Summer is here and with it the desire to go camping! But when the thermometer climbs above 30 degrees, a relaxed camping vacation can quickly turn into a sweaty affair. Whether you're traveling with a motorhome, caravan or tent - every camper faces special challenges in hot weather. In this article, we'll tell you what you can do to effectively combat this!
Table of contents
Why is the right preparation so important when camping in the heat?
How do you choose the ideal pitch for camping in the heat?
What sun protection measures will keep your motorhome or caravan cool?
Which technical aids help against heat in the motorhome?
What natural methods can cool you down when camping?
How do you keep a tent cool in extreme heat?
How do you keep cool when camping with a dog?
Tips for sleeping comfortably despite the heat when camping
Summary
Why is the right preparation so important when camping in the heat?
Camping in the heat can be really exhausting if you're not prepared. Your motorhome, caravan or tent can quickly turn into an oven in direct sunlight - and that makes a summer camping vacation anything but relaxing. Imagine this: You come back after a great day at the lake and your camper is so hot you can barely breathe.
The good news? With the right tips and a clever camping packing list for warm days, you can camp relaxed even in extreme heat. It's not just about your comfort - excessive heat can also cause health problems and damage your camping equipment.
Well thought-out heat protection makes the difference between an unforgettable camping vacation and a sweaty ordeal. And don't worry: you don't have to spend a fortune! Many effective methods cost little or nothing. By the way: You should also take your cool box tips to heart when it's hot.
From the smart choice of parking space to clever sun protection measures and technical aids - there are many ways to keep a cool head even in the summer heat.
How do you choose the ideal pitch for camping in the heat?
The right pitch is your most important ally in the fight against the heat! You should think strategically as soon as you arrive at the campsite. A shady spot under large trees is worth its weight in gold - it stays much cooler here than in open areas.
Pay attention to the amount of sunlight during the day. Ideally, you should look for a spot where a hillside or forest to the west provides natural shade in the afternoon. The afternoon sun is particularly brutal and really heats up your vehicle.
Pro tip for choosing the right pitch: Campsites at higher altitudes are often much cooler than those in valleys or near towns. An altitude difference of just 300-500 meters can mean several degrees - this is crucial when camping in the heat!
If you're traveling spontaneously and haven't reserved a pitch, it's best to arrive early in the morning. Then you have the best choice and can stand in the shade where it's coolest. Avoid places near paved roads or parking lots - they store the heat and release it again at night.
What sun protection measures will keep your motorhome or caravan cool?
Now it's getting specific: with the right sun protection, you can turn your motorhome or caravan into a cool oasis! An awning is your best friend - it not only provides shade, but also significantly reduces the direct heating of the vehicle walls.
Awnings are also well suited: They are flexible to use and create extensive shade. You can set them up between trees, on the awning or even free-standing. This keeps your motorhome much cooler and provides you with a pleasant outdoor area.
The insider tip for professionals: silver insulating mats for windscreens and windows! These reflect up to 90 percent of the sun's energy and are real miracle weapons against the heat. Simply stick them to the windows from the inside - and your caravan will no longer turn into a sauna.
Effective sun protection solutions at a glance:
| Sun protection | Costs | Effectiveness | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning | €€€ | Very high | Low |
| Awning | €€ | High | Medium |
| Silver insulation mats | € | Very high | Very low |
| Light-colored coatings | €€ | Medium | Low |
| Awning | €€€ | High | Medium |
You can also be clever when choosing the color of your camping equipment: Light colors reflect sunlight better than dark colors. A white awning heats up less than a dark blue one. If your motorhome is already dark, light-colored covers or tarpaulins can help to reduce the amount of sunlight.
What technical aids help against heat in the motorhome?
Sometimes natural methods are not enough - that's when technical aids come into play! A good fan can work wonders and ensures air circulation in the motorhome. Battery-powered 12V models are particularly practical as they consume little power.
An air conditioning system can be useful for longer stays in extreme heat. Modern retrofit air conditioning systems for motorhomes are not cheap, but they can effectively lower the temperature in the motorhome. However, bear in mind that they require a lot of electricity and can be quite loud at night.
Clever alternative: Mobile air conditioners or air coolers are cheaper and more flexible to use. They often work with evaporative cooling and require less energy. Special cooling mats for the bed or seating area can also provide pleasant cooling.
Technical cooling aids - advantages and disadvantages:
Fans (12V):
- ✅ Low power consumption
- ✅ Inexpensive to purchase
- ✅ Quiet in operation
- ❌ Limited cooling effect
Air conditioners:
- ✅ Very effective cooling
- ✅ Precise temperature control
- ❌ High power consumption
- ❌ Expensive to purchase/install
- ❌ Noisy in operation
Mobile air coolers:
- ✅ Cheaper than air conditioners
- ✅ Can be used flexibly
- ✅ Lower power consumption
- ❌ Less effective in high humidity
If you're looking for tips to combat heat in your motorhome that really work: Combine several methods! A fan plus sunshade is often more effective than a single expensive device. This way, you can cool your motorhome without spending a fortune.
