Last updated April 7th, 2025
Product Reviews
If you’re an avid RVer, you know that lanterns go beyond mere illumination! The right camping lantern is all about functionality, efficiency, and adaptability to your specific needs. For navigating a dark storage bay, creating ambiance at your campsite, or ensuring backup power for your devices during extended trips, your lantern should work as hard as you do on the road.
In this guide, we spotlight the top 4 camping lanterns of 2025—reliable companions designed to enhance your RVing experience with advanced features and robust performance.
Camping Lanterns Comparison Table
Explore our top picks for lanterns, designed to elevate your outdoor adventures and meet the demands of RV life and camping.
| Feature | Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 | UST 30-Day Duro | Black Diamond Apollo Lantern | BioLite AlpenGlow 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  | |
| Price (USD) | $69.95 | $57.99 | $69.95 | $79.95 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 600 | 1000 | 250 | 500 |
| Battery Runtime (High) | 2.5 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours | 5 hours |
| Power Options | USB, hand crank, solar | D-size batteries | Rechargeable lithium ion battery/3 AA batteries | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (498 g) | 1.9 lbs (862 g) | 0.6 lbs(272 g) | .84 lbs (380 g) |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 5 x 6.5 in | 7.2 x 3.75 in | 5.28 x 3.3 x 3.3 in | 5.4 x 3.8 x 3.8 in |
| Additional Features | Power bank, dimmable, 360° lighting | Glow-in-the-dark, removable frosted cover | USB port/cable for charging handheld electronics | Color modes, port for charging devices |
| Best For | Versatility and emergencies | Long trips and power outages | Camping and outdoor activities | Illuminating large spaces, color accuracy (for cooking and barbecuing outdoors) |
| Warranty | 30-day money-back, 2-year warranty | 30-day money-back, Limited lifetime warranty | 3-year warranty | 1-2 year limited warranty |
1. Goal Zero Lighthouse 600: Top Pick for Most Versatile Lantern
Top Pick for Most Versatile Lantern
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04/07/2025 06:15 am GMT
- Price: $69.95
- Features:
- Brightness: 600 lumens, adjustable directional LED lighting.
- Battery Life:
- One side lit on low: 320 hours.
- One side lit on high: 5 hours.
- Both sides lit on high: 2.5 hours.
- Both sides lit on low: 180 hours.
- Power Options: USB, solar (compatible with Goal Zero Nomad 10), hand crank (1 minute of cranking provides 10 minutes of light on low).
- Battery: Internal 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery with USB output, capable of charging devices like phones, tablets, and headlamps.
- Pros:
- Multiple charging options ensure reliable use in any situation.
- Bright, adjustable lighting with 360° and directional settings.
- USB power hub with a 5200 mAh battery for device charging.
- Compact design with collapsible legs for easy storage.
- Cons:
- Runtime on the highest setting could be longer.
- USB charging is slightly slower compared to modern fast-charging devices.
- Solar charging requires a compatible solar panel (sold separately).
2. Ultimate Survival Technologies 30-Day Duro: Top Pick for Extended Use
Top Pick for Extended Use
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04/07/2025 06:16 am GMT
- Price: $44.93
- Features:
- Brightness: Offers up to 500 lumens for bright illumination and a dim 5-lumen setting for subtle ambient lighting.
- Battery: Equipped with a 6400 mAh lithium-ion battery that provides long-lasting power and doubles as a power bank to charge devices via a USB-A output.
- Lighting Modes: Multiple settings including Cool White, Warm White, Candle Flicker, Multicolor, Party, and Fireworks to suit functional and decorative purposes.
- Burn Time: Operates for 5 hours on the highest brightness and up to 30 days on the lowest setting, ensuring continuous light for extended use.
- Durable Design: Lightweight at 380 g (13.4 oz), water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, and built to withstand light rain and splashes.
- Convenience: Charges fully in 3 hours via USB and features versatile placement options with hanging and standing configurations.
- Pros:
- Extended battery life, ideal for prolonged use.
- Durable construction with impact-resistant materials.
- Affordable price point.
- Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier, more suited for car camping.
