It’s prime time for summer camping. Whether you prefer glamping, tent camping or backpacking, spending time outdoors and sleeping under the stars is a fantastic way to decompress and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Research shows that spending time outside has numerous physical and mental health benefits. It can improve sleep quality by resetting your ritmul circadian to align with the natural rising and setting of the sun. It can lower cortisol levels and stimulate the release of serotonin, often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, which can help regulate mood and enhance your overall sense of well-being.

The obvious downside to summer camping is the heat. Dr. Michael Gradisar, head of sleep science at Sleep Cycle, explains, “Overheating during the night disrupts sleep, in the form of more frequent awakenings, night sweats and/or reduced sleep quality. For those already prone to rumination or insomnia, high nighttime temperatures act as an added stressor, making it even more likely you’ll wake and struggle to drift off again. The result? Fragmented sleep and groggy warm mornings.”

The good news is that there are easy ways to keep cool and comfortable while camping this summer. Here are ten simple tips and tricks for staying cool while sleeping outside.

How to stay cool while sleeping outdoors

1. Mesh is best

When camping in hot and humid conditions, choose a lightweight and breathable tent with plenty of mesh material and ventilation panels. Tents with a mesh canopy are ideal because they allow for adequate airflow and prevent heat from building up inside. If you’re sharing the tent with a partner, children or pets, make sure there is sufficient space for everyone. Feeling sweaty şi cramped all night is a surefire way to damper your camping experience.

2. Shoo, rainfly

Choosing whether to use the rainfly can significantly affect your comfort while camping at night. I’ve made the mistake of leaving it off when I shouldn’t have on multiple occasions, waking up with chattering teeth to unexpected rain or snow. I’ve also kept the rainfly on during warm nights, leading to restless slumber in a much-too-stuffy tent.

If there’s no precipitation in the forecast, it’s best to leave the rainfly off while you sleep on hot summer nights. The extra airflow not only helps prevent overheating but you’ll also have a great view of the stars in the night sky above.

3. Reflect the sun

If you can’t keep your tent out of direct sunlight, consider covering it with a reflective sunshade or tarp. Be mindful of the sun’s movement throughout the day and adjust the tarp as needed for optimal protection. Leave space between the sunshade and your tent to prevent hot air and condensation from getting trapped.

I also recommend placing a groundsheet or tarp underneath your tent. It will add an extra layer of protection between you and the hard ground and safeguard against potential rainfall. A tarp can also extend the lifespan of your tent by protecting its floor from tears and rips.

4. Tent location and angle

Where and when you pitch your tent are crucial components for a comfortable camping experience. First, prioritize a campsite that offers plenty of shade. This will help keep you cooler and prevent your tent from accumulating heat. It may even be worth keeping your tent disassembled during the day and reassembling it after the sun has gone down — that way, there’s less opportunity for it to heat the tent. 

Angle your tent so that the door faces the breeze. For optimal ventilation, open all the vents and mesh windows on your tent, but ensure the door is closed to keep bugs out. If you want or need to use your rainfly, consider getting one that extends over your tent to create a small awning or shaded area in the front, which can help keep the interior cooler during the day. 

When camping, it’s best practice to go to bed and wake up with the sun. Why? Your tent will warm up quickly as soon as the sun rises. If you’re trying to sleep in because you went to bed too late, you may find yourself tossing and turning in your hot box of a tent all morning.

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5. Use a portable fan

Running a fan in your tent at night can help circulate the air and create a cool breeze, allowing you to sleep more comfortably. Portable fans come in various shapes and sizes, many of which offer adjustable speeds and customizable airflow settings to fit your preferences. Fans specifically designed for tent camping are typically lightweight, battery-operated (some are rechargeable) and may include hooks or clips for convenient attachment inside your tent. You’ll want to consider the battery’s run-time and how often you’d need to charge your fan if you’re camping for multiple nights in a row without access to electricity.

When setting up the fan in your tent, position it above your sleeping area rather than on the ground to avoid obstructions caused by people or gear. If your tent has vents, align the fan to draw cool air in or push warm air out through these openings.

One portable option is the Coghlan’s Camping Fan, which features three fan speeds, a hook for hanging and a built-in light. If you want something more powerful, check out the Shark FlexBreeze Fan, chosen by CNET editors as one of the best outdoor tech products of 2025. Portable air conditioning units are also available if you want to indulge a bit and your campsite situation allows for it.

