How do you keep safe when camping in extreme heat?

It’s hot in the Sahara desert. August and September are particularly scorching. Temperatures often reach over 50℃. In more familiar places, extreme heat can hit anywhere – even Lancaster, England experienced its hottest June day last year. Wherever you camp, you might experience a scorching hot day this summer, so knowing how to manage camping in extreme heat is important.

You can keep safe when camping in extreme heat by doing the basics right. Drink lots of water and stay in the shade. Consider an indoor activity when the sun is at its hottest. Plan your day around the mornings and evenings. Apply sunscreen throughout the day. If your campsite lacks shade, create it yourself.

How to keep safe

Think about taking some basic precautions when camping in extreme heat. Your safety and comfort is important. Here are some tips that will keep you safe.

Stay Hydrated – Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water. I have a stainless steel water bottle full of ice that stays cold all day. It’s my constant companion.

Other articles will tell you to avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol and they would have a point. But I enjoy both. There’s nothing like a coffee while staring at all that beauty. And If, like me, you enjoy a beer, try to wait until the evening.

Find the Right Campsite – You arrive at the campsite and it’s just an open field. Unless you can manufacture some shade you are in big trouble. So when booking, do your research. Look for a tree or two. Read the reviews. Once you get there, set your tent up in a nice shaded spot. This will give you some respite from the extreme heat. Besides protecting against the sun and heat, it’s important to think about other outdoor nuisances. Ever wondered if anything really works to repel mosquitoes?

Apply Sun Protection – I have the complexion of a vampire so I need lots of protection. It goes without saying we must apply sunscreen throughout the day. Try to use one with a high SPF rating.

I once got burned to hell and back after going for a swim. I’d forgotten to re-apply. If you are sweating away putting up the tent you’ll need to re-apply too.

Plan Activities Well – You don’t have to micromanage your whole holiday, but some basic planning will help you cope with the extreme heat. Hike or go to the beach in the early morning. Embrace the evening as the temperatures cool. Relax in a shaded area by 3pm. If I am near any kind of civilization I’ll look for an indoor activity and some air-con.

Stay Cool – Invest in cooling equipment and don’t be too cheap. There’s a whole range of portable fans, misting fans, solar-powered fans. They will help to create airflow your campsite is crying out for. Investing in the right gear is crucial, and understanding what is the best gear for camping in extreme heat can make a significant difference.

Stay in the Shade – Especially during the hottest parts of the day. Always seek shade whenever possible. You’ll stay cooler and reduce the chance of heat-related illnesses. Consider investing in a portable shade structure, such as a canopy. You may have a big golfing umbrella lying around, bring it next time! While managing heat is vital, knowing how to stop being cold when camping in winter is also essential for year-round camping enthusiasts.

Dress Appropriately – Wearing lightweight clothing that covers your skin will help. You can actually find clothes that have a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). It will block the sun to a high degree. Many brands are surprisingly fashionable. You’ll look good while keeping cool.

Keep Your Tent Cool – Hopefully you’ve purchased a good tent that is well ventilated. If not, open all the windows and doors to allow for airflow. Consider a reflective tarp to hang over your tent, it will act as shade and deflect sunlight.

Take Breaks – Remember you are on vacation. I love hiking, but I need a break or two. Look for shaded areas. Rest under a tree and cool down.

Monitor Your Health – How does the heat affect you? You’ll want to avoid heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion or heatstroke. Always keep an eye on the kids. Watch out for symptoms – nausea, dizziness, headaches and rapid heartbeat. Move to a cooler place, drink water and consider medical attention if need be.

By taking these sensible precautions you will enjoy your camping trip, even in extreme heat.

More Creative Ideas

Staying cool during extreme heat may require creativity. So if you enjoy a bit of DIY some of these ideas may be appealing.

Why not consider a DIY Swamp Cooler? All you need is a cheap battery-operated fan and a large container filled with water. It creates a cooling effect as the fan blows air over the water. If you pull it off you’ll really impress your kids.

I don’t how you’ll feel about this one, but how about a Solar-Powered Fan Hat. These hats have small fans powered by the sun. You’ll receive a constant breeze as you hike around the forest. I can’t guarantee your family will look cool, but you may cool down.

Before you go, freeze some water. Frozen Water Bottles will help make your first day bearable. Freeze several bottles of water before you set out. They can be used as makeshift ice packs. Store them in the cooler. Have a nice cold drink as they begin to melt. If you are still hot at night you can put them under the covers or sleeping bag to keep cool.

