Camp Lighting

When the sun drops, your camp doesn’t have to. This camp lighting range brings together LED camping lights, lanterns, torches, headlamps and work lights that actually let you do stuff after dark – cook, set up, explore and relax safely.

Whether you’re pulling into a remote free camp, setting up the awning on a 4x4 trip or crawling into the swag after a long day on the tracks, the right lighting turns a dark campsite into a comfortable, functional base.

Types of camp lighting in this collection

In this camp lighting collection you’ll find a tight, curated range of:

• Rechargeable flashlights & torches – high-output beams for checking tracks, walking to the loo or handling emergencies.
• LED camping lanterns – 360° light for tent interiors, camp kitchens and group areas.
• Headlamps – hands-free lighting for cooking, setting up, fixing gear and walking at night.
• COB work lights & site lights – flood-style beams with hooks, stands or magnets that you can point exactly where you need light.

Everything is chosen to balance brightness, battery life, toughness and pack size – not just max lumens on a spec sheet.

How to choose the right camp lighting setup

Think about lighting like a system, not a single product. The sweet spot for most Aussie camps is a mix of area lighting + task lighting + emergency backup.

1. Area lighting – for tents, awnings and kitchens

This is your general “see what you’re doing” light. Ideal options:

• LED camping lanterns with 360° output for inside tents, annexes and eating areas.
• COB work lights or panel lights you can hang or stand under your awning.

Look for:

• Adjustable brightness / dimmers so you can wind the light down once the cooking and setup are done.
• Warm white options or diffused lenses if you want softer, less harsh light for late-night camps.
• Rechargeable batteries with USB-C charging so you can top up from your power setup or vehicle.

2. Task lighting – headlamps & torches

For anything that needs a bit more focus:

• Headlamps are your best friend when you’re cooking, setting pegs, walking a track or sorting gear. You get both hands free and the beam follows your eyes.
• Handheld torches give you more reach and punch for checking the campsite perimeter, driving tracks on foot or dealing with breakdowns.

Key things to watch:

• Lumen rating & beam pattern – you want enough reach without blowing your night vision.
• Spot + flood options – some units give you a tight spot beam and a wide flood for around-camp use.
• Comfortable headbands & low-mode options so you’re not blinding everyone at the fire. 

3. Emergency & backup lighting

If you tour off-grid or travel at night, build in redundancy:

• Keep at least one small torch or headlamp per person.
• Consider a work light with power-bank function so you can top up phones or comms in a pinch.
• Pack a charged unit in the vehicle at all times for roadside repairs or unexpected stops.

Power options – how you’ll actually keep lights running

Modern LED camping lights are efficient, but they still need a power plan:

• USB-rechargeable lights – plug into power stations, vehicle USB ports, solar or DC chargers. Great for simplifying spares.
• Replaceable battery lights (AA/AAA/18650) – handy if you want to carry loose batteries or share with other gear (GPS, radios).
• Hybrid options – some lanterns and torches let you run off either internal rechargeables or standard batteries, giving you flexibility on longer trips.

Match your lighting to your broader electrical & power setup (solar, power station, vehicle charging) so everything works together. (Link to Electrical & Power collection.)

Camp lighting tips for better nights outside

A few practical ways to get more from your gear:

• Layer your lighting – one lantern for the general area, a headlamp for each person, and a brighter torch or work light for jobs.
• Bounce light off light-coloured surfaces (awning roof, vehicle body, tarp) to soften and spread the glow.
• Use warm light around camp to reduce bugs and keep the vibe relaxed, and cooler/whiter light only where you need maximum visibility.
• Avoid shining high-powered beams into eyes – low modes and diffusers make camp life less painful.
• Set a charging routine – top up rechargeable lights during the day from solar or vehicle so they’re full by dusk.

Care, durability and storage

Good camp lighting should last for years if you look after it:

• Rinse dust and salt off housings and seals after outback or beach trips.
• Dry gear fully before sealing it in tubs or drawers to avoid corrosion and mould.
• Check IP ratings and keep high-pressure water away from anything not rated for it. 
• Store batteries sensibly – don’t leave loose cells rolling around in metal toolboxes; use cases or keep them inside the device with a lockout if recommended.
• Before any big trip, function-check every light, recharge them and throw a spare in the glovebox.

Where this collection fits in your kit

This Camp Lighting collection is part of a bigger, joined-up setup:

• Pair area lights and headlamps with Camping Gear like tents, swags and awnings. (Link to Camping Gear.) 
• Connect rechargeable lights into your Electrical & Power ecosystem – panels, power stations, inverters and chargers. (Link to Power collection.)
• If you’re building a serious off-grid rig, tie lighting into the checklists from your off-grid camping content and kits. (Link to blog “Essential Gear for Off-Grid Camping in Australia”.)

Campalot is an Australian-owned store focused on gear that actually works out in the bush – not just on a showroom shelf.

Scroll the range, pick a mix of lanterns, headlamps, torches and work lights, and you’ll be able to keep camp running well past sunset – safely, comfortably and with less hassle.