Decorative Camp Lighting

Camp lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The lights can be utilitarian or they can protect the camping area from insects. Personalize your campsite with decorative lights and you'll find it easier to locate your tent or camper in the dark. Decorative lights can reflect your special interests and personality.

String Lights

Hanging string lights creates ambiance and offers a nice, muted lighting system for campers and tents. The lights can be purchased in whimsical designs such as flamingos, mermaids and animals. Fishermen might prefer a string of lights with bass, boats or miniature fishing poles. Lights can also be purchased in a retro camper or lantern theme. One string of lights usually contains about 10 lights, so several strings might be required to decorate the desired area.

Citronella Torches

Tiki torches and citronella lanterns make nice decorative lights while also providing protection from mosquitoes and other insects. The torches can be re-filled with citronella fuel. You'll want to use caution when using these near small children and pets. Make sure the torches are a safe distance away from small fingers and that the children aren't breathing in the fumes.

Lanterns

If you prefer portable lighting for your campsite, consider using lanterns. Battery-powered lanterns come in many different sizes and can be hung on hooks above doorways, placed on tables for lighting when playing games or carried from place to place. Oil lanterns can present a safety concern when used around small children or pets. Make sure to place them in safe locations away from curious fingers or nervous pets.

Solar Lights

If you want a light that offers security, decoration and functionality, solar lights might be the perfect solution. You can buy a single light that will go on the table, a string of torch-style lights that stick into the ground and light up a walking path, or portable solar lights that can be carried along with you. These lights will illuminate your tent, camper and outdoor area and can hold their charge all night.

Functionality

A good combination of decorative lighting will enable you to see at night while also providing site safety. A well-lit campsite can help prevent accidents such as tripping in the dark or running into hidden objects. The lights will also keep curious animals at bay.

Considerations

When using decorative lighting, be considerate of your neighbors. Bright lights can be very irritating when the campers next door decide to retire for the night. Also be cautious when using lights in environmental situations. For instance, turtle-hatching season can be affected by the use of certain kinds of lights. If you are camping on a beach, make sure to learn the types of lights allowed so the baby turtles aren't confused when heading for the sea. Study the area you'll be camping in to learn the concerns for that location.

References

• Camp Lighting
• RV Patio Lights
• Solar Camping Lights a Bright Solution for the Happy Camper

Resources

• String Lights