There’s not better feeling then grabbing some clothes, packing a cooler full of food and hitting the road for the relaxing atmosphere of a campground at Acorn Acres. But camping can be tough in the middle of July when the temperatures is at an all time high. The key to enjoying your camping adventure is by staying cool.

Let’s look at some of the best summer camping tips for keeping your cool.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

It should be obvious but you should make sure you are hydrated throughout the day. Hydration is the most crucial part of staying cool, safe and healthy on camping trips. Water has a high specific heat value, which means it takes a lot of energy to change the temperature of water. This is why water makes such a good substitute for coolant in car radiators. Water is literally a coolant. Your body is made of about 60 percent water, and keeping it properly hydrated is one of the best weapons against overheating.

DISASSEMBLE YOUR TENT DURING THE DAY

During the blazing hot pats of the day your tent acts like a greenhouse. The tent will absorb the sun’s rays making it a beacon for heat,. This will make getting back into the tent feel like you’re stepping into a sauna.

You should also keep in mind that there is not a fabric that fares well when it is exposed to direct sunlight. This includes synthetic tent fabric. It doesn’t matter it the tent is made from nylon or polyester, it is always a good idea to take your tent down during the day. Not only will this help to keep your cool but it will also increase the lifespan of the tent and allow you to use it for much longer.

A good practice is to disassemble your tent after waking up and assemble it again once the sun is down. Even though this might create more work for you to do, it will be worth it for both the cooler temperature and longevity to your tent.

SET UP YOUR TENT IN THE SHADE

Picking a camping spot in the shade is like hitting the lottery! If you are lucky enough to find a spot in the shade then snatch it. This will let the trees absorb the sunlight, rather than your tent, and will go a long way to keep you cool. The trick is make sure you know where the sun’s path will pass during the day.

If the trees you are parked under provide ample shade from the sun at all angles, then congratulations! This might allow you to leave your tent up during the day.

USE A REFLECTIVE SUNSHADE

Using a reflective sunshade is one of the best tips for staying cool while camping. These covers reflect sunlight back up to the sky, leaving anything in their shadow that much cooler. When camping these sunshades can block your tent or social area from the sun’s direct light. They also allow you to sleep in even after the sun has come up which is nice especially after a long hot day.

The best way to use a sunshade is when it is significantly above the tent. This means you’ll want to leave at least a 12 inch of space between the top of the tent and the sunshade. This will allow air to flow over the tent and cool things off.

You sunshade doesn’t have to be the shiny, reflective mylar variety  but something as simple and east to find as a tarp. Now keep in mind that the reflective mylar variety is the more effective material but it might be harder to locate. Using something like a tarp can be easier to find and is most likely already in your garage. You can use sticks, branches, stakes & rope, or bungee cords to hang up above your campsite.

USE A TENT WITH LOTS OF MESH

Mesh tents are a miraculous chapter in the history of camping. The fine mesh walls of a tent offer protection from biting insects, while also allowing a breeze to pass through, thus providing the best of both worlds.

If you will be camping in the summer, it is advantageous to choose a tent with as much mesh as possible. Note that all tents will come with a solid, waterproof floor that extends a distance up each wall. While this wall blocks a breeze from coming through the lower parts of the walls, it also protects against the splatters of raindrops hitting the nearby earth.

BRING A PORTABLE FAN

Portable fans are a handy tool that can provide a blissful, battery-powered breeze that runs for hours. A good camping fan will be lightweight, quiet, portable and able to attach to the tent’s floor, wall or ceiling. You should get a fan with foam blades, because you’ll be using it in a tight space.

SLEEP IN A HAMMOCK

Camping with a hammock is another level of camping altogether. If you are camping in an area that has a couple of trees to tie a hammock between then you are in great shape. This is a great way to get full-body air circulation while also having a fun vantage point of the world around you.

There is a “drawback” to hammock camping as it can get chilly if the temperature drops or if there is a good breeze coming through. Here are some tips for hammock camping.

  • Type: Make sure you buy the right type of hammock for sleeping — not lounging. A good sleeping hammock will have plenty of fabric to stretch out in, be durable enough for the conditions and lightweight enough to not be a pain.
  • Insects: If you are in an area where mosquitoes like to bite, a hammock allows them easy access to your skin. You will want to use a bug net to keep them away. Or you can apply some bug spray onto the outside of your hammock.
  • Positioning: A hammock forces your body into a slouching hunch that isn’t particularly healthy for your back. To lie flat in a hammock, lie diagonally in it.
  • Rain: String a tarp above your hammock to avoid getting soaked in the middle of the night.

Spend Time At Acorn Acres!

Looking for a fabulous weekend of family fun or couples get away? Look no further then Acorn Acres located in Bozrah CT, Connecticut’s best campground. Call us today or book your trip online at acornacrescampsite.com

stop when you get to Acorn Acres and enjoy our Pickleball courts.