When Camping Feels Like You're Vacationing on the Surface of the Sun
Have you ever booked the perfect camping weekend because the weather forecast promised beautiful sunny skies, only to discover the weatherman conveniently forgot to mention those skies came with temperatures that rivaled the surface of the sun?
We're talking 35°C (95°F)... with humidity so thick the "Real Feel" creeps into the 47°C range.
That's the kind of weather where simply breathing makes you sweat. Your brain shuts down. Anything you touch outside feels like the top of a wood stove. Even my dog, Checkers, enters complete offline mode, melting into the coolest patch of ground he can find and refusing to acknowledge that squirrels even exist.
So how do you survive camping when Mother Nature decides to crank the thermostat to "Inferno"?
Here are ten tried-and-tested tips we've used to survive the scorching heat while keeping at least a little of our sanity.
#1 – Don't Go Camping
I know... this is probably the last thing you'd expect to read on a camping blog.
But seriously... don't go.
Your house has an air conditioner that's probably twice as powerful as the one in your RV. You wouldn't head to the campground if there was a tornado warning, so why head out when the forecast looks like the sun is planning a personal visit?
Sometimes the smartest camping decision is admitting defeat and enjoying your couch, or your backyard pool.
#2 – Go Find Ice Cream
Take a drive into town.
The truck's air conditioning cools the outside of your body, while an extra-large vanilla cone cools the inside. It's basically science.
Even if it only drops your body temperature by a couple of degrees, you'll convince yourself it worked... and honestly, that's good enough.
#3 – Let Nature Do Some of the Work
When booking your campsite, look for lots of shade, or at least morning sun with afternoon shade.
Have you ever walked down a sidewalk and instantly felt cooler the moment you stepped under a tree?
Exactly.
Now park your trailer under one.
It won't turn your RV into a refrigerator, but it'll definitely help keep it from becoming a giant Easy-Bake Oven.
Besides, you're camping to enjoy nature... not just expertly grilled burgers and the occasional adult beverage.
#4 – Become One with the Breeze
- AI-generated, because actual winds this high would wreck my hair.
Airflow is your friend.
Set up your camp chairs somewhere that gets a nice breeze while still staying in the shade. A little wind goes a surprisingly long way toward making the heat bearable.
If Mother Nature refuses to cooperate, simply ask your spouse to fan you while you nap.
I'm sure they'll have absolutely no objections to sweating while you enjoy a refreshing breeze.
#5 – Become a Human Log
Meg demonstrating how to float like a pro
Go for a swim.
Or, if you're like me, don't actually swim.
Just lay in the water like a large floating log until your core temperature returns to something resembling human.
If your campground doesn't have a beach, grab a kiddie pool, fill it with water, and soak your feet.
Throw in a bag of ice and you'll instantly become the envy of the campground.
It also doubles as a convenient beer cooler.
Hydration comes in many forms... some are more enjoyable than others.
#6 – Inspect the Ice Carefully
- AI-generated proof that I’ll go to extreme lengths to beat the heat
Most campground stores sell ice from one of those giant outdoor freezers.
Naturally, quality control is essential.
Open the freezer door, stick your head inside, and take a deep breath while you "carefully inspect" your purchase.
Just don't climb inside.
Yes... we've all thought about it.
#7 – Recruit the Kids
Tell your kids you're melting.
Explain that the only cure is repeated attacks with their water guns.
They'll have the time of their lives.
You'll stay cool.
Everyone wins.
#8 – Don't Cook Inside the RV
Cooking inside your trailer will heat it up faster than Checkers can steal an unattended slice of pizza.
Stick with cold meals.
Salads.
(Yes... that green leafy stuff that food eats.)
Sandwiches.
Create my world famous, beat the heat, Bean salad.
Or forget cooking altogether and order a pizza delivered right to your campsite.
Sometimes survival means accepting that someone else can make dinner.
#9 – Become Nocturnal
When the giant ball of fire finally calls it a day, the campground becomes a much friendlier place.
Save your campfire, socializing, games, and evening walks for after sunset.
The temperature drops, people come back to life, and camping suddenly becomes enjoyable again.
Of course, this is also when the mosquitoes clock in for their shift.
The infamous Norfolk County Drillers deserve a blog of their own...
...and trust me, they're getting one.
#10 – Find a Waterfall
- My spidey sense is telling me Dylan is planning something.
If you're lucky enough to be camping near a waterfall, go for a canoe ride.
The mist, the cool breeze, and the sound of rushing water make it feel ten degrees cooler.
Stand under the falls if you can.
Sit beside them.
Float nearby.
Just maybe don't go over the waterfall.
Especially if you're camping near Niagara Falls.
At that point, the heat will quickly become the least of your problems.
Final Thoughts
Camping through a heatwave isn't exactly anyone's idea of a relaxing weekend, but with a little planning, plenty of water, and a healthy sense of humour, it's definitely survivable.
Stay hydrated.
Find some shade.
Take advantage of every breeze you can.
And remember, sometimes laughing about the heat is the only thing keeping you from melting into your camping chair.
Have you ever camped through a brutal heatwave?
I'd love to hear your funniest survival stories or your own creative ways of beating the heat. Share them in the comments below—you might just save someone else's camping trip!
Whatever you do today, do with the confience of a 4 year old in a Batman T-Shirt
Anonymous