MelissaWe all love being out in nature on summer days. One of the challenges to overcome on such a vacation is the heat. Here are some easy-to-follow tips on how to stay cool and have fun while summer camping.
Choose your campsite wisely!
The choice of campsite is critical if you plan to camp in hot weather. Make sure you do your research and choose a site with plenty of shaded areas to camp. Consider campgrounds offering sites under trees that are ideal for sheltering from the afternoon sun.
Keep your tent cool!
If you are a tent camper, you know that on a hot summer day, it may seem impossible to escape the terrible heat under a canvas tent, but there are ways to keep your home cool. First, try pitching your tent in a location that’s shaded most of the day. At many campgrounds, you can pitch your tent under trees for much-needed shade from the sun.
The reflective property of a space blanket will help keep the sun’s rays off your tent when you’re trying to find shelter. It’s also a good idea to pitch your tent so that it faces the direction where the sun will shine the most.
Don’t forget to unzip your tent during the day and open the vents to let in fresh air. Some campers take down their tent during the day and put it back up at night.
Use a fan
Since ancient times, people have used fans to escape the heat. In ancient Egypt, servants fanned their masters with palm leaves to create a cooling breeze. In their homes, they used what is known as evaporative cooling by placing wet clothes in front of the windows.
Nowadays, we can use electric fans. There is a wide variety of types. In a tent, you can use a hanging fan. When you relax in an armchair, you can turn on a clip-on fan. When you go for a walk, you can use a portable fan – hung around your neck or in your hand.
There are fans designed specifically for children that are safe to use. Consider how these fans can be powered with replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and enjoy your summer vacation – cool and relaxed.
Drink plenty of water
It may sound obvious, but when you’re overheated and lethargic, it can seem like a huge effort to get up and drink something. If you’re camping at the height of a heat wave, keep replenishing your water supply throughout the day, which is especially important for kids. Alcohol and caffeine are fine, but be sure to drink plenty of water to balance their diuretic properties.
Keep bottles well chilled in a cooler bag or box; you can even put your drinks in a bucket or bowl of cold water to lower the temperature.
Start your day early
Start your day’s activity before the heat sets in so you can seek shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its highest. Running, hiking, and exploring are more tolerable when the sun is lower, so you can move into the shade and relax around noon.
Go to bed early without a sleeping bag
During the summer months, the sun rises early. This means that you’ll probably wake up with the sunrise. If you plan to start your day after waking up, you should go to bed early.
Just as you switch to lighter bedding at home during the summer months, you can also switch out your sleeping bag for a sheet, blanket or lightweight summer sleeping bag for a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Take a cool shower
Another way to get a peaceful night’s sleep at a hot campsite is to take a cool shower in the evening to lower your body temperature. You don’t have to run the coldest water, just adjust the temperature so it feels cool.
Apply sunscreen
Even if you camp under generous shade trees or under overcast skies, your skin absorbs UV rays that can cause long-term damage and premature ageing. In the short term, it prevents painful, red sunburns – sometimes in very remote locations.
Wherever your camping plans take you, an effective sunscreen is an essential sun protection accessory. Read on to learn more about the features we look for in sunscreens, and shop our trusted sunscreens that are close to our hearts.
Keep food at the right temperature!
If you normally carry a refrigerator, you can keep your food at a safe temperature. If you don’t have a refrigerator, coolers with cold packs can be a good alternative, and many of our campgrounds have freezer facilities for cold packs. If the weather is just too hot or you’re not sure you can safely shop your food, it may be a good decision to leave meat and dairy at home.
Keep pets cool
We know that pets are an important part of your family, so they often come along on summer camping vacations. However, the heat can be a particular problem for dogs as they cannot sweat to regulate their body temperature. Walks should take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
During the hottest part of the day, pets should be kept in the shade and given plenty of cool drinking water. You should always have contact information for the nearest veterinarian with you in case you need it. For more information, see our top tips for camping with dogs.
Pack the essentials for camping in hot weather
Here are some of the important things to pack when camping in the summer include.
- Fans
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Cooling gel pillow
- Parasol
- First aid kit
- Reusable water bottles
- Picnic rug
- Loose fitting clothing
- Light colored layers
- Check out our full camping packing list.
Shelter and comfort checklist
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Sleeping mat or cot for tent camping
- Table and camping chairs
- Wooden hammer, spare pegs and puller
- Spare batteries, portable charger and cable
- Flashlight and headlamp
- Tent repair kit, paracord, gaffa tape, cable ties, sewing kit
- Air pump, if needed for an air bed
- Windbreak
Necessary kitchen essentials
- Stove or BBQ
- Fuel
- Lighters or matches
- Cooler or refrigerator
- Pots, pans and kettle
- Cutting board
- Plates, bowls and mugs
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Dish towels and sponges
- Dish towels
- Dishwashing liquid and bowl
- Garbage bags
- Can and bottle opener
Stay clean and healthy
- All the toiletries you normally use: Soap, shampoo, conditioner.
- All the usual medicines
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
- Face masks to wear in common areas
- Insect repellent
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Towels
If you still have not decided where to go camping – here are some top places to consider:
- Horseshoe Bend Campground, Arkansas
- Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky
- New River Trail State Park, Virginia
- Chicot State Park, Louisiana
- South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee
- Devil’s Fork State Park, South Carolina
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
- Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia
