Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the great outdoors. But when the sun goes down, it can be difficult to see and navigate without a good camping lantern. A good camping lantern not only provides enough light to see by but also creates a cozy atmosphere and makes camping more enjoyable.

In this review, we’ll take a look at the 10 best camping lanterns of 2023, each with unique features and benefits to make your camping experience more comfortable and safer. Whether you’re an experienced camper or just starting out, these lanterns will help light the way for a successful camping trip.

Reviews of the 10 Best Camping Lanterns of 2023

1. Black Diamond Moji Lantern

The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is a simple and compact camping lantern that is great for backpacking and car camping. It features a single LED bulb with a dimming switch to adjust the brightness and is powered by three AAA batteries (not included). The lantern is small enough to fit in your pocket, but can still provide enough light to read by.

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Features and Specifications:

LED bulb with dimming switch
Compact and lightweight design
Powered by three AAA batteries (not included)
Maximum brightness of 100 lumens
Burn time of up to 70 hours on low
Weight: 3 oz. (85 g)
Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 x 5 cm)

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to use
Affordable price point
Compact size makes it easy to pack and transport

Cons:

Not as bright as some other options
Battery life is shorter compared to some other lanterns

Performance:

The Black Diamond Moji Lantern is a reliable and easy-to-use camping lantern that performs well for its size and price point. The lantern’s LED bulb provides a maximum brightness of 100 lumens, which may not be as bright as some other lanterns but is still sufficient for reading and lighting up a small area. The dimming switch allows you to adjust the brightness to your preference, and the lantern’s burn time of up to 70 hours on low is impressive for a lantern powered by only three AAA batteries.

One potential downside to the Black Diamond Moji Lantern is its battery life, which may not last as long as some other lanterns. However, this can be mitigated by bringing extra batteries or a portable charger on your camping trip. Overall, the Black Diamond Moji Lantern is a great option for those looking for a simple, affordable, and compact camping lantern that performs well for its size.

2. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern is a versatile and powerful camping lantern that can also double as a USB power bank for your other devices. It features a bright LED light with adjustable brightness levels, and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The lantern can be charged via a USB port or by Goal Zero’s solar panels, making it a great option for off-grid camping trips.

Features and Specifications:

Bright LED light with adjustable brightness levels
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
USB port for charging other devices
Can be charged via USB or Goal Zero’s solar panels
Maximum brightness of 600 lumens
Burn time of up to 350 hours on low
Weight: 1.1 lbs. (498 g)
Dimensions: 4.5 x 5 x 6.6 inches (11.4 x 12.7 x 16.8 cm)

Pros:

Bright and versatile
Doubles as a USB power bank
Can be charged via USB or solar panels
Long battery life

Cons:

Pricey compared to some other options
Heavier and bulkier than some other lanterns

Performance:

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern is a powerful and versatile camping lantern that performs well in a variety of settings. The lantern’s LED light provides a maximum brightness of 600 lumens, making it one of the brightest lanterns on the market. The adjustable brightness levels allow you to customize the amount of light to your needs, and the lantern’s long battery life of up to 350 hours on low is impressive.

One of the standout features of the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern is its ability to double as a USB power bank for your other devices. This is especially useful for longer camping trips where you may need to charge your phone or other electronics. Additionally, the lantern can be charged via a USB port or by Goal Zero’s solar panels, giving you more options for keeping it powered.

The main downside to the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern is its price point, which may be higher than some other camping lanterns. Additionally, the lantern is heavier and bulkier than some other options, which may not be ideal for backpacking or other activities where weight and space are at a premium. Overall, the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern is a great option for those looking for a powerful and versatile camping lantern that can also double as a USB power bank.

3. Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern

The Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern is a compact and powerful lantern designed for camping and outdoor use. It features a maximum brightness of 650 lumens and can illuminate an area up to 115 feet in diameter. The lantern is powered by a rechargeable battery, and can be charged via a USB port or a car adapter. The lantern also features a built-in power bank for charging other devices.

