Camping is a fun, family activity that allows you to bond with your friends and kids while enjoying nature. It doesn’t matter if it’s just one night or an entire weekend; there are many hacks you can do to make your camping trip even more enjoyable.
When you think of camping, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a tent and maybe a campfire. But there’s no reason why you can’t enhance your outdoor adventures with some fun campsite lighting ideas and hacks. From solar-powered lights to DIY firefly jars, we’ve got an idea for everyone. And if you’re looking for something more advanced, we’ll even show you how to build your own LED lanterns from scratch.
Use a lantern to light up the campsite.
When you want to illuminate a wider area, a flashlight is much more effective than a campfire. Much safer too. And if you’re looking for a light that can hang from the ceiling of your tent, there are plenty of ways you can do it. Just be sure to pick a lantern that’s right for you.
DIY firefly jar/lanterns
Fireflies are such magical creatures, and what better way to keep them alive than in an actual jar. If you want to make your firefly jar, here’s what you’ll need:
- A pot with a lid
- Twine or string
- Scissors
Simply follow these steps
- Cut a circle from the lid of your jar, ensuring that you can put it back on securely after.
- Use some twine or string to create a hanger for your jar.
- Fill the jar with some sticks, twigs, or rocks so that it can stand vertically on its own.
- Add water until the jar is about three-quarters full, ensuring that you leave some air bubbles at the top.
- Then, take your twine and secure it to the lid. It is possible to do this by drilling a hole into which you then thread the string through.
- Then, tie it to the rim of your jar and allow some slack.
- Finally, add your fireflies! Just be sure that they can breathe, so don’t fill your jar to the top with water.
Make your campfire with natural materials like wood, fuel, and paper.
Campfires are a great way to get warm and roast marshmallows, but they can also be dangerous. So it’s best to know how to start one with natural materials.
Pack a tent:
One way to make camping easier is to invest in a good tent. Not only will it keep you warm and dry, but you’ll get enough rest knowing you’ll be protected from the elements.
One of the downsides to camping is that there’s no electricity and no running water, but you can prepare for this with an LED light.
Create your DIY lantern with rechargeable batteries
- Sometimes power outlets can be hard to find in the great outdoors, so if you want a convenient way to illuminate your campsite, a lantern is the best option. Here are some ideas for creating your DIY lantern with rechargeable batteries:
- Solar lanterns are a great option if you don’t want to build your own. Just remember that solar power doesn’t work at night, so you’ll need some batteries for those evening hours.
Light up the night sky by hanging string lights from trees or branche
If you’re looking for a different way to light up your campsite, try hanging string lights from trees or branches. It’s perfect if you’re not ready to commit to a more permanent fixture, and kids will love the extra touch of fun. If you want to make your campsite more romantic or festive, try hanging lanterns from the trees. They look great in a backyard when you’re having a party, and they’re just as good when you’re in the great outdoors.
Get creative with flashlights.
Use them as a disco ball or flashlight tag game. Flashlights are great for so many reasons. If you need some hands-free light, try using them as a headlamp or strap them to your bicycle. When you want to have more fun, use them as a disco ball or turn on some music and play flashlight tag.
Use a white sheet to reflect light and provide soft lighting for your campsite.
Try hanging a large white sheet if you want to light up an area without string lights or a lantern. The more you bunch it up, the more light it will reflect. And if you don’t have a white sheet, you can use any fabric of considerable size in the same way.
If you want to light up your campsite without electricity, take a look at what’s around you – pine cones can make great candle holders.
Cover your tent with glow-in-the-dark stars for an out of this world experience
If you want to give your tent a genuinely unique feel, cover it with glow-in-the-dark stars. It’s perfect if your kids are always asking for glowing stars on their ceilings. You can make glow-in-the-dark paint yourself with some Elmer’s glue, food coloring, and water. You’ll just need to ensure that the glue is completely dry before you apply the paint.
Pack LED flashlights in case you need them when walking around camp at night.
Flashlights are a great way to keep your hands free while you’re walking around at night. Just remember that they will be almost impossible to use when you’re trying to find some firewood, so make sure you pack an extra one.
Always pack the right accessories.
Bring blankets, pillows, and flashlights with fresh batteries just in case. If you’re planning to cook, don’t forget a match to light the grill. It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up.
Take advantage of the starry sky with an inflatable planetarium or constellation map.
Pack along with an inflatable planetarium or constellation map for your next camping trip. Even if you’re staying in a tent, there’s nothing better than looking up at the stars on a clear night. And with something like this device, you can do it from inside the comfort of your own home or campsite.
Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and bug spray.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, don’t forget that little extra bit of food and water. And if your trip is during the warm months, remember to pack plenty of bug spray.
Conclusion
Camping is always more fun when you plan. Make your next camping trip great by being well-prepared and having fun lighting ideas. Don’t forget about these camping essentials.
