When the sun is out, there's nothing better than pitching the tent near the water and firing up the BBQ for some classic Aussie summer camping. It’s all about creating simple yet unforgettable memories: fishing, making s'mores, and enjoying natural beauty with your mates.
But let's be real: while it’s fun to embrace the summer, the summer months bring intense heat and bigger crowds. Dealing with Mr. Sun means you need a solid plan for staying cool and comfortable.
Planning Your Summer Camping Trip
The best summer camping trip starts with locking in that ideal spot and getting your dates sorted early.
Location, Location, Location
When picking your camping spot, always look for natural beauty but prioritise shade. A patch of dirt under the gum trees is always going to be better than being exposed to the direct sunlight. Think shade, breezes, and water access (creek, lake, or beach).
Popular Spots: If you want beachside, look at places like Cactus Beach (SA) for world-class waves, or a classic like Freycinet National Park (TAS) for beautiful coastal views. These spots are amazing, but competition for the best shady sites is fierce.
Remote Adventure: Heading inland? Check out a high country spot where the elevation provides some relief, like parts of the Victorian High Country (remember to check fire bans). For a more rugged experience, look at the coastal bush camps along the Great Australian Bight; just be prepared to carry your own water and all the essentials.
Timing is Everything
If you're heading out during the peak summer months, remember that most campsites are busy, so book ahead.
The Aussie summer runs hot, generally from December through February. If you can swing it, try camping in the "shoulder" months of November or March. The weather is often still pleasant, but the crowds (and prices) aren't as intense.
The Essentials Checklist
Making sure you don't forget all the essentials (and the items you think you won't need).
Facility Check: Consider the facilities: if you're remote, you'll need more gear (like a portable shower or power pack); if you're near town, you might be closer to grocery stores and have access to shared bathrooms.
Gear Check: Don't wait until the last minute to inspect your tent. Make sure all the poles and tent pegs are accounted for. If you're pitching up on rocky surfaces, you'll need tougher tent pegs than if you're on sand.
Beating the Aussie Heat with Sun Protection
The Aussie sun means business. Good sun protection is non-negotiable during the summer months.
Slip, Slop, Slap: The Summer Mantra
Our sun dishes out serious, harmful UV rays, so you need a plan to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Reapply sunscreen frequently, even on cloudy days.
Hat and Sunnies
Fighting heat exhaustion is far easier than treating it. Always pack high-quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and eyes from the harsh midday sun.
OZtrail Pick: The Palm Club Beach Cabana handles harsh UV rays and provides maximum airy coverage over your camp kitchen or chilling zone.
Staying Hydrated
Keep a constant supply of water available with the large 5.6L Big Chug Jug and remind everyone to drink up especially during summer camping trips.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag
The wrong sleeping bag can significantly compromise a fantastic camping trip. Achieving comfortable rest starts with smart choices about insulation and temperature management.
Don't Overheat
A heavy winter sleeping bag will inevitably lead to overheating inside your tent during the summer. Instead, you should aim for a light, low-denier bag, or even just a sleeping bag liner or cotton sheet. Remember, the material of your tent will naturally trap heat, making minimal insulation the optimal choice for comfort.
Temperature Ratings
When purchasing a sleeping bag, look specifically for one with a high comfort temperature rating (meaning it's designed for warmth, not cold). Also, enhance your nighttime comfort by strategically placing your tent. Try to pitch your tent where it receives afternoon shade and ensure you use the appropriate long, heavy-duty tent pegs if you are setting up on rocky surfaces or sand.
Sleeping Mat Matters
Your sleeping mat's role extends beyond comfort. It provides insulation, and in the heat, this means sometimes choosing a less insulated mat can be better for cooling. Maximising airflow around and through your tent remains crucial for a restful camping experience under the high temperatures.
OZtrail Pick: Simple, lightweight hacks for a supportive and comfy night's sleep make a noticeable difference to your overall rest. The OZtrail Self-Inflating Pillow offers adjustable comfort with contoured foam and dual sleep heights to suit your style. The removable pillowcase is easy to wash after a few nights outdoors, and the simple inflation valve keeps setup fast and fuss-free.
Setting Up Your Camp Kitchen
When facing high temperatures, a smart and efficient setup is crucial. You need systems that fight the heat, keep your food fresh, and minimize the effort so you can spend more time enjoying your camping experience.
Cooler King
A well-packed cooler makes all the difference for food safety and convenience in the summer months.
Pre-Chilling is Non-Negotiable: Before you even put food in, load the empty cooler with a bag of cheap ice or frozen water bottles the day before your camping trip. This ensures the cooler's insulation isn't trying to chill down warm air when you actually pack it with your good stuff.
