Ultimate Guide To The Best Camping Lights Australia 2023: The Best Camping Lantern Australia Options

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Choosing the best lanterns for camping might not be the first thing that jumps to mind when planning your camping trip. However, when it comes to having the right gear for a great getaway, taking a bit of time to research the best camping lantern Australia has is well worth it!

There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve got everything you need for camping, only to find that when darkness falls, you’ve lost your torch or haven’t brought a good lantern.

Having one of the best camping lights Australia has will make camping much more fun. Whether you want to sit in your tent porch in the evenings and enjoy a few beers, read a book cosied up inside your sleeping bag, or play games in the evening with the kids. For any of these, one of the camping lanterns best advantages is you can just hang it up and forget about it.

Click here to see the best camping lanterns 2023 now!

Best Camping Lights

There are a huge range of best camping lanterns on offer, which can get overwhelming – but don’t worry! In this guide to the best camping lamps Australia has, I’ll walk you through what to look for in any of the top camping lanterns – whether you’re after the best led camping lights Australia has, the best rechargeable camping lantern, or the best outdoor camping lights.

I’ll also share my top 10 camping lanterns for sale at the end of this guide as well.

Contents

Compare Top 10 Of The Best Camping Lights Australia 2023

NameImagePower SourceLight OutputRun TimeWeightPriceFeaturesRating
Euloca LED Camping LanternEULOCA LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable, Super Bright 1200lm Dimmable 4 Lighting Modes Portable Tent Light ,Perfect Lantern Flashlight for Hiking,Fishing, Power Cuts,Emergency and More with USB CableBattery or rechargeable via Solar, USB, 12V/240V500 lumensRecharged battery – up to 12 hours0.64 kgCheckDimmer control, waterproof, sturdy4.5
Coleman Rugged Lithium Ion Camping LanternColeman 2000020190 Rugged Lithium Ion Lantern, BlackRechargeable battery300 lumensHigh-5hrs, Low-20hrs0.70 kgCheckLarge handle, USB charging port, large handle4.5
HeroBeam V3 LED Rechargeable LanternHeroBeam V3 LED Rechargeable Lantern - The Ultimate Collapsible Tough Lamp for Camping, Fishing, Car, Shop and Emergencies - Magnetic Lantern, Flashlight and Emergency Beacon in One! - 5 Year WarrantyRechargeable battery of 3 x AA batteries300 lumens8 hours0.3 kgCheckWarm glow light, 360 degree illumination, lightweight4.5
Coleman 360 Light and Sound LanternColeman 1490746 360 Sound and Light Lantern, Red and Black, 24.7H x 16.5W x 15.2D cmRechargeable battery400 lumens5hrs, 20hrs of music on full charge1 kgCheckBluetooth speaker, easy to operate4.5
Blazin Bison Battery LED Rechargeable Camping LanternBlazin' Bison Battery Rechargeable LED Lantern | 500 Hour Runtime | Phone Charger | Camping Light (600 Lumen, Red)Rechargeable battery600 lumensHigh-36hrs, Low-500hrs0.45 kgCheckLifetime warranty, incredible run time, coloured charging indicator4.5
Oztrail Lumos LanternLumos 700 Lithium Rechargeable Hanger LanternRechargeable battery700 lumensHigh-7.4hrs, Low-9.7hrs0.58 kgCheckLightweight, high output4.0
Black Diamond Moji LanternBlack Diamond Moji Lantern, Unisex-Adult, BlueAAA alkaline batteries (3pcs)100 lumensHigh-13hrs, Low-70hrs0.20 kgCheckBudget friendly, compact, easy hanging4.5
Coleman Northstar Gas Camping LanternGas1500 lumensHigh-4hrs, Low-9hrs3.18 kgCheckHard case, steady steam of gas4.0
Eveready LED Floating Camping LanternEveready Collapsible Lantern, 2 Count, Black, 1433 x AA batteries280 lumensLow-16hrs0.7 kgCheckCompact, collapsible, several lighting options4.5
Coleman Vanquish Spin 550 LanternColeman Vanquish Spin Camping Lantern | Ultra-Bright 550 Lumen LED Lithium Ion TorchRechargeable battery550 lumensHigh-4hrs, Med-14hrs, Low-80hrs0.96 kgCheckMoulded edges, battery lock feature4.5

Top 10 Best Camp Lantern Australia 2023

Handy reference list of the best camping light offers – see all full best lights for camping reviews below!

