Those Five Hours of Darkness Andy | November 8, 2012 Every day nowadays seems to end with 5 hours of darkness. Here is how I use them when I am out camping. 5 PM. Build campfire, catch up on the news. 6 PM. Cook dinner and eat dinner. 7 PM. Sit back and enjoy the night by the campfire 8 PM. Listen to a podcast or read a book 9 PM. Head to bed early, as itβs best to get up early in the morning to maximize the daylight.