Lighting up your campsite at night?:

[TitanMike]

Maybe a non issue in an RV Park but read this to see what others would like to see at night other than all that light

https://www.rvtravel.com/national-pa...ndustry-light/

[Jfkmk]

I agree, less light please! My little camper has lighting I’ve never used. It would be nice if, instead of adding a bunch of lighting, RV manufacturers put just a little more into base quality.

[barnes695a]

Totally agree!

[bikendan]

I also agree. I think the RV Industry is trying to attract younger customers by adding more "Look at Me" lighting for the Selfie generation.[emoji2959]

[Qwkynuf]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Maybe a non issue in an RV Park but read this to see what others would like to see at night other than all that light

https://www.rvtravel.com/national-pa...ndustry-light/

The comments section is pretty instructive with regard to the likelihood of there being a consensus on the subject.

Personally, I have a feeling that a Venn diagram would show a huge overlap between the group that lights up their campsite like a midway, and the group who has 1,000 watt amplifiers on their wakeboarding boats.

There seems to be an element of "hey, look at me!"

[chriscowles]

Yup. I added a dimmer to my awning lights and just finished adding a multi-color LED strip light, the sole purpose of which is to be able to have dim red light outside, if light is even needed.

[Beachbourbon]

I agree!

The lastest head scratcher for me is people using strings of led lights UNDER the camper! What on earth is the need to light up underneath!!? I have two words for that: annoying & stupid

[Reverse_snowbird]

I personally like the 'dark skies' and we keep outside lights off as much as possible.
However, there is also an argument for more lighting for us older folks who have trouble seeing at night.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

I personally like the 'dark skies' and we keep outside lights off as much as possible.
However, there is also an argument for more lighting for us older folks who have trouble seeing at night.

I have several flashlights as well as a headlamp that clips to the brim of my ballcap if I have to do anything outside at night.

[zipmart]

Originally Posted by Beachbourbon

I agree!

The lastest head scratcher for me is people using strings of led lights UNDER the camper! What on earth is the need to light up underneath!!? I have two words for that: annoying & stupid

I always wondered the same. Then a few weeks ago while camping at a state park in TX, the camp host explained the reason she has the lights underneath is that it helps dissuade varmints from trying to get into the camper. I haven't researched to find if there is any validity to her explanation.

[just4u_cara]

We have a solar lamp post in our permanent spot. And also another LED light we can use (when we think of it!). Otherwise, let the night sky shine.

A red underglow might be acceptable, but thankfully our trailer is too old for that new fancy stuff LOL

[CurtPutnam]

I also agree. Only time we want lots of light is when cooking and eating dinner. Since that happens shortly after dark, I don't think we bother much.

[just4u_cara]

Oh I lied.....I also have a Dollar Store string of solar lights along the inside corner of our deck, to illuminate the step. Definitely isn't bright, just enough so you can see the step.

I have a set of RV awning globe lights that could signal the space station and beyond. They spend about 98% of their life in a storage bin. Our awning is rarely out (due to wind) and they're a PITA to attach/remove. Plus they're bright. No thanks.

[NJKris]

I'm in the dark camp! My awning globe light string is on a dimmer, they are typically just above candle light unless I'm trying to cook, and we are completely dark during sleep hours.

[EcoBuckeye]

I'm not a fan of the rope lights haphazardly thrown on the ground. I don't get it. When it's dark, unless I'm reading a book, I don't want any more light than the campfire provides.

[5picker]

We also are in the less light is better for us camp.

With that said, I have no issues with the neighbors lighting up their awning area like a runway to play board games or cards with the kiddos and seeing folks enjoying something other than everyone staring at a screen.

I do expect however, that when quiet time comes around (usually 10:00-11:00 PM) that those lights go out and quiet time is enforced.

That is all part of camping in a public campground. If you want to do something different or are expecting something different, you need to camp elsewhere.

[ppine]

What we are talking about is light pollution. It has been identified for about 50 years. Be considerate of other campers. No need for 2 Coleman lanterns. Do not shine your car headlights at people. Do not let kids have laser lights for God's sake. Every kid does not need their flashlights on. I am tired of people that leave outside lights on all night.

I avoid most campgrounds in July and August. I avoid RV parks except for once in awhile if we need their services. Boondocking solves the light problem. Noise and light are two things I don't need when camping.

In spring and fall, when days are shorter, or winter in the desert, I like to use some cheap solar lights around camp. They throw just enough light to able to see. If you use a headlamp, never shine in the face of someone you are trying to talk to.

[RGrimm]

Spending all of my life living in the East (Northeast and now South East FL), it was difficult to avoid the ambient light of all the cities that surround us that basically filtered out any hope of star gazing. When we began RVing in 2011 we could now travel away from the ambient light and find campgrounds far enough away to stars.

It wasn't until we traveled West and Northwest that we realized just how different and special the view of the heavens can be when the ambient light is turned off. I made some attempts to start gaze in CG's out west but often I had to wait for late night trips to National Parks for the sky to open up to see what I didn't know existed living in the East.

As I've been told at times over the years, "You need to slow down and smell the Roses", perhaps we can turn off or dim the lights and See the Stars.
-Russ

[robo44]

My choice of lights when camping

[bikendan]

Exactly! [emoji106]