We put in 9+ hours of research to select the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights as the best camping string lights for backpackers. For car campers, we loved the OMIKA LED Outdoor String Lights.
String lights add a special dash of elegance to any location. So why not bring their warm glow to your campsite?
We’ve decided on the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights as our favorite backpacker choice. While they’re primarily solar-powered, they offer USB connectivity as a backup method for when the sun isn’t cooperating.
As a runner-up, we decided on the OMIKA LED Outdoor String Lights for car campers. Since these are AC-powered, so they’re ideal for campsites offering power hookups. Plus, you get all the fun and versatility of multicolor, multi-mode lights and all the traditional golden lights we know and love.
Top Recommendations – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
For Backpackers – Top Recommendations
- MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights — two different ways to charge for ultimate portability and versatility
For Car Campers – Top Recommendations
- OMIKA LED Outdoor String Lights — bridges the gap between festive, fun rainbow colors and classic golden or white mood lighting
For Tranquil Ambiance – Top Recommendations
- ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights — frosted golden globes flicker gently for added ambiance
- Solar Star String Lights — brings the magic of the heavens into your camp
- Globe Led String Lights — standard, larger globes provide a classy look
- AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights — fairy-like daintiness that’s solar powered
Reading or Other Activities – Top Recommendations
- Coleman LED String Lights — super bright option shaped like quirky lanterns
- LED Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights — iconic Christmas-like feel
- Power Practical Luminoodle — doubles as a camp lantern for reading
For Parties – Top Recommendations
- ALOVECO LED String Lights — multicolor frosted globes offer plenty of flashing modes for a fun night
In addition to this list, we created a buyer’s guide so you can decide how to pick string lights that are best suited for you. Also, if you have any questions about the product, check out our FAQs.
1. The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights– The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 9/10, compact at 2 x 5”
- Durability and build (20%) – 7/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 6/10, IP4 isn’t the best
- Longevity (10%) – 6/10, some comments saying they wear out after a few uses
Best for: campers looking for a solar light solution that works even when the sun doesn’t shine; $$
If you’re intrigued by solar-powered string lights but worried about cloudy days, the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights is a great solution.
When a 16-hour sunlight charge isn’t possible, these lights are equipped with a USB charging cable. This enables you to charge the lights through a USB battery pack even if the clouds refuse to budge.
As if that wasn’t cool enough, the MPOWERED Luci Solar Lights are incredibly compact. The solar panel, USB cord, and lights are all contained within a small 2 x 5” disc.
All in all, these string lights are a striking all-in-one carrying and charging solution.
Pros – The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
- Versatile; option to charge with solar or USB
- Can also charge cell phones
- Highly compact and portable
Cons – The MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights
- IP4 weather rating; less than impressive
- 16 hour charge time a bit long
2. The OMIKA LED Outdoor String Light – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 7/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 8/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 9/10, IP65 is amazingly weatherproof
- Longevity (10%) – 8/10
Best for: someone who wants to bridge the gap between traditional golden and fun multicolor lights; $$
Do you adore the warm, classy glow of gold globe string lights? But simultaneously, you want to pump things up with multicolor strobes.
If that’s the case, then the OMIKA LED Outdoor String Lights are likely the set for you.
You don’t need to pull out a different set of lights when you want to keep things quiet and classy. The OMIKA string lights can be programmed to the traditional white or gold for some sweet ambiance.
But when you’re ready to liven up a space, these lights offer 18 colors. That’s plenty of creative options available for setting a vibrant mood.
Plus, the colors can even be mixed thanks to additional light nodes within the globes.
The OMIKA lights feature just about every customization imaginable. This includes 7 different dimmable flashing modes and a timer function.
Pros – The OMIKA LED Outdoor String Light
- Highly customizable; 18 colors and 7 modes
- Incredibly waterproof: IP65
- Mixable colors
Cons – The OMIKA LED Outdoor String Light
- AC power source means you need to plug it into an outlet
3. The ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 7/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 7/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 8/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 8/10
- Longevity (10%) – 8/10
Best for anyone who wants a convenient and affordable way to add soft mood lighting to their campsite; $
Are you tired of tripping over yourself in the dark after turning off your string lights? The ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights solve this problem with a handy remote!
This remote does a lot more than manage the power. It also features 8 different illumination modes for the string lights.
From soft flickering to strobe-like flashing, there’s a mode to suit whatever mood you’re trying to convey.
Not only that, you can also dim the lights if you find the brightness too overwhelming.
We were pleased to see that campers had only good things to say regarding their durability.
Some commented on their sturdy build and the triple-twisted wire construction for extra strength. So you don’t need to worry about them dying off after a few uses.
