Can’t sleep? Hot weather camping tips from The Camping and Caravanning Club

Tuesday 12th August 2025

With online searches for “camping in heat” reaching a record high*, The Camping and Caravanning Club has released its top tips for camping in hot weather.

Whatever the camping unit, a few smart adjustments to the set up can make a big difference and help campers beat the heat out in the field this summer.

Tent tribe

Tent campers should aim to pitch in a spot with partial shade, ideally near trees or hedges, to reduce exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid pitching directly under trees where sap or bird droppings could become an issue.

Maximise airflow by opening all vents and keeping the fly screen closed to prevent insects from joining you. If possible, pitch your tent with the door facing the direction of the wind to help catch any available breeze.

Roam rangers and tourers in it tow-gether 

A lucky few will have fitted air conditioning in their units that runs off an electric hook-up. However, all campervans, motorhomes and caravans should come equipped with blackout blinds and window shutters.

During the day, keep blinds or shutters closed on the sun-facing side of your unit and open those on the shaded side to encourage ventilation. Leave roof vents open throughout the day to aid airflow and use the built-in blinds to help block direct sunlight. Once temperatures drop in the evening, open all windows to let the cooler air in. Don’t forget to close fly screens to keep bugs out and fit your insulated window screen cover, which are practical in both hot and cold weather.

Gadgets and tech

12v travel fans are available for those that are green-field camping, but you may need a good-sized battery. If you have access to an electric hook up on your pitch, then a smaller domestic desk-top fan can help keep the air moving.

A low-tech option is to purchase a reflective tarp/insulating blanket and drape this on the outside of your tent during the day. This will help reflect some of the sun’s energy, so the inside of your tent stays cooler.

Ian Hewlett, the Club’s Technical Manager, said: “You’ll never be able to escape the heat entirely but hopefully these tips will help you manage it. 

“Don’t forget, a caravan, campervan or motorhome awning extends your living space and doubles up as a cooler sleeping space – why not pop a self-inflating air bed in here to sleep on. You could also try soaking a towel or clothing with water before wringing out to give instant relief from the heat - this is ideal for children when covering them up while outside. Finally, wear a hat, sunglasses and don’t forget to use suitable sunscreen.”

For further information visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/advice/camping-tips/summer-camping/ 

The latest heatwave has also resulted in a spike in other online searches: 

Camping fans: ↑11% over the past year

Best tents for summer: ↑174% over the past year 

Heatwave tips: ↑152% over the past year

*Online searches for “Camping in heat” reached their highest ever level in June 2025 (14k Worldwide searches, up 26% over the past year). Source: Google Trends

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For more information contact us.

Notes for Editors 

1. The Camping and Caravanning Club is 124 years old and is the UK’s oldest and largest Club for all forms of camping.
2. The Club operates a nationwide network of quality assured Club Sites, with 95% of these 5-star rated by Club members.
3. Club members receive up to 30% off every Club Site stay and get exclusive access to privately run, smaller sites.
4. The Club has delivered a high NPS score this year of 81% across its Club Site network and 90% for its Service Centre.
5. Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/campandcaravanning, www.instagram.com/campandcaravan and www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.