Keep your cool when camping this summer
If you're eschewing an air-conditioned hotel or villa in favour of a camping, caravanning or campervan trip this summer, you need to know how to keep as cool and comfortable as possible. You might be somewhere that has a swimming option - a pool, or a safe lake or river, but if you're heading to somewhere remote, that might not be an option.
Staying cool in a tent, caravan, or campervan is all about reducing heat gain during the day and maximising cooling at night. This means choosing a shady spot whenever possible. You'll also need to leave windows and vents open, so make sure you have insect repellent with you.
In a Tent
During the day
- Pitch your tent in shade whenever possible, especially where morning sun is blocked.
- Use a reflective tarp or sunshade above the tent, leaving an air gap between the tarp and tent.
- Keep doors and vents open to encourage airflow.
- Avoid cooking near the tent.
- Use a battery-powered camping fan.
- Choose a light-coloured tent if buying new.
At night
- Open all vents and doors (with insect screens closed).
- Remove the rainfly if conditions allow.
- Sleep on a raised camp bed rather than directly on the ground.
- Use lightweight cotton or technical bedding instead of thick sleeping bags.
If temperatures remain above 25°C overnight, tents can become uncomfortably hot even with good ventilation. In these conditions, the most effective measures are:
- Finding deep shade.
- Creating airflow with fans.
- Sleeping outside under a tarp or awning (where safe and permitted).
- Spending afternoons in air-conditioned public spaces such as cafés, libraries, or visitor centres.
In a Caravan
Reduce heat build-up
- Park with the largest windows facing away from the afternoon sun.
- Deploy awnings and sun canopies early.
- Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows.
- Fit reflective window covers to windscreens and large windows.
- Use roof vents and extractor fans to remove hot air.
Cooling tips
- Open windows on opposite sides to create a cross-breeze.
- Run fans continuously rather than waiting until it feels hot.
- Spend the hottest hours (typically 2–6 pm) outside under shade rather than inside.
In a Campervan
Ventilation is critical
- Open a low window and a high roof vent to create a chimney effect.
- Install or use a roof fan if available.
- Crack windows slightly overnight (where safe).
Block solar heat
- Use insulated reflective screens on windscreens and cab windows.
- Park so the windscreen faces north (in the Northern Hemisphere) when possible.
- Use an awning to shade the side of the van.
Overnight comfort
- Sleep with maximum ventilation.
- Use a rechargeable fan directed across your sleeping area.
- Consider a cooling towel or damp cloth on your neck and wrists before bed.
Personal cooling tricks
- Drink water regularly throughout the day. If you have a water purifier, you can drink river or stream water, which will be nice and cool, so you won't need to store water in a cool box or fridge.
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.
- Wear sunscreen. Apart from the health risks associated with sunburn, it also makes for a very uncomfortable night; you'll feel hot even if it's cool
- Wet a bandana or cooling towel and place it around your neck.
- Freeze water bottles and place them near your sleeping area.
- Eat lighter meals and avoid alcohol during the hottest part of the day.
If you're camping during a heatwave
For families with children, elderly campers, or pets, NEVER leave anyone in a tent, caravan, or campervan during the day without active ventilation, as interior temperatures can rise rapidly and become dangerous. It's like leaving them in a parked car. Encourage children to take naps outside in the shade and make sure there is always cool water for your dog to drink.
For more advice on keeping cool, take a look at these:
https://thedyrt.com/magazine/lifestyle/beat-the-heatwave-campsite-camping/
https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/advice/camping-tips/summer-camping/
https://www.thewaywardhome.com/episode36/