- The battery compartment can be challenging to access.
3. Black Diamond Apollo Lantern: Top Choice for Portability
Source: Black Diamond Apollo Lantern
- Price: $69.95
- Features:
- Brightness: Powered by a 250-lumen QuadPower LED, the lantern provides a bright, glare-free light ideal for both functional and ambient use.
- Battery Life: Offers up to 24 hours of continuous light on the highest setting and 150 hours on the lowest, ensuring reliability on long trips.
- Power Source: Operates with an internal 2600mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery for convenience or 3x AA batteries for backup, adding flexibility to your adventures.
- Design: Equipped with collapsible legs for tabletop stability and a double-hook hanging loop, it offers versatile placement options for various scenarios.
- USB Charging: Features a built-in USB port to charge small devices like phones or headlamps, making it a multi-functional tool for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lighting Modes: Includes strobe and dimming modes, allowing users to customize brightness levels according to their needs and situations.
- Pros:
- Dual power options for flexibility.
- Compact and lightweight design (272 g without batteries).
- USB charging capability for small electronics.
- Collapsible legs and hanging hooks for versatile placement.
- Long runtime on low mode (up to 150 hours).
- Cons
- Brightness may not be sufficient for large group settings.
- Requires separate AA batteries for extended use without recharging.
4. BioLite AlpenGlow 500: Top Pick for Ambient Lighting and Versatility
Top Pick for Ambient Lighting and Versatility
BioLite Alpenglow Multicolor USB Lantern with Rechargeable Battery and Charging Port, Alpenglow 500
$79.95
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04/07/2025 06:21 am GMT
- Price: $79.95
- Features
- Brightness: 500 lumens (high) to 5 lumens (low)
- Battery: 6400 mAh lithium-ion with USB-A output for charging devices
- Lighting Modes: Cool White, Warm White, Candle Flicker, Multicolor, Party, and Fireworks
- Burn Time: 5 hours on high; up to 200 hours on low
- Weight: 380 g (13.4 oz)
- Water Resistance: IPX4 for light rain and splashes
- Charge Time: Fully charges in 3 hours via USB
- Pros
- ChromaReal LEDs provide exceptional colour accuracy.
- Multiple lighting modes suit functional and decorative needs.
- Built-in power bank charges devices like phones and cameras.
- Lightweight and portable with versatile hanging or standing options.
- Durable design with weather resistance.
- Cons
- Multicolor modes may reduce battery life.
- Takes longer to charge compared to some competitors.
How We Compared and Determined the Best Camping Lanterns
To identify the top camping lanterns, we rigorously assessed models against criteria that matter most to seasoned RVers and outdoor enthusiasts:
- Brightness and Lighting Modes: Evaluated lumen output and lighting versatility to ensure optimal performance for both functional tasks and creating ambiance.
- Battery Performance: Analyzed runtime on high and low settings to determine reliability for extended trips and emergency scenarios.
- Power Options: Prioritized models with versatile power sources, such as rechargeable batteries, solar charging, or backup options like AA batteries.
- Durability and Design: Examined build quality, impact resistance, and user-friendly features like collapsible legs, hanging hooks, or compact dimensions for portability.
- Ease of Use: Considered intuitive controls, ease of battery replacement or recharging, and functionality in low-light or high-stress situations.
- Weather Resistance: Rated the lanterns’ ability to withstand exposure to rain, splashes, or extreme temperatures, ensuring suitability for varied environments.
- Additional Features: Factored in extras like USB charging ports, multi-color lighting modes, lock modes for accidental activation prevention, and glow-in-the-dark elements for convenience.
- Value for Money: Weighed the overall cost against performance and features to ensure recommendations offer the best return on investment.
Experience the Warmth of Your Campsite Lantern
Armed with the right lighting, you’ll be ready to tackle any adventure, illuminate every moment, and enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. Ultimately, the lantern you choose should reflect your camping style and priorities.
As you equip your RV for the next adventure, it’s not just about the gear but also ensuring a secure and accident-free environment. For expert insights on campsite safety and RV essentials, explore our guide on how you can ensure your RV campsite is secure and accident-free.