Pros – The ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights
- Versatile options for longer campsites; 33’ and 49’
- Remote control; convenient on/off
- Features 8 flashing modes
- Lights can be dimmed
- Battery-operated, so you don’t trip on cords.
Cons – The ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights
- Can’t connect with other lights
4. The Coleman LED String Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 9/10, very bright!
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 7/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 8/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 8/10
- Longevity (10%) – 7/10
Best for: a festival or concert camper looking for a unique set of string lights to illuminate the night; $
Do you like having a little extra flair, even when you camp? If so, the Coleman LED String Lights certainly stand out in a sea of typical Christmas lights.
Each of the 10 lights is fashioned to look like a tiny 2.75” lantern. But don’t be fooled by their small size. These lights emit a powerfully bright blast.
They’re so strong and white, in fact, that campers don’t recommend using them in backcountry sites. Instead, they’re best for festivals, glamping, or camping out at a concert.
If the forecast turns unexpectedly wet, these string lights can take it.
One camper even mentions having strung them up under an awning, where they remained during a rainstorm. Despite rain from the roof cascading into them, the lights remained functional.
Pros – The Coleman LED String Lights
- Unique and adorable look
- Holds up well in the rain
- Super bright for those who want to work around camp
Cons – The Coleman LED String Lights
- Light is considered too white for some
5. The Solar Star String Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 7/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 7/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 9/10, IP65 is amazingly weatherproof
- Longevity (10%) – 7/10
Best for: someone who wants to bring twinkling stars to their car camping site without worrying about the forecast; $
The Solar Star String Lights are a perfect choice for anyone wanting to add a touch of starry magic to their campsite.
To make them even more magical, they feature several fade and flashing modes to enhance the twinkling star effect.
Just be aware that the length of this particular string light set is 40’. That’s pretty long for decorating a small backpacking tent and could get unwieldy pretty fast.
The solar panel is a great set-it-and-forget-it solution; no more fussing with dead batteries! Even better, these lights automatically turn on at night for added convenience.
When it comes to bad weather, these lights boast an IP65 rating. This is at the maximum range, resulting in an incredibly durable set you can use during bad weather.
Pros – The Solar Star String Lights
- Lovely and unique; features fade/flash modes
- IP65 weatherproof rating; extremely durable
- Automatically turns on at night
Cons – The Solar Star String Lights
- Beware of tangling them up! The pointy stars make untangling difficult
6. The Globe Led String Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 9/10, campers enjoy that “warm glow” actually looks warm and not white.
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 7/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 9/10, shatterproof bulbs
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 8/10, IP44 rating withstands rain
- Longevity (10%) – 8/10
Best for anyone looking for a no-fuss, no-frills string light set to add some low mood lighting to their front-country campsite; $
With the warm glow that campers love, the Globe Led String Lights are an elegant addition to any car camping site.
Notice I said “car camping.” That’s because these lights are AC-powered. So you’ll need to hook these up to an outlet, which you won’t find in the backcountry.
On the plus side, you can connect multiple strings of lights. So if you need more than 25’ feet of lights, no worries – you can easily connect a second strand.
If the forecast turns soggy, you can rest easy knowing that these string lights carry a weatherproof rating of IP44. Leave them hanging through the bad weather and watch the lights illuminate the rain.
Pros – The Globe Led String Lights
- Weatherproof IP44 rating
- Connectable to other string lights
- Shatterproof bulbs
Cons – The Globe Led String Lights
- AC power means you have to use them in a place with outlets/power hookups
7. The LED Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 9/10, only weighs 4oz
- Durability and build (20%) – 7/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 6/10 high rating but poor performance in the rain
- Longevity (10%) – 7/10
Best for: a camper on a budget who wants a long set of fairy lights to add warmth and ambiance to any campsite; $
Even though the LED Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights are available to even the most budget-conscious camper, they don’t chince out on features.
These lights offer 8 different modes. From slow fades and gently glowing to Christmas-like blinking, there’s a mode for any mood.
You also have the ability to place the lights on a timer. That way, you can set and forget them; they’ll automatically turn on when it gets dark.
One drawback is their mixed feedback on weatherproofing. Even though they carry an IP65 rating, some users had trouble when it rained.
Pros – The LED Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights
- Highly affordable
- 8 different modes
- Timer function
- Small enough to fit in a jar for a delicate, lantern-like effect
Cons – The LED Outdoor Battery Fairy Lights
- Despite its high weatherproof rating, it’s offered less-than-impressive performance in the rain
8. The Power Practical Luminoodle – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 8/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 7/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 7/10
- Longevity (10%) – 6/10, mixed feedback about the lifespan
Best for: tent or car campers who find themselves wishing they had a camping lantern on hand; $
The Power Practical Luminoodle string lights are an awesome 2-in-1 option for tent and car campers.
