How Do I String Up Lights for Camping?

holiday light image by .shock from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Campers have a variety of options when it comes to lighting. This is especially true if electricity is included at the campsite. No longer are lanterns the main light source, with their bright, spotlight-like glare. Using a string of lights gives a more subtle lighting effect, plus they are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.

Most outdoor and department stores carry strings of lights suitable for outdoor use. In fact, a string of Christmas or other holiday lights will work just fine. They might even add a bit of decorative flair to the campsite, as they come in a variety of styles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Pack all the supplies needed to hang the lights such as clips and an outdoor extension cord, with your camping gear. Consider where the lights will hang, such as a tent or screened tent, as this gives you an idea of how many strings you will require.

Step 2

Set up your screened tent or tent where the lights will hang. Consider the distance from the electrical box to the tent and the length of your extension cord when setting up. Allow enough room for everything to reach, with the extension cord able to lay flat on the ground.

Step 3

Stretch the extension cord from the electrical box to the tent, letting it lie on the ground. Pulling the cord too tight lifts it off the ground and someone could trip on it, especially at night.

Step 4

Unwrap and stretch out the lights to release any kinks in the line. Plug into the electrical box to be sure they work.

Step 5

Plug the string of lights into the extension cord end by the tent. Pull the string of lights up the side of the tent, preferably by a tent pole and clip them to the pole, approximately 6 inches from the plug. This will hold the string of lights and extension cord in place.

Step 6

Pull the string of lights towards the roof of the tent. Clip the string in place to the top edge of the tent or a tent pole.

Step 7

Wrap the string of lights around the roof's edge, clipping it to the tent approximately every 2 feet. This keeps the lights from falling down or sagging. Continue wrapping and clipping the lights to the roof until finished.

Step 8

Plug the extension cord into the electrical box when finished. Cover the extension cord lying across the ground with dirt if it is a tripping hazard.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...