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The Best Lights for Your RV or Backyard Patio

A set of RV patio lights can help transform the vibe at your campsite or even your backyard. Unfortunately, you can’t trust every product to do the job.

Some make big claims but don’t deliver when you turn them on. To avoid having your hopes go dim requires doing some investigating.

Luckily, we’ve researched and found the best RV patio lights for you.

Let’s take a look!

Four people hanging out on their camper's patio surrounded by string lights.
String lights can create a magical setting for your RV or backyard patio

The Benefits of RV Patio Lights

Using patio lights around your RV or backyard can be very useful. For starters, it can increase your safety and security. Forgetting to put something away might not always be a big deal. 

However, if you’re sitting around a campfire and trip over an object, it could have severe and dangerous consequences.

Illuminating your camper is also a great way to keep your gear and other items safe. Anyone looking to swipe your stuff will think twice if there’s a chance someone might spot them. This is why they often like to do their dirty deeds at night. Brighten up your space and avoid making yourself an easy target.

Lastly, using RV patio lights can make the perfect ambiance. Unfortunately, the LEDs on many recreational vehicles can be rather intense. Depending on the campground, you may make an enemy by using them. 

Luckily, some of the options we’ve found can help you enjoy a relaxing environment without ticking off your neighbors.

Both RV and backyard patios are open to theft. Here’s How to Protect Your RV Patio from Thieves.

Go Green With Solar RV Patio Lights

Solar power is all the rage lately as many want to go green. These are great options as they don’t require electrical outlets or battery power. They harness energy from the sun during the day and provide light at night.

Solar Fairy String Lights

This 23-foot string of LED Fairy Lights has eight modes and automatically switches on and off. Options include steady on, slow glow, chasing, twinkling, and more. The 800mAh battery charges from the sun in six to eight hours and provides eight to 12 hours of use. 

With an IP65 waterproof rating, they’re safe and able to withstand the elements. Feel free to leave them up year-round without worrying about issues. They’ll brighten up the space no matter the weather.

Price Check: Solar Fairy String Lights

Solar Flickering Torches

If you want the convenience of solar but a different look, these flickering torches are an option to consider. They’re a warm and welcoming glow that can be elegant or romantic. The polycrystalline silicon solar panels collect energy during the day. They provide up to ten hours of use during the summer and up to five hours during the winter.

They’re easy to install, and you’ll have them up and running in minutes. Whether you want to brighten your patio, lawn, pool, or campsite, these flickering torches are up for the task.

Price Check: Solar Flickering Torches

Enjoy the Whimsy of String Lights Around Your RV Patio

Don’t settle for run-of-the-mill lights. Instead, show off your personality. We’ve found some fun shapes and options to hang from trees or on your awning. They’re far from the norm and still provide a classy look.

Mason Jar Firefly String Lights

Nothing brings back the nostalgia of a childhood summer like a mason jar full of fireflies. Luckily, with these electronic options, you won’t have to harm any bugs. These 16 plastic jars get spread evenly over the entire length of the strand. Each jar contains five LEDs, which means there are 80 total throughout the strand.

However, unlike our previous options, these will require you to plug them in. You’ll need access to a standard 110-volt electrical outlet. They’re safe to use inside or outside, regardless of the weather.

Price Check: Mason Jar Firefly String Lights

Solar Dragonfly String Lights

Creating a unique atmosphere with your RV patio lights doesn’t mean you can’t harness energy from the sun. This 21-foot set of dragonflies has a warm white color and eight modes. Hang these dragonflies from tree limbs and watch them fly at night.

These LEDs come with a 180-degree adjustable monocrystalline silicon solar panel. It’ll fully recharge the 800 mAh Ni-MH battery in six to eight hours and provide eight to ten hours of use. These components have an IP66 rating, slightly higher than the IP65.

Price Check: Solar Dragonfly String Lights

Fight Bug Bites With Insect-Repelling RV Patio Lights

What’s the use of RV patio lights if the bugs will send you inside when it’s time to use them? Luckily, manufacturers have heard these frustrations and created a solution.