Feel like getting fancy? Invest in a Portable Misting System. Hang it from a nearby tree to envelope your campsite in a fine mist. It’ll cool the air around you. Any DIY aficionado could easily build their own using a small pump and nozzle.

Have you always wanted to sleep in a hammock? Well now is the time! A Camping Hammock with Mesh Bottom would be the way to go. The mesh bottom is important because it will allow for better airflow. Air will circulate underneath you, helping you to remain cool. Just remember to take your time when getting in and out.

DIY Cooling Pads – this only works if you have a good camping freezer and some space among the hotdogs. Fill a pillowcase with damp towels and place it in the freezer before bedtime. Once frozen, you can place the DIY cooling pad inside your sheets or sleeping bag. It’ll cool you down while trying to get to sleep.

By getting a little creative, you may find one of these unusual cooling methods extremely helpful.

Extreme Heat Around the World

Dealing with the heat in Europe is one thing, but you may be thinking of seeing what the rest of the world has to offer. There are many hot spots around the globe. They offer unique experiences despite the heat:

Death Valley National Park – Death Valley says it all! It gets its name due to the extreme conditions and harsh environment. Pioneers had become lost in the valley and assumed this place would be their grave. It’s known for being one of the hottest places in the world. July is particularly hot. A blistering 47℃ average.

Don’t be put off by its foreboding name. Death Valley is also a place of breathtaking beauty. You’ll witness desert landscapes and rugged mountains. Towering sand dunes will keep you company at night.

People do camp in Death Valley. For most, it is worth it. You’ll be witness to beautiful sunsets.

The night only brings a little respite from the heat, but you’ll have a chance to stargaze at all the heavenly glory.

There are several campgrounds on offer. You are spoiled for choice when choosing from primitive and more developed sites. Some popular campgrounds in Death Valley include Furnace Creek, Texas Springs, Mesquite Spring, and Stovepipe Wells.

Make sure you prepare well, especially in the hotter months. Consider some of the ideas from earlier in the article.

Sahara Desert, Africa – The Sahara definitely comes under once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is the biggest desert in the world. You’ll see vast endless sand dunes and majestic starry nights. Witness nomadic cultures and desert wildlife. Take a plunge into all that tranquility and unique natural beauty.

You won’t need to pack all your camping gear. Many places provide some of the most luxurious tents in the world. They come complete with king sized beds, housekeeping and a yoga room. The Sahara covers eleven countries so you have a wealth of choice.

Rather than lugging a cumbersome water flask around, consider bringing a Hydration Reservoir. It is perfect for on the go sipping while riding a camel. Don’t forget to pack a broad-spectrum SPF 50 + sunscreen with UVB and UVA protection. You’ll be covered up, but it’s best to have all the protection possible, especially if you are pasty white like me.

Atacama Desert, Chile – Welcome to one of the driest places in the world. It is also a place of stunning natural beauty. You’ll see otherworldly landscapes and vast salt flats. Take in a geyser or two and experience high-altitude lakes.

The extreme heat is worth it. Camping in the Atacama desert allows you to explore incredible natural wonders such as the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley). The harsh environment hasn’t put off the wildlife. You may well see flamingos, foxes and a variety of insects and birds.

You must protect yourself from the sun. The desert sun is intense at times. Do everything possible to avoid sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Make sure your sunglasses have UV protection. Slap on sunscreen with a high SPF rating and wear protective clothing. A nice wide-brimmed hat will help you rock that desert explorer vibe. Find shade during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.

The Atacama Desert is vast and remote, so don’t get lost!

Exploring different terrains, such as the challenging climates of the Sahara and Death Valley, might make you wonder if you can camp anywhere in Europe and what conditions you might face there.

Conclusion

Keeping cool in even the hottest environments is possible. It just takes a little planning. You can buy pricey equipment or you can whip together an old fan with a bucket and create something to cool you down. Do the basics and respect the challenges extreme heat brings and you should be just fine.

Resources

The Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive information on heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s advice on how to choose and apply sunscreen, as well as other ways to protect your skin from the sun: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/
The American Heart Association’s study offers insight on how hot weather impairs the immune system: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/03/19/study-offers-insight-on-how-hot-weather-impairs-the-immune-system