The Best Camping Lights in Australia

From lanterns to head torches, here’s a selection of the best devices to light up your camping adventures in 2024.

We’ve listed seven of the best camp lights in Australia - from Goal Zero, Coleman, Darche, Ledlenser, Zempire and Petzl - so you can spend less time searching for a camp-light solution and more time on the trails or preparing an end-of-day feast.

Camp lighting can mean the difference between continuing your adventures long into the night or having to hit the sack when the sun goes down. It can also be an important safety device and is essential for any camping kit.

However, there are many different camping lights out there and the best is generally one that fits your purpose – and your budget. In addition, you want to look for a light that is bright, durable and won’t run out of charge halfway through cooking your snags.

To help you choose the right light, check out our top picks for the best camping lights in Australia in 2024.

Goal Zero – Lighthouse 600

Goal Zero – Lighthouse 600

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 600
• Weight: 498g
• Run time: One side: 48 hours (low) 3 hours (high)
  Both sides: 24 hours (low) 2 hours (high)
  One minute of crank = 10 minutes of low light
• Charging: USB; hand crank; solar panel (sold separately)
  

Buy now from AmazonFind out more at Goalzero

Goal Zero’s Lighthouse 600 lantern is not just a great camp light, but it’s the one you’ll be looking for in a power blackout. Its brightness means it's capable of illuminating your entire campsite, plus the hand crank feature is great if you are caught without a power supply.

The Lighthouse 600, and its little brother, the Lighthouse Mini, both have a cool design feature that lets you illuminate half the lantern at a time. This light-saving – and therefore battery-saving – feature will extend your runtime when you don’t need 360-degree illumination. This feature is easy to operate, with just one switch.

The lantern can be charged by USB port or by connecting to one of Goal Zero’s compatible solar panels. The Nomad 10, for example, can charge the Lighthouse 600 in about six hours.

The standout feature of the Lighthouse 600 is the hand crank. One minute of winding yields ten minutes of light. For anyone heading off-grid or caught without power, this is the go-to lantern for getting you out of the dark.

Plusrite 25W Portable Solar Camp Light

Plusrite 25W Portable Solar Camp Light

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 3450Lm (1150 Lm per light)
• Weight: 7kg
• Run time: 5 - 12 hrs per light
• Charging: 240V / 12V / Solar Charging Station (included)
  

Buy now from BatteryWorld

For the ultimate bright light with enough variety to fit most camping set ups, the Plusrite 25W Portable Solar Light is a great choice. It comes with three separate LED lights, capable of beaming out an incredible 3450 lumens. It has been designed for use as a camping light or work light - value-wise, it would be a worthy contender for both.

This light is at the higher end of the price range for camping lights, but if you need a lot of illumination in a durable, long-lasting device, you’ll get your money's worth. It comes in heavy at 7kg, but the PVC case makes it easy to pack, store and carry the lights along with the additional included gear.

The Plusrite 25W Light comes with a tripod so you can set your lights between 1-2 metres off the ground. It also comes with a solar charging station for an off-the-grid charging option.

Perhaps the best thing about this camping light is the three separate LED panels. They can be used together for maximum brightness, or you can use them separately in multiple configurations, to fit just about any purpose. Add to this the potential to dim the LED lights to three different levels and you have a very versatile camping light.

Coleman – Rugged Lithium-Ion

Coleman – Rugged Lithium-Ion

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 300
• Weight: 640g
• Run time: 5 hours (high) or 20 hours (low)
• Charging: USB port

Buy now from Tentworld

This Coleman Rugged Lithium-Ion rechargeable LED lantern is a no fuss, multi-function approach to lighting up camping adventures. The durable lantern is water-resistant, features two light settings and has an integrated lithium ion battery that charges via USB port.

With a shorter charging time and longer run time than previous models, Coleman has improved its already-reliable camping lantern range. On the highest setting you’ll get a light that shines up to 12 metres, more than enough to cover your campsite with just the one lantern.

It features a large bail handle for easy hanging and has storage in the base for the charging adaptor. It will also charge USB-compatible devices. If you’re after an affordable, fuss-free, multi-function lantern for your camping setup, this is a solid purchase that will last years.

Budget Choice

Darche – RRT Solar Compact Light

Darche – RRT Solar Compact Light

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 150
• Weight: 117g
• Run time: 5 hours (bright) / 7 hours (warm) / 20 hours (warm low)
• Charging: USB port; in-built solar panel
  

Buy now from TentworldFind out more at Darche

The RRT Solar Compact Light by Darche is a lightweight, compact and affordable solar-powered lighting option for your campsite. The silicone outer casing collapses for better storage, or it can also be used to change the light effect.

