Camping in Hot Weather Continues
Shelter
It can be really hard to sleep in sweltering hot conditions, particularly if it’s also humid. For that reason, you need a specialized summer camping setup, just like you need winter gear for snow camping.
If you buy nothing else, make it a mesh cot. Lifting your body off the ground allows air to circulate all around you.
You’ll also want a summer-weight sleeping bag or blanket. Polyester fleece makes a great material for hot nights. It’s cheap, easy to clean, and light enough that it doesn’t provide too much insulation. It also retains a dry feel if it gets soaked with sweat, rain, or humidity. Grab a fleece blanket at a big-box store, or try this rectangular sleeping bag made from the material. Just be warned: This won’t be enough insulation if nighttime temperatures dip below 60 degrees.
Your normal tent may also be inadequate for hot weather. You don’t want to be under a rain fly for air to circulate as effectively as possible, but summer also sees rain showers and thunderstorms. How can you maximize air flow while still keeping rain off? A simple tarp strung between trees, above head height, is ideal. It’ll keep rain out of your tent without obstructing air flow and give you a nice place to hang out during storms.
Did you do an article on how which campgrounds you can get to by bus or with a short walk, like maybe 5 miles or less? It’s not related to the current post, just something I’m interested in and I didn’t know how to ask.
Sorry but we don’t. Our focus is strictly on Forest Service campgrounds. For the best hiking information, I would suggest contacting the Forest’s folks directly. You’ll find their phone numbers off the “Forest Contacts” tab located at the top of the Forest’s web page on our website.