If you’re looking for a fan to cool you down as you move around during the day, consider a wearable neck fan. This allows you to stay hands-free while enjoying a refreshing breeze.

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6. Ditch the tent

If your camping environment is safe and the weather is clear, you might want to consider skipping the tent and using a hammock or trying cowboy camping instead. Cowboy camping means sleeping on the ground with just a mattress pad and sleeping bag, without a tent for shelter. Similar to the tent, you can place a tarp beneath your sleeping pad for added protection. As always, be mindful of potential wildlife hazards and ensure that you securely store any food and attractants to avoid drawing local wildlife to your campsite.

7. Skip the sleeping bag

Most sleeping bags are designed to provide insulation and warmth. Unless you have a lightweight, warm-weather sleeping bag with less insulation and more breathability, you might want to consider forgoing the sleeping bag altogether. Instead, pack a lightweight sheet made of moisture-wicking materials such as linen, bamboo or cotton. Check out our list of the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers in 2025, tested and approved by CNET experts.

You can also stick your feet out from the sheet as you sleep, which will help regulate your core body temperature. “As the body prepares for sleep, it naturally releases heat, especially from the hands, feet and face. This cooling coincides with increased sleepiness. But when your environment is too warm, your body can’t shed heat effectively, making it harder to fall and stay asleep,” says Gradisar.

8. Stay hydrated

Though it seems obvious, I cannot emphasize this enough: stay hydrated. 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. 

Engaging in outdoor activities on your camping trip, such as hiking, swimming, biking or even playing yard games, can be physically demanding, making it even more important to drink plenty of water.

It’s wise to pack more water and ice than you think you’ll need, especially at higher elevations, where dehydration can occur more quickly. If you plan to drink alcohol, be sure to consume plenty of water to help offset its diuretic effects. Additionally, keep in mind that alcohol can affect your sleep quality. “Even moderate alcohol intake exacerbates the likelihood of waking from sleep,” explains Gradisar.

The general rule of thumb is to bring two gallons of water per person for each day of camping. This number includes the estimated two liters of water (on average) you’ll drink daily and the water you’ll need for cooking and cleaning. Before you head out on your trip, check if the campground has a potable water system where you can refill. If you’re hiking and camping in the backcountry, find out where your water sources will be along the way, such as lakes, rivers and streams. Water is remarkably heavy — bring a filtered water bottle or Lifestraw so you can refill and stay hydrated on the go without having to carry excess water weight. I highly recommend the Grayl GeoPress Purifier Water Bottle, which filters quickly and efficiently. 

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Consider bringing a cooler with ice and frozen water bottles if you’re car camping. This way, you can keep your cooler cold and have backup water. It also doesn’t hurt to bring some electrolyte powder to add to your water bottle. Electrolyte packets can help you stay hydrated by replenishing the essential minerals you need to function properly. My personal favorite and one of CNET’s best electrolyte powders of 2025 este LMNT.

9. Rinse off before bed

If your campsite offers showers, take advantage of that and rinse off before bed. Showering can help lower your core body temperature, which signals to your brain that it’s time for sleep. If there are no showers, consider taking a dip 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

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

Other gear to bring camping this summer

How you camp and what you bring is entirely up to you — you can go super minimal or pack the car to the brim as if preparing for the apocalypse. Regardless of your setup, your trip will be significantly improved if everyone stays safe and comfortable with the right gear and equipment. Here are a few other camping products I use and recommend having on hand.

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). For guidance on selecting the right one, check out this fun and informative article by Outdoor Life that evaluates the best bear canisters tested by actual grizzly bears. 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 communicator: If you’re heading into the backcountry, consider investing in a handheld GPS or satellite communicator. These devices offer accurate navigation in remote areas and can help you safely trek through unfamiliar terrain. In an emergency, a comunicator prin satelit allows you to send distress signals and communicate with rescue services. 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. 

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 had to use this feature recently on a hike and was impressed 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. I’ve found myself in multiple situations where it would have been highly beneficial — and even potentially life-saving — if my phone battery hadn’t been dead. 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. 

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Insect repellent: Avoid setting up camp near stagnant water, as it increases humidity and attracts unwanted insects such as mosquitoes. There’s nothing worse than being too hot şi getting eaten alive by bugs. I like the EPA-registered Natrapel Insect Repellent for keeping mosquitoes, ticks and other insects away.