Four Tips for Staying Cool While Camping

We’re officially in the middle of summer, which means some of the season’s hottest days could still be ahead. While some of you might be waiting for cooler fall temps before you hit the road, summer is a massive season for family camping.

But, let’s be honest - no one wants to sweat it out in a tent with their 14-year old brother. Even if you’re in an RV, camping in the summer can sometimes be uncomfortable, sticky, and too darn hot. Thankfully, there are some easy tips you can put into practice to stay cool this summer when you’re at your favorite campsite.

1. Take Down Your Tent

Have you ever been inside a greenhouse? Great for plants, not so great for staying cool. When you leave your tent up during the day, and the sun continuously shines down on it, your tent essentially becomes a greenhouse. When you’re ready to get into it at night, all the heat and moisture from the day is “locked” inside, and it can take a long time for it to cool off. So, disassemble your tent during the day. When you’re ready to put it back up in the evening, you won’t have to wait for it to cool down, so you can climb in and fall asleep comfortably much faster.

2. Purchase a Portable Fan

This might seem like a no-brainier, but many people don’t think about buying and bringing along a portable fan. They may be small, but some brands on the market are pretty powerful and can give you just enough of a breeze to keep you comfortable.

Do some quick research on portable fans before your next trip, make sure you bring plenty of batteries, and you can keep some airflow going in your tent, or your camper!

3. Keep Yourself Cool

There are a variety of tips and tricks you can use to keep your body cool throughout the day, and they can make a big difference.

First, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Invest in a reusable water bottle or canteen, and keep it on you for the entire trip. Dehydration is dangerous and scary. Drinking plenty of water will not only save you from overheating, but it could keep you out of the hospital.

If you’re feeling the heat, try taking a cold shower before bed, or soak a small towel in cold water and place it on the back of your neck. The cloth will cool your neck while sucking out the heat from your skin.

4. Freeze Jugs of Water

Bring along frozen jugs of water to keep in your cooler. They can serve multiple purposes, from keeping your food cold to becoming ice cold drinking water when they start to melt.

If you’re in a particularly hot area and you can’t sleep at night, use a frozen jug of water as a built-in air conditioning system for your sleeping bag. Place the jug inside the bottom of the bag and zip yourself up in it. You’ll stay cool all night (and have some fresh water to drink in the morning!).

These tips don’t take much time to put into practice, and they can make a big difference in your comfort level on your next camping trip. It’s not impossible to beat the heat with just a few simple hacks.