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 some 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.
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.
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.
*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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 and usb port.
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.
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.
If you prefer something a little more sophisticated and are willing to spend a bit more, here is a great product for you. If you prefer charging devices over using batteries, then this is perfect.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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