Hot Weather Camping (Reprise)

Why two posts on hot weather camping, especially so close together? Well, isn't that when we do most of our camping?  Sure, I could have just updated the original post, but adding a second one will increase awareness.  Here are a few more thoughts and tips for hot weather camping.

The most ideal camping weather would usually be under clear skies with moderate temperatures.  However, since camping is, at least for many people, a summer activity, you may frequently find yourself facing hot weather.  If you are planning outings for July and August you may want to think about heading up into the mountains or down to the beach instead of your favorite local haunts to escape the heat but even there you may get struck with unexpectedly warm temperatures.

Hot weather makes demands on both you and your equipment and you will need to be prepared to address the issues for both.  Sometimes you can plan activities that will mitigate the affects of hot weather.  Swimming and other water sports are probably near the top of the list for most people.  If you don't have access to aquatic facilities you may have to simply adapt your normal activities to accommodate the weather.  Scaling back, moving them into the shade, or choosing less strenuous pursuits are some of the ways of dealing with the heat.

Yes, I know, I just  posted an article on Hot Weather Camping not long ago.  However, because most of us to most of our camping in summer, we will encounter hot weather most of the time and it bears a second look.

Hot weather can be very hard on vehicles.  You will want to make sure the cooling system on your vehicles (motorhomes, tow vehicles, family car, OHVs) is in good shape and that liquid cooled engines have sufficient antifreeze.  Check radiator and heater hoses regularly to ensure they are in good condition and have no leaks.  Keep an eye on the temperature gauge if your vehicle has one and if it starts to climb unexpectedly, stop and figure out why.  Some increase in temperature is expected in hot weather, especially if you are running your air conditioner or are climbing hills.  Many steep or long hills may have signs admonishing you to turn off your air conditioner.  Doing so will reduce the load on your engine and the amount of heat the radiator has to disperse.  Turning on your heater is one way to boost engine cooling, but it will be more uncomfortable for you and  your passengers.  The heater core is essentially a little radiator that can remove some heat from the coolant that flows through the heater hoses.  You will have to decide whether the additional cooling is worth the extra discomfort.

Hot weather will stress coolers and RV refrigerators.  Limit opening them as much as possible.  Try to keep coolers in the shade.  If your RV fridge has a vent fan, be sure to use it.  If it doesn't have one,consider adding one.  I like the solar powered versions because they don't put any drain on the battery system.

Keep curtains or shades drawn in RVs or protect the windows with awnings to reduce accumulation of heat inside.  Use reflective foam panels in the windows for even better protection against unwanted heat.  Start the A/C early in the day BEFORE things heat up.  It is usually easier and more efficient for the A/C to keep up than to have to cool down an already hot rig.

Hang out in the shade.   It is sometimes surprising how much cooler it is in the shade.  Many campgrounds offer tree-shaded sites and activity areas but you can always create your own shade using your patio awning or standalone canopy.

Mist systems are a handy way to cool things down under your patio awning or standalone canopy.  If you're in a campground with hookups and running off city water you can usually use them without worrying about running out of water but if you're relying on your on board water supply you'll need to keep an eye on usage so you don't run out.  I like to have a separate pump drawing water from a separate tank or from 5-gallon water jugs to supply my mist system so I don't run the risk of burning up my main RV pump or running our of fresh water.  Personal mist systems can be used to keep your cool too.  Or just spritz yourself from a spray bottle of clean water now and then.  Spray bottles are a very inexpensive and effective way to keep cool and they're portable enough to take just about anywhere.  You can even spray the outside of your tent and the windows to help reduce temperatures inside but they are most effective when sprayed on you.  You can even buy spray bottles at your local dollar store so they are inexpensive and can be easily replaced if lost or damaged.

Cool treats are always enjoyable on hot days.  Topping the list are cold beverages and icy treats like snowcones.  See the article on Cool Summer Camping Refreshments for even more suggestions.

Fun in the sun!