The 8 Best Camping Lanterns of 2025

The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 truly shines in the Best Overall category, thanks to its impressive blend of performance and versatility. With 500 lumens, this lantern effectively illuminates larger campsites or backyard spaces, ensuring that gatherings remain well-lit. Its ability to run for up to 200 hours in the low setting means you won't be left in the dark anytime soon.

One standout feature is the ChromaReal LED technology, which dramatically enhances color rendering. This function is perfect for those nighttime cooking sessions or photography, as it makes colors and textures really pop, adding an exciting dimension to any outdoor activity.

This lantern isn’t just about functionality; it’s also about fun. With the shake-to-change color modes, including a playful Fireworks Mode, it adds a delightful touch to any celebration. Although it carries an average IPX4 rating for water resistance, its robust build ensures it can handle the elements while looking stylish enough for indoor use. Overall, the AlpenGlow 500 blends practicality with elegance seamlessly.

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 stands out in the versatile power category with its impressive adaptability and functionality. It’s not just a camping lantern; it’s a power hub for outdoor adventures. With a maximum output of 600 lumens, the directional and adjustable LED light ensures you have the right kind of illumination, whether you’re setting up camp or having a cozy evening under the stars.

What really makes this lantern versatile is its multiple recharging options. You can juice up its internal battery from any USB port, harness sunlight using a Goal Zero solar panel, or rely on the built-in hand crank for emergencies—an ingenious feature, considering just one minute of cranking provides around 10 minutes of light on low.

Its ability to charge devices is another bonus, thanks to its 5200 mAh lithium battery. While it's not the most compact lantern out there, its thoughtful design, with collapsible legs and a convenient built-in handle, makes it user-friendly and efficient. Engineered in the USA, it's backed by a one-year warranty, offering peace of mind to adventurous souls.

The Black Diamond Moji R+ Lantern shines brightly in the Best Compact category for campers who love versatility with a touch of whimsy. One of its standout features is the continuous cycle through rainbow colors. This aspect not only provides practical lighting but also transforms any campsite into a delightful visual experience. The strobe and solid color modes add an extra layer of entertainment, perfect for setting the mood during evening gatherings or solo relaxation.

Its practical design includes a double-hook hang loop, ensuring you can easily suspend it inside a tent, casting even and ambient light. The frosted globe is cleverly crafted to produce a bright yet soft illumination, enhancing its usability in various settings.

The two-button interface is straightforward, allowing users to easily toggle through adjustable brightness, full spectrum color, and campfire light modes. While its compact size is warmly appreciated, its average battery life could be improved for longer trips. Overall, the Moji R+ Lantern is a vibrant and user-friendly choice for adventurous spirits.

The Streamlight Super Siege Rechargeable Lantern stands out in the 'Best for Emergency Use' category thanks to its thoughtful design and versatile features. One of its most appealing characteristics is the multiple light modes, which include both white and red LEDs. The presence of 4 red LEDs is particularly beneficial in emergency scenarios, as it preserves night vision and offers a Flash SOS mode, ensuring visibility in critical situations.

Constructed from durable polymer with a supportive rubber base, this lantern is built to withstand the rigors of challenging environments, maintaining stability even on uneven and slippery surfaces. Its durability is complemented by a removable, polycarbonate cover that ensures a consistent 360° spread of light, perfect for illuminating spaces thoroughly.

Furthermore, the charging capabilities it offers are a significant plus. With its USB port, users can conveniently power up additional devices, like smartphones or other Streamlight products, making it a practical tool. While the lantern doesn’t include standalone lithium batteries, its robust features and versatile functionalities make it an exemplary choice for emergency preparedness.

The LuminAID PackLite Max 2-in-1 shines brightly in the solar charging category, blending innovation with practicality. This extra bright solar lantern can illuminate any setting, from serene camping nights to festive garden parties, thanks to its 200 lumens and multiple brightness settings, including a handy Turbo mode. What makes it truly exceptional is how it combines multiple functionalities into one ultra-portable and compact device.

Weighing less than 10 oz, it serves as a lantern, phone charger, and backup battery, inflating to a practical size yet packing down to just an inch thick. Although the solar recharge time ranges from 16 to 20 hours, it offers a quicker 1-2 hour recharge via USB, ensuring you’re never without light or power for long. Its resilience is noteworthy, crafted from heavy-duty TPU and boasting an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and shatterproof. This solar charger’s ability to float on water only adds to its adventurous spirit, making it an indispensable companion for any outdoor activity.

When it comes to budget-friendly camping gear, the Etekcity Lantern certainly stands out as a top performer. Its impressive brightness, thanks to 30 LED bulbs, ensures you have clear visibility with up to 154 lumens, effectively banishing any surrounding darkness. This makes it a reliable companion for emergency situations like power outages or natural disasters.

The lantern's collapsible design is a noteworthy feature, enhancing its portability. Weighing no more than your average smartphone, it’s easy to stow away in a backpack without adding bulk. The simplicity of operation—just pull to turn on and adjust for desired light levels—makes it accessible for users of all ages.

Moreover, its prolonged battery life is a definite plus, lasting up to 50 hours on three AA batteries. It's robust too; crafted from durable ABS material, it can withstand rough handling and water exposure. As a bonus, the nifty storage compartment is perfect for keeping small essentials handy, highlighting its thoughtful design. This lantern checks all the right boxes for budget-conscious campers without compromising on quality and functionality.

For those who love hosting outdoor parties, the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma shines as a standout companion. This solar-powered lantern not only boasts a broad spectrum of eight lively color modes, including an eye-catching multicolor fade, but also creates the perfect ambiance, turning any gathering into a vibrant celebration.

One of the most appealing features of the Crush Light Chroma is its portability. Weighing in at just 3.2 ounces, it's effortlessly lightweight, and its compact, collapsible design ensures it fits easily into your backpack or picnic basket without a fuss.

While its playful illumination makes it a star for festive occasions, it doesn't skimp on functionality. The 60-lumen output delivers adequate lighting, complemented by a warm 3000K color temperature that bathes your space in a cozy glow. It’s also splashproof, so you need not worry if the weather takes an unexpected turn. While its light modes are practical enough for an enjoyable party, they might be somewhat basic compared to other high-tech options. Nonetheless, the eco-friendly solar charging capability is a big win for environmentally conscious party planners, making it both a fun and responsible choice for your outdoor soirées.

The Coleman Powerhouse Dual Fuel Lantern truly shines in the 'Best Gas-Powered' category for its remarkable durability and versatility. Designed specifically for outdoor use, its dual-fuel capability allows it to run on either Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline, making it incredibly convenient for campers who value flexibility.

One standout feature is its All Season Strong technology, ensuring dependable performance no matter the weather. Whether you're facing a chilly camping night or a breezy outdoor event, this lantern promises consistent lighting. Its control knob offers customizable brightness, so you can easily achieve the perfect ambiance for any activity.

The inclusion of a handy bail handle simplifies carrying and hanging the lantern, making it a user-friendly choice. While some users might find its size standard rather than outstanding, the practicality and reliability it offers are hard to match. Overall, Coleman’s century-old tradition of quality shines through in this dependable lantern.