7 tips for staying cool at the campsite

3 August, 2023

Yes, finally: it’s summer! Time to enjoy nature and go on a great camping holiday. It’s nice if the weather is good, but what do you do if it’s really hot during your holiday? Here are seven tips for staying cool at and around the campsite.

1. Plan your activities

If you are on holiday, of course you will want to go out. Are you excited to explore that charming city or admire that great view? Do so early in the morning, while it is still somewhat cool. That way (hopefully) you won’t get too hot during your city tour. If you do get too hot, go cool off in a museum or cinema. Have you got some spare time in your schedule? Postpone intensive activities for a couple of days. Once the temperature has dropped somewhat, the city will be more bearable.

2. Drink plenty of water

Whether you are in that charming city or prefer to lie by your tent all day long, the advice remains the same: drink plenty of water! It is important to drink enough water – especially during a heatwave. For adults, that is at least 2 litres of water a day. Avoid ice-cold cola or other cold (soft) drinks. They just make your body work harder, which makes you hot. And, while I understand that a cold beer out on the terrace goes down well, alcohol is not a good idea during a heatwave. A better choice would be tepid tea or a glass of water with some mint.

3. Choose the right pitch

This tip may require some scheduling. Some campsites allow you to indicate what kind of pitch you would like when you make your reservation. If you are situated in the shade (for the most part), at least you are protected from the sun. Is there no pitch in the shade available? A shade cloth could be a solution.

Are you staying overnight in an accommodation? Check beforehand if it has air conditioning. It’s nice to have when the temperature inside goes above 25 degrees Celsius. The ideal bedroom temperature is between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius but, in the summer, it is often hotter. Turn on the air conditioning so that it is nice and cool at night. Ideal: some glamping accommodations offer air conditioning (for a fee). Check out the specifications of your accommodation. If it gets too hot outside, simply retreat to your adventurous lodge tent, luxury chalet or mobile home. A good way to stay cool at the campsite.

4. Covering up and airing out

Airing out is always important, but what if it’s already hot outside? Keep the windows and curtains closed. In motorhomes and caravans as well. This helps to keep the heat outside as much as possible. If the heat has already penetrated your holiday home, it would be better to air it out. Do this preferably early in the morning or late in the evening when it is less hot outside. If you can’t sleep at night because it’s too hot, a cooling pad could help. They are not only good for pets, but people can benefit greatly from them as well during a heatwave.

5. Keeping cool

One of my favourites: look for somewhere cool. This could be an excursion to a cave, a museum or going to the woods early in the morning. For example, visit the wonderfully cool Grotte des Canalettes (caves of Canalettes) in France. It is always 14 degrees Celsius in these caves. Be sure to take a warm cardigan along. The temperature in the caves is much cooler than outside.

If you would rather find a cooler location closer by, the campsite’s swimming pool or a dip in the sea would be a good idea. Choose a campsite with an outdoor swimming pool or a campsite by the sea. Spend the day by the water and go back home all pink and rosy from the sun.

6. What to wear

What your outfit looks like may be important, but the fabric from which your clothes are made is also important. You might not think of it very often, but a cotton, linen or silk shirt keeps you a lot cooler than a polyester shirt does. It is also important that your clothes are not too tight. And light colours are also cooler. And don’t forget the most important thing: protect your head. A beautiful hat or a nice cap will help prevent sunstroke.

7. Accessories for camping holidays

In conclusion, I still have a few practical tips for you. Store your shopping in a cool bag with ice packs. Electric cool boxes can usually be charged in the car, which means they can be used during the entire holiday. There are also a few cooler spots in the car – under the seat, in the back of the trunk or by your feet. This is where you can put the baggage that shouldn’t get too hot. Make sure you use sunscreen while camping in the summer.

Do you have any tips for camping at more extreme temperatures? Let us know!