Features and Specifications:

Maximum brightness of 650 lumens
Can illuminate an area up to 115 feet in diameter
Powered by a rechargeable battery
Can be charged via a USB port or a car adapter
Built-in power bank for charging other devices
Waterproof to IPX-7 standards
Weighs 13.9 ounces (394 grams)
Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 4.8 inches (99 x 99 x 122 mm)

Pros:

Compact and lightweight
Bright and powerful
Built-in power bank for charging other devices
Waterproof

Cons:

Battery life is not as long as some other options
No adjustable brightness levels

Performance:

The Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern is a powerful and compact option for camping and outdoor use. The lantern’s maximum brightness of 650 lumens is impressive, and it can illuminate an area up to 115 feet in diameter, making it great for larger campsites. The built-in power bank is a useful feature, allowing you to charge your other devices while on the go.

One of the main drawbacks of the Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern is its battery life, which is not as long as some other camping lanterns. The lantern’s battery can last up to 400 hours on low mode, but this is shorter than some other options on the market. Additionally, the lantern does not have adjustable brightness levels, which may be a drawback for some users who want more control over the amount of light.

However, the Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern is waterproof to IPX-7 standards, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This makes it a great option for camping and outdoor use in wet or rainy conditions. Overall, the Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern is a great option for those looking for a compact and powerful camping lantern with a built-in power bank.

4. BioLite BaseLantern XL

The BioLite BaseLantern XL is a versatile and innovative camping lantern designed for outdoor use. It features a maximum brightness of 500 lumens and can illuminate an area up to 50 feet in diameter. The lantern is powered by a rechargeable battery and can be charged via a USB port or a built-in solar panel. It also features Bluetooth connectivity and can be controlled via a mobile app, allowing you to customize the light settings and check the battery life.

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Features and Specifications:

Maximum brightness of 500 lumens
Can illuminate an area up to 50 feet in diameter
Powered by a rechargeable battery
Can be charged via a USB port or a built-in solar panel
Bluetooth connectivity for mobile app control
Can be customized for different light settings
Weighs 33.6 ounces (952 grams)
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 8.6 inches (127 x 127 x 219 mm)

Pros:

Innovative and versatile design
Can be controlled via a mobile app
Can be customized for different light settings
Can be charged via a built-in solar panel
Includes a built-in power bank for charging other devices

Cons:

Pricey compared to other options
Not as bright as some other camping lanterns

Performance:

The BioLite BaseLantern XL is an innovative and versatile option for camping and outdoor use. The lantern’s maximum brightness of 500 lumens is not as bright as some other options, but it can still illuminate an area up to 50 feet in diameter. The lantern’s Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app control are unique features that allow you to customize the light settings and check the battery life. The lantern also includes a built-in power bank for charging other devices, which is a useful feature for camping trips.

One of the main drawbacks of the BioLite BaseLantern XL is its price, which is higher than some other options on the market. Additionally, the lantern’s maximum brightness of 500 lumens may not be sufficient for some users who require more illumination.

However, the BioLite BaseLantern XL’s built-in solar panel is a useful feature for outdoor use, allowing you to charge the lantern even when you’re away from a power source. The lantern’s customizable light settings also make it a great option for camping and outdoor activities. Overall, the BioLite BaseLantern XL is an innovative and versatile camping lantern that is great for those who prioritize customization and mobile app control.

5. UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight

The UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight is a compact and versatile camping lantern designed for outdoor use. It features a maximum brightness of 110 lumens and can provide up to 4 hours of light on high mode. The lantern can be used as a traditional lantern or as a flashlight by collapsing it down. It also features a magnetic base for easy attachment to metal surfaces and a built-in hook for hanging.

Features and Specifications:

Maximum brightness of 110 lumens
Can provide up to 4 hours of light on high mode
Can be used as a traditional lantern or as a flashlight
Magnetic base for easy attachment to metal surfaces
Built-in hook for hanging
Weighs 2.5 ounces (71 grams)
Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 4 inches (6.35 x 6.35 x 10.16 cm)

Pros:

Compact and lightweight design
Can be used as a traditional lantern or as a flashlight
Magnetic base for easy attachment to metal surfaces
Built-in hook for hanging
Water-resistant

Cons:

Not as bright as some other options
Shorter battery life compared to some other options

Performance:

The UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight is a versatile and compact option for camping and outdoor use. The lantern’s maximum brightness of 110 lumens may not be as bright as some other options, but it can still provide sufficient illumination for a small area. The lantern’s ability to convert into a flashlight makes it a versatile option for outdoor activities.

The UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight’s magnetic base and built-in hook make it easy to attach to metal surfaces or hang from a tent or tree. The lantern is also water-resistant, making it a good option for camping in wet conditions.

One of the main drawbacks of the UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight is its shorter battery life compared to some other options on the market. However, the lantern’s compact and lightweight design make it a great option for backpacking or other outdoor activities where space and weight are a concern.

Overall, the UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight is a versatile and compact camping lantern that is great for those who prioritize portability and versatility.

6. Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern

The Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern is a powerful and reliable camping lantern that runs on propane fuel. It features an adjustable brightness control, allowing you to adjust the light output from high to low depending on your needs. The lantern also has a unique tube-mantle design that creates a brighter, more efficient light compared to other propane lanterns.

Features and Specifications:

Runs on propane fuel
Adjustable brightness control
Unique tube-mantle design for brighter, more efficient light
PerfectFlow technology ensures consistent performance even in extreme conditions
Durable and weather-resistant construction
Weighs 4.9 pounds (2.22 kg)
Dimensions: 15.6 x 8.8 x 8.8 inches (39.6 x 22.4 x 22.4 cm)

Pros:

Powerful and reliable lighting
Adjustable brightness control
Unique tube-mantle design for brighter, more efficient light
PerfectFlow technology ensures consistent performance even in extreme conditions
Durable and weather-resistant construction
Can run for up to 9 hours on a single propane cylinder

Cons:

Heavier and bulkier than some other options
Requires propane fuel, which may not be as convenient as battery-powered options

Performance:

The Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern is a powerful and reliable camping lantern that provides bright and efficient lighting in a variety of outdoor conditions. The lantern’s unique tube-mantle design creates a brighter and more efficient light compared to other propane lanterns on the market. The adjustable brightness control allows you to customize the light output based on your needs.

The Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern is also designed with PerfectFlow technology, which ensures consistent performance even in extreme conditions such as cold weather or high altitudes. The lantern is also built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, with a durable and weather-resistant construction.

One potential drawback of the Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern is its weight and bulkiness, which may not be as suitable for backpacking or other activities where space and weight are a concern. Additionally, the lantern requires propane fuel, which may not be as convenient or readily available compared to battery-powered options.

Overall, the Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern is a reliable and powerful camping lantern that is ideal for car camping or other outdoor activities where weight and space are not as much of a concern. Its unique tube-mantle design and adjustable brightness control make it a great option for providing bright and efficient lighting in a variety of outdoor conditions.

7. Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern

The Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern is a compact and lightweight camping lantern that provides warm and soft LED lighting. It is designed with a versatile silicone rubber shade that can be collapsed or expanded to adjust the brightness and direction of the light. The lantern also features a magnetic backing that allows you to attach it to metal surfaces, making it a great option for hands-free lighting.

Features and Specifications:

Warm and soft LED lighting
Collapsible silicone rubber shade for adjustable brightness and direction of light
Magnetic backing for hands-free lighting
Battery life indicator
Weighs 1.9 ounces (54 grams)
Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches (5.6 x 5.6 x 4.6 cm)

Pros:

Compact and lightweight design
Warm and soft LED lighting
Collapsible silicone rubber shade for adjustable brightness and direction of light
Magnetic backing for hands-free lighting
Battery life indicator
Long battery life (up to 40 hours on low setting)

Cons:

May not provide as bright of a light as larger lanterns
Not as suitable for lighting large areas or group camping

Performance:

The Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern is a compact and lightweight camping lantern that provides warm and soft LED lighting. Its versatile silicone rubber shade can be collapsed or expanded to adjust the brightness and direction of the light, making it a great option for a variety of camping situations.

