As an RV technician with over two decades of experience outfitting and repairing motorhomes, I’ve seen firsthand how the right lighting can completely transform a campsite. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about creating an inviting, functional, and enjoyable outdoor living space. A good set of awning lights extends your living area after dark, making it perfect for cooking, dining, or simply relaxing under the stars.
I remember a customer who came to me with a set of cheap, internet-special LED lights that had failed after a single rainstorm. He was frustrated and ready to give up on awning lights altogether. I installed a quality, weatherproof kit for him, and the difference was night and day.
He later told me it was the best upgrade he’d ever made to his rig. After countless installations and side-by-side comparisons, I’ve learned what separates a durable, high-performance lighting system from one that will flicker out after a single season.
This guide is the culmination of that experience, designed to help you choose the best awning lights for your specific needs.
For those in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of my top recommendations. Each of these has been selected for its durability, brightness, and overall value.
Now, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of each product. I’ve installed and tested all of these, and they each bring something unique to the table.
Best for: The RVer who wants ultimate customization and vibrant, multi-color options.
When it comes to feature-rich awning lighting, Carefree of Colorado consistently delivers. The SR0112LED kit is a prime example of their innovation. This 16-foot strip offers 15 different color options, all controllable via a simple remote. This allows you to change the ambiance of your campsite instantly, from a bright white for cooking to a soft blue for relaxing.
The LED strip is encased in a high-impact polycarbonate shell that protects it from the elements, and the installation is straightforward, fitting directly into the utility slot of most RV awnings.
In my experience, the adhesive backing is exceptionally strong, but I always recommend cleaning the surface with isopropyl alcohol before installation to ensure a permanent bond. The light output is impressive, providing even and consistent illumination along the entire length of the awning without creating harsh hotspots.
I once installed this for a family who loved to host campsite potlucks. They used the different colors to signal when dinner was ready, and the kids had a blast choosing the "color of the night." It's a small thing, but it added a lot of fun to their trips.
One of the things I really appreciate about the Carefree system is the quality of the remote control. It's weatherproof and has a surprisingly long range, which means you can adjust your lighting from inside your RV without having to step outside.
The LEDs themselves are also incredibly energy-efficient, drawing minimal power from your 12V system. This makes them ideal for boondocking or dry camping, where every amp-hour counts. I've also noticed that the polycarbonate housing does an excellent job of diffusing the light, creating a soft, even glow rather than the harsh, directional beams you get from cheaper strips. The color temperature of the white setting is also very pleasant—it's a neutral white that doesn't have the harsh blue tint of some LEDs.
Buy Carefree of Colorado SR0112LED RV Awning 15 Color Light Kit
Best for: Campers looking for a fun, classic, and easy-to-install lighting solution without permanent modification.
Sometimes, you don’t need a permanent, integrated system. Camco’s Retro Party Lights are a fantastic plug-and-play option that brings a festive, nostalgic feel to any campsite. These aren’t your typical LED strips; they are classic globe lights that evoke a sense of old-school camping charm. The 8-foot strand is easy to hang from your awning, trees, or even inside your screen room.
What I appreciate most about these is their simplicity and durability. The globes are made from a tough polymer that resists cracking, and the set is designed for outdoor use. While they don’t offer the color-changing capabilities of more advanced LED kits, their warm, inviting glow is perfect for social gatherings. I had a customer who bought these for a vintage Airstream rally, and their campsite became the social hub of the event. Everyone loved the classic look. They are an excellent choice for weekend campers or anyone who wants a hassle-free lighting setup.
What makes the Camco lights particularly appealing is their versatility. Because they're not permanently mounted, you can take them down and use them in different configurations. I've seen people string them along the side of their RV, wrap them around trees, or even use them to decorate their outdoor dining area.
The 8-foot length is perfect for smaller setups, and if you need more coverage, you can easily daisy-chain multiple strands together. The bulbs are also replaceable, which is a nice touch. If one burns out (though in my experience, they rarely do), you don't have to replace the entire strand. The power draw is also quite low, making them safe to run off a standard extension cord or your RV's exterior outlet.
Buy Camco Retro Class A Motorhomes Multi-Color Party Lights
Best for: The budget-conscious RVer who needs a reliable and versatile lighting strip.
Valterra has a reputation for producing practical and affordable RV accessories, and their Mini LED Rope Lights are no exception. This 16-foot rope light provides bright, clear illumination and is one of the most versatile options on the market. It can be installed in an awning track, attached with clips, or even laid on the ground to mark pathways. The flexible, waterproof tubing makes it incredibly durable and resistant to rain, dust, and impacts.
While it only offers a single color (white), the light output is more than sufficient for most camping needs. I often recommend this to RVers who want a dependable, no-frills lighting solution that can be used in multiple applications around the campsite. I once had a customer use this to light up the path to the bathhouse at a dark campground, and the other campers were so grateful they all pitched in to buy him a new camp chair. It's a workhorse product that delivers excellent value for the price.
