How to Camp in Hot Weather: Tips to Beat the Heat

Summer is a great time to go camping and enjoy the outdoors! Warm weather, green leaves, and blue sky make a great combination for getting away from the daily busyness and spending some time out in nature.

However, when the temperatures rise a little too high, chances are you’ll spend most of your camping trip feeling pretty miserable. There are ways, though, to make camping in hot weather a little more bearable so that you can enjoy your time away! We’re going to give you some tips for camping in hot weather so that you can be prepared for all of your summer adventures!

How hot is too hot to camp?

The first thing to consider when camping in hot weather is what temperatures are just too hot for camping. Ideally, you don’t want to camp in temperatures that exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. You should pay special attention to high temperatures if you’re camping with pets and young children as excessive heat can be especially dangerous for them.

Be sure that you check the forecast before you decide to head out on your camping trip. Pay special attention to the forecasted highs so that you know what you can expect as you’re packing. Also pay attention to the lows. How much will it cool down overnight? This will help you know what to expect when it comes to sleeping.

What to Wear

You’ll obviously want to dress cool when camping in hot weather. This means wearing something lightweight and avoiding dark colors that will absorb heat. Shorts and performance shirts are great items to start with, especially if it’s something sweat resistant. Tank tops are also a good choice, just be sure that you put on plenty of sunscreen to protect your arms and shoulders from the rays.

You also may want to consider throwing on a cap and pair of sunglasses to keep your face shaded. If you’re going to be camping by a lake or body of water for swimming, don’t forget to toss your boardshorts or swimsuit into your camping backpack!

Best Gear for Camping in Hot Weather

When it comes to camping in hot weather, you want to be sure that you have the proper gear to keep you and your friends comfortable and safe from the heat. If you have winter camping gear, you’ll probably need to leave most of it behind and grab some new equipment!

Tents

What makes a great hot-weather camping tent? Having enough ventilation is a big key, along with the fabric that the tent is made out of. For example, canvas is great at releasing heat whereas other materials, like nylon, more easily trap heat. You also don’t want to use a 4-season tent in hot weather. Although the name implies it can be used in any season, these tents are far better suited for cooler temperatures. Coleman tents are a great choice, especially their Darkroom options. Coleman Darkroom tents work to block 90% of the sun’s rays, which is not only great for keeping out the heat but is nice for mornings when you want to sleep in!

Sleeping Bags

Be sure you have a sleeping bag that’s lightweight for camping in hot weather! Again, you don’t want to use a sleeping bag that’s suited for winter. Browse our selection of sleeping bags here to find something that fits your specific needs! Marmot is a great brand to start with, and they make many options that are perfect for summer nights.

Other Tips for Camping in Hot Weather

• When choosing a campsite, try to find something in the shade. This will be helpful during the scorching sunny afternoons! If you know you’ll be camping in a place with limited or no shade available, bring along a tarp to create some shade of your own. It will make all the difference!

• It’s also a good idea to be near water if you can. If you’re able to camp next to a lake, you’ll likely get some nice cool breezes.

• Bring along a bandana! A great way to cool off and stay comfortable in the heat is by dipping it in water and tying it around your neck or head.

• Campfires are great, but not necessarily in scorching temperatures! If you know it’s going to be hot, try and plan some meals that don’t require cooking over a fire.

• Stay hydrated by keeping your water bottle full at all times! Even if you don’t think you’re thirsty, force yourself (and others, especially pets) to keep downing the water. This will prevent dehydration and the dangers that come along with extended time in the hot sun.

Beat the heat on your next summer camping trip! Hopefully, these tips will come in handy the next time you’re camping in hot weather so that you can stay cool and comfortable and enjoy your time in the outdoors!