  • EULOCA LED Camping Lantern, 1200 lumens
  • Coleman Rugged Lithium Ion Camping Lantern, 300 lumens
  • HeroBeam V3 LED Rechargeable Lantern, 300 lumens
  • Coleman 360 Light and Sound Lantern, 400 lumens
  • Blazin Bison Battery LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern, 600 lumens
  • Oztrail Lumos Lantern, 1000 lumens
  • Black Diamond Moji Lantern, 100 lumens
  • Coleman Northstar Gas Camping Lantern, 1500 lumens
  • Eveready LED Floating Camping Lantern, 280 lumens
  • Coleman Vanquish Spin 550 Lantern, 550 lumens

How To Choose The Best Lantern For Camping 2023

Best Camping Lights

When you’re looking at top rated camping lanterns, there are a whole host of different features and designs to compare. Below, I’ll cover what the main types of camping lanterns are, and which features are important to have.

Type / Power Source

One of the first things you’ll want to look at when searching for the best camping lantern 2023 has, is how it’s going to be powered. There are several different options, some much more suitable for different types of camping than others, and can also make the lantern more costly, too.

Battery / Rechargeable

Probably the most common type of the best camping lights for tents, battery operated are cost effective to buy and sometimes come with the option to either use them on regular batteries, or with a rechargeable battery that needs to be charged before use.

  • One important thing to check with this type of camping light is what type of battery it takes. The cost of disposable batteries can add up over time and can be less efficient, but for a rechargeable battery you will need a reliable power source.
  • Battery powered lamps are great for use inside tents and are considered very safe
  • Affordable and easy to buy
  • They can be less powerful than some other lantern types for outdoor use

Gas / Fuel

Best Camping Lights

If you’re after large camping lights for outdoor use for a longer period of time in the evening, then a gas lamp can be more efficient as well as powerful. Perfect for lighting up the barbie area while you enjoy your dinner.

  • The main advantage of the best gas lantern for camping is how bright it is. Gas and fuel camping lamps are super bright, so perfect for outdoor lighting for larger areas.
  • Gas and fuel lanterns are not safe for use inside tents
  • More expensive to buy than battery operated lanterns, however over time they are more efficient and will cost less to run, with better results for outdoor spaces.
  • Heavy and bulky to carry, these are definitely not the most lightweight camping lamp options.

Solar

A more recent arrival to best camping lantern reviews, solar lanterns are perfect if you’re looking for a lamp that’s cost effective and harnesses the natural energy of the sun! For best results, get an LED solar lantern that will last you a long time.

  • There’s no environmental footprint with these lamps compared to using disposable batteries or gas/fuel for your lantern.
  • Given the sun’s energy is free, these lamps cost nothing to run
  • Light output can be less bright than other models, so you’ll want to look out the output (lumens) if brightness is important
  • Some of the best solar camping lights come with a backup power option such as a usb charger or batteries for emergency use.

Size

Best Camping Lights

As with any camping equipment, size matters, especially if you’re trying to pack light. It doesn’t always follow that the larger the lantern the better the light, there are some great small camping lanterns out there that are powerful for their size.

Make sure you check the dimensions to see the lantern will be able to fit in the place you have in mind in your tent and bags.

Weight And Portability

Along with size, weight and portability are key considerations when reading best camping lights reviews. If you’re heading on a car camping trip, weight may not matter much, but if you’re trying to pack light, you’ll want to go for a compact, lightweight camping lantern which may rule out some heavier types of lamp. If space is at a premium, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for collapsible camping lanterns.

Power And Efficiency

Camping lamps vary hugely in how powerful they are and how much light they let out. If you’re just looking for cheap camping lights that you can use inside a small tent this may not matter so much, but if you want something to light a larger tent or want to use your camping lantern outside, then power does matter. The best way to measure this is by looking at the lumens number – the higher the more powerful your light output will be.

If having a bright light is important, you also want to consider how long your power source will power it for. Using your lantern on the highest power setting may mean that batteries get drained quicker, so efficiency matters. Keep an eye out for run time and how many hours your light will last for on each light setting.

Material And Durability

Best Camping Lights

Although most camping lights – especially the cheap camping lanterns – are made from plastic these days, it’s still important to read reviews carefully to see how well they hold up under regular use. If you want to use your lantern outdoors, make sure it is approved for outside use and is weather-sealed.

