The Summer Camping Tips We Learned the Sweaty Way

There’s something special about summer camping. School’s out, the days are longer, and every weekend feels like another chance to hitch up and go.

As a family that works full-time in education, we squeeze as many camping trips as possible into weekends and summer break. That means plenty of hot days making memories in our Keystone—and learning a few lessons the sweaty way.

We’ve parked in full afternoon sun, cooked dinner inside on a 95-degree day and dealt with an air conditioner that couldn’t seem to keep up.

Here’s what we’ve learned about making summer RV camping cooler, easier and more enjoyable.

1. Think About the Sun Before You Set Up

When we first started RVing, a level, spacious campsite felt like a win. Then we learned what happens when your biggest windows face the blazing afternoon sun.

Now we check where the sun will hit before settling in. When the campsite allows it, we think about how the RV and awning can create afternoon shade and close the shades on the sunny side before the interior heats up.

It’s a small habit that can make a noticeable difference.

2. Take Camp Life Outside

One of our best summer strategies is simple: spend more time outside.

We set up under the awning, bring out a battery-powered fan and make the campsite our living room. The kids can explore or swim, Chip finds a shady spot, and we’re not constantly opening the RV door and letting cool air escape.

As my grandpa used to say, “We’re not cooling the outside!”

We also move cooking outdoors when temperatures climb. Our Blackstone has become a summer camping MVP for everything from breakfast and burgers to tacos and homemade pizzas.

Cooking outside keeps extra heat and food smells out of the RV, and everyone naturally gathers around while dinner is cooking. It turns mealtime into part of the camping experience.

3. Stay Ahead of Hydration

You don’t have to be hiking to work up a sweat.

Setting up camp, leveling the RV, connecting utilities, walking the dog and keeping up with the kids can all happen before you realize you haven’t had enough water.

We keep reusable water bottles within reach throughout the day. We also added a water-cooler jug with an electric pump, which keeps plenty of drinking water handy without going through disposable bottles.

And don’t forget your pets. Summer adventures are exciting for them, too, but they need plenty of water, shade and breaks from hot surfaces.

4. Don’t Underestimate a Campground Pool

When we’re planning a summer camping trip, one of the first questions from our girls is always:

“Do they have a pool?”

We understand why.

After a morning of hiking, exploring or setting up camp, a pool gives everyone a place to cool down and recharge. On a 90-degree afternoon, a couple of hours in the water can completely change the day.

When comparing summer campgrounds, don’t overlook the amenities. One of our favorites, Coconut’s RV Resort at Lake of the Ozarks, even has a pool in the dog park. Chip was pretty happy about that one.

5. Help Your RV’s Air Conditioner Do Its Job

Your RV’s air conditioner can do a lot, but it shouldn’t have to fight every source of heat by itself.

Closing shades before the RV heats up, keeping doors closed and limiting unnecessary trips in and out can help. When temperatures cool in the evening, we also use vents and fans to help move air.

We pay attention to our air conditioner’s return vents and filters, too. Keeping them clean helps maintain proper airflow.

We were reminded of that during a trip to Colorado. The campground was so dusty that our ceiling AC vents turned brown.

That was a pretty clear sign it was time for a cleaning.

Hot and dusty conditions can make checking vents and filters especially important. Always follow the maintenance instructions for your specific air-conditioning system.

6. Slow Down

This may be the most important summer camping lesson we’ve learned.

When we first started camping, we tried to fill every day with activities. But some of our favorite memories aren’t the attractions we visited.

They’re the evenings under the awning. Ice cream while the sun goes down. A game of cards. Watching the kids play. Sitting together with nowhere else we need to be.

Summer camping doesn’t have to be a checklist.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is find some shade, enjoy where you are and let the slower pace do the rest.

Our Best Summer Camping Advice

Every camping season teaches us something new. For our family, the biggest summer lesson is simple: don’t fight the heat—learn how to work with it.

Park smart, take camp life outside, stay hydrated, help your RV’s cooling system do its job and leave some room in the schedule to simply enjoy being there.

The best camping memories rarely come from perfect weather or perfect plans. They come from laughing through the sweaty moments, learning as you go and coming home with another story to tell.