Glamping Lighting Ideas to Create a Magical Outdoor Oasis
We love camping, but sometimes it’s just nice to add a bit of luxury to our outdoor adventures. That’s where glamping steps in!
It’s a fun way to soak up nature while still hanging onto a few home comforts. Honestly, one of the easiest ways to create a cozy glamping atmosphere is with creative lighting.
Glamping lighting can totally transform a regular campsite into a magical outdoor retreat. We’ve stumbled on some pretty amazing ideas that make any camping trip feel extra special.
From twinkling fairy lights to elegant lanterns, there are endless ways to light up your campsite and create a warm, inviting space. Let’s check out some of our favorite glamping lighting ideas together!
1) Solar String Lights
We’re big fans of solar string lights for glamping. They make it so easy to set a magical mood without fussing with batteries or power outlets.
Solar lights soak up sunshine all day and then flick on by themselves at dusk. It’s like having our own fairy lights working their magic while we kick back.
There are so many fun shapes and colors to pick from. Classic white bulbs? Sure. Funky multicolored ones? Yes, please.
Draping them around the tent or stringing them from trees instantly turns the campsite into a cozy oasis. It’s wild how such a simple touch can change the whole vibe.
We also love that these lights are eco-friendly. By using solar power, we shrink our carbon footprint but still get beautiful lighting. That’s a win in our book.
Setting up solar string lights is a breeze. Just make sure the solar panel gets sunlight, and you’ll have hours of enchanting glow at night.
Portable waterproof camping lights are perfect for glamping.
2) LED Lanterns
We can’t get enough of LED lanterns when we’re glamping! These little guys are super bright and way more efficient than old-school lanterns.
LED lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny ones for your backpack to big models that light up everything. Some even have USB charging or switch colors, which is just fun.
The battery life on these things is wild. We’ve gone days on a single set of batteries—no more stressing about losing light at night.
They’re tough too. We’ve dropped ours more than once and they still work. Many are water-resistant, which is a lifesaver for those surprise rainy nights.
For a cozy vibe, we like LED lanterns that look like candles. You get that flickering glow without any fire worries. Perfect for glamping, honestly.
Metal Hanging Hurricane Lantern 12 LED Dimmer Switch Warm White Battery Operated
3) Fairy Light Curtains
Fairy light curtains just make everything feel magical. We love how they turn a glamping setup into a dreamy little hideaway.
Hanging them is simple. We drape them over tent doors or around sleeping spots for that cozy, tucked-in feel.
Old curtains or sheets work great as a base. Attach the fairy lights and boom—instant wow factor.
We also string fairy lights between trees for a whimsical, starry look outside the tent. It’s like camping under your own personal galaxy.
Battery-powered lights are a must. No plug? No problem.
Warm white lights create the softest, most inviting glow. If you’re feeling playful, colored lights are awesome for themed trips.
Don’t forget some clear hooks or clothespins. They make it easy to hang your fairy light curtains without wrecking your tent or the trees.
9.8 FT Hanging Fairy Lights with Remote, 8 Modes, Connectable Waterproof Window Lights
4) Vintage Bulb String Lights
There’s just something about vintage bulb string lights that makes a glamping spot feel extra cozy. That warm, nostalgic glow is hard to beat.
Vintage-style Edison bulbs are our go-to for this look. The classic filament design gives off a soft, amber light that’s just magical when you hang them around camp.
Hanging them is half the fun. We drape them between trees or along the tent or RV awning, and suddenly it feels like an outdoor living room.
These lights are super versatile. We use them for romantic dinners or to mark out paths at night. They’re great for setting a festive mood too.
We always look for weatherproof options, just in case it rains. Some even have remotes or timers, which is perfect when you’re already snuggled up in your sleeping bag.
25 Feet G40 Globe LED Lights with 13 Edison Plastic Bulbs (1 Spare), Waterproof Connectable Hanging Lights
5) Rechargeable Camp Lanterns
Rechargeable camp lanterns? Total game-changer for glamping. These handy gadgets make lighting up your site so much easier.
They’re eco-friendly, too. We don’t have to keep buying batteries or tossing them out. Just charge before you leave, and you’re set for the trip.
Most new lanterns have different lighting modes, which we love. Bright for cooking or games, soft for winding down—easy.
Some even have USB ports, so you can charge your phone in a pinch. Seriously, why didn’t someone think of this sooner?
We stick to LED rechargeable lanterns for the best battery life. They last ages, so we’re not left stumbling around in the dark.
When we shop, we always pick waterproof and tough lanterns. You never know what the weather’s going to do out there.
Mini Retro Camping Lights, 1000LM, Portable Waterproof 3 Light Modes (2700-6500K) Stepless Dimming Brightness
6) Battery-Powered Tea Lights
We’re obsessed with the cozy glow from battery-powered tea lights. They’re perfect for a warm vibe, minus any fire hazard.