Block Ice Wins: Always opt for large blocks of ice or frozen water bottles instead of cubed ice. Blocks have a lower surface area and melt significantly slower, offering days of superior cooling. Use cubes only for fast-chilling drinks.
The Layer Strategy: Pack perishable foods first, then fill every air gap with ice. Layer it up: heavy items on the bottom, then less dense food, topped with your ice.
Optimal Placement: Keep the cooler out of the direct sunlight at all times. Position it under your gazebo or even just on the shady side of the car. And remember: open it only when absolutely necessary.
Cooking in the Heat
Moving away from heavy, hot meals – think salads, quick BBQs, and no-cook breakfasts. Avoid using your stove right next to your tent, as this only creates more unwanted heat.
OZtrail Pick: If your camping spot offers a communal picnic table, you're off to a great start. If a fixed surface isn't available, or if you simply need more room, set up your Classic Table to keep your food and preparation areas off the ground and away from the grit and grime.
Easy Ways to Stay Cool
The key to enjoying your summer camping trip is minimising discomfort from the excessive heat. The goal is proactive comfort: helping you stay cool throughout the day and night.
Ventilation Vitals
Set up your tent to maximise airflow by opening all vents and windows. Whenever possible, orient your tent so the main doors and windows face the prevailing breeze to promote effective cross-ventilation.
OZtrail Pick: For shade, the Fast Frame BlockOut Lumos 4P Tent is your quick-pitch comfort hub. It stays cooler and darker inside, making it perfect for small families and relaxed outdoor getaways.
The Wet Towel Trick
A simple, effective method for a rapid cool-down is keeping a damp towel around your neck. The evaporation process offers immediate relief from the high temperatures.
Early Bird or Night Owl
Plan your day around the sun. Schedule strenuous outdoor activities (like hiking or setting up camp) for the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late afternoon. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the peak of the day by enjoying a siesta or relaxing by the water.
OZtrail Pick: Having a comfortable place to relax is important to conserve your energy. The Resort 5 Position Arm Chair is excellent for sliding under the shade for an afternoon rest, or simply spreading out while you watch the sunset.
Gear Up with Breathable Clothing
Proper breathable clothing acts as your personal defence against high temperatures.
Fabric Favourites
Prioritise lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing materials. Look for natural fibres like cotton and linen blends, or modern technical fabrics that are designed for moisture-wicking properties.
Light Colours Only
Wearing light colours is a simple but effective tactic to reflect the sun's heat rather than absorbing it. This helps you to stay cool whether you’re working at the camp kitchen or simply walking to the shared bathrooms.
Cover Up with Long Sleeves
For superior sun protection and comfort, choose lightweight long sleeves and pants made of breathable clothing. These garments can actually feel cooler than minimal clothing because they create a shield that blocks harmful UV rays and heat while still allowing air to circulate your skin.
Sun's Out, Summer Camp is In
Summer camping will definitely bring the heat and the crowds. But when you have nailed the planning, from your sun protection gear to mastering your cool-storage techniques in the camp kitchen, you can absolutely chill out and beat even the most intense heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest mistakes people make when summer camping?
The most common issues arise when people simply don't prepare enough for the intense heat and sun. Relying only on your tent fly for shade during the day just doesn't work. To avoid sunburn and prevent heat exhaustion, you need to set up a dedicated, large shade structure.
Failing to maintain consistent fluid intake is another major cause of heat exhaustion. You must be proactive and drink water often. Keeping up your hydration is essential for enjoying your camping experience throughout the summer months.
Is wearing long sleeves advantageous over short sleeves in excessive heat?
Counterintuitively, lightweight long sleeves often provide superior comfort and protection during the summer. If the garment is made of loose-fitting, breathable clothing (e.g., UPF-rated or lightweight linen), it shields the skin from the intensity of the sun's harmful UV rays. This barrier helps the body regulate its temperature more efficiently than fully exposed skin, offering better overall sun protection during outdoor activities.
Is a specialized sleeping bag necessary for summer camping?
Yes, a specialized sleeping bag is highly recommended. Using a heavy, insulated sleeping bag will invariably lead to discomfort inside your tent. Choose a lightweight bag with a comfort rating of +5°C or higher, or use a sleeping bag liner or a cotton sheet for added warmth. The objective is to maximize airflow and minimize insulation to help you stay cool during the night.
What is the most reliable way to keep a cooler cold for an extended camping trip?
Proper cooler management is key to food safety and avoiding unnecessary trips to grocery stores.
Always pre-chill the cooler (and everything you pack) before departure. Utilise large blocks of ice or frozen water bottles instead of cubed ice, as blocks melt much more slowly. Keep the cooler constantly shaded from direct sunlight. Open the cooler only when necessary to prevent warm air from entering.
