Camping in the Heat: 10 Pro Tips to Stay Cool and Safe

Summer camping has its perks - longer days, golden sunsets, and warm weather that makes outdoor living feel easy. But when temperatures soar, camping in the heat can turn from relaxing to exhausting. If you've ever woken up sweating inside your tent, or felt too hot to enjoy a midday hike, you know exactly what we mean.

Luckily, hot-weather camping doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right gear, smart planning, and a few pro tips, you can keep cool and stay safe while still enjoying every moment of your summer adventure. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or an extended stay in the wild, here are 10 pro tips for staying cool and safe while camping in the heat.

1. Choose a Campsite That Works With the Heat

Location makes all the difference when the temperature rises. Start by looking for campsites with plenty of natural shade - mature trees, forest cover, or rocky overhangs all provide relief from the sun.

If you’re camping in a national or provincial park, check the site map and look for spots near water or at higher elevations, where it’s often cooler. Try to avoid low-lying areas that can trap heat and humidity.

When setting up camp:

• Park your vehicle to block direct sunlight from hitting your tent.
• Face your tent entrance away from the morning sun, unless you’re hoping to wake up early.
• Consider placing a reflective tarp or sunshade above your tent to add another layer of protection.

2. Use a Tent Built for Breathability

Let’s be real: some tents are basically hotboxes in the sun. A well-ventilated tent can make all the difference in hot weather, especially when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep.

Look for tents with:

• Large mesh windows or panels for airflow
• Built-in roof vents or zippered side openings
• Removable rainflies (skip it entirely if there’s no chance of rain)

Not only will this increase airflow, but it also helps prevent condensation from occurring inside your tent at night.

If you’re not already equipped with a breathable tent, Napier’s Truck and SUV Tents have you covered! Large mesh windows and doors, zippable storm flaps, and a removable rainfly let the fresh air in so you can stay cool all day.

3. Stay Hydrated (Drink Water Like It’s Your Day Job)

Dehydration creeps up fast in the heat, especially when you’re moving around, hiking, or setting up camp. One of the golden rules of summer camping is this: if you’re not sipping water constantly, you’re already behind.

A few hydration tips:

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need - for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and emergencies.
• Store water in insulated bottles or use hydration packs during hikes. Nobody likes drinking warm water on a hot day.
• Add electrolytes to your water to replace what you lose through sweat - tablets, powders, or sports drinks. Why not be hydrated with your favorite flavors?

Bonus tip: Keep water bottles in the shade or in your cooler so they stay refreshingly cold.

4. Dress Smart: Light, Loose, and Covered

What you wear matters. Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics - ideally moisture-wicking and light-colored. Loose clothing helps heat escape your body while also protecting you from getting a sunburn.

Top it off with:

• A wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, neck, and ears
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Outdoor shoes made for hot weather

It may seem counterintuitive, but long sleeves and pants made from breathable materials can actually keep you cooler by shielding your skin from the sun.

One more thing, and we cannot stress this enough: wear your sunscreen! For best skin protection, use sunscreen with zinc as the main ingredient.

5. Avoid Peak Heat Hours

Try to plan your most active times - hiking, setting up camp, gathering wood - in the early morning or late afternoon. The sun, and UV, is typically strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so use those hours to rest, nap in a hammock, eat lunch in the shade, or take a dip if you’re near water. Make “siesta time” part of your camping schedule. Your body will thank you.

6. Cool-Down Hacks That Actually Work

When the heat gets intense, try some of these tricks:

• Soak a towel or bandana in cold water and place it around your neck or over your head
• Dip your shirt or hat in water before putting it on
• Freeze water bottles at home and use them as cooler packs until you drink them
• Use a battery-powered fan inside your tent for airflow while you sleep
• Create a DIY swamp cooler: place a bowl of ice in front of a fan and let it blow cool air

These hacks are quick, easy, and can make a big difference in how you feel during the hottest part of the day.

7. Eat Light, Cold, and Often

Heavy meals can increase your body temperature and make you feel sluggish. In hot weather, opt for small, frequent meals and no-cook options like:

• Cold wraps or sandwiches
• Pasta salad or couscous with veggies
• Fresh fruit, trail mix, granola bars
• Yogurt or hummus with crackers

Keep your cooler stocked with cold snacks and drinkable meals like smoothies or protein shakes. Bonus: minimal cooking = less heat around camp (and no dishes 😉).

8. Sleep Cool and Sleep Well

Hot nights can ruin your rest. To beat the heat while you sleep:

• Use cotton sheets or a lightweight sleeping bag liner
• Avoid thick sleeping bags unless nighttime temperatures dip significantly
• Sleep on a cot or air mattress to allow airflow underneath your body
• Open all windows and vents in your tent for maximum air flow
• Place a frozen water bottle or ice pack inside your pillow or next to your feet

9. Be Aware of Heat-Related Illness

Above all, know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke - they’re serious and require immediate attention.

Watch for:

• Headache, dizziness, or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy sweating or suddenly dry skin
• Muscle cramps or fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing

If you or someone in your group shows symptoms, stop all activity, get to a shaded area, rehydrate, and use cold compresses. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.

10. Make the Most of the Evenings

Once the sun dips below the trees and the temperature finally drops, it's the perfect time to enjoy everything that makes summer camping so special. Evenings are ideal for:

• Cooking dinner without sweating
• Stargazing in a camp chair
• Playing cards or telling stories by lantern light
• Hanging out in your truck or SUV tent with all the windows open for a cool breeze
• Sunset swims to cool down from the day

Warm nights mean no rush to huddle in a sleeping bag. Take your time, unwind, and enjoy the stillness of a summer night under the stars.

If you want to stargaze from your sleeping bag, check out our Sportz SUV Tent with Screen Room – featuring a full mesh ceiling for those clear starry nights.

If the idea of camping in the heat has held you back before, don’t sweat it (literally). A few simple adjustments can make all the difference. Once you’ve got the basics down, summer camping becomes way more manageable, and way more fun.

So give it a shot. The adventure’s worth it.