The Luminoodle comes with a white nylon pouch where you can stuff the strip of lights. Bam! Instant portable lantern!
These lights can also be hung just about anywhere. The built-in magnets allow you to stick them on a car’s or RV’s sides. Meanwhile, the included ties assist with wrapping the lights around those hard-to-reach places.
Plus, they come in 5’ or 10’ lengths, adding to the overall versatility. The options for hanging and application are limitless!
Pros – The Power Practical Luminoodle
- Doubles as a portable lantern
- Magnets and ties make for easy application; great for cars too!
- 5’ and 10’ options for added customization and versatility
Cons – The Power Practical Luminoodle
- Some campers noted that the battery pack could disconnect from the lights while hanging.
9. The AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 8/10
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 9/10, weighs just under 5oz
- Durability and build (20%) – 6/10, a little delicate
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 7/10
- Longevity (10%) – 7/10
Best for anyone looking for highly versatile, solar-powered lights for gentle ambiance; $
If you’ve ever struggled to wrap string lights around a particularly fussy surface, look at the AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights.
Made with soft copper wire, these lights are crazy flexible and bendy. You can wrap them around the most annoying of tent poles and they’ll stay in place.
Because the wiring is so fine that it vanishes discreetly when the tiny light nodes are illuminated. But because the lights are so small, be aware that these are primarily for mood lighting.
Additionally, these string lights are solar-powered.
So unlike some battery-powered options, you don’t need to worry about exhausting – and then tossing – a million dead batteries. Instead, set the solar panel to charge and enjoy up to 8 hours of continuous mood lighting.
Pros – The AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights
- Copper wiring is soft and pliable to wrap around any surface
- Auto on/off feature
- Very lightweight at just under 5oz
Cons – The AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights
- Because the wire is so soft, it’s a little delicate
- Mixed reviews on water performance
10. The ALOVECO LED String Lights – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
- Brightness as advertised (30%) – 6/10, some users said they weren’t as vibrant as pictured and described.
- Weight & Portability (20%) – 8/10
- Durability and build (20%) – 7/10
- Weatherproofing (20%) – 9/10, IP65
- Longevity (10%) – 7/10
Best for a camper that wants a unique, frosted rainbow look instead of the traditional gloss; $
The ALOVECO LED String Lights are an awesome find for anyone looking for festive, flashing string lights for the next big event.
These string lights offer 8 different modes. That’s more than enough strobe-light options to keep the fun going well into the night.
You can change the modes – as well as utilize the timer feature – with the included remote. However, one interesting point is that the remote is attached to the lights.
This could be good if you’re absent-minded and tend to lose stuff! But if you don’t want to deal with a dangling remote, it could be slightly inconvenient.
Another thing to note: they’re advertised as 18’, but a few campers mentioned that they totaled only 13’. So if you need a longer string of lights, you’d better check elsewhere.
Pros – The ALOVECO LED String Lights
- Rainbow frosted look is unique and different
- 8 different modes and timer
- IP65 for weather protection
Cons – The ALOVECO LED String Lights
- 13’, not 18’ as advertised
- They aren’t as vibrant as pictured
- Remote is attached to lights
How to Choose the Best Camping String Lights– The 10 Best Camping String Lights
You might wonder what’s there to discuss when choosing camping string lights.
After all, they’re so simple, right?
Well, they may be less complex than a 4-season tent, but there are still a few things to consider before purchasing. So let’s take a look!
Brightness– How to Choose the Best Camping String Lights
What do you plan on using your string lights for? Are they mostly for gentle mood lighting and ambiance?
Or do you want them to be as functional as they are beautiful? If so, they must give off enough light to read or perform other tasks.
The brightness of most light-emitting objects is given in lumens. This number is equivalent to the light of approximately 1 candle per lumen.
I mention this because you may encounter it when shopping for string lights.
Generally, 100 or fewer lumens is not very bright, such as the 40-lumen Globe Led String Lights. String lights with this brightness rating would be ideal for ambiance but not for detailed tasks.
Stepping it up, 100-400 lumens would be bright enough to serve as decorative lighting while offering enough visibility for campsite activities. This can be seen in the 180-lumen Power Practical Luminoodle.
Finally, string lights with 500 or more lumens are quite bright. They can easily substitute for any camp lantern while bringing a touch of charm unique to string lights.
Power Supply Method – How to Choose the Best Camping String Lights
There are several different power methods to keep your string lights shining all through the night.
AC power is the standard method for powering indoor electrical appliances. Some (but not many) camping string lights, like the Globe Led String Lights offer this power supply.
AC-powered string lights are best for a front-country campground that can hook up to a power source.
Meanwhile, USB power is another wired method, as seen on these Blingstar Fairy Lights 2-Pack USB Powered. But instead of an outlet, you plug into a tiny battery pack.
This is an incredible portable solution, as most of these battery packs are the size of a cell phone. Just be sure the pack has the capacity to last for the duration of the evening!
For non-wired methods, consider a battery-powered setup. String lights like the Coleman LED String Lights use AA or AAA batteries and generally supply enough juice to get you through several nights of use.
Finally, solar power is a great option if you don’t want to depend on wires with exhaustible batteries.
String solar-powered lights like the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights + Charger include a small solar panel that offers 20 hours of use on a single charge.
Length – How to Choose the Best Camping String Lights
How large of an area are you planning to festoon with your string lights?
If the lights are for a glamping base camp at a festival, you may have more room to work with than in a small and crowded car-camping site.
So for a larger situation, consider something like the ZOUTOG Battery Operated String Lights which offers 33 ft of rope for ample decoration.
However, if you want to hang up a few string lights inside or on your tent, then you wouldn’t want an overly long tangle of lights and cord getting in the way.
Thus, you’d want a length of around 10’ or less. The 5’ Power Practical Luminoodle would make sense in this case.
Weather Resistance and Durability – How to Choose the Best Camping String Lights
Since your string lights will likely hang outside, you’ll want to note any weather resistance or durability features.
For instance, the Globe Led String Lights offer shatterproof bulbs. This way, they won’t break the way a normal lightbulb will if it suddenly takes a plunge.
Consider the IP rating as well. This number measures the amount of waterproofing of any electronic device.
The Globe string lights above have a rating of IP44. The highest rating is IP67, so these lights may not be foolproof in wet conditions.
Conversely, the AMIR Upgraded Solar String Lights boast a rating of IP65. These puppies will stand up to a beating from the rain without being ruined or extinguished.
Extra Features – How to Choose the Best Camping String Lights
Some camping string lights come with several additional features to increase convenience or enhance the ambiance.
For instance, some lights, like the Bebrant LED Rope Lights, feature different light modes. Switch between flashing strobe effects and rainbow colors for a party-like vibe! They even include a remote control for added convenience.
The Power Practical Luminoodle set offers loops and magnetic strips to make for hassle-free hanging.
Finally, if you miscalculated the length of your string lights, some have the capability to connect with other lights. You can hook them together if needed to get a much longer strand.
Conclusion: Final Verdict – The 10 Best Camping String Lights
Our favorite camping string lights for backpackers are the MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights.
We loved their versatility regarding the solar or USB power charging methods.
Plus, it fits in a crazy compact disc. Everything is together so you don’t need to worry about losing this ultra portable light set.
We didn’t forget about you car campers! Our favorite string lights for you are the OMIKA LED Outdoor String Lights.
Similar to the MPOWERED lights, the OMIKA lights offer a crazy amount of versatility.
This is apparent in the 18 colors and modes, which are awesome for parties. But you can keep things more tranquil by choosing the standard gold or white light mode.
Frequently Asked Questions– The 10 Best Camping String Lights
1. Are String Lights Easily Breakable? – FAQs
If you get shatterproof bulbs, breaking string lights will be tough. However, we’d still advise treating the lights with a little love and respect. Dropping them carelessly – shatterproof or not – could still result in one or all bulbs shorting out from the impact.
2. Can String Lights Cause a Fire? – FAQs
String lights will likely not cause a fire unless they are extremely poor quality.
Remember that any electrical gadget can cause a fire, including the lamps in your house. For example, exposed wires could spark. Or if you left the string lights on near a flammable object. Thankfully, LED bulbs run much cooler than standard bulbs.
(To learn more about camping and fire safety, check out our article on 26 camping safety tips)
3. Can You Hang String Lights Inside a Tent? – FAQs
String lights can be easily hung inside a tent. Instead of draping them outside, use your tent poles to hang the lights inside your tent.
4. Can You Leave String Lights on All Night? – FAQs
You can leave string lights on all night, but it’s not advisable for a few reasons. Leaving them on will burn through their battery life. Plus, you’re asleep, so why bother draining the power when you can’t see them anyway?
Even if you have an AC option, leaving them on could still be a little inconsiderate. This mostly applies to car camping sites, where the perpetual light could annoy the neighbors.
5. Can You Leave String Lights Outside for Extended Periods of Time?
Strings lights can be left outside if they have a high IP rating. If you select a model with a rating of at least IP44, you’re probably safe to leave them out.
However, we’d still advise against this if it’s unnecessary. No matter what piece of gear we’re talking about, prolonged exposure to the elements will accelerate their degradation.
