9 Ways to Stay Cool While RV Camping This Summer
Summer might be the most popular season for RV travel, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most comfortable. Soaring temperatures can make it difficult to stay outside for long periods of time, and since RVing is all about spending time outdoors, this can really put a damper on RV camping trips. The good news? There are actually a lot of ways you can keep cool while having fun outdoors, even in the middle of summer.
Here are my top tips for doing just that.
1. Explore Lakes, Rivers, and Beaches
Water offers an amazing way to keep cool while RV camping. Fortunately, there are all kinds of lakes, rivers, and ocean beaches all across the country. These offer opportunities for swimming, of course, and that is a wonderful way to cool off and have fun. If you don’t want to swim, you can also enjoy kayaking or tubing on the water, which will keep you cool without requiring you to get wet. On top of all that, parking near the water means cool breezes coming off the water, making spending time outside more enjoyable.
2. Go Hiking During Cooler Hours
Hiking is one of my absolute favorite things to do outdoors. Unfortunately, hiking just isn’t fun when it’s too hot outside. In order to continue to enjoy hikes during the summer months, I make sure to go during the cooler parts of the day. For us, since we aren’t morning people, this means lots of evening hikes, which is great because usually animals are active during the evening. Hiking near water can also help, and of course, drinking lots of water and wearing breathable clothing is key.
Note: If you do take an evening hike, make sure to time it right, so you finish before dark. It’s also good to carry some good flashlights just in case something delays you.
3. Ride Bikes Through Shaded Trails
If you want to be able to get out on the trails during other parts of the day, you might consider cycling. The airflow created by cycling can help make the experience more comfortable and by choosing shaded trails, you should be able to enjoy a ride without feeling miserable. I also recommend biking easier trails, so you aren’t working too hard and carrying lots of water and cold snacks.
Note: Some RVers choose to use electric bikes to reduce physical exertion and make summer riding more comfortable.
4. Enjoy Outdoor Water Games
Another way to keep cool with water, even if you can’t park near or play in a big body of water? Play water games! Personally, I love a good water gun fight, and it’s an excellent way to get the whole family laughing and playing together. Other ideas include visiting splash pads (we’ve found some really cool ones over the years) and setting up sprinklers or a kiddie pool in your campsite (if it’s allowed).
5. Visit Natural Springs
Technically, natural springs are bodies of water, but I want to mention them specifically because they are such a uniquely refreshing option. Spring-fed water remains cool all year long, meaning even when the outside temps reach 100+, the water in a spring feels lovely. We’ve visited springs that offered all kinds of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and wildlife viewing. We even visited one that played host to a whole little water park.
6. Go Underground
Exploring caves is an excellent way to enjoy nature without dealing with the heat. Caves are cool spaces all year long, and heading into one after being out in the summer sun is such a nice feeling. Some caves require guided tours, but we’ve found some smaller caves that we were allowed to explore on our own, and that was an even more exciting adventure, in my opinion.
7. Set Up a Comfortable Outdoor Living Space
Sometimes you don’t necessarily want to be active or go somewhere to spend time outdoors. When this urge hits, having a cool and comfortable outdoor living space set up at your campsite is invaluable.
Extend your RV awning and add portable shade structures, outdoor rugs, and comfortable seating. Add battery-powered fans, cooling towels, and misting systems to make the space a more comfortable temperature and then sit back, relax and enjoy a book or a board game.
8. Attend Outdoor Evening Events
I absolutely adore attending various community events as we travel because it helps me feel connected to the areas that we visit. Fortunately, many communities host evening events during the summer months, meaning we can get outside, meet people, and have fun during the cooler part of the day.
Look for things like concerts and movies in the park, farmers’ markets, and festivals. Sometimes these events are hosted by campgrounds, but more often they are hosted by the city. I find that local libraries tend to have info on upcoming events.
9. Try Nighttime Activities
Of course, the world is even cooler after the sun goes down. This is why we will often wait until after sunset to head out, light a campfire, and hang out with friends. We love summertime stargazing sessions, campfire sing-alongs, and catching fireflies in the dark.
Clearly, there are plenty of ways to have fun outdoors while RVing in the summertime without getting too hot. The key is simply planning around the heat rather than fighting it. Pick and choose your favorite options to use on your next camping trip and get out there and have a blast!
About the Author: Chelsea Gonzales
Chelsea Gonzales is a full-time RVer and freelance writer with over six years of experience living and traveling on the road. Having visited more than 25 states, she writes from real experience, bringing practical, firsthand insight to every topic she covers. Chelsea is a recognized voice in the RV lifestyle space, known for turning on-the-road knowledge into content that actually helps fellow RVers make the most of their adventures.