Caravanning illumination comes in two flavours. The first is the practical sort, in the form of the simple illumination needed to see what we and everyone else are up to. The second is style lighting, creating a cosy, romantic or fun mood, to enhance your living space. Both can greatly enhance your caravanning lifestyle.
The best caravans nowadays come with a range of light sources and settings to create a snug and welcoming ambiance. Low-warm light might cast a gentle glow around the van, while a focused reading lamp illuminates your book’s pages. Let’s be honest, a modern tourer is better than most homes in this respect!
Choose LED lighting where possible, because it uses a fraction of the energy of traditional filament bulbs.
You can also select between solar powered, battery operated (usually AA batteries) or plug-in 12V lights. All are feasible, though off-grid caravanners may prefer not to use any leisure battery power (albeit a small amount). For fans of caravanning in winter, battery operated lights may prove better than solar-powered ones.
In this guide, we’ll explore lots of lighting options to enhance your leisure lifestyle. From fairy lights and lanterns to flashlights and head torches, we’ll bring total enlightenment!
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Caravan lanterns
Nordlux Bring lantern
The Bring portable lamp blends Scandinavian design with caravan-friendly practicality. Its illuminated circular body is wrapped in a multifunction rubber band that acts as both handle and hanger.
A simple tap activates the Moodmaker dimming function with two brightness levels – a further tap switches it off.
USB rechargeable with long battery life and a water-resistant finish, Bring is equally suited to the best caravan awnings, evening meals and outdoor living.
Coleman 200L LED lantern
The Coleman BatteryGuard 200L Lantern produces 200 lumens through a 360° globe design, delivering even, shadow-free illumination. Powered by four AA batteries, it offers up to seven hours of run-time, an IPX4 splash-resistant rating, and a compact 176g carry weight.
I’ve used the previous Coleman model for a decade, and it’s a brilliant (literally) and versatile bit of kit.
Outwell Aurelia lantern
The Aurelia Lamp delivers warm, white illumination with a smooth, integrated dimmer, adjustable from 10 to 100%, producing up to 400 lumens.
The rechargeable battery provides between six and 25 hours of cordless use Built with a durable HDPE lampshade, soft-touch ABS base and oak-effect handle with aluminium detailing, it feels robust yet refined.
Rated IP44 for dust and splash resistance, it also includes a stainless-steel hanging hook. Compact at 15×10cm, it’s ideal for awnings, evening dining and overnight touring.
Feuerhand Baby Special 276 LED
The Feuerhand Baby Special 276 LED lantern combines classic hurricane lamp styling with modern, flexible lighting.
Producing a warm white light (2700K) with an adjustable output from 2 to 150 lumens, it’s powered by either rechargeable lithium-ion batteries via USB-C or standard AA batteries. It offers exceptional versatility and long run-times of up to 18 days in energy-saving mode.
It’s built from galvanised, powder-coated steel, with glass and copper detailing, so it’s durable yet refined. At 535g, it can be placed or hung, making it ideal for awnings, pitches and even indoor caravan use.
Mood lighting
Pastel Solar Fairy Lights (2m)
These charming solar-powered fairy lights add instant ambience to any caravan pitch or awning. Ten warm white LEDs sit beneath colourful pastel shades with eight switchable lighting effects, including twinkling and chasing.
A two-metre cable, IP44 weather resistance and solar operation make them an easy way to brighten evenings.
Check the latest price at lights4fun.co.uk
Lantern String Lights (4m)
These connectable lantern lights create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Twenty warm-white LEDs illuminate attractive cream lanterns along a 3.8m string.
Meanwhile, a six-hour timer, dimming function, plug-in power and remote compatibility make them convenient for touring. Up to five sets can be connected together for bigger displays.
Check the latest price at lights4fun.co.uk
12 Mini Mushroom Solar Stake Lights
Mark out and gently illuminate your pitch with these cute solar mushroom lights.
Twelve warm-white LEDs sit on adjustable 20cm stakes, allowing natural-looking height variation. With a two-metre solar lead and up to eight hours of illumination, they create a welcoming atmosphere without mains power. The 12 lamps come with 50cm of cable between each one.
Check the latest price at lights4fun.co.uk
Snowberry White Fairy Lights
These battery-powered string lights are an easy way to add warmth to any caravan awning or interior. With 100 warm-white LEDs they create a cosy glow across a 2m span, while the built-in six-hour timer conserves battery life.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and perfect for Christmas in the van! They require just three AA batteries.
Check the latest price at willowandstone.co.uk
20 Vintage Festoon Lights
Gently illuminate the side of your tourer or awning with these battery-powered festoon lights, which are perfect for quick, power-cable-free lighting. Twenty vintage-style, warm-white LED bulbs stretch across 4.75m, with eight lighting effects.
A waterproof battery box, six-hour timer and simple AA battery operation make them ideal for relaxing evenings on site.
Check the latest price at lights4fun.co.uk
Flashlights & head torches
Princeton Tec Sync LED head torch
The Princeton Tec Sync combines simplicity with practical performance. A large side dial allows quick mode changes, even while wearing gloves.
Its 300-lumen dual-beam setting blends spot and flood lighting for campsite tasks, while IPX4 water resistance, an 83g weight, 60-hour run-time and five-year warranty add practicality, comfort and reassurance.
Check the latest price at Amazon now.
Princeton Tec Bot Kids LED head torch
The Princeton Tec Bot is a great head torch for children, thanks to its fun design and ease of use. Delivering 30 lumens from two white LEDs, it offers up to 11 hours of run-time and IPX4 splash resistance.
Safety features include a pressure-release headstrap buckle and secure screw-fastened battery compartment. It only weighs 64g, too.
Check the latest price at Amazon now.
Princeton Tec Amp 1L torch
The Princeton Tec Amp 1L is a handy torch for caravanners who value compact, reliable lighting. Producing 100 lumens with a beam reaching 64 metres, it runs for 7.4 hours on two AAA batteries.
Weighing just 57g, it is fully waterproof to 100 metres and even includes a useful bottle opener. It’s ideal for keeping in your pocket, ready for night-time campsite tasks.
Check the latest price on Amazon now.
OEX 1000 Lumens torch
The OEX 1000 Lumen Torch is a practical addition to any caravanner’s touring kit, delivering strong illumination with a beam reaching up to 80 metres.
Its rechargeable 2000mAh lithium battery provides up to 5.3 hours of use, while the durable, 209-gram aluminium body, USB-C charging and compact design suit touring and campsite tasks.
Check the latest price at Millets now.
GP Discovery LED torch
A compact, lightweight and powerful 100-lumen torch, the anodised aluminium body feels robust, while the slip-resistant grip aids use in wet conditions.
High and low modes and IPX4 water resistance adds reassurance, and the single AA battery keeps operation simple and cost-effective, yet makes it powerful beyond its size. I’ve owned its predecessor for almost a decade, and it’s proved a trusty and reliable rechargeable flashlight.
Check the latest price at Amazon now.
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