Camping in a pop-up camper can be fun, though we all love to be in the pop-up camper’s cabin, the great outdoors may be calling your name. While we enjoy staying outside late at night and doing various activities like star gazing or telling stories around the campfire, the idea of looking for a lost item in the dark can be a daunting matter. Though you don’t think you may need lighting at that time, it may be all be fun in games till someone loses their phone or worse their kid.
Using outdoor lighting equipment like lanterns or a rope of lights can help you maneuver around the campsite with eases finding those objects you put down earlier or cooking smores by the fire, but just can’t find what you need in the dark.
Who is guilty of putting the flashlight on their phone and wandering around looking for their car keys or just simply needing some light to walk down to the restrooms? Me!!! Though your phone’s flashlight can be very handy having some sort of light equipment could help you out and be hands-free in most cases. The idea of choosing your lighting can also be daunting and knowing what type you need for your family is where your first stop to think.
Camping Lifestyle
It makes more sense to realize what type of camping lifestyle your family uses is important. For example, if you do several short one-to-two-day trips then lighting that requires you to take the time to hang up and pull down every time isn’t effective and can make camping unbearable. Another example is those who use the public showers and bathrooms at night and need a light source that travels with you but can also provide multi-use at the campground.
The choice doesn’t have to be painful, and you can have a mixture of elements to suit your needs. Follow us as we explore the type of lighting available, what type of wattage you would need, and where to store all your items. I will also briefly go over what I use for my very own pop-up camper needs and experiences.
What type of lighting equipment is there?
There are many light sources out there on the market, that can help you see better when it gets dark. They can come in different styles from LED to solar panel options and some prices can affect your budget. Let’s take a look at the most common choices.
Flashlights
These versatile light sources come in different sizes, varieties, and colors. One of the most popular for compact and portable use.
Lanterns
Battery to solar-operated lanterns is a great way to illuminate your space and portable. They come in different sizes and can range from inexpensive to ouch! Generally powered with propane, electric charge, battery, or solar panel. They also make a great light to multi-function with as well. We have a few that house smaller tools and compartments for parts.
Clamp on Lights
This detachable light supply works well as well as attaches to most surfaces, you can buy them battery operated, solar, or wired. Though they are cheaper, running about $6, you most likely need a light bulb for them.
Pro Tip: Getting a bug light bulb that will attract all the bugs to that light source is a great way to keep them from your camper door.
Stringed, Rope or Strip Lights
These hangable lights work well with illuminating the entire camper site or just an area you want well-lit. They can come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors in addition the LED light strips come equipped with multi-colored choices and can be applied with battery-operated, wired, or solar sources.
Head or Neck Lights
A hands-free way to for a light source. They can come in an assortment of sizes and prices and allow you to manage other tasks
Ground Lighting
A great way to add no-fuse lighting to your campsite. These inexpensive lights are usually solar-powered, or battery-operated and come in many different styles. They are moveable and compact down to take little room when stowing.
RV Exterior Lighting
RV exterior lights are great to illuminate the ground and can create a spectacular outdoor ambiance.
Glow sticks
Great for the kids and fun to play with, these inexpensive light sources are typically one-time use.
Camp fire
Having a campfire is a great way to add light to campground area. It is also fun and great activity to have with the family.
What is good wattage for outdoor lights?
Typically, outdoor lighting requires that you use light bulbs that can take direct moisture. For a small patio or driveway, the light source should be gentle to moderate light, opt for a light bulb that fits 40 to 80 watts. If you’re requiring more lighting, select bulbs with wattages of 75 or higher. Though be aware and kind to your neighbors and camping restrictions.
Where to store all these light sources?
A Million-dollar question! These light sources can be very expensive when you add them up. Not storing them correctly can ruin the units themselves or light bulbs. I recommend you store all light stores in their own container or compartment. This allows for easier access, unified information, organization and to prevent damage or loss.
I also recommend storing extra light bulbs and cords to the lights in the same location and all remote controls to the devices in addition. Our LED string of lights has a small remote control that allows us to change color or different illuminations. We have lost that more than once or twice.
What we employ
For our outdoor area, I have 3 types of lighting sources. First, a clip-on lantern that allows me to walk away from the campsite, put it on the table, or clip it to the awning or canopy. The second and third are stationary lights, a couple of LED string lights that are attached to the outside of my awning, and camper directly as well as a clamp light with a bulb that is made for bugs, it is typically attached to my pop-up canopy.
All three light sources allow the kitchen area to be illuminated for all outdoor activities. I especially enjoy my bug light it gives out plenty of illumination but attracts bugs to that section of the campsite. Allowing us to freely move in and out of the camper without getting bugs in it. We all know how that feels!
Our main light sources are 100 to 120 watts while the bug light is a golden yellow color and 60 watts. We also store all lights in a small tub, labeled “Lighting” and organized, kind of OCC-like.
All in all!
When it comes to outdoor lighting, you have many choices. The prices can be inexpensive to outrageous!!! Choosing what fits in your budget and your family’s camping lifestyle is essential. Sometimes portable lights are a better way to go, and stationary lights sources are too much of a hassle, especially if you aren’t staying longer than one night. Who wants all that work?
I hope this has helped you in choosing better lighting sources for your next camping trip. Stay tuned for more pop-up camping related posts and watch for our videos coming soon to Youtube!