7 Best RV Awning Light Strips For Nighttime Ambiance That Nomads Swear By

The sun dips below the horizon, and the campfire crackles to life, but your outdoor living space suddenly shrinks to a small circle of light. The right awning lights change that dynamic entirely, transforming the dark patch under your awning into a warm, inviting outdoor room. It’s less about flooding the area with stadium lighting and more about crafting an atmosphere where you can relax, cook, or connect with fellow travelers.

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Selecting the Perfect RV Awning Light Strip

Choosing an awning light isn’t about finding the brightest option. It’s about finding the right kind of light for the space you want to create. Think about how you use that space. Is it for quiet reading, hosting a campsite potluck, or just keeping a soft glow so you don’t trip on the way back to your door?

The technical details matter more than most people think. First, look for a high IP rating—IP65 is the minimum I’d consider, as it protects against dust and low-pressure water jets (like rain). Next, consider the power source. A 12V DC strip that can be wired directly into your RV’s battery system is far more practical for boondocking than a 110V AC strip that requires you to be plugged into shore power or run an inverter.

Finally, think about color and control. A simple, warm white light (around 2700K-3000K) creates a cozy, residential feel. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) strips offer a fun, customizable vibe, but can sometimes feel harsh or gimmicky if not used thoughtfully. Dimmability is a non-negotiable feature in my book; the ability to dial the light down from task lighting to a subtle glow is what truly creates ambiance.

RecPro RV Awning LED Lights: The Go-To Choice

When you want a solution that’s built for the job and requires zero guesswork, RecPro is where you turn. This isn’t a generic LED strip repurposed for an RV; it’s designed from the ground up to integrate with your rig. It’s the dependable workhorse of awning lights.

The key feature is that most RecPro strips are designed to slide directly into the empty utility track on your awning roller tube. This provides a clean, professional-looking installation without relying on adhesives that can fail in extreme heat or cold. The strip is protected by a clear, waterproof polycarbonate channel, making it incredibly durable against weather and the wear and tear of rolling the awning up.

You won’t find complex color-chasing patterns or app controls here. RecPro focuses on providing a high-quality, single-color (usually white or amber) light that does its job perfectly. It’s a "set it and forget it" option for the RVer who values reliability and simplicity over flashy features.

Boogey Lights: Ultimate Customization & Durability

If you’re a full-timer or a serious enthusiast who sees your lighting as a core part of your setup, Boogey Lights is the investment to make. They are known for their almost absurd level of durability and powerful, feature-rich controllers. This is the professional-grade option.

What sets Boogey Lights apart is the build quality. The LED strips are often fully encapsulated in industrial-grade silicone, making them completely waterproof (IP67 or higher) and resistant to UV damage. They are designed to be permanently installed and to withstand thousands of miles of road vibration and harsh weather without failing.

The real magic, however, is in the control. Their multi-zone controllers allow you to create complex lighting scenes, and their RGBW strips include a dedicated white LED for a pure, warm white light when you don’t want color. It’s a premium product with a premium price tag, but if you want the absolute best in performance and longevity, this is it.

Carefree of Colorado: Factory-Integrated Ambiance

Many RVers already have this lighting system and don’t even know it. Carefree of Colorado is a major OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for awnings, and their LED lighting is often built right into the awning assembly at the factory. If your rig came with a light strip switched from the main control panel, it’s likely a Carefree product.

The beauty of this system is its seamless integration. The wiring is hidden, the switch is conveniently located, and it’s designed to work perfectly with your specific awning model. There’s no installation to worry about and no aftermarket components to wire in. It just works, right off the lot.

The tradeoff is a lack of customization. You are generally limited to the single color and brightness level the RV manufacturer chose. While replacements are available, upgrading to a different color or a dimmable system can be more complex than with a universal kit. It’s the ultimate in convenience, but the least flexible option on this list.

Lippert Solera Universal LED Light Strip Kit

Lippert is another giant in the RV components world, and their Solera Universal kit is one of the most popular aftermarket solutions for good reason. It strikes an excellent balance between quality, ease of installation, and affordability. It’s designed to be a straightforward upgrade for almost any RV awning.

The "universal" aspect is its key strength. The kit comes with a self-adhesive track that you can stick either to your RV sidewall just under the awning mount or directly to the awning roller tube. This flexibility means it can be fitted to Dometic, Carefree, or other brands of awnings without issue.

Installation is a manageable DIY project for most RVers. The kit includes the strip, the track, and the necessary wiring to tap into a nearby 12V source, like an existing porch light. It’s a significant step up from generic online kits in terms of durability and weatherproofing, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Govee RGBIC Strips: Smart Control for Your Campsite

For the tech-savvy nomad, Govee brings the world of smart home lighting to the campsite. While not specifically designed for RVs, their outdoor, waterproof strips are a fantastic option for those who crave ultimate control and dynamic effects. This is how you create a truly custom light show.

The standout feature is RGBIC (Red, Green, Blue with Independent Control). Unlike standard RGB strips that can only be one color at a time, RGBIC strips can display multiple colors simultaneously, creating flowing, gradient, and chasing effects. All of this is controlled through a sophisticated smartphone app that offers endless customization, including syncing the lights to music.

There are a few practical considerations. You must choose an outdoor-rated version (IP65 or higher). More importantly, they typically come with a 110V AC wall plug, so you’ll need to either be on shore power or do some simple wiring to connect it to a 12V-to-110V inverter or a 12V power source. The effort pays off with a level of control no other option on this list can match.

SUPERNIGHT LED Kit: A Solid DIY Lighting Solution

Sometimes, a simple, cost-effective solution is all you need. The SUPERNIGHT LED kits are the go-to for the RVer on a budget who is comfortable with a bit of hands-on work. These kits provide all the basic components you need at a fraction of the cost of RV-specific brands.

These are typically sold as a "reel-in-a-box" kit, including a long strip of LEDs, a small remote control, and a power adapter. The strip has cut-points every few inches, allowing you to trim it to the exact length of your awning. This adaptability is perfect for custom applications or non-standard awning sizes.

The tradeoff for the low price is in durability. The included 3M adhesive backing is often not strong enough for long-term outdoor exposure and should be supplemented with silicone or a dedicated mounting track. The weatherproofing can also be less robust. However, for the price and flexibility, it’s an unbeatable value for the DIY-minded RVer.

Camco Awning Party Light: Simple, Classic Illumination

Not every lighting solution needs to be a permanent, high-tech LED strip. Sometimes, what you really want is the classic, festive glow of string lights. Camco’s Awning Party Lights are a perfect example of simple, effective, and fun illumination.

These aren’t strips, but rather traditional bulb-style lights designed to be hung from your awning using included hooks or clips that slide into the utility track. They come in various styles, from simple white globes to novelty shapes like stars or chili peppers. They plug into a standard outlet, making them easy to use when you have shore power or a generator.

The appeal is in their simplicity and non-permanent nature. There is no wiring or adhesive to worry about; you just hang them up when you arrive and take them down when you leave. This is the ideal solution for weekend campers, vintage trailer owners, or anyone who wants to add a touch of personality and charm to their site without modifying their rig.

Ultimately, the best awning light is the one that extends your living space and matches your travel style. Whether it’s a rugged, integrated system for a full-timer or a simple string of party lights for a weekend getaway, the goal is the same: to turn the darkness under your awning into your favorite room at the campsite. Choose the tool that best helps you craft that experience.