12+ Sizzling Hot Tips For Staying Cool when Summer Camping

It's no surprise that summer is the most popular time of the year for people to go camping. Birds chirping at the break of dawn, clear blue skies reflecting off lakes, BBQs and drinks with friends and family and watching the sky light up with colours as the sun sets  – it can be truly magical. The downside of camping in the summer is that sometimes the temperature can reach new extremes, and you'll be wistfully thinking of dunking your head in a freezing-cold ice bucket. To make sure you're comfortable in the heat, check out our helpful tips for staying cool when camping on a scorching hot day.

Tent campers: Look out for these tent features



If you’re on the market for a new summer camping tent, there are a few tent features to look out for including:

• Blackout technology: this will keep the sunlight and heat out
• Tent windows or vents: this will help air circulation and keep the tent ventilated
• Easy assemble and disassemble: this will allow you to easily disassemble the tent, so heat doesn't get trapped during the day and effortlessly assemble it when you’re ready for bed.

To help you pick a great tent, we’ve listed some of the best family tents and two-man tents in the market. Remember to check out our member-exclusive offers and discounts to save money on outdoor clothing and equipment.

Swap the cosy sleeping bag for something lightweight



We all know the struggle of sleeping during a heatwave. Swap your usual cosy sleeping bag for a lightweight and breezy sleeping bag to stay cool and comfortable during the summer nights. If the weather’s unbearably warm, a cotton sheet and camping mattress might be all the bedding you need.

Seek out shade



If you have the option, find a spot on a campsite which is sheltered by trees or a building. This will stop the sun from directly facing your camping unit, and your unit can stay cool for longer.

Avoid cooking hot meals during the day



Cooking food on a smoky BBQ amid a boiling summer's day can be intense. Save the cooking until the evening, when it’s a little breezy and tuck into cold meals that are quick and easy to prepare, such as cereal, sandwiches or a salad. Our easy camping meals offer lots of tasty inspiration, some of which you can easily prep beforehand and enjoy hot or cold.

Keep your pets cool and hydrated



Making sure your pet is cool and comfortable when camping in the summer is crucial. All of our Club Sites have fresh water points, so it’s easy to ensure your dog stays hydrated throughout your stay. If you're summer camping and the campsite doesn't have water for your canine companion, or you’re out exploring, make sure you purchase a compact water bowl.

You can also purchase other cooling products, such as a lightweight jacket and sleeping pads for your dog. These can help regulate your dog’s temperature, assisting your pooch in having a good night’s sleep and staying cool on-site.

Other helpful tips when camping with a dog in summer include:

• Touching the sand, grass or ground before walking on it. If it’s too hot for you, it’ll be too hot for them
• DO NOT leave your dog in the tent or car
• Make sure your dog has access to shade (if you’re sunbathing, perhaps leave the tent open for them to rest in or carry an umbrella)

Air your unit



Keeping your camping unit ventilated can help prevent it from getting hot and clammy. To do this, ditch the rain fly (if possible) and open any windows and doors so humid air can escape.

Take your tent down during the day



If you’re not using your tent in the daytime, it might make sense to take it down and put it back up when the heat dies down. This prevents it from absorbing an unnecessary amount of heat over the course of the day, and it means it should be nice and cool when you put it back up.

Bring a fan



The same way you can put a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag to keep you warm, you can leave a fan on to keep you cool. If you’re camping without electricity or want to take your fan out with you, make sure to buy one that is lightweight, rechargeable and small enough to carry in your bag. Neck fans and portable handheld electric fans are great options.

Wear suitable clothing



When it comes to clothing, striking a balance to both keep the sun and bugs away while allowing your body to breathe can be challenging. Here are our tips to help you decide what clothing to pack for your summer camping trip:

• Wear light-colours and avoid dark-coloured clothing. Light-coloured clothing reflects the sun, keeping your body temperature down. Dark clothing absorbs the heat, increasing body temperature.
• Pack a hat to protect your face and scalp from the scorching sun.
• Opt for breathable fabrics. Long-sleeved loose cotton shirts give your skin space to breathe and feel breezy, as well as protect you from UV rays. Other popular fabrics to keep you cool and fresh include linen, polyester and nylon.

Stay hydrated!

 

It may seem like an obvious tip, but staying hydrated is essential. You should always have access to clean drinking water and make sure to fill up before going on a hike or doing an activity for the day. Remember, if you put ice in your water bottle before setting off for the day, it will keep your water refreshingly cool for longer. This is especially effective if using an insulated stainless-steel bottle. We’ve rounded up our recommendations for the best reusable water bottles.

Wear sunscreen



The last thing you want is to get sunburnt on your camping trip. Wear sunscreen in the early hours of the morning and constantly reapply throughout the day to protect your skin. Carry some after-sun skincare products too, just in case.

Pack bug repellent

 

The beauty of camping is being close to nature and wildlife, but bites from bugs aren't fun and can lead to itchy and irritated skin. To avoid being bitten, purchase a good bug repellent or mosquito repellent. In case you do get bitten it's worth carrying antihistamine tablets in your first aid kit or a bug bite cream.

Bring a cool box

 

A cool box or camping fridge is great for keeping drinks and food cold and stopping them from going off. It’s also helpful to place a damp towel or pillowcase, which you can take out and use before bed to keep you cool.

Have you got any handy tricks to stay cool in the summer? If so, send us some recommendations by email, Instagram or Facebook.