The lantern’s magnetic backing also allows for hands-free lighting, making it easy to attach to metal surfaces or hang from a tent or other structure. The battery life indicator is a helpful feature that lets you know when it’s time to replace the batteries.

One potential drawback of the Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern is its size and brightness. While it provides warm and soft LED lighting, it may not be as suitable for lighting large areas or for group camping situations where a brighter light is needed.

Overall, the Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern is a great option for backpacking or solo camping trips where compact and lightweight gear is a priority. Its warm and soft LED lighting, collapsible silicone rubber shade, and magnetic backing make it a versatile and convenient option for a variety of camping situations.

8. Nitecore LR30 Camp Lantern

The Nitecore LR30 Camp Lantern is a compact and versatile camping lantern that provides bright and efficient LED lighting. It is designed with multiple brightness levels and special modes, including a red light mode that preserves night vision and a flashing mode for emergencies. The lantern also features a durable and water-resistant body that can withstand tough outdoor conditions.

Features and Specifications:

Bright and efficient LED lighting
Multiple brightness levels and special modes (red light, flashing mode, and SOS mode)
Durable and water-resistant body
Built-in power indicator
Weighs 2.22 ounces (63 grams)
Dimensions: 2.48 x 1.65 x 0.91 inches (6.3 x 4.2 x 2.3 cm)

Pros:

Bright and efficient LED lighting
Multiple brightness levels and special modes
Durable and water-resistant body
Built-in power indicator
Compact and lightweight design

Cons:

Batteries not included
May not provide as much light as larger lanterns

Performance:

The Nitecore LR30 Camp Lantern is a versatile and efficient camping lantern that provides bright and reliable LED lighting. It features multiple brightness levels and special modes, including a red light mode that preserves night vision and a flashing mode for emergencies.

The lantern’s durable and water-resistant body is designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions, making it a great option for camping and other outdoor activities. Its compact and lightweight design also makes it easy to carry and pack.

One potential drawback of the Nitecore LR30 Camp Lantern is that it does not come with batteries included. Additionally, while it provides bright and efficient LED lighting, it may not provide as much light as larger lanterns.

Overall, the Nitecore LR30 Camp Lantern is a great option for camping and other outdoor activities where a compact and versatile lantern is needed. Its multiple brightness levels and special modes, durable and water-resistant body, and built-in power indicator make it a reliable and convenient option for a variety of camping situations.

9. Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern

The Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is a versatile and efficient lantern that provides bright and reliable lighting for camping and other outdoor activities. It features collapsible design, which makes it easy to carry and pack. The lantern is designed with multiple brightness levels, as well as a special SOS mode for emergencies.

Features and Specifications:

Bright and efficient LED lighting
Multiple brightness levels and a special SOS mode
Collapsible design for easy carrying and packing
Durable and water-resistant body
Built-in power indicator
Weighs 9.14 ounces (259 grams)
Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 7.2 inches (8.9 x 8.9 x 18.3 cm)

Pros:

Bright and efficient LED lighting
Multiple brightness levels and special SOS mode
Collapsible design for easy carrying and packing
Durable and water-resistant body
Built-in power indicator

Cons:

Not as bright as some larger lanterns
Battery life may not be as long as advertised

Performance:

The Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is a reliable and versatile camping lantern that provides bright and efficient LED lighting. It features multiple brightness levels, as well as a special SOS mode for emergencies.

The lantern’s collapsible design makes it easy to carry and pack, making it a great option for camping and other outdoor activities. Its durable and water-resistant body is also designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions.

One potential drawback of the Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is that it may not be as bright as some larger lanterns. Additionally, while its battery life is advertised as being long-lasting, some customers have reported that the battery life is not as long as expected.

Overall, the Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern is a great option for camping and other outdoor activities where a compact and efficient lantern is needed. Its multiple brightness levels, special SOS mode, collapsible design, durable and water-resistant body, and built-in power indicator make it a reliable and convenient option for a variety of camping situations.