Its dual light modes let you utilise the bright white up to 150 lumens for lighting up a dinner table; or cool it down to a more relaxed warm white or low-level warm white for inside your tent. It has a handy foldable hanging carabiner, and it even glows green to help you find it in the dark.

As an affordable option, the RTT Solar Compact Light is great for lighting up a tent, or small cooking or dining area. The built-in solar panel gives you the option to harness the power of the sun to recharge if you head off-grid.

Premium Choice

Ledlenser – ML6 Lantern

Ledlenser – ML6 Lantern

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 750
• Weight: 280g
• Run time: 70 hours (max), 4 hours (min)
• Charging: USB port
  

Buy now from TentworldFind out more at Ledlenser

The compact ML6 Lantern by Ledlenser sure packs a punch for its size. At just 280g, it boasts a whopping 750 lumens at its max and can be seamlessly dimmed down to just 20. Add to this a host of excellent, well-thought out features and you have a versatile, functional lantern that is perfect for adventurous campers.

The ML6 comes with different mounting options including a rubber hook for hanging, a magnet for mounting it on metal surfaces, and a removable stand. The latest lens technology guarantees energy efficiency and a temperature-control system prevents it from overheating, allowing it to burn brighter and longer.

The ML6 features seven different light modes plus a battery indicator, charge indicator and low power warning. It has a transport lock to prevent it turning on accidentally and draining your battery. You can purchase the ML6 in warm or white light, but this is not interchangeable - you have to decide at the time of purchase. With a seven-year warranty, it's built to last.

Also Consider

Zempire – Megadome V2

Zempire – Megadome V2

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 500
• Weight: 350g
• Run time: 7 hours (high); 13 hours (medium); 45 hours (low)
• Charging: USB port
  

Buy now from TentworldFind out more at Zempire

The Zempire Megadome V2 is a pendant-style camping light packed with handy features. The 15cm integrated hanging cord and hook lets you string it up above the camping table or overhead in your tent. It also sits flat on any surface, making it versatile as a table or ground light.

The three different light settings provide versatility, and you can conserve battery by using lower settings if needed. It has a soft-touch diffuser to emit a warm light – useful for avoiding mossies – plus it’ll handle a bit of rough and tumble. The diffuser glows in the dark, making it easier to find when turned off.

The Megadome V2 lasts up to 45 hours on the lowest light setting. It’s USB-rechargeable and can also be used as a charging point for devices. There’s also a battery indicator that displays how much charge is remaining. Best of all, the reasonable price point means you can pick up a couple without breaking the bank.

Goal Zero – Torch 500

Goal Zero – Torch 500

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 300 floodlight / 300 spotlight / 500 both
• Weight: 363g
• Run time:
• Spotlight: 38 hours (low); 7 hours (high)
• Floodlight: 30 hours (low); 8 hours (high)
• Charging: USB; in-built solar panel
  
  

Buy now from Amazon

Goal Zero’s Torch 500 is a multifunctional camp light with the ability to be charged by solar power or USB cable. You can choose from a floodlight or spotlight option, meaning you can illuminate your campsite in the evenings – and grab it for the midnight dash to the loo.

The Torch 500 is a durable light with three levels of brightness on both the floodlight and spotlight settings. It comes with a built-in clip for hanging and has a high waterproof rating that will see it withstand 30 minutes of immersion in up to one metre of water.

If you are going off-grid, this is a great multi-use camp light. You can recharge from the sun with the built-in solar panel or from any USB source. It can also be used as a power bank – this new improved Torch 500 model has an increased 5200 mAh battery.

Petzl – TIKKA 300

Petzl – TIKKA 300

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lumens: 300
• Weight: 82g
• Run time: 120 hours (low); 9 hours (standard); 2 hours (max)
• Charging: 3 x AAA/LR03 (included); CORE Rechargeable Battery (sold separately)
  

Buy now from Tentworld

A good head lamp is a staple for any camping kit. For good quality, made-to-last headlamps it's hard to go past Petzl. Its TIKKA 300 has two charging options, three lighting modes and a long burn time, letting you pack plenty of nighttime adventures in before needing to recharge.

The TIKKA 300 can run on three standard batteries (included in the purchase) or you can buy a separate CORE rechargeable battery. Despite needing to make an additional purchase for the rechargeable option, it will beat carrying around extra back-up batteries. Plus, it's a win for the environment.

The three lighting modes are for proximity, movement and distance – with 120 hours of burn time for the lowest setting. It also has a red vision setting and a glow-in-the-dark reflector, so you can find it easily when switched off. The low profile makes it comfortable to wear and it comes with a five-year guarantee.