Gas and fuel camping lanterns are made from metal and for that reason can be longer-wearing, offer better resistance in outdoor conditions and are more durable (but the downside is they are heavy and clunky too).

Safety

Electric lanterns such as LED and battery operated models are very safe to use, but we still don’t recommend leaving electric lanterns on inside your tent unattended (you’ll waste your batteries).

If you’re using a fuel lantern such as a gas or propane model, or any other fuel type, never bring this type of lantern inside your tent, and be sure to keep them away from children while camping. These lamps should only be used outside, in well ventilated areas, and by those who are confident in lighting and operating them.

Other Great Features

Many camping lanterns come with a whole range of features, whatever type of lamp you’re looking for. You may not need many of the extra bells and whistles, but here are a few things worth looking out for:

  • Carry Hooks or Handles – super handy to have to hang up a lantern inside a tent or outside, and make it easier to carry as well.
  • Quick Ignition – If you’re opting for a fuel lantern, this is a great feature to have to be able to light the lantern quickly and easily.
  • Weather proofing – Water resistance is a must for outdoor use especially if you’re camping year round
  • Variable Light modes – Great for saving battery life and allow you to choose which light mode to use in different settings
  • Extras such as USB charging ports for phones and indicators showing when your lamp needs a charge or new batteries are great to have as well.

Best Camp Light Reviews Australia 2023

EULOCA LED Camping Lantern Review

EULOCA LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable, Super Bright 1200lm Dimmable 4 Lighting Modes Portable Tent Light ,Perfect Lantern Flashlight for Hiking,Fishing, Power Cuts,Emergency and More with USB Cable

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Battery or rechargeable via Solar, USB, 12V/240V
  • Light Output: 500 lumens
  • Run Time: Recharged battery – up to 12 hours
  • Weight: 0.64 kg

If you’re looking for a versatile camping lantern that works as the best LED camping light, then this EULOCA LED rechargeable lantern is a great option to consider.

One of the best things about this lantern is the number of different light levels, allowing you to conserve battery or increase brightness. It can be charged via a micro USB cable, so it’s great for hooking up to a power bank. Note the cable is not included. One of the best lights for camping, it’s also waterproof and has battery level indicator.

With a light power of up to 1200 lumens, it has a run time of 6.5 hours on high setting or 12 hours on low. We love the sturdy construction, making this one of the all round best camping LED lights we’ve found so far and certainly comparable with the best 12V camping lights. It’s no wonder it sells well!

What I like:

  • Dimmer control to adjust brightness 
  • Sturdy build 
  • Waterproof

What I dislike:

  • Micro USB cable not included

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Coleman Rugged Lithium Ion Camping Lantern Review

Coleman 2000020190 Rugged Lithium Ion Lantern, Black

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Rechargeable battery
  • Light Output: 300 lumens
  • Run Time: High-5hrs, Low-20hrs
  • Weight: 0.70 kg

My next camping lantern review is another popular model, this time from Coleman. So, if you’re looking for the best Coleman lantern, you’ll want to read this one.

Featuring a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this is another of the best rechargeable camping lanterns which can be charged using any 240V mains outlet. There’s a handy USB port for charging your phone from it, and the LED light strength is 400 lumens on high power mode, 100 lumens on low. Once charged, the runtime is 5 hours on high power setting and 20 hours on low.

Other features of this Coleman lantern battery operated model include a sturdy carry handle which is great for hanging or moving around. Although this is not the most powerful best LED camping lantern, we love the impressive run time on the low power setting.

What I like:

  • Charging indicator changes colour to let you know when charging is complete
  • Large handle for added convenience when carrying 
  • LED’s reduce glare and ensure the output light has streak free beams

What I dislike:

  • The lantern isn’t shockproof

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

HeroBeam V3 LED Rechargeable Lantern Review

HeroBeam V3 LED Rechargeable Lantern - The Ultimate Collapsible Tough Lamp for Camping, Fishing, Car, Shop and Emergencies - Magnetic Lantern, Flashlight and Emergency Beacon in One! - 5 Year Warranty

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Rechargeable battery of 3 x AA batteries
  • Light Output: 300 lumens
  • Run Time: 8 hours
  • Weight: 0.3 kg

If you’re just on the lookout for a cheap and cheerful camping lantern, then this mini camping lantern has impressive battery performance out of the small camping lights we’ve looked at.

