Summer camping in Australia is amazing and a very popular things to do. Think warm weather, long days, and evenings around the campfire cooking up that fish you caught that morning on the BBQ. But anyone who’s done it knows the heat can hit harder than expected. One minute you’re relaxing in the shade, the next your tent feels like an oven. Even sitting still makes you sweat. So how to stay cool camping in summer in Australia? Here’s what I do.

The good news is you don’t have to let the heat ruin your trip. With a few simple habits and smart choices, you can stay comfortable, keep your cool, and enjoy every part of your summer camping adventure. 

How to Stay Cool Camping in an Australian Summer

I have been camping most of my life. First with my parents, then with my partner and now with my partner and kids. Along the way, I have learnt a few tips to keep my cool in summer. Particularly summer school holidays when you need to keep kids cool and occupied. And during these holidays, many are camping during the Christmas and New Year period. Here goes with my tips to stay cool during an Australian summer while camping.

Pick a Shaded Campsite

Choosing a spot with good shade can actually change your whole trip. A tent that sits in the sun all day heats up fast, so it helps to look for trees or any natural cover that keeps the area cooler. Take a moment to notice where the sun will move as the day goes on. Afternoon heat can be tough if your tent ends up fully exposed.

If your only options are open areas, bring a tarp or a simple shade canopy so you can create your own cool hangout. Even a basic setup gives you a comfortable place to rest, eat, or just escape the sun for a bit. A little planning before you pitch your tent goes a long way in keeping the heat at bay.

This is the canopy tent I have that I use to cover my table and chairs, if there isn’t a permanent structure available. 

Camp Near Water

If you can pick a spot close to a lake, river, or beach, do it. Campsites near water usually feel cooler because the air around them doesn’t heat up as quickly. You’ll notice the breeze feels fresher too, which really helps during hot afternoons. Hopefully, you won’t be blow away!

And if you’re up for it, taking a quick swim or even just dipping your feet in can bring your body temperature down. It’s one of the simplest ways to cool off while still enjoying the day. Just don’t forget to check if the area is safe for swimming before you go in.

Ensure to wear sunscreen. Read my post on reef-safe sunscreen particularly if you are travelling the Queensland coastline from Brisbane to Cairns.

Prioritise Ventilation in Your Tent

A tent can heat up quickly if air can’t move through it, so good ventilation is important. Look for tents with lots of mesh panels and windows. Keep them open whenever you can, especially in the morning and late afternoon when the air starts to warm.

If your tent has a rainfly, take it off at night when the skies are clear. This lets hot air escape and keeps the inside cooler. If you’re in the market for a new tent, try to pick one designed for summer with cross-ventilation.

Another simple trick is to set up your tent where it can catch even a small breeze. A light wind moving through the tent can make a big difference, turning a stuffy interior into a comfortable, cool place.

Stay Hydrated All Day

Heat and outdoor activity can make you lose water faster than you realise, so staying hydrated is essential. 

Try to sip water throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. Bring more than you think you’ll need and keep it cool in insulated bottles or a cooler, it makes a big difference when the sun is strong.

If you’re hiking or doing anything physically demanding, consider adding electrolytes. Powders or tablets help replace the salts you lose through sweat, keeping your energy up and helping your body stay cool. If you are hiking read my post on how to plan, prepare and what to pack for a hike.

Use Portable Fans for Extra Airflow

Battery-powered or rechargeable fans can make a big difference when camping in the heat. Set one up near your face while you sleep or hang it inside your tent to keep the air moving. There are different types of fans and if you have one that needs power, ensure you know how to power your camping adventures. Read my post on 5 ways power up your camp site.

A neat trick some campers use is freezing water bottles and placing them in front of the fan. The breeze passing over the cold bottles feels cooler, almost like a DIY air conditioner. It’s a simple hack, but it works surprisingly well for staying comfortable on warm nights.

power up your cooling

Keep Cooling Towels Handy

Cooling towels are simple, lightweight, and surprisingly effective. Just wet one with cold water, wring it out, and drape it around your neck, forehead, or shoulders. As the water evaporates, it cools your skin and helps bring your body temperature down.

They’re perfect for mid-day hikes, cooking over the campfire, or just sitting around camp when the sun feels too hot.

Wear Light, Loose Clothing

What you wear makes a big difference in the heat. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking athletic materials. Loose clothing allows air to circulate around your skin, helping your body stay cool naturally.

Light colours are better than dark ones because they reflect sunlight instead of trapping heat. And a wide-brimmed hat is a simple but effective way to protect your face and neck while reducing how hot you feel overall.

Limit Activity During Peak Heat

Camping usually means hiking, exploring, and setting up gear, but doing all that under the midday sun can quickly become exhausting or even unsafe. Plan your more active adventures for the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. Though for some fisherman, tides may influence your fishing time.

Ditch the Campfire

Although sitting around a campfire is great fun, in the heat it is a no no. Plus you must adhere to any fire restrictions in place.

Avoid Cooking Hot Meals During the Day

Cooking generates heat, and the last thing you want is a hot stove warming up your campsite.

During the hottest part of the day, stick to meals that don’t require cooking. Fresh salads with canned tuna or chicken. Sandwiches or wraps. Fresh fruit like watermelon, oranges, or berries. Cheese and crackers with a nice cold drink. And overnight oats or yogurt bowls are all easy, refreshing options for hot mornings.

If you do want a cooked meal, save it for the evening when the sun starts to go down and when the air is hopefully cooler. BBQs of meat, chicken or fish are easy to service with salad. This way, you stay comfortable while still enjoying good food.

Use Smart Cooling Tricks at Night

Even at night, summer camping can feel warm, so it helps to use simple tricks to cool down before you sleep.

A quick rinse or wiping down with cool water can bring your body temperature down. Placing a damp cloth on your feet or wrists works surprisingly well.

Sleeping on a lightweight cotton sheet instead of a heavy sleeping bag can make a big difference. And keeping your tent door partially open allows airflow if it’s safe to do so. And don’t forget the fan and frozen water bottle!

Even small adjustments like these can help you rest more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed.

Keep Electronics and Batteries Out of Direct Sunlight

If you like your devices while camping, keep them out of the sun. Phones, power banks, and batteries can heat up quickly in the sun, which can damage them or even make them unsafe. Whenever possible, store your devices in the shade or inside a cooler to keep them cool.

Listen to Your Body

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real risks during summer camping. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseated, unusually tired, confused, or get a headache, stop what you’re doing right away. Move to a shady spot, drink water, and take steps to cool your body down. Seek medical help if needed.

Have a first aid kit that includes some hydralyte that will rehydrate you.

Are You Ready for Summer Camping?

Summer camping in Australia is a lot of fun, but does come with some downsides. When the heat peaks, take a break in the shade, drink plenty of water, rest, or even take a short nap. Summer camping is about enjoying yourself with your family, not pushing through the heat, so give your body a chance to cool down and recharge.