Tips for Camping: 10 Tips for Cool Sleeping Outside This June

It’s traveling time because the nights are huge and the temperatures are great. Whether you’re camp traveling, glamping or backpacking, spending time outdoors and sleeping under the stars is a fantastic means to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Spending day outdoors has numerous advantages for both physical and mental health. It can&nbsp, lower adrenaline levels&nbsp, and activate the release of&nbsp, norepinephrine, often called the “feel-good” hormone. This improves your overall perception of well-being and helps to control your feelings. It can also improve sleeping value by resetting your&nbsp, daily rhythm&nbsp, to coincide with the normal rising and setting of the sun.

One obvious drawback of summers camping is the temperature. Dr. Michael Gradisar, head of sleep research at Sleep Cycle, explains,” Overheating during the night disrupts rest, in the form of more frequent evolutions, night sweats and/or reduced sleep quality. High daytime temperatures act as an additional distress, making it even more likely you’ll wake up and struggle to fall off once more for those who are already liable to meditation or depression. The outcome? Argent slumber and cold, wintery days.

The good news is that there are ways to be secure while camping this summers. Ten easy tricks for staying great while sleeping outdoors are provided.

How to keep great while camping

1. Mesh is best

Choose a compact, lightweight tent with plenty of mesh fabric and ventilation panels when camping in hot and humid weather. Houses with a mesh ceiling are excellent because they allow for enough air and prevent heat from building up inside. Make certain there is room for everyone if you’re sharing the camp with a partner, a child, or a pet. Feeling hot and cramped all evening is a sure way to pipe your camping experience.

Mesh tent canopy with Kelty sleeping bag

My two-person camp is largely made of mesh, which is ideal for those hot summer nights around. CNET’s Alex Lopez

2. Shoo, rainfly

Choosing the rainfly can have a significant impact on your camping satisfaction. I’ve made the mistake of leaving it off when I don’t have on various occasions, waking up with chattering teeth to sudden rain and snow. In a much-too-stuffy camp, I’ve also kept the rainfly on during hot times, which causes restless slumber.

If there’s no rain in the estimates, it’s best to keep the rainfly off while sleeping on those warm summer night. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic view of the night sky above thanks to the further airflow, which prevents overheating.

3. Place and angle of the tent

Where and when you pitch your camp are critical elements for a pleasant camping experience. Promote a camp with plenty of shade. This will help keep you cooler and reduce your camp from accumulating temperature. Consider reassembling your tent after the sun has set, as it will have fewer chances to steam the tent if you keep it disassembled during the day. &nbsp,

Angle your camp so the lock faces the winds to get the best ventilation. Start all the valves and fabric windows, but maintain the lock stays zipped to keep bugs out. Consider getting a rainfly that extends past your camp entrance to create a little canopy or shaded region in the front, which can help keep the inside cooler during the day. &nbsp,

Tent awning setup with folding chair

An cover can provide some additional shade and keep your camp warmer outside. Shepard/Getty Graphics

When traveling, it’s best to go to bed and get up with the sun because your tent does immediately thaw out as the sun sets. If you’re trying to sleep in because you went to bed very late, you may find yourself awkwardly tossing and turning in a dusty camp all day.

Read more about 8 summertime pursuits that will improve your mental health

4. Reflect the light

If you can’t maintain your tent out of direct sunlight, regard covering it with a reflective shade or blanket. Be aware of the sun’s movement throughout the day and change the hammock as needed for best defense. Keep space between the shade and your camp to prevent heated air and moisture from getting trapped.

Additionally, I suggest putting a groundsheet or blanket underneath your camp. It may add an extra layer of protection between you and the hard surface and guard against possible rainfall. By preventing tears and rips on the tent’s floor, a tarp is also extend the life of your tent.

5. Use a convenient lover.

Running a lover in your tent at night may help spread the air and make a great breeze, allowing you to rest more easily. Compact fans come in a variety of sizes and shapes, with air options that can be adjusted to your needs. Fans designed for tent camping are typically lightweight, battery-operated ( some are rechargeable ) and may have hooks or clips for convenient attachment inside your tent. If you’re camping for several nights without electricity, you’ll want to think about the device’s run-time and how frequently you’d have to cost your fan.

When setting up the lover in your tent, place it above your sleep area rather than on the ground to avoid obstacles caused by people or products. If there are vents in your tent, the fan should be positioned to either bring in cool atmosphere in or blow hot air out through these openings.

One convenient option is the Coghlan’s Camping Fan, which features three lover speeds, a rope for hanging and a built-in lighting. The Shark FlexBreeze Fan, which CNET editors chose as one of the best outdoor technology products of 2025, is a stronger option if you want anything more effective. Air conditioning units, such as the EcoFlow Wave convenient AC system, are also available if you want to enjoy a little and your camp situation allows for it.

Consider purchasing a portable neck fan if you want to cool off as you move around during the day while avoiding hands while taking in a refreshing breeze.

Read more: Succeed the Summer Heat Wave With These Must-Have Cooling Products

6. Ditch the camp

Testing the Haven Safari Tent

Hammocks and huts typically sleep cooler. They don’t have as much shielding, and the empty room between you and the floor offers more air and heat loss. Dillon Lopez/CNET

If your camping environment is safe and the weather is clear, you may acquire skipping the camp and using a&nbsp, hammock&nbsp, or trying&nbsp, cowboy camping&nbsp, instead. Camping as a cowboy means sleeping on the ground with a mattress pad and sleeping bag ( without a tent for shelter ). As always, be mindful of possible animals hazards and properly store any meals and attractants to prevent drawing native wildlife to your campsite.