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern

The Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern illuminates the area and forms a defense against mosquitos. With no cord, it makes an excellent centerpiece for an outdoor table. Finally, enjoy the outdoors without getting eaten alive.

The fuel cartridges provide a 15-foot protection zone for up to 12 hours. You won’t have to cover yourself with dangerous chemicals or spray to avoid annoying insects. While other options use the sun or plug-in, this unit requires four AA batteries.

Price Check: Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern

Tiki Mosquito Repellent LED String Lights

The Tiki Mosquito Repellent LED String Lights are one of our most expensive suggestions. While they look like standard RV patio lights, they’re far from it. They’ll illuminate the area and provide 330 square feet of protection from mosquitoes for up to 200 hours.

Once you hang these 2200K shatter-resistant LED bulbs, you’ll have a mosquito-free space in 15 minutes. Stop swatting away pests while you and your friends try to enjoy yourselves. Connect up to eight strands to form a massive defense perimeter around you.

Price Check: Tiki Mosquito Repellent LED String Lights

Utilize Tabletop RV Patio Lights

Consider a tabletop option if you’re gathering around a table to enjoy a meal or play games. The ones we’ve found look great and can get the job done.

Aluminum Table Lantern

This aluminum table lantern from BRIMMEL is incredibly versatile. Its flat bottom allows it to sit in the middle of a table. In addition, its top has a strong and durable hook allowing you to hang it around your patio or campsite.

The 4400mAh battery quickly recharges via a USB port. Another convenient feature is the three brightness settings, which make it easy to fit your needs. It also features an IP44 waterproof rating, so you won’t have to worry if it accidentally gets wet.

Price Check: Aluminum Table Lantern

Decorative Solar Lantern

Sometimes a little light can be a great way to decorate your table. These solar lanterns project the glow through the holes in the metal casing. As they shine, the shadows get displayed all around. It provides a unique texture to whatever surface you put it on.

They look great on a table or hanging around your space from a shepherd’s hook. With the IP44 rating, there’s no need to worry about leaving it out. The sun will recharge the battery, and the unit turns itself on and off as needed. Once you install it, sit back and reap the benefits.

Price Check: Decorative Solar Lantern

Glass Jars with Christmas Lights Hanging from Oak Trees have been decorated with white lights. The fireflies in a jar effect brings back childhood memories.
The fireflies in a jar effect adds whimsy to your patio

Lay Out Rope RV Patio Lights for Ground Lighting

Another popular option to consider is RV patio rope lights. These are a great way to brighten up the ground without blinding everyone in view. They’re cost-effective, durable, and withstand the weather.

Color Changing Rope Lights

Why pick just one color of light when you can have 16? This 33-foot color-changing rope light has 100 different LEDs. It has a remote that allows you to change the color and intensity. One favorite feature is the ability to set a timer for them to shut them off automatically.

Their durable and flexible design makes it easy to wrap around a tree or circle a firepit. Their IP65 waterproof rating ensures they’re safe outside. However, they’re safe to use indoors as well.

Price Check: Color Changing Rope Lights

Solar Rope Lights

This massive 72-foot rope light features an IP65 rating and eight modes. While designed for trampolines, these are useful in various settings. The 200 multicolor LEDs create an amusing atmosphere for kids. You’ll be the envy of the campground when they see your show.

What’s even better is that they’re solar-powered. This lets you place them wherever you want without worrying about cords or wires. Put them in their place, and they’ll be ready to go when you need them.

Price Check: Solar Rope Lights

Dress Up Your RV or Backyard with Patio Lights

As you can see, there are many options for RV patio lights. A standard set will illuminate your space and get the job done, but where’s the joy in that? If you want to create a fun and exciting vibe at your campsite, consider some of the ones we’ve shared. It might surprise you how big of an impact these can have on the vibe while camping.

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