Beating The Heat while Car Camping In The Summer
Camping season is here! Many are getting ready to take to the road and stop at campgrounds for a fun and primitive adventure.
The elements can really make or break a trip, though. A rainy or windy day will put a damper on any camping trip. Similarly, the heat can also be a problem, especially if you sleep in your car.
In this article I'm going to share 15 tips on how to car camp when it is hot.
When I say "car camping" I am referring to living out of and sleeping in your car, or just taking a trip or going camping and sleeping in the car rather than using a tent or staying at a hotel.
How hot is too hot for car camping?
It is important to err on the side of caution. Know when it's too hot to sleep in a car. We don't want you having a heat stroke!
According to National Weather Service, the heat becomes dangerous when it reaches 103 degrees. However, a car can get as much as 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature in just an hour. If it is 80 degrees or more outside, it may be too hot inside your car. Night times are cooler though, and you may be able to safely sleep in your car, with caution.
Make sure you have a way to keep your car cool. If you're not sure how to accomplish that, allow me to help!
Here are my tips on staying cool while car camping in the summer.
1. Portable AC
A portable AC unit can be a life saver! Don't sit in a hot car for long, unless you have something like this. It's not exactly an air conditioner, but rather a strong fan that you add ice and water to. It sells for $33.99.
Grab a bag of ice from a grocery store or convenience store and keep it in a cooler. This helps you keep drinks cool, but you can also use ice to rub on your skin and cool off. This Coleman cooler is perfect for a camping trip because it is spacious enough for your food and drinks, and is sturdy and durable. Coleman is a trusted brand that sells this cooler for $25.99.
3. Have a cold water bottle
While I think it's best to use reusable bottles, your average recyclable plastic water bottle can be useful in keeping you cool. Fill it with cold water, and since it is thin and not insulated, the whole bottle will get cold and you can hold it on your skin to cool off.
I have a collapsible water basin that I use for many things. It's great for dishes and laundry, but you can also use it to put water in and dip feet in or splash yourself with the water. This will be useful if you're hanging out at a campground and need a way to cool off. You can add some ice to it to make it even nicer. This collapsible sink sells for $25.90.
This thing works surprisingly well! You can shower to get rid of dirt and sweat, and it also feels nice and will cool you down. For a cold shower, use it right after filling with water. For a warm shower, fill it with water and leave it in the sun. You'll need to have somewhere to hang it from, or have someone hold it above you. Get one of these for just $11.99!
6. Fan
Having a fan on a hot day is crucial. I use a portable camping fan that works wonders. It has several settings, and has a built in light. This battery powered fan goes for $24.99.
Give yourself a cold spritz while fanning yourself with this gadget. It's a two in one fan and mister. It is great for preventing you from overheating. It's small and portable, with an ergonomic design. You don't have to worry about charging it, because it is battery operated. Just have to remember to always have batteries. You can get this little device for $14.99.
The great thing about this next product is that it can go wherever you go, hands free! It hangs around your neck and has two little fans to cool you down all day. This handy fan costs $9.99.
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Window covers not only provide privacy, but they can help keep the sun from turning your car into an oven. They can help at least somewhat.
Here are some window covers for $16.98.
You could also make your own!
10. Go swimming
This tip is pretty obvious. Hot days are perfect for taking a dip in a pool, lake, river, creek, or the ocean. Nothing feels better on a hot day than being submerged in cool water. When you go car camping, the goal is to spend as little time in the car as possible. The car is mostly just to house your gear and sleep in. Spend the day by some water to get the best car camping experience!
11. Cold wash cloth
Take a wash cloth and get it damp, then keep it in a cooler with ice. It will get nice and cold and you can then drape it around your neck, or dab it on your skin for a cooling sensation.
12. Wet wipes
Being covered in sweat is one of the downfalls of car camping in the heat. Wet wipes are great for wiping off sweat, and they are often on the cooler side. Feeling clean can help you feel more comfortable on hot days.
Stay hydrated
On hot days it is essential that you stay hydrated! Drink lots of water. It's also a good idea to replenish electrolytes. Try Liquid IV for a tasty beverage that will keep you hydrated.
Wear the right clothing
It's important to dress for the weather during the summer. On hot days you should wear loose fitting clothes of thinner and more breathable materials like cotton or linen. Shorts and t shirts are your friend during the summer. Letting your feet breathe in some sandals is also helpful in staying cool.
Cooling patches
Cooling patches are made for reducing fevers and migraines, but they also work well at keeping you comfortable in high temperatures. Customers love these cooling patches that you can buy for $9.99.
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Those are all my tips for staying cool while car camping in the summer. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!
*I am sharing some products that I love that include affiliate links. That means if you buy from those Amazon product links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me fund my website.
About the author
Shello! My name is Mermaid Liv, a professional mermaid and content creator. I share my love of mermaiding through this blog, along with my Youtube channel.
If you've never heard of it before, mermaiding is a hobby, profession, and sport that involves wearing mermaid tails made for swimming.
I began making tails in 2013 and have continued my mermaid journey, starting my Youtube channel, working at a mermaid festival, performing at gigs, and being featured in the Netflix Docu Series MerPeople.
Follow me on Instagram for mermaid photos and videos: @the_real_mermaid_liv and be *shore* to check out my Youtube channel.
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