Going camping in super hot weather? How to keep your campsite comfortable (and safe)

Shivering in your sleeping bag on a freezing cold night camping is an experience that many can relate to.

But California summer camping in hot weather can be equally unpleasant — not to mention potentially dangerous.

Heat-related illness is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the country, according to data from the Centers for Disease and Control. And at the very least, hot weather in the forecast can dampen your plans for a fun-filled weekend of camping, that is, if you’re not prepared.

But if you’re worrying about sky-high temperatures on your next summer camping trip, rest assured, there are ways to get the most out of even a broiling hot campsite.

Keep reading for tips from the experts on how to keep safe, keep cool and keep having fun while camping during super hot weather.

Seek out shade — or make some

Look for a spot with ample trees for shade, away from valleys or even a space on a ridgeline for more wind.

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If you’ve got plans to go inland toward the heat and can’t change them, finding — or bringing — shade can be a lifesaver.

If you have flexibility with your choice, site selection is key here. Look for a spot with ample trees for shade or that’s away from valleys, or even a spot on a ridgeline for more wind.

Worried that your campsite might be too exposed? Sports Basement rental operations manager Mateo Sanchez recommends renting a pop-up canopy to create your own shade, which you can even set up above your tent to keep your sleeping space sheltered from the hot sun.

Make sure you’re dressing right for the heat

This may sound counterintuitive, but wearing more clothes can sometimes keep you cooler. Put on generous amounts of sunscreen, but also look for shirts with a UPF rating or that are made of natural fibers like linen, cotton or even lightweight wool, and won’t be as stuffy.

Covering up means your skin stays cool and protected from the sun’s harsh rays, and you’re less likely to get a sunburn.

“You always want to dress in layers,” California State Parks Central Valley District spokesperson Amber Sprock said. “Even if it’s hot, it may cool off in the evening.”

Bring a hat and sunglasses to keep you comfortable even while you’re out and about. You can even dunk your hat, a bandana or your clothes into cold water to keep cool. To combat sweaty feet, leave the hiking boots at home and opt for mesh-topped running shoes or sandals if you don’t plan on hiking.

The bottom line, Sanchez said: “Stay out of the sun.”

Create ventilation for your tent

Sometimes, all it takes to turn a boiling hot campsite into a summer paradise is a strong breeze. So set up your site to take advantage of any wind that comes through the area by looking for perches like ridgelines up and out of valleys and sites that aren’t enclosed by dense forest or buildings on more than one side. If your tent has mesh windows, aim them toward the source of the wind.

Pitch your tent to take advantage of the morning shade by tracing the sun’s path backwards toward the east and finding trees that might block it in the morning — and so long as there’s no rain in the forecast, leave your rain fly off the tent. That will allow for more ventilation to run through your sleeping area to keep you cool at night.

You can even disassemble your tent during the hottest part of the day to avoid it heating up on the inside. Skip the bedtime campfire and the sleeping bag if it’s too hot, or try out sleeping in a hammock in the shade to avoid a stuffy tent entirely.

Going to bed early and starting early can also keep you from waking up in a pool of your own nighttime sweat.

And if you’ve got the space, consider bringing a portable fan that’s solar or battery powered or a large box fan and a generator to your campsite to help create your own wind. Or, you can choose to camp in a spot like Anthony Chabot Campground in Castro Valley that has full electricity, sewer and water hookups — typically used by RVers — even if you’re just tent camping.

“In the hookup sites, people have all kinds of things,” Anthony Chabot Campground Park Supervisor Maurice Quince said. “I’ve even seen people with misters on the side of their pop-up tents.”

A strong crosswind will also help disperse bugs like mosquitoes, as they tend to be active during the summer months.

There are many ways to keep your campsite cool in high summer heat.

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Plan activities during morning and evening

Sprock, whose district covers Central Valley parks like Caswell Memorial State Park in San Joaquin County — one of the hottest areas in the state — said she recommends getting an early start to your day or delaying strenuous activities so you’re not out in direct sun during the hottest part of the day.

“If you have a hike you want to do, or you have some outdoor picnicking you’d like to do, maybe planning it earlier in the morning or later towards the evening is better so you can avoid that heat,” she said.

Caswell is situated on the Stanislaus River and has plenty of shade from its oak riparian forest, making it an ideal pick for hot-weather campers who want plenty of access to cool shade and water.

And while you’re out and about, don’t forget to bring lots of water, Sprock said. A cooler full of ice and cold drinks, especially those with electrolytes, will help you keep your body hydrated and your temperature in check — and you can use the ice water it creates as relief for your neck or back.

Most of all, it’s OK to pause what you’re doing, get out of the heat and stay safe during midday.

“If you know it’s gonna be 105,” Sprock said, “make sure that there is a place for you to take a break — either in your vehicle or on a shaded picnic bench.”

For your next trip, head toward cooler temperatures

While some areas of the country have been experiencing a heat wave this summer, parts of the Bay Area have been largely spared and are even reporting colder-than-normal summer temperatures. That’s in large part due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which brings ample fog to the California coast.

So if you’re worried about heat while camping in the future, consider heading away from inland locations and out toward the ocean — where wind and fog will keep you cooler.

A couple climbs a pilaster to get a view south to the coastline of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along California Highway 1 on May 2, 2021, in Big Sur, California.

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“Our rule of thumb is: ‘When it gets hot, head more towards the coast,’” Sports Basement’s Sanchez said. “That’s going to be cooler nine times out of 10.”

Alternatively, you can always go up in altitude — think Tahoe or the High Sierra, where temperatures tend to stay below the 90s during the day and cool down rapidly at night, especially if you camp outside the Lake Tahoe Basin itself.

Plan to camp near water

If you’re planning to stay close by, consider camping near a river or lake where you can take frequent dips to stay cool. For example, some non-Lake Tahoe lake spots that are still within a few hours’ drive of the Bay Area may be less crowded once school is back in session.

Stacy Wyman, who manages Gold Country Campground Resort in Amador County’s Pine Grove, said the hottest months bring their peak visitation, between May and October.

That’s also when their swimming pool and spray park are open to keep visitors cool during the heat of the summer.

“On holidays, especially when it’s super hot, we’ll even have water games,” Wyman said.

Just remember — if you’re planning to cool off in a fast-moving river, stay aware of the dangers, and don’t forget your life jacket.