How to Stay Cool While Camping in the Summer

There are a lot of reasons why summer is a great time to travel. With school out, it is easier to plan family vacations and weekend getaways, plus the longer days are perfect for spending time outdoors. On top of that, the warmer weather makes summer RV camping much more inviting compared to the cooler, wetter months of the year.

But summer can also bring extreme heat, which makes being outside difficult, and even dangerous, at times. On those days, you may be tempted to lock yourself in your motorhome or travel trailer with the air conditioning on full blast. Running the A/C all day isn’t very energy efficient, however, and staying inside defeats the purpose of going camping in the first place.

Fortunately, there are some ways to stay comfortable and cool, even when the thermometer begins to climb. Here are some tips to help you beat the summer heat and make the most of your next warm-weather camping trip.

Stay Hydrated

When spending time outdoors in hot temperatures, it is essential to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps the body produce sweat, which is a natural way of cooling down. Plus, a cold beverage does wonders for helping us feel better about the warmer temperatures and makes it easier to continue to drink more fluids.

On the other hand, drinking alcohol can be counterproductive, so try to avoid beer, wine, and liquor during the heat of the day. Alcohol can cause the body to dehydrate faster, which can be dangerous in sweltering conditions, especially if you’re also active enough to work up a sweat. If you want to enjoy a few adult beverages, wait until later in the day—or even after dark—when the temperature starts to drop.

Dress Appropriately

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when outdoors in the summer heat. This will allow the body to breathe better, keeping it more comfortable in the warm temperatures. Garments that are quick-drying and wick moisture away from the body will keep you more comfortable and cooler, particularly if you’re hiking, biking, or participating in other active pursuits.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting and restrictive clothes, as they are more likely to trap heat close to the body. Fabrics that retain moisture and take a long time to dry will also become uncomfortable very quickly. Dark-colored clothing will also absorb and hold the heat, making you feel warmer as a result. Remember, if you’re actively sweating, your body is trying to cool you down, but you’re also becoming more dehydrated. Wearing appropriate apparel will help you stay cool and safe. 

Wear a Hat

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat on a hot day provides additional shade and protects your head from the direct sun. This can help you avoid heat stroke, although it may make you feel warmer, causing you to perspire more. For a little extra help staying comfortable, soak your hat in water before putting it on. It will feel cool and refreshing, at least for a little while.

Eat Light Meals

It’s easy to lose your appetite when temperatures soar into the triple digits but remember that it is important to eat something throughout the day. Smaller, lighter meals consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables are always good, as are salads, rice, yogurt, and cold sandwiches. Avoid heavy foods like pasta or thick cuts of meat, as they may not sit well on your stomach and can cause you to feel overly uncomfortable in hot weather.

Cook Outside

On particularly hot days, avoid using the stove, oven, or microwave inside your RV to prepare meals. Those appliances generate heat that can cause the interior temperature to rise, putting more strain on your air conditioner and RV power system. Instead, cook your food in your RV’s outdoor kitchen or on the grill. The heat generated will be outside your rig and will have a negligible impact on the interior temperature.

Made in the Shade

At the campsite, park your RV under some trees if possible. Parking in the shade will help keep the interior of the vehicle cooler and provide protection from the sun when you’re spending time outdoors. If your campsite is exposed to sunlight for most of the day, an awning can provide some much-appreciated shelter from the heat of the sun. If you don’t have an awning on your vehicle, a pop-up canopy is an easy and affordable way to add some shade when needed.

Camp Near Water

Whether staying in a private campground or boondocking at a remote location, set up camp near water whenever possible. Lakes, rivers, and streams help bring the ambient temperature down a few degrees, which may not seem like much, but can be the difference between staying comfortable. When the thermometer starts to inch up towards 100ºF, every little bit of help is appreciated, even if it is only a degree or two of difference.

