One of the best parts of RV camping is having your home on the road with you. Because of this, your backyard is constantly changing, as are the breathtaking landscapes, which encourage you to get outside and enjoy each location as much as possible.
Sprucing up your patio space not only invites you outside every evening, but it makes you want to stay there longer. Imagine crackling fire pits, cozy drinks in hand, and scenic views surrounding you on all sides. But one addition could take the whole experience up a notch – let’s shed some light on seven charming patio lighting ideas for your RV.
Edison String Lights
They’re probably one of the first things to come to mind when someone mentions patio lights, but Edison String Lights are popular for a reason. They’re classic and nostalgic without being dated or out-of-style. The retro-inspired Edison bulb gives the nod to the first light bulbs created by Thomas Edison, and their glow provides a soft, cozy vibe to your patio and outdoor dining areas.
Perfect for stringing from tree to tree to illuminate small areas of your yard, these string lights can also be strung up as RV awning lights. If you really want to get festive, you could opt to use color-changing Edison lights instead. Sit back and watch while the bulbs slowly transition from one color to another and transform your RV patio into the focal point of your entire campsite.
DIY Branch Chandelier
Try creating a chandelier from branches and string lights for a rustic outdoor patio lighting idea. Gather some branches – the longer, the better – and form any shape you’d like. Then, secure them with a fishing line or twine.
You could create an abstract circle or something more linear. The options are endless. Once you have a shape you like, and it’s secure, weave your favorite string lights or rope lights through the branches. Finally, hang your creation from your awning and sit back under the glow of your creatively-illuminated covered patio.
Novelty String Lights
Sometimes, your RV patio needs something a little more specific. For those times, turn to a set of novelty string lights as a substitute or complement to your standard set. Novelty string lights bring more flavor and come in a wide range of options, so you can give your patio as much personality as you desire.
A few of our favorites include:
- Mason Jar Firefly LED String Lights
- Metal Cage String Lights
- Retro Travel Trailer Party String Lights
- Margarita Mini String Light Set
- Mini Black Lantern String Light Set
- Dragonfly String Light Set
LED Light Strips
Use LED strip lights for patio lighting for a unique, customized option. They’re waterproof and can be cut to a specific length to fully illuminate your RV awning or outdoor kitchen. They come with 3M backing tape that adheres to any clean surface and makes the installation process easy and straightforward.
Not only does LED outdoor string lighting set the mood and add an ambiance to your patio, but it also provides safety and security without driving up your RV electric bill. Try an LED light strip kit that offers more than just a warm white glow. This kit goes above and beyond with a key fob remote that allows you to control and program the lights to your desired color and setting.
Light Up Palm Tree
While every day feels like vacation when you’re on the road, not every destination can feel tropical – until now. Thanks to a light-up palm tree, you can recreate the breezy feeling that comes along with visiting tropical locations while sitting on your patio.
With a sturdy trunk wrapped in 60 inches of LED rope lighting and adorned with four lit PVC leaves, this palm tree light’s design will have you craving a Pina Colada, regardless of where you’re parked.
Mason Jar Candles
Collect and clean several mason jars for an easy DIY lighting idea for your patio. Place a candle inside each jar and twist on the outer ring of the lid with a loop of string between the rim and the jar to create a handle to hang it from.
Then you can hang the jars from your awning, side mirrors, or the limbs of nearby trees to create a magical atmosphere. They’re also great for placing on your outdoor dining table.
Try this tip for more stability if your candles move around inside the jar. Light a candle and tip it to drip a layer of wax into the bottom of the jar. Blow out the flame while the wax is still warm and place the candle inside the jar.
Press down to embed it into the wax and create a secure seal. It’s a simple yet very effective way to achieve a glowing, cozy outdoor area to relax after a long day.
If you aren’t eager to play with fire and hot wax, flameless candles provide the same ambiance without the hassle of lighting and extinguishing a flame. You can even find flameless, battery-operated candles that come with a remote to make this patio lighting idea even more convenient.
Blue Awning Rope Light
The list wouldn’t be complete without including the ever-popular blue awning rope light when it comes to outdoor lighting ideas. It’s an option that never gets old and can be seen attached to RV awnings at nearly every campsite. Plus, they can easily be taken down and used for backyard lighting when you’re not RVing.
They’re awesome for outdoor use because they’re water-resistant, but they can also be used indoors. Use them to outline your slide-out or accentuate the cockpit when hosting guests. When in doubt, it’s a safe choice to take your RV patio furniture or interior décor from bland to beautiful.
Regardless of which patio lighting idea you choose, they will all ensure that your patio is charming and encourage you to spend more time outside enjoying it. If patio lights seem like a departure from your normal lighting preference, there are plenty of stylish and functional camping lanterns to illuminate your space instead.
Can’t decide between outdoor wall lights, spot lights, strip lights, or a tropical palm tree light? Talking to a design specialist at a Camping World Design Center is the perfect first step to sorting through RV patio lighting ideas. Explore all your indoor and outdoor RV lighting options today.
What does your dream RV patio and seating area look like? Tell us in the comments below.