Scatter these little flameless candles around your glamping spot, and it just feels magical. Pop them in lanterns or mason jars for a soft, flickering light.
We love using these tea lights for DIY projects. Floating them in bowls with flowers or pebbles makes a romantic centerpiece in seconds.
They’re also great for lining paths or marking out seating. Safe, portable, and the wind can’t blow them out—what’s not to love?
Just remember to toss some extra batteries in your bag. We always bring spares so our little lights keep glowing all night long. Honestly, with these around, the campsite just feels so much more inviting.
Battery Operated Candles with 6H Timer, Auto On Daily, Flameless LED Tealight Votive Candles Built-in Timer, 12-Pack
7) Candle Lanterns
We love the cozy vibe that candle lanterns bring to our glamping setup.
That warm, flickering glow? It’s just perfect for chilly nights under the stars.
Safety comes first, so we always use battery-operated LED candles inside our lanterns.
They give us that lovely candlelit effect without worrying about fire or wind blowing them out.
We’ve found some gorgeous vintage-style lanterns that really boost our glamping aesthetic.
Hanging a few from tree branches or setting them on the picnic table creates a magical little world.
For a fun DIY project, we’ve decorated plain lanterns with ribbons, paint, or even pressed flowers.
It’s a simple way to make our glamping space feel more personal and homey.
Lanterns aren’t just for nighttime, honestly.
We love how they look in the daylight too, bringing a playful touch to the campsite.
DECORKEY Vintage Metal Candle Holders (Black)
8) USB-Powered Strip Lights
We’re big fans of USB-powered strip lights for glamping.
They’re super easy to use and add a cozy glow to our tents.
We’ve noticed that LED strip lights can run off USB, which is super handy for camping.
We just plug them into our power banks—no hunting for outlets needed.
Since we already bring power banks for our phones, it’s nice to double up and use them for lights too.
One thing we love about USB strip lights is how versatile they are.
We wrap them around tent poles or stick them to the ceiling, and they barely take up any space in our bags.
Honestly, USB-powered lights aren’t always the brightest.
But for us, that’s actually kind of perfect—the softer light feels more relaxing after a long day outside.
Some USB strip lights even have dimmable settings.
We like being able to tweak the brightness depending on what we’re doing or how we feel.
Bluetooth RGB LED Lights with App Control, 64 Scenes and Music Sync LED Strip Lighting
9) Himalayan Salt Lamp
We absolutely love Himalayan salt lamps for glamping!
These unique lamps give off a warm, soothing glow that’s perfect for a cozy atmosphere in your tent or RV.
They add a touch of luxury to any outdoor setup, honestly.
Himalayan salt lamps can set different moods depending on what we’re up to.
For a romantic dinner, we dim them down; for reading or cards, we turn them up a bit.
These lamps aren’t just pretty—some folks say they help purify the air, though who really knows?
What we do know: they help us relax and unwind when we’re out in nature.
We’ve seen some really creative ways to use salt lamps while glamping.
One of our favorites is tucking them inside lanterns for a soft, diffused light, or using smaller salt tea light holders scattered around.
If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own salt lamp.
We tried it once and it was a fun little project! Just keep your lamp dry—salt and water are not friends.
Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp with Dimmer Switch 5-7 lbs
10) LED Headlamps
We love LED headlamps for glamping!
They’re a game-changer for hands-free lighting and make nighttime activities around camp a lot easier.
These handy gadgets strap right onto your head, so you can cook, read, or set up your tent with both hands free.
We’ve used them so many times, and honestly, they always come through.
LED headlamps come in all sorts of brightness levels and beam patterns.
We like adjustable settings—wide flood lights for general stuff, focused beams for detail work.
Some models even have red light modes, which are awesome for preserving night vision and not waking up your camping buddies.
LED headlamps are energy-efficient and last a long time.
We’ve had ours go through multiple trips on a single set of batteries, which is pretty impressive.
Always toss in some extra batteries, though. You never know when you’ll need a little more light.
Waterproof and Dimmable Battery Powered Headlamp for Camping, Hiking, Running, Work, Travel with Red Light Headlamp Mode, Graphite
Mood Lighting for Glamping
Let’s set the scene for a magical glamping trip.
We’ve got some pretty awesome ways to create the perfect mood with lighting, and these tips can turn any outdoor spot into a cozy retreat.
Soft Ambient Lighting
We love using lanterns for a warm glow.
Battery-powered LED lanterns are safe and easy—just scatter them around for gentle pools of light.
Candles are another favorite, but we usually stick to flameless LED candles for safety.
They flicker like real candles but without the worry.
Want to mix it up? Try colored lanterns or candles—soft blues and purples feel dreamy, while warm oranges and reds bring that classic campfire vibe.
A few small reading lights never hurt, especially for late-night book lovers.