Which natural methods keep you cool while camping?
Here are the housewife tips that really work! Hanging damp towels in the interior is an old trick that provides noticeable cooling through evaporation. This works particularly well if a fan is running at the same time.
You can also wrap wet towels around drinks bottles or hang them over chairs. The evaporation removes heat from the air and creates a more pleasant climate. This effect is particularly strong in very dry air.
The water trick: Place bowls of cold water in your motorhome or tent. The water evaporates slowly and cools the air. You can also hang a damp sheet in front of an open window - this cools the warm air coming in.
Natural cooling methods - quick and free:
Can be implemented immediately:
- Hang up damp towels
- Set up cold bowls of water
- Wrap wet cloths around drinks bottles
- Dip your feet in cold water
With a little preparation:
- Stretch a damp sheet in front of windows
- Water atomizer for quick cooling
- Frozen water bottles as "cold packs"
- Cold shower before going to bed
Cooling down personally is just as important: a cold shower or a dip in cool water effectively lowers your body temperature. Cold, wet towels on your neck or wrists also help quickly. With the right cooling equipment, even the worst summer heat becomes bearable.
How do you keep a tent cool in extreme heat?
Tent campers have a particularly hard time in the heat - tents heat up even faster than motorhomes! But there are clever solutions here too. The orientation of your tent is crucial: pitch it so that the main entrances do not face south.
Keeping a tent cool works best with additional protection from the outside. Stretch a tarpaulin or tarp over your tent - the air gap between them has an insulating effect. This prevents your tent from turning into an oven in direct sunlight.
Material makes the difference: Light-colored tents made of breathable materials stay cooler than dark ones. If you often want to camp in hot areas, invest in a special summer tent with UV protection and good ventilation.
When camping in the heat, you should open your tent completely during the day if possible. Create a draught and use all the ventilation openings. Sleeping in your tent will be much more comfortable if you have eliminated all sources of heat in the evening and it stays cool.
How do you keep cool when camping with a dog?
Camping with a dog in the heat requires special attention! Your four-legged companion cannot regulate their body temperature as well as you can - so as a responsible dog owner, you must always keep a cool head and act with foresight.
First things first: make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Set up several water bowls and change the water regularly. A cooling mat especially for dogs can work wonders - it stays cool for hours and gives your pet a comfortable place to lie down.
Tip for hot days: Avoid the midday heat completely! Take your dog for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening. The asphalt can get so hot that it burns the paws - always test with your hand before you set off.
When camping with a dog, you should also spend more time outdoors rather than torturing both of you in a cramped camper van or tent. A shady spot under trees with a cooling mat is much more comfortable for your dog than a heated vehicle.
Tips for sleeping comfortably despite the heat when camping
Sleeping in the heat is the biggest problem for many campers. Here are 5 tips that really work and ensure restful nights:
The 5 best tips for sleeping in the heat:
1. prepare your sleeping area (in the afternoon)
Prepare your sleeping area in the afternoon. Close all windows and curtains to keep the hot air out. This will keep your sleeping area much cooler.
- Close all windows and curtains
- Keep hot air outside
- Room stays significantly cooler
2. choose the right bed linen
Use cooling bed linen made from breathable materials such as bamboo or linen. Avoid thick blankets and heavy pillows - a thin sheet is often sufficient.
- Breathable materials (bamboo, linen)
- Thin sheets instead of thick blankets
- Use light pillows
3. place the fan strategically
A small fan right next to the bed can significantly reduce sweating. Position it so that it does not blow directly on you, but ensures air circulation.
- Don't point it directly at your body
- Ensure air circulation
- Reduces sweating considerably
4. lower body temperature
Cool your feet with cold water before sleeping. This lowers your body temperature and makes it easier to fall asleep.
- Cool your feet before sleeping
- Cold water at the sink
- Makes it easier to fall asleep
5. emergency plan: sleep outside
If nothing helps, take your bed outside! Many campers prefer to sleep outdoors in extreme heat - this is often much more pleasant than sleeping in a heated motorhome.
- Take your bed outside in extreme heat
- Often more comfortable in the open air
- Many campers swear by this
The most important tips for cool camping in the heat
Whether you are traveling with a motorhome, caravan or tent - with the right strategy, you can camp in a relaxed manner even in extreme heat. The key lies in combining various measures:
Choosing the right pitch is your most important trump card. Look for shade and avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Use effective sun protection with awnings, sun sails and reflective insulating mats for windows.
Technical aids such as fans can be useful for longer stays, but don't underestimate the power of natural cooling methods! Damp towels use the evaporative cooling to create a pleasant indoor climate.
Special measures are necessary for tent campers, as tents heat up more quickly than motorhomes or caravans. Additional precautions are important when camping with a dog - always remember that your four-legged friend can't tolerate the heat as well as you can.
Proper preparation of the sleeping area is crucial for restful sleep despite high temperatures. With the right precautions, camping can be a pleasant experience even in the summer heat - you just need to know how!