HOW WE REVIEW PRODUCTS

4X4 Australia has been reviewing four-wheel drive vehicles, aftermarket products and camping gear for over 40 years. When looking for the best camping lights in Australia there are some things that are essential to make sure you are not left in the dark.

When we compared each of the products in the list with hundreds out there we looked at the brightness, size and weight, battery life, charging options and price. We also searched for additional features that make these camp lights stand out from the rest.

We looked at hundreds of user reviews and drew on our own experience with camping lights to make sure our recommendations are for the best on the market.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also include products that we do not earn a commission from.

BUYER'S GUIDE TO CAMPING LIGHTS

There are many things to consider when choosing a camping light. Here are the main questions you should be asking before you purchase one. Plus we have a guide to the different types of camping lights – from lanterns to headlamps – so you can decide which one to add to your camping kit.

What do you need a camp light for?

The first thing to consider when choosing a camping light is: what do you need it for? Are you needing to light your outdoor area and barbecue, or the inside of your tent? Do you want a fixed light or something portable you can grab to read a book or take on an evening bush walk?

What you intend to use the light for is going to have an impact on what sort of device you should be looking for – be it lanterns, strip lights, a headlamp or a good ol’ torch.

How much light do you need?

Lights are rated in lumens and can vary from 40 lumens to a whopping 1000 lumens, which will light your camping area plus more. Generally you can look to get a camp light with 50-200 lumens for inside your tent (depending on your tent size), 200-300 for a small outdoor area (over the barbecue, for example), and 300-400 for a larger outdoor area.

What are your charging options?

You’d better not wait until you're out bush to think about charging your camping light. Before you buy, consider how you are able to charge your camping light - will you have access to power or are you heading off-grid? Also consider how often you want to be charging, as LEDs last a lot longer than fluorescent lights. If you are planning an off-the-grid adventure, solar power might be a good option.

Other things to consider

Weight

Depending on your camping fit-out or what you intend to use the camping light for, weight can be a big factor. For hikers, the lighter the better, and there are plenty of great lightweight lanterns, torches and headlamps on the market. If you want a long-lasting, durable camping light that will see you through camping adventures for many more years to come, then investing in a more expensive device might be the way to go.

Safety

With plenty of LED lighting options out there, you can get your perfect camp lighting without too much concern for safety features. However, if you want to go old-school with a gas or fuel lantern, be aware that they can cause serious injuries and are not ideal if there are small children or pets around.

Types of camp lighting

Lanterns

Lanterns are a great lighting option for all camping set-ups, and modern lantern options are versatile and long-lasting. You can hang them outdoors to give 360-degree light coverage and extend your camping fun long into the evenings.

Look for lanterns that have rechargeable batteries or are solar-powered, and lightweight and portable options will be the most versatile for your camping needs. The best lanterns will provide this without compromising on run-time and durability.

Fuel or Gas Lanterns

Fuel and gas lanterns generally provide the brightest glow, so they work well for lighting large areas. Most are incredibly simple to use, but for long camping trips you’ll need to remember to pack additional fuel cylinders. Also keep in mind that gas and fuel lights can become very hot and should only be used outside.

Check fuel lanterns for high quality materials and durability before buying. It’s also good to have adjustable brightness and keep in mind that gas (propane) fuel lanterns are much lighter than liquid-fueled lanterns.

Strip Lights

LED strip lights are a great way to set and forget your camp lighting. They can be strung up under awnings, gazebos or even as deck lighting in a boat. Generally strip lights will not use too much power and have a long-life expectancy, so they can be a handy addition to your regular camp set-up for years to come.

The best strip lights are thin, lightweight and flexible, so you can customise them to your own camping setup.

Headlamps

Headlights are generally under-appreciated until you whack one on your own noggin’. There’s nothing like having your hands free to chop veggies for dinner, fire up the barbecue or even read a good book in the evening. For hikers, headlamps are a must. For car campers, don’t be too quick to bypass this option as a cheaper, lightweight addition to your camping kit.

Look for a head lamp that has different beam types (ie. long range or close-up) so you can use it for different purposes. It should also be lightweight but durable and have a long battery life.

Torches

Modern torches have upped their game, with features such as rechargeable batteries, solar power and built-in power banks for charging other devices. Whatever option you go for, they are perfect to throw in your car, boat or hiking backpack.

Look for a torch that is lightweight, compact and meets your needs for light output. Torches with a high battery capacity will last longer if you are wanting to go longer without charging or changing batteries.