Go for a Swim

Take advantage of public beaches, pools, secluded swimming holes, and other opportunities to take a dip in the cool water. Going for a swim is one of the best ways to avoid the heat and keep your core body temperature down. Even a short dip can be incredibly refreshing, even when the water is warmer than you might expect.

Bring a Fan

It’s amazing how much even the slightest breeze can help bring some much-needed relief from hot weather. But when the wind isn’t blowing, you can create your own by plugging in a fan. This goes for outside your RV too, where a fan with a built-in mister can make a surprisingly big difference when trying to stay cool and comfortable outdoors.

Let the Breeze In

You can’t always park your RV in a place where you can take advantage of the breeze, but if the winds are blowing in your favor, use them to your advantage. When you have a steady crosswind, open the windows on your rig and let Mother Nature provide some natural cooling. However, be mindful of high humidity, as it can make your interior space feel warmer and less comfortable. Humidity can also make your RV’s air conditioners work overtime trying to keep the interior cool. Still, just getting a little air movement can make a big difference.

Maintain Your Air Conditioner

If your RV has an air conditioner, be sure to perform your annual routine maintenance, including cleaning or replacing all of the filters. This will help the A/C unit to run more efficiently, allowing it to maintain a proper temperature without using excess fuel or energy.

RV air conditioners have gotten more efficient and powerful in recent years, cranking out cooler air while consuming less energy. If your A/C units happen to be on the older side, it may be worth considering replacing them with something new. This can have a dramatic impact on keeping your rig more comfortable in the summer heat, allowing you to enjoy your camping outings much more.

Add an Air Conditioner

If your RV doesn’t have an A/C unit, there are several small, portable models that can be added to the vehicle. These devices work well for cooling down a smaller space and are especially helpful for sleeping comfortably at night. Most models run just fine using the 12-volt DC outlet in your vehicle, as well as from a portable power station, bringing much-needed relief when you need it most.

Additionally, many modern RVs ship from the factory with support for a second—or even third—A/C unit. If you bought a motorhome or towable that has room for another air conditioner, consider adding one. This will help distribute the cooler air more evenly throughout the interior and will help take some of the load off of your existing air conditioners.

Cover Your Skylights

Another way to keep the interior of your RV cooler is to cover the skylights. While it is nice to have natural light inside your RV, skylights can also generate additional heat, particularly on very hot days. Insulated skylight covers will prevent that from happening and help you maintain a cooler interior temperature at all times.

Cover Your Roof Vents, Too

Maintaining proper ventilation helps keep the temperature inside your RV lower and the interior more comfortable over all. Installing covers on the roof vents will ensure that cool air gets in and warm air goes out, creating steady circulation as a result. This keeps the air fresh and clean, which is important when the outside heat is feeling oppressive.

Switch to LED Lights

Most newer RVs now come with LED lighting, which runs cooler and is more energy-efficient than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. If you’re still using older light bulbs in your rig, maybe it’s time to upgrade. The energy savings is worth it alone, but they will also help lower the temperature inside your RV’s cabin. Those gains may be marginal, but once again, every little bit helps.

Plan Activities for Early Morning or Evening

The sun is at its hottest, starting in the late morning and lasting into the early evening. You’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise during that time of day. Instead, schedule your hikes, bike rides, kayaking trips, and other activities for the early morning or later in the evening before sunset. Not only will you stay cooler and more comfortable while outdoors, your body will recover from the activity better, keeping you feeling healthy and energized as a result.

Travel to Someplace Cooler

While it isn’t always easy to change your plans at the last minute, part of the fun and appeal of RVing is the flexibility in travel it provides. If you find that the weather forecast for your intended destination is calling for scorching temperatures, perhaps you can switch up your schedule and go someplace cooler. The goal is to enjoy the experience and be safe while on the road, which can be very challenging in excessive heat.

Longer, hotter, and dryer summers are becoming the norm, so finding ways to still enjoy our favorite activities while remaining safe and cool is vitally important. These tips should help with that, so be smart, enjoy the summer, and take it easy in the heat.