How to Stay Cool While Camping Near NYC This Summer
Planning to camp during an actual heat wave? Hot weather and extreme heat are not quite the same thing. If the forecast is calling for high humidity, very warm nights, or heat advisories, start with our guide to camping in a heat wave before you go.
Summer is one of the best times to get out of the city for a weekend and explore the forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and campgrounds of the East Coast. But hot weather can definitely change the way you camp.
Whether you’re heading up to the Catskills or Poconos, hopping over to New Jersey, or heaving farther afield from NYC, a little planning can make a big difference. Shade, hydration, timing, simple meals, and a cooler sleep setup can help you enjoy the trip without feeling like you’re melting at camp.
Here are some practical tips for staying cool while camping in summer.
1. Choose the Right Campsite
Look for Shade
When selecting a campsite, look for areas with plenty of natural shade. Trees and vegetation can provide much-needed relief from the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM.
If your spot is already booked and there are no shade options nearby, bring a tarp to create your own shade or a canopy tent for easy set-up and take-down.
Elevation Matters
Higher elevations tend to be cooler. If possible, choose a campsite that is higher up to benefit from cooler temperatures and more refreshing breezes. This is one of the reasons we love camping in the Catskills.
If you’re up for a longer road trip, check the gorgeous Maine coastline, where we camped in Acadia National Park.
2. Time Your Activities
Early Morning and Late Afternoon
Plan your more strenuous activities, like hiking or biking, for the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Use the midday heat to relax, read a book, or take a nap in a shaded area.
3. Dress Appropriately
Light and Breathable Fabrics
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable materials such as cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics. These will help keep you cool and dry by allowing sweat to evaporate more easily.
Hats and Sunglasses
A wide-brimmed hat can provide extra shade and help keep the sun off your face and neck. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the intense sunlight.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially when you're active. Consider bringing a hydration pack if you enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and other strenuous outdoor activities.
Electrolyte Supplements
Consider packing electrolyte supplements or drinks to help replenish the salts and minerals lost through sweat. This can help prevent heat exhaustion and keep you feeling your best.
Watermelon Refresher
This simple, refreshing drink is perfect for staying cool during your summer camping trips. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and hydrating. Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients:
Half a watermelon, seeded and chopped
Juice of one lemon
Four cubes of Dorot frozen ginger
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut the watermelon into small chunks and remove the seeds.
Squeeze the juice from one lemon.
Blend the Ingredients:
In blender (we love our Vitamix) combine the watermelon chunks, lemon juice, and frozen ginger cubes.
Blend until smooth.
Store:
Pour the blended mixture into two mason jars.
Seal the jars tightly and keep them chilled in a cooler until you're ready to enjoy.
Serve:
Shake the mason jars gently before serving.
Pour into cups and enjoy a refreshing, cooling beverage perfect for those hot summer days.
Tips:
Keep it Cold: Make sure to pack your mason jars in a cooler with plenty of ice or ice packs to keep the drink cold.
Add a Twist: For an extra refreshing twist, you can add a few fresh mint leaves to the blender.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a bit of honey or agave syrup to taste.
This Watermelon Refresher is not only delicious but also hydrating and revitalizing, making it the perfect companion for your camping adventures. We loved it on our last trip - Thanks, Jared, for the recipe!
5. Create a Cool Sleeping Environment
Ventilated Tent
Use a well-ventilated tent with mesh windows and vents to allow air to flow through. If your tent feels too hot, consider taking an afternoon nap in a hammock under a shady tree instead.
Sleeping Pads and Bags
Opt for a lightweight sleeping bag or sleep on top of your bag and pad with a light sheet or blanket nearby.
Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Staying up late around the campfire is fun, but you might pay for it in the morning. When the weather is sweltering, it’s best to go to bed earlier and wake up at 6 or 7 am, before the sun starts beating down on your tent. This will keep you from feeling like you’re being baked in your sleep.
6. Use Cooling Accessories
Portable Fans
Battery-operated or USB-powered fans can be a lifesaver on a hot night. Keep a hand-held version handy throughout the day and place a hanging fan inside your tent to keep the air circulating and help you stay cool while you sleep.
Cooling Towels
Soak a cooling towel in water, wring it out, and drape it around your neck or over your head. These towels are designed to stay cool for extended periods and can provide instant relief from the heat.
7. Take Advantage of Water
Nearby Lakes and Streams
If your campsite is near a lake, river, or stream, take regular dips to cool off. Swimming or even just splashing your face and arms with cool water can help regulate your body temperature.
Water Misting
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it handy for misting yourself. Or grab a combo misting/water bottle to maximize cooling and hydration. A light spray on your face and neck can provide immediate cooling relief.
Want to make hot-weather camping easier from the start? Choose a campground where shade and water are part of the plan. Forested campsites, lakes, rivers, swimming beaches, and nearby creeks can make a big difference on a summer weekend.
We’re putting together a guide to some of our favorite campgrounds near NYC for hot summer weekends, with a focus on places that offer shade, water access, and that slower summer-camp feeling.
8. Eat Light and Refreshing Meals
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Opt for meals that are light and easy to digest. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be particularly refreshing and hydrating. Prepare ahead of time by pre-chopping your vegetables and packing hummus and other veggie-friendly dips.
Avoid Heavy, Hot Foods
Save the hearty stews and hot soups for cooler weather. Instead, enjoy salads, sandwiches, and other cool meals that won't raise your body temperature. We love making a delicious mediterranean salad by topping a bed of romaine hearts with Trader Joe’s faves like dolmas, tabouli, balela, olives, tzatziki and sheep’s milk feta. You can grill up chicken breasts or opt for prepackaged grilled chicken strips to avoid using the grill altogether.
9. Be Mindful of Heat-Related Illnesses
Know the Signs
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and a rapid pulse. If you or someone in your group experiences these symptoms, seek shade, hydrate, and cool down immediately. In severe cases, seek medical attention. Keep a first aid book handy for improving your knowledge on a variety of potential health issues and their off-grid prevention and treatment.
Remember:
Camping in the summer offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. By taking a few precautions and being mindful of the heat, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Whether you're exploring the lush forests of Pennsylvania, the scenic mountains of New York, or the picturesque waterways of New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, staying cool will help you make the most of your summer adventure.
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