Summer Camping Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
You’ve packed the tent. Got your sleeping bags. Tossed in the stove and some marshmallows. Ready for summer camping, right?
Well—almost.
If you’ve ever camped in a heatwave, had a tent that turns into an oven, or dealt with mosquitoes and sweaty nights, you’ll know that summer camping comes with its own challenges.
Over the years, we’ve discovered a few lesser-known items that have completely changed how we camp in summer. These aren’t the obvious things—like sun cream and water bottles—but the clever extras you’ll wish you packed sooner.
1. A Reflective Sunshade or Emergency Blanket
This one sounds weird, but it works.
Drape a reflective emergency blanket over your tent or trailer tent roof (especially on dark-coloured tents). It bounces the sun’s heat back and helps keep the inside cooler.
You can peg it down or tie it using guy lines. Works especially well in open, treeless sites where you’ve got no natural shade.
2. A Tent Fan or USB Rechargeable Fan
When the air inside your tent doesn’t move, sleeping becomes a sweaty struggle.
A small USB fan clipped to your tent poles can make a huge difference at night.
Look for:
- Rechargeable battery options
- Ones with low noise settings
- A built-in light (two-in-one!)
Great for trailer tents, awnings, and family tents—especially if you’ve got little ones who overheat easily.
3. Microfibre Towels (Lots of Them)
They dry fast. They pack small. And in summer, they do double duty as:
- Cooling wraps for your neck
- Makeshift picnic blankets
- Wipe-downs for sweaty kids or sticky hands
We pack at least two per person when camping in hot weather—and always keep one in the cool box for a quick refreshing wipe.
4. A Collapsible Washing-Up Bowl or Bucket
Summer = dust, sand, ice cream spills, and constant snack-time.
A foldable washing-up bowl or bucket is super handy for:
- Foot rinses before bed
- Quick clothes washes
- Keeping drinks cool in water and ice
- Dishwashing when water taps are far away
Collapsible versions take up barely any space when packed.
5. A Large Shade Tarp or Beach Shelter
Tents are for sleeping. But in summer, you’ll want a shaded hangout spot outside.
A tarp strung between trees, a windbreak, or a pop-up sun shelter gives you a breezy, shaded space to eat, rest, and escape the midday heat.
Even better: move it around the pitch as the sun shifts!
6. Insulated Food Bags or Cool Bags (Even for Short Trips)
If you’re not using a full camping fridge, a good insulated cool bag or dry bag is a must.
It keeps:
- Fruit, milk, and cheese from spoiling
- Chocolate from melting into goo
- Drinks colder for longer (freeze them the night before!)
Pro tip: freeze water bottles and use them as cooling blocks and drinking water in one.
7. A Foldable Drying Rack or Rope Line
Whether you’re swimming in a lake, splashing at the beach, or dealing with sweat-soaked clothes, you’ll need somewhere to dry things.
Bring a compact camping clothes airer or a simple bungee cord + pegs setup to hang things between trees or poles.
Nothing worse than stuffing damp clothes back into your bag...
8. Cooling Gel Pillow or Camping Pillowcase Hack
This one's for hot sleepers.
You can buy a cooling gel insert for your camping pillow—or make your own by:
- Wetting a microfibre cloth
- Folding it into a ziplock bag
- Freezing it (or chilling in your cool box)
Pop it under your neck when sleeping. It’s a game-changer during sticky nights in a tent or trailer tent.
9. Natural Bug Repellent and a Mesh Food Cover
Summer = bugs.
We always pack:
- Citronella candles or incense
- Natural bug spray that’s safe for kids
- A foldable mesh food cover for outdoor meals
- Mosquito nets if you’re camping in forest or lakeside locations
Protect your food and your ankles—before the bites begin.
10. Quick-Dry Camp Shoes or Sliders
Hot feet in walking boots? Not fun.
We pack:
- Lightweight sliders or water shoes for walking around camp
- Flip flops for shower runs
- Quick-dry shoes for wading in rivers or rocky beaches
They also air out fast after a rainstorm, unlike trainers or hiking boots.
11. Cooling Mist Spray or Spray Bottle
This one’s great for kids, pets, and adults who overheat.
Keep a small spray bottle filled with water in the shade or cool box. Use it for:
- Cooling your face and arms
- Spraying sweaty foreheads
- Mist battles with the kids (they love it)
It’s like your own personal air-con on the go.
12. A Day Shelter or Privacy Tent
If you're staying at a busy campsite, a pop-up privacy tent can give you:
- A private changing area
- An outdoor shower setup
- Extra shade for babies or naps
- A quiet place to hide from the sun with a book
Super lightweight and takes seconds to pop up.
13. Solar-Powered Fairy Lights
Not essential—but definitely a summer vibe essential!
Drape them on your tent, your trailer tent awning, or between trees. Solar lights charge all day and add magic to warm summer nights.
We keep a set around our pitch so the kids always know where “home” is after sunset.
Why These Extras Make a Big Difference
Summer camping is meant to be fun—but heat, sweat, bugs, and mess can quickly spoil the mood if you’re not prepared.
The good news is that these small, smart extras don’t take up much space, and they make your summer trip far more comfortable—whether you’re in a tent, trailer tent, or RV.
Sometimes, it’s the little things (like a mist spray or a good breeze) that make all the difference between surviving the heat—and loving it.
Want a printable Summer Camping Checklist or gear guide for hot-weather camping?
Head to camplinq.com for packing tips, campsite reviews, and real-life tricks to stay cool, comfortable, and happy in the summer heat.