How to Stay Cool While Camping

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We just got home from a late-August summer camping trip at Dos Picos County Park where it was hot, hot, hot. Even with shade and a nice breeze, camping in certain areas and during certain times of year can be downright toasty. But, if you’re like me, you need to make the most out of your summer because that’s when the kids are out of school and when the weather is typically decent. You just need to know how to stay cool while camping.

Also, when it’s hot out, the last thing you want to be doing is spending hours in front of a hot bbq or grill making dinner. Check out my list of easy camping meals that will be quick and easy, so you have more time to relax in the shade.

If you are planning a summer camping trip, the Amazon finds below can be a game changer. We used every single one of them over this past weekend, and they helped us to entertain the kids, cool off, and ultimately have more fun.

Another fun idea? Try out one of these campgrounds with a waterpark!

How to Stay Cool While Camping: Outdoor Misters

If it’s really hot during your summer camping trip, outdoor misters are a pretty easy way to stay cool and comfortable while outdoors. They connect to a faucet, so if you’re on a campsite with water hookups, you can attach a mister and set this up on your campsite. There are a variety of styles to choose from, but misters typically cost around $20- $30.

Truck Bed Pool

This pool was a game changer for us. We parked the truck in some shade and would post up in this pool to cool off. Even just sitting on the edge with our feet in the pool cooled us down immensely while on a warm-weather camping trip. Truck bed pools aren’t too expensive either. You can find them in the $50- $100 range. The one we used runs about $75 on Amazon.

Water Balloons

Don’t under estimate the value of water balloons. Not only do they provide a refreshing cooldown, they also provide entertainment for the kids. We love the quick-fill water balloons so that we can fill hundreds in a matter of seconds, but the reusable water balloons are nice too (and easier to clean up).

How to Stay Cool While Camping – Shade Canopy

If you’re wondering how to stay cool while camping, even if there is no running water available, you’ve likely already thought of a shade of some sort. A shade canopy, shade sail or EZ-Up are all good ways to ensure you have enough shade on your campsite. EZ-Ups are nice because they can be set up just about anywhere, but they will cost a bit more. Shade sails will require that you have somewhere on the campsite to tie them to.

Kiddie Pool

A kiddie pool is another easy way to stay cool during summer camping trips. An inflatable or foldable option means it’s easy to pack along and won’t take up too much space in your vehicle. Besides being refreshing, kids (and dogs) typically enjoy splashing around a bit as well. A kiddie pool won’t set you back much either. You can find plenty in the $10- $25 range.

Stay Cool While Camping With Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are another easy option for staying cool while camping, and what’s nice about these is that they are very portable. You don’t have to simply stay in one spot, like with the pools. You can put a cooling towel on your neck and enjoy feeling refreshed while you take a walk or get things done at camp.

If you have other tried and true advice on how to stay cool while camping, feel free to add it in the comments.

Note: As an Amazon associate, I may get paid from purchases made through links on this page.