7. Miss the sleeping case

The majority of sleeping bags are made to give warmth and insulation. Unless you have a lightweight warm-weather sleeping case, you might want to drain it immediately. Pack a light plate made of materials that are moisture-wicking, such as linen, wood, or cloth. Check out our list of the best heating sheets for warm sleeping in 2025, tested and approved by CNET specialists.

As you sleep, you can also keep your feet out of the sheet to help regulate your body temperature. ” As the figure prepares for sleep, it inevitably releases heat, mainly from the arms, legs and face. This heating also causes more snooze. But when your environment is too hot, your body can’t lose heat efficiently, making it harder to fall and be asleep”, says Gradisar.

8. Stay hydrated

Although it seems obvious, I cannot stress this enough: drink plenty of water. The risk of dehydration increases as you move and sweat throughout the day, which can lead to serious issues like dizziness, fatigue and reduced cognitive functioning if you’re not drinking enough water. &nbsp,

Engaging in activities during your camping trip, such as hiking, swimming, biking or even playing outdoor games, can be physically demanding, making it even more important to stay hydrated.

The recommended amount of water is two gallons per person for each day of camping, in general. This estimate includes the water you’ll need for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Check if the campground has a system for refilling potable water before heading out on the trip. If you’re hiking and camping in the backcountry, locate your water sources along the way, such as lakes, rivers and streams. Bring a filtered water bottle or Lifestraw to refill and stay hydrated on the go without carrying extra water weight. Water is surprisingly heavy. I highly recommend the Grayl GeoPress Purifier Water Bottle, which filters quickly and efficiently. &nbsp,

If you have the capacity, pack more water and ice than you think you’ll need– especially at higher elevations, where dehydration can occur quickly. Be sure to drink plenty of water if you intend to drink alcohol to help offset its diuretic effects. Additionally, keep in mind that alcohol can affect your sleep quality. Gradisar explains that “even moderate alcohol consumption exacerbates the likelihood of waking from sleep.”

Read more: Best Filtered Water Bottles of 2025

LMNT Citrus Salt Electrolyte Packets

I love the citrus-salt flavor of the LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix because I’m a salty gal. CNET’s Alex Lopez

Additionally, it is okay to bring some electrolyte powder. Electrolyte packets can help you stay hydrated by replenishing the essential minerals you need to function properly. LMNT is my personal favorite and one of CNET’s best electrolytes of 2025.

9. Wash off before going to bed

If your campsite offers showers, rinse off before bed. Your brain is telling you when it’s time to go to bed because you can lower your core body temperature. If there are no showers, consider dipping in a natural body of water nearby, wiping down with potable water or using wet wipes or cooling towels.

10. Protect yourself during the day

Concentrate on maintaining body comfort throughout the day to help you stay cool while you sleep at night. Wear airy, breathable, moisture-wicking, light-colored clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s intense rays. To protect your scalp, face, and eyes, wear a hat and sunglasses. Finally, remember to apply sunscreen multiple times a day. The discomfort of a sunburn is the last thing you want to add to a hot, stuffy tent situation.

Badger 30 Mineral Sunscreen

I’ve been bringing the Badger Daily Mineral Sunscreen on my recent camping trips, which is one of our top-rated sunscreens by CNET editors. CNET’s Alex Lopez

Other gear to bring camping this summer

You can go super minimal or fill the car to the brim as if you were preparing for the apocalypse, depending on how you camp and what you bring. Regardless of your setup, your trip will be significantly improved if everyone stays safe and comfortable with the right gear and equipment. I use and suggest having a few additional camping products on hand, as well.

Bear canister: If you live in bear country or are planning to enter bear territory, a bear canister is a must (unless your campsite provides bear boxes ). Check out this entertaining and instructive Outdoor Life article that evaluates the best bear canisters that have been tested by real grizzly bears for advice on choosing the best one. Bear canisters can also help prevent smaller animals, like chipmunks, pikas and marmots, from getting into your bag and accessing your food.

Handheld GPS and/or satellite communication: If you’re heading into the backcountry, think about purchasing a handheld GPS or satellite communication device. These devices offer accurate navigation in remote areas and can help you safely trek through unfamiliar terrain. A satellite communicator enables you to communicate with rescue services and send distress signals in an emergency. These tools provide an added layer of security and peace of mind during your adventure, enabling you to stay connected while exploring and enjoying the remote beauty of the wilderness. &nbsp,

If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can also use Emergency SOS via satellite to contact emergency services in remote areas without cell service. I recently used this feature on a hike and was surprised by how well it worked.

Portable power bank: It’s fun to go off-grid and disconnect from the “real world” while camping, but being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is important. If my phone battery hadn’t been dead, I’ve found myself in a number of situations where it would have been extremely beneficial– and even potentially life-saving. While I still put my phone on airplane mode to focus on living in the moment during camping and backpacking trips, I now also make a point to keep at least one person in the group’s phone charged in case of emergencies. &nbsp,

Read more: Best Power Banks for iPhones in 2025

Avoid camping near stagnant water because it will make things humidter and draw in unwanted bugs like mosquitoes. There’s nothing worse than being too hot and getting eaten alive by bugs. For preventing mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, I like the Natrapel Insect Repellent, which has been approved by the EPA.

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