The lantern can be powered by three AA batteries, or you can use the rechargeable battery via USB cable. When fully charged the lantern will provide up to 8 hours of light. It can also be used as a torch or emergency beacon.

This camping lantern review is well worth a look if you want something small, light and inexpensive. Weighing just 300 grams it’s a great option for lighting on the go, however it’s not the brightest lantern in these reviews and better suited to indoor use in smaller tents or for a backpacking camping trip.

What I like:

  • Provides a warm glow light
  • Can be used as a flashlight or emergency beacon
  • 360 degree illumination 

What I dislike:

  • Not suitable for larger areas as light output is only 300 lumens

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Coleman 360 Light and Sound Lantern Review

Coleman 1490746 360 Sound and Light Lantern, Red and Black, 24.7H x 16.5W x 15.2D cm

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Rechargeable battery
  • Light Output: 400 lumens
  • Run Time: 5hrs, 20hrs of music on full charge
  • Weight: 1 kg

Another good Coleman camping lamp, this model offers two products in one – this light doubles as a music speaker so you have everything you need for an evening’s entertainment in one!

With a light power of up to 400 lumens, this camping light provides 360 degree lighting and comes with an inbuilt bluetooth speaker. It has a run time of upto 5 hours (20 hours when using just as a speaker) and can be charged via USB cable (which can also be used to charge electronics). There’s a handy carry handle as well, and the lamp is also IPX-4 water resistant.

If you want a light that can multitask, then this is definitely one of the best LED lights for camping.

What I like:

  • Built in bluetooth speaker 
  • Choose from three different light settings 
  • This lantern is easy to operate 

What I dislike:

  • Although the plastic is durable, it might be susceptible to scratches

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Blazin Bison Battery LED Rechargeable Camping Lantern Review

Blazin' Bison Battery Rechargeable LED Lantern | 500 Hour Runtime | Phone Charger | Camping Light (600 Lumen, Red)

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Rechargeable battery
  • Light Output: 600 lumens
  • Run Time: High-36hrs, Low-500hrs
  • Weight: 0.45 kg

If you’re in search of one of the more powerful best LED lanterns for camping, then this model from Blazin Bison may be just the thing.

With a light power of up to 600 lumens, and an incredible run time of up to 500 hours, this lantern is hard to beat. Powered by two rechargeable li-ion batteries, it also serves as a handy power bank, from which you can charge your electronics via USB cable. The lantern can be used upside down to reveal the useful hanging hook, and as far as small lanterns camping go, it’s pretty sturdy too – manufacturers claim it’s indestructible!

Just in case that proves not to be the case, there’s a handy 100% lifetime guarantee as well.

What I like:

  • Lifetime warranty 
  • Multicolour indicator to light for charging 
  • Incredible run time of 500 hours on low setting

What I dislike:

  • None so far!

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Oztrail Lumos Lantern Review

Lumos 700 Lithium Rechargeable Hanger Lantern

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Rechargeable battery
  • Light Output: 700 lumens
  • Run Time: High-7.4hrs, Low-9.7hrs
  • Weight: 0.58 kg

For a camping lantern review that works well outside and provides great light, look no further than this Oztrail Lumos camping lantern. We think it’s definitely one of the best rechargeable camping lights for outdoor use.

Boasting 700 lumens of power, the beam on this Oztrail Lumos lantern is perfect for lighting up larger outdoor areas. The various settings allow you to use it in high, medium or low mode to conserve battery power when you don’t need the full brightness. It offers up to 9.7 hours run time on low power mode.

Another of the best things about this lantern is its weight: At just 578g, it won’t weigh down anyone’s gear. It’s operated by rechargeable Li-Ion batteries.

For those in search of the best battery camping lantern that can be used outside, this is a great quality option to consider.

What I like:

  • Extremely lightweight
  • 700 lumens output great to cover larger areas
  • Run time of up to 9.7 hours on lowest setting

What I dislike:

  • More expensive than other options in this guide

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Black Diamond Moji Lantern Review

Black Diamond Moji Lantern, Unisex-Adult, Blue

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: AAA alkaline batteries (3pcs)
  • Light Output: 100 lumens
  • Run Time: High-13hrs, Low-70hrs
  • Weight: 0.20 kg

Some of the best tent lights for camping are simple and no-fuss, such as this different-looking model from Black Diamond.

