an advantage during prolonged outages or remote trips.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and compact, these lanterns easily hang from trees or tent hooks and can also stand securely on flat surfaces thanks to foldable handles.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to endure outdoor conditions, the IPX4 water resistance rating and sturdy ABS plastic construction ensure reliable performance in rain and rough handling.
Light Modes and Features
Four versatile light modes—including cool white, warm white, combined, and strobe—allow a tailored lighting experience for any situation.

The Consciot LED Camping Lantern offers a strong brightness level of 1000 lumens, providing a bright 360-degree glow that is very effective for camping, power outages, or emergency use. It features four light modes—cool white, warm white, combined, and strobe—and allows stepless dimming, giving good flexibility to adjust light intensity based on your needs. Powered by 3 D-cell batteries (not included), this lantern promises up to 12 hours of battery life even on its highest brightness setting, which is solid for overnight or extended outdoor use.

The lantern is fairly lightweight at just over 2 pounds for the pair, making it easy to carry or pack with two hanging hooks for versatile placement inside tents or on trees. Its IPX4 water resistance rating means it can handle splashes and light rain but isn’t fully waterproof, so it’s best kept sheltered in harsh weather. Made with durable ABS plastic and anti-slip rubber, it’s built to withstand typical outdoor bumps and drops.

A minor drawback is the need to buy batteries separately, which adds to ongoing costs. Also, while the brightness is impressive, it may consume batteries faster if used frequently at full power. This set of two lanterns is a suitable choice for campers seeking bright, adjustable light with strong portability and decent weather resistance, but users should be prepared with spare batteries for long trips.

Rating
9.6
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Life
Power Source

Most important from
5148 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
These lanterns deliver a powerful 1000-lumen brightness with a 360-degree glow, lighting up campsites and tents effortlessly.
Battery Life
The lanterns’ battery life is impressive, lasting through multiple nights even under continuous use during extended power outages.
Power Source
Using D-cell batteries means you can keep these lanterns running without relying on recharging, an advantage during prolonged outages or remote trips.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and compact, these lanterns easily hang from trees or tent hooks and can also stand securely on flat surfaces thanks to foldable handles.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Built to endure outdoor conditions, the IPX4 water resistance rating and sturdy ABS plastic construction ensure reliable performance in rain and rough handling.
Light Modes and Features
Four versatile light modes—including cool white, warm white, combined, and strobe—allow a tailored lighting experience for any situation.
#3

Etekcity Lantern Camping Essentials Lights, Led Flashlight for Power Outages, Survival Gear and Supplies for Emergency, Hurricane Preparedness Items , Battery Operated Lamp, 2 Pack, Black

Rating
9.3
Brightness (Lumens)
Weight and Portability
Light Modes and Features

Most important from
23028 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers powerful, bright light that easily illuminates surroundings.
Weight and Portability
Compact and lightweight, making it extremely portable and easy to hang or carry.
Light Modes and Features
Simple to use with an intuitive pop-open design that activates the light instantly.

The Etekcity Lantern is a solid choice for camping and emergency use, offering 154 lumens of bright, 360-degree LED light that easily lights up your surroundings. It’s powered by 3 AA batteries per lantern (6 included for the 2-pack), providing a long battery life of up to 50 hours, which is great for extended trips or power outages. Its collapsible, lightweight design makes it very portable—about the size and weight of a smartphone—which is handy for packing and carrying during camping or hiking. The lantern is made from durable ABS plastic, giving it good resistance to drops and water splashes, so it can handle typical outdoor conditions.

One neat feature is the adjustable height, allowing you to control the brightness by expanding or collapsing the lantern, rather than fiddling with buttons, which keeps it simple to use. It also has a small storage compartment on top for keys or spare batteries, adding a bit of convenience. On the downside, while it is water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof, so it’s best to avoid heavy rain exposure. The brightness level is decent but not as strong as some high-end lanterns if you need intense light.

Since it runs on AA batteries, you’ll want to keep extras handy or consider rechargeable ones for cost and eco-friendliness. This lantern is a practical, easy-to-use option that fits well for casual campers and anyone needing reliable emergency lighting without complicated features.

Rating
9.3
Brightness (Lumens)
Weight and Portability
Light Modes and Features

Most important from
23028 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers powerful, bright light that easily illuminates surroundings.
Weight and Portability
Compact and lightweight, making it extremely portable and easy to hang or carry.
Light Modes and Features
Simple to use with an intuitive pop-open design that activates the light instantly.

Buying Guide for the Best Camping Lantern

Choosing the right camping lantern can make a significant difference in your outdoor experience. A good lantern provides adequate lighting, enhances safety, and creates a comfortable atmosphere. When selecting a camping lantern, consider the following key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your needs.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the lantern emits. This is important because it determines how well the lantern will illuminate your campsite. Lanterns with lower lumens (up to 100) are suitable for small tents or close-up tasks. Medium brightness (100-300 lumens) is ideal for general campsite use, while high brightness (300+ lumens) is best for larger areas or group activities. Choose a brightness level based on the size of your camping area and the activities you plan to do.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the lantern can operate before needing a recharge or new batteries. This is crucial for ensuring you have consistent light throughout your trip. Short battery life (up to 10 hours) is suitable for short trips or occasional use. Medium battery life (10-30 hours) is good for weekend trips, while long battery life (30+ hours) is best for extended stays or frequent use. Consider the duration of your camping trips and how often you can recharge or replace batteries.
Power SourceThe power source of a lantern can vary, including disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar power, or fuel. This is important because it affects convenience and sustainability. Disposable batteries are easy to replace but can be costly and less eco-friendly. Rechargeable batteries are cost-effective and environmentally friendly but require access to a power source. Solar-powered lanterns are great for eco-conscious campers but depend on sunlight. Fuel-powered lanterns provide strong light but require fuel and can be heavier. Choose a power source based on your camping style and environmental considerations.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability refer to how easy it is to carry and transport the lantern. This is important for backpackers or those with limited space. Lightweight lanterns (under 1 pound) are ideal for backpacking or minimalist camping. Medium-weight lanterns (1-2 pounds) offer a balance of portability and functionality, suitable for most campers. Heavier lanterns (over 2 pounds) provide more features and durability but are best for car camping or stationary use. Consider how much weight you can comfortably carry and the type of camping you will be doing.
Durability and Weather ResistanceDurability and weather resistance indicate how well the lantern can withstand outdoor conditions. This is important for ensuring the lantern lasts through various weather scenarios. Basic durability is suitable for fair-weather camping. Water-resistant lanterns can handle light rain or splashes, while waterproof lanterns can withstand heavy rain or submersion. Shock-resistant lanterns are ideal for rugged use. Choose a lantern with the appropriate level of durability and weather resistance based on the conditions you expect to encounter.
Light Modes and FeaturesLight modes and features refer to the different settings and functionalities a lantern offers. This is important for versatility and convenience. Basic lanterns may have a single light mode, suitable for simple needs. Lanterns with multiple modes (e.g., low, medium, high, strobe) offer more flexibility for different situations. Additional features like dimming, color options, or USB ports for charging devices can enhance your camping experience. Choose a lantern with the modes and features that match your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