How to Stay Cool While Camping

Summer camping brings long days, swimming holes, campfire meals, and time outdoors with friends and family. It also means dealing with the hottest stretch of the year. If you are not prepared, 100-degree days in July, August and September can turn your tent into a sauna and your trip into a struggle.

This guide covers the best ways to stay cool while camping in hot weather. From smart gear choices to campsite setup tricks, these tips will help you stay comfortable and safe.

Break Down Your Tent During the Day

Tents act like greenhouses under the sun. Leaving them up all day traps heat, making it unbearable to step inside.

Take your tent down after waking up.
Set it back up once the sun drops.
Bonus: this protects nylon or polyester fabrics from UV damage and extends your tent’s lifespan.

Choose Shade Wisely

If shade is available, use it. Trees block direct sunlight far better than tent fabric.

Check where the sun passes during the day using a compass app.
Position your tent so it stays shaded during midday when the sun is highest.
If the trees provide full coverage, you can safely leave the tent up all day.

Add a Reflective Sunshade

A reflective sunshade or tarp pitched above your tent blocks direct sunlight and keeps temperatures down.

Leave 12 inches or more of space between the tent and shade to allow airflow.
Reflective mylar shades work best, but a simple tarp tied between trees can help.
Position the shade to cover both your tent and your social area for added comfort.

Use the Breeze

Wind is nature’s air conditioning. A shaded, breezy spot makes the biggest difference.

Face your tent door into the wind.
Choose a mesh-heavy tent for maximum airflow.
Check the forecast or ask locals which way the wind usually blows.

Simple trick: wet your finger and hold it up. The cool side is where the breeze is coming from.

Remove the Rainfly When Possible

If no rain is expected, take the rainfly off at night. This prevents body heat and condensation from getting trapped inside.

Keep a tarp or sunshade handy for unexpected showers.
Removing the fly lets heat escape through the tent roof and improves airflow.

Pick a Tent With Plenty of Mesh

Mesh panels allow air to flow freely while keeping bugs out. For summer camping, choose a tent with:

Large mesh windows and walls
A solid waterproof floor that protects against splashes while still allowing circulation higher up

Bring a Portable Fan

Battery-powered fans, like this best selling $30 Frizcol 3-1 camp fan (Amazon affiliate link), can run all night and provide steady airflow inside the tent. Look for:

Lightweight, quiet models with foam blades
Options that clip to walls, floors, or ceilings

Once you camp with a fan in hot weather, you will not want to go without it.

Try Hammock Camping

Sleeping in a hammock gives full-body air circulation and keeps you cooler than a tent.

Tips for comfort:

Use a proper sleeping hammock, not just a lounging one.
Add a bug net if mosquitoes are active.
Lie diagonally in the hammock for a flat sleeping surface.
String a tarp overhead in case of rain.

Stay Hydrated

Water is your body’s best defense against heat.

Sip water consistently throughout the day.
Aim for at least 64 ounces (8 glasses), more if you are sweating or hiking.
Remember: if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

Cooling Hacks for Day and Night

Cold towel trick: Place a damp towel on your neck or forehead. Flip it when it warms up.
Pre-bed cold rinse: Take a quick dip in a lake or shower to lower your core temperature before sleep.
Frozen water jugs: Pack jugs of frozen water. They keep food cold, melt into safe drinking water, and can even serve as nighttime foot coolers inside your sleeping bag.

Pack Light-Colored, Breathable Clothing

Dark fabrics absorb heat while light colors reflect it.

Choose cotton or linen for breathability.
Loose, light-colored clothing protects skin and keeps air moving.
Do not forget sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses for UV protection.

Keep Food Cold While Camping

Food spoils faster in high heat.

Use frozen food or ice jugs in your cooler.
Minimize opening the cooler during the day.
Plan easy, no-cook meals for breakfast and lunch. Save the campfire for dinner.

Sleep Smarter

Use a sheet, not a sleeping bag: Sleeping bags trap heat. A simple sheet on a sleeping pad is often enough in hot weather.
Go to bed earlier: The morning sun heats tents fast. Sleeping during sundown helps you rest before the tent warms up.

Protect Against Bugs

Summer heat brings mosquitoes and other pests.

Bring EPA-recommended insect repellent.
Consider mosquito nets for hammocks or sleeping areas.
Apply repellent before dusk when bugs are most active.

Enjoy Summer Camping Without Overheating

Camping in hot weather does not have to mean suffering through sweaty nights and stifling tents. With a little planning that includes shade, airflow, hydration, and a few cooling hacks, you can stay comfortable, safe, protect your health, and enjoy summer under the stars.

Start with one or two of these tips on your next trip and build from there. The more you practice heat-smart camping, the more second nature it becomes.