10. Streamlight The Siege Lantern

The Streamlight The Siege Lantern is a rugged and durable lantern that provides bright and versatile lighting for camping and other outdoor activities. It features multiple lighting modes, including a red light mode for preserving night vision, as well as a flashing SOS mode for emergencies. The lantern is also designed with a durable and water-resistant body, making it ideal for use in tough outdoor conditions.

Features and Specifications:

Bright and versatile LED lighting
Multiple lighting modes, including a red light mode and flashing SOS mode
Durable and water-resistant body
Built-in power indicator
Weighs 1 pound (453 grams)
Dimensions: 7.25 x 3.75 x 3.75 inches (18.4 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm)

Pros:

Bright and versatile LED lighting
Multiple lighting modes, including a red light mode and flashing SOS mode
Durable and water-resistant body
Built-in power indicator

Cons:

May be heavier than some other camping lanterns
Battery life may not be as long as advertised

Performance:

The Streamlight The Siege Lantern is a rugged and durable camping lantern that provides bright and versatile LED lighting. Its multiple lighting modes, including a red light mode for preserving night vision and a flashing SOS mode for emergencies, make it a great option for a variety of camping situations.

The lantern’s durable and water-resistant body is designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions, and its built-in power indicator lets you know how much battery life is left.

One potential drawback of the Streamlight The Siege Lantern is that it may be heavier than some other camping lanterns, making it less ideal for backpacking or other situations where weight is a concern. Additionally, while its battery life is advertised as being long-lasting, some customers have reported that the battery life is not as long as expected.

Overall, the Streamlight The Siege Lantern is a reliable and versatile camping lantern that provides bright and efficient LED lighting. Its multiple lighting modes, durable and water-resistant body, and built-in power indicator make it a great option for a variety of camping situations.

crop hand with lantern 1 — Image by Freepik

Comparison Table

Here’s a comparison table for the 10 Best Camping Lanterns of 2023:

Lantern Model	Features	Weight	Materials
Black Diamond Moji Lantern	Compact and lightweight, simple on/off switch, bright LED light	4.2 oz (119 g)	Plastic
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern	Dual charging capabilities (solar and USB), bright and adjustable LED light, built-in USB port for charging other devices	1.1 lbs (499 g)	Plastic and metal
Fenix CL30R Camping Lantern	Bright and versatile LED lighting, multiple lighting modes, battery level indicator, USB charging port, IPX-7 waterproof rating	1.9 lbs (862 g)	Plastic and aluminum
BioLite BaseLantern XL	Bluetooth connectivity, customizable color settings, ability to charge other devices, dimming feature, app control	1.79 lbs (813 g)	Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone
UCO Leschi Lantern and Flashlight	Dual-functionality as both a lantern and flashlight, adjustable brightness, shock cord attachment, carabiner clip	2.5 oz (71 g)	Plastic and silicone
Coleman Northstar Propane Lantern	Adjustable brightness, long burn time, durable construction, electronic ignition	3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)	Metal and glass
Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern	Dimmable LED light, lightweight and compact design, magnetic fastening	1.9 oz (54 g)	Plastic and silicone
Nitecore LR30 Camp Lantern	Bright and versatile LED lighting, multiple lighting modes, waterproof design, compact and lightweight	1.8 oz (51 g)	Plastic and metal
Etekcity Portable LED Camping Lantern	Bright and adjustable LED lighting, collapsible design, low power consumption	9.14 oz (259 g)	Plastic
Streamlight The Siege Lantern	Bright and versatile LED lighting, multiple lighting modes, durable and water-resistant design, built-in power indicator	1 lb (453 g)	Polymer and rubber

Note: The materials listed are for the lantern body or housing only, and do not include any additional components such as batteries or charging cords.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right camping lantern is an important decision to make for any outdoor enthusiast. The 10 best camping lanterns of 2023 offer a variety of features and price points to fit different needs and budgets. From compact and lightweight options like the Black Diamond Moji Lantern and Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern to more advanced and feature-rich options like the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Lantern and BioLite BaseLantern XL, there is a lantern on this list for everyone.

When making a decision, it’s important to consider factors like brightness, battery life, durability, and weight, as well as any additional features that may be important to you, such as charging capabilities or Bluetooth connectivity. With the right lantern, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.