10 Best Camping Lantern 2025 in the United States

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.

The Lichamp LED Lanterns are a solid choice for camping or emergency situations, offering a blend of brightness, portability, and durability. Each lantern emits 350 lumens with its 30 energy-efficient LEDs, ensuring ample light coverage of up to 97 sq. ft. This makes them suitable for various outdoor activities like camping and hiking, as well as indoor use during power outages or emergencies. They run on 3 AA batteries (not included), which are easy to find and replace. However, the reliance on batteries can be a downside if you don't have extras on hand or if the situation prolongs, leading to a need for frequent replacements.

The lanterns' collapsible design and foldable handles enhance portability, making them easy to store and carry. Additionally, the lack of switches and simple pull-up operation for turning on and adjusting brightness adds to their convenience. Made of military-grade, water-resistant plastic, these lanterns are built to withstand rough handling and adverse weather conditions. However, their plastic construction may not feel as premium as metal alternatives.

While they don't offer multiple light modes that some advanced lanterns do, the simplicity might be a plus for those who prefer straightforward functionality. These lanterns also make thoughtful gifts for outdoor enthusiasts or as part of an emergency kit.

The Lighting EVER LED Camping Lantern is a solid choice for camping and outdoor use, offering a bright 1000-lumen output with a full 360-degree beam, which is great for lighting up a large area around your tent or campsite. It features four different light modes—including white, warm, combined, and a flashing mode—to help customize the lighting for various situations. The brightness is adjustable, allowing you to save battery when full brightness isn’t necessary. Speaking of battery, it has a rechargeable 4400mAh lithium polymer battery that can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, which should cover most overnight trips or emergency situations. One handy bonus is its ability to function as a power bank for charging smartphones or other small devices via USB, which is useful when you're off-grid.

Weighing around 1.21 kilograms (about 2.7 pounds), it’s reasonably portable, though not the lightest option out there if weight is a top priority. The lantern’s IP44 rating means it’s protected against splashing water, so it can handle light rain or moisture but isn’t fully waterproof for heavy downpours or submersion. The design includes hooks on the top and bottom, making it easy to hang inside a tent or from a branch, providing versatile placement options. While the plastic build helps keep it lightweight, it may not be as rugged as some metal-bodied lanterns if you plan very rough use.

This lantern provides a good mix of brightness, adjustable lighting, and convenience for campers, hikers, or anyone needing reliable light and emergency power. However, if you expect heavy rain or need ultra-light gear, you might want to consider those factors before choosing this model.