Shaped as a round ball, this is a super simple solution that is powered by 3x AAA batteries and emits up to 100 lumens worth of light. The ball is protected against water immersion – useful in case of rain or condensation – and has a handy hook for hanging as well. Other features include frosted plastic to soften the LED light and a dimmer setting for more ambient lighting.

Simply put, this light is a no-frills solution and perfect if you just want a small lantern that’s battery operated and you can hang up inside your tent. Best of all, it’s light on the pocket, too.

What I like:

  • Budget friendly 
  • Metal hooks on top of the lantern enable easy hanging 
  • Extremely compact and lightweight 

What I dislike:

  • Output is 100 lumens making it not as powerful as other lanterns on the market

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Coleman Northstar Gas Camping Lantern Review

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Gas
  • Light Output: 1500 lumens
  • Run Time: High-4hrs, Low-9hrs
  • Weight: 3.18 kg

If you’re looking for a fuel lantern as opposed to an electric one, then this propane gas lantern from Coleman is one of the leading models to take a look at.

Capable of producing up to 1500 lumens of light which can cast up to 26 meters, this is a powerful lantern which is more than capable of lighting a significant outdoor area. It features perfect flow technology for consistent performance, even in cold weather, and an instant start ignition button for no-fuss lighting.

On a 16oz propane canister (not included) it can burn for around 4 hours on the high setting and 9 hours on low – the adjustable brightness setting will help with fuel efficiency too.

For a powerful and high quality propane camping lantern, have a closer look at this model which has many happy customers thanks to its performance.

What I like:

  • Perfect Flow technology ensures steady stream of gas regardless of temperature or altitude. 
  • Wide plastic base increases stability 
  • Hard case included protects the lantern during transportation. 

What I dislike:

  • Carrying the case and fuel can be quite bulky

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Eveready LED Floating Camping Lantern Review

Eveready Collapsible Lantern, 2 Count, Black, 143

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: 3 x AA batteries
  • Light Output: 280 lumens
  • Run Time: Low-16hrs
  • Weight: 0.7 kg

If a compact tent light is what you’re looking for, then this Eveready LED Floating Camping Lantern may be perfect. Suited to those looking for something small, these camping lanterns are powered by three AA batteries – and you’ll receive two of them! This makes it a great deal for spreading light around your campsite.

These camping lanterns have a light output of up to 280 lumens (pretty impressive for their size) and include both carrying and hanging hooks on top which can be attached to the inner roof of your tent if you have strings. Conveniently, these camping lanterns can be used on a low mode (60 lumens) for a longer operating time, and also include SOS, strobe lighting and a flashlight setting.

I choose this among best camping lantern LED for smaller tents.

What I like:

  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Includes two lanterns
  • Several lighting options including strobe and flashlight

What I dislike:

  • Batteries need to be replaced frequently

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

Coleman Vanquish Spin 550 Lantern Review

Coleman Vanquish Spin Camping Lantern | Ultra-Bright 550 Lumen LED Lithium Ion Torch

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

  • Power Source: Rechargeable battery
  • Light Output: 550 lumens
  • Run Time: High-4hrs, Med-14hrs, Low-80hrs
  • Weight: 0.96 kg

Last but not least in this camping lights review list is this sturdy camping lantern from Coleman that’s specifically built for use in wilder terrain and to handle a few bumps and scratches.

It has been tested to withstand 2 meter drops and is designed with moulded edges and comfortable but strong rubber hand grips, so this model is well suited if you want to hold it on the move rather than hanging it in one place. There’s a battery lock function to help conserve battery life, which is between 4 and 80 hours depending on which setting you use it on. Light power is up to 550 lumens making this another of the best camping LED lantern options.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sturdy lantern that’s great in the outdoors for a reasonable price, it’s hard to go wrong with this Coleman lantern.

What I like:

  • Moulded edges for impact resistance making it more durable
  • Battery lock function to prevent battery from draining 
  • Spin top handle to turn the lantern on and off 

What I dislike:

  • Yet to find some!

>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best camping lights Australia 2023.

Check out the best options for the best hiking backpack here, best camping table here and find all the best travel or camping gear guides here.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

By Anne Sutherland-Smith

Anne Sutherland-Smith is the founder of the Pretraveller and Everywhere Australia blogs which focus on travel planning. Anne has extensively explored her home country of Australia. As a result, she writes from personal experience to help others plan their Australian trips.