The Valterra rope light is also incredibly easy to store. It coils up neatly and doesn't take up much space in your RV's storage compartments. The waterproof rating is genuine—I've seen these lights survive torrential downpours, snow, and even being accidentally stepped on without missing a beat.
The LEDs are also very bright for a rope light. Some rope lights have a dim, almost anemic glow, but the Valterra puts out a surprising amount of light. It's not going to replace a floodlight, but it's more than adequate for general campsite illumination. I also appreciate that it comes with mounting clips, so you don't have to purchase them separately. These clips make it easy to attach the rope light to your awning rail, along the side of your RV, or even under your steps for added safety.
Buy Valterra Mini LED RV Rope Lights
Best for: Owners of Lippert Solera awnings looking for a seamless, factory-installed appearance.
If you have a Lippert Solera awning, this light tube is the ultimate upgrade for a clean, integrated look. It’s designed to slide directly into the awning’s fabric track, making installation incredibly simple and secure. The result is a professional, built-in lighting system that looks like it came straight from the factory.
This 17-foot tube features soft blue-white LEDs that create a modern and sophisticated ambiance. The light is diffused evenly, preventing the harsh glare that some cheaper LED strips can produce. Because it’s made by Lippert, you can be confident in the quality and fit.
It’s a premium option, but for those who value aesthetics and ease of installation, the Solera Light Tube is unmatched. I installed one for a customer who was selling their RV, and the real estate agent said the integrated lighting was a major selling point.
The Lippert Solera Light Tube is also incredibly durable. Because it's designed to live inside the awning track, it's protected from the elements and from accidental damage. I've never had a customer report a failure with one of these.
The blue-white color temperature is also very modern and appealing. It's not the stark, clinical white of some LEDs, but rather a softer, more inviting hue. The installation process is also very straightforward. If you're comfortable working with your awning, you can install this yourself in about 30 minutes. The light tube simply slides into the track, and you connect it to your RV's 12V system. Lippert also provides clear instructions and all the necessary hardware.
For Solera awning owners, this is hands-down the best lighting upgrade you can make.
Buy Lippert Solera 17' Awning Light Tube
Best for: The tech-savvy RVer who wants advanced control and a wide array of lighting effects.
The Star Lights Revolution strip takes awning lighting to the next level with its Bluetooth connectivity and app-based controls. This allows for an almost infinite combination of colors, patterns, and effects right from your smartphone. You can sync the lights to music, create custom color cycles, or dim them to the perfect level.
The 16-foot strip is weatherproof and designed for the rigors of the road. While the app can take a few minutes to get used to, the level of control it offers is unparalleled. I have a young customer who uses the music sync feature to have a mini dance party with his kids at every campsite. It's a fantastic way to create a fun and memorable experience.
This is the perfect choice for RVers who love technology and want to create a truly dynamic and personalized campsite experience.
The Star Lights app is surprisingly robust. You can create custom scenes, set timers, and even program the lights to gradually dim as the evening progresses. This is great for creating a relaxing atmosphere as you wind down for the night.
The Bluetooth range is also quite good—I've been able to control the lights from inside my RV without any issues. The strip itself is also very well-made. The LEDs are bright and vibrant, and the adhesive backing is strong. I've installed several of these, and I've never had one come loose or fail. The weatherproofing is also excellent. These lights are designed to withstand the elements, and they do so admirably. If you're the type of person who loves to tinker with technology and customize your setup, the Star Lights Revolution is the perfect choice.
Buy Star Lights Revolution Color Changing LED Light Strip
No matter which lighting system you choose, proper installation and maintenance are key to its longevity.
A little bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your lights shine bright for years to come.
I also recommend inspecting your lights at the beginning of each camping season. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the housing or frayed wires. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to prevent further damage.
It's also a good idea to test your lights before you hit the road to make sure everything is working properly. There's nothing worse than arriving at a campsite and discovering that your lights aren't functioning.
Finally, when you're not using your lights, store them in a cool, dry place. This will help extend their lifespan and keep them in good working order. With proper care and maintenance, a quality set of awning lights can last for many years, providing you with countless nights of enjoyable outdoor living.
Choosing the right awning lights is about more than just illumination; it’s about enhancing your RV lifestyle. It’s about creating a warm, inviting space where you can make memories with family and friends.
Whether you prefer the customizable colors of the Carefree kit, the classic charm of the Camco lights, the simple reliability of the Valterra rope, the seamless integration of the Lippert tube, or the high-tech features of the Star Lights strip, there’s a perfect solution for every RVer.
Investing in a quality lighting system is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make, and I’m confident that any of the products in this guide will provide you with years of enjoyment.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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