String Lights Magic
String lights are hands-down our favorite glamping lighting.
They’re easy to hang and instantly make the place feel magical.
We drape them around the tent entrance or along campsite edges—it’s like a fairy tale, honestly.
Solar-powered string lights are perfect for this.
They charge during the day and light up on their own at night, so you don’t have to stress about batteries.
Try out different shapes and styles:
- Classic fairy lights
- Edison bulb strings for that vintage look
- Globe lights if you’re feeling festive
We love getting creative with placement—wrap them around tree trunks or hang them overhead in zig-zags.
It’s kind of like bringing the stars down to your campsite.
Portable and Solar-Powered Options
Let’s brighten up our glamping spot with some nifty lighting options that are both easy to carry and eco-friendly.
We’ve got two favorites that keep our campsite glowing without any fuss.
Solar Lanterns
We love solar-powered lanterns for glamping.
Just leave them out to soak up the sun during the day, and they’ll give you a warm glow all night.
Many solar lanterns are collapsible, so they’re easy to pack.
Some even double as phone chargers—which is honestly super handy.
Our favorite part? The soft, ambient light they throw around camp.
No batteries to worry about, just a cozy vibe every night.
Rechargeable LED Lights
When we want more flexibility, rechargeable LED lights are our go-to.
These little guys come in all shapes—string lights, lanterns, headlamps, you name it.
We hang string lights around the tent, set lanterns on the picnic table, and clip little lights to our gear for extra visibility.
Most rechargeable LEDs last hours on a single charge, so we just bring a portable power bank to keep them going.
It’s a lot easier than hauling around spare batteries.
Some even have different light modes, so we can switch from bright white for tasks to warm tones for relaxing.
Creative and Decorative Lighting
Let’s dive into some fun ways to light up our glamping site!
We’ll look at making our own lanterns and using fairy lights to create a space that feels a little bit magical.
DIY Lanterns
We love making our own lanterns for glamping trips. It’s a simple way to add a personal touch to the setup.
One idea we keep coming back to is firefly jars. We grab mason jars and drop in battery-operated LED lights. Nothing fancy—just pop them in, and you’ve got instant charm.
Tin cans give a more rustic vibe. We punch holes in the sides to make patterns. Once there’s a candle inside, the shadows dance all over the campsite.
Paper lanterns are another favorite. We use colorful tissue paper and wire frames. They give off a soft, warm glow and barely take up any space in the pack.
Fairy Lights Accents
Fairy lights are our go-to for cozy glamping vibes. Draping them around the tent or camper instantly makes the space feel magical.
We like to get creative with fairy lights. Filling clear jars with fairy lights and scattering them around the site gives everything a twinkling effect.
Wrapping fairy lights around branches or driftwood is another fun idea. It turns ordinary sticks into glowing, nature-inspired fixtures.
We sometimes outline the tent entrance with lights. It makes finding your way back at night a breeze.
Hanging a sheer curtain and weaving fairy lights through it creates a dreamy backdrop. It’s perfect for photos or just setting the mood after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
We love helping fellow glampers set up magical lighting! Here are some tips and ideas to light up your outdoor haven.
What are some affordable ways to add lighting to a glamping site?
String lights are a budget-friendly classic. We hang them inside tents and around outdoor spaces for a warm glow.
Solar-powered string lights save even more money. Lanterns work great too—put them on tables or hang them from trees and you’re set.
How can I create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with outdoor glamping lights?
We like to layer different light sources. String lights, lanterns, and a few candles together make for a dreamy ambiance.
Warm-toned bulbs give everything that cozy feel everyone wants. Fairy lights wrapped around tent poles or draped over bushes add just the right amount of twinkle.
Got any DIY lighting project ideas for a personalized glamping setup?
We’re always up for a craft. Try making mason jar lanterns—just drop in a battery-operated tea light.
Paint designs on plain paper lanterns for something unique. Wrapping thin wire lights around fallen twigs turns them into glowing branches.
What are the best strategies for illuminating a campsite effectively?
We start by lighting pathways for safety. Next, we focus on the cooking area and seating spots.
Mixing bright task lighting with softer ambient lights works well. A few battery-powered lanterns are a lifesaver for late-night bathroom runs.
Can you share some tips for lighting up the inside of a camping tent for a comfy vibe?
Hanging string lights inside the tent is our favorite trick. They create a soft, magical glow that just feels right.
Battery-operated fairy light curtains are perfect for tent walls. We keep a small rechargeable lantern on a side table for reading or getting ready for bed—super handy.
Which solar lighting options are recommended for eco-friendly campers?
We’re huge fans of solar string lights. They soak up sunlight all day and then glow through the night.
Solar lanterns are a solid pick too, especially if you get ones with a few brightness settings. For a bit of fun, toss some solar-powered fairy lights into jars.
They’re easy to carry and honestly, they just make your campsite feel a little more magical.
