The Ultimate Guide to Summer Camping

Table of Contents

Summer is the best time to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spend the holiday immersed in nature, resting and recharging. From rugged mountain peaks to coastal beaches and desert solitudes, the perfect adventure awaits you.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your next wilderness retreat. Learn to pick the best destination, pack must-have gear, and build an itinerary. With the proper preparation, you’ll be ready to explore the vast wilderness confidently.

Picking the Perfect Camping Summer Destination

Terrain

The perfect camping spot depends on your favorite terrain. Consider whether you want to experience mountains, deserts, caves, or beaches. Each offers a different but exciting adventure.

Mountain terrains are perfect for breathtaking, dramatic landscapes. Inexperienced hikers can enjoy well-marked trails, while seasoned hikers can opt for strenuous trails. Look for the diverse plants and wildlife in the surrounding forests during the summer.

In contrast, deserts consist of barren landscapes. However, rocky canyons and shifting dunes offer much beauty to be admired. Deserts are perfect for stargazing at night, self-reflection, and sandboarding: experience unique cactuses, succulents, and animal life. Desert locations are ideal for solo camping if relaxing, meditation, and soul-searching are at the top of your to-do list.

In the United States, many cave systems offer campsites and cave tours to the public. Spelunking during the day and enjoying the fire by night is a unique camping activity you cannot get anywhere else. Research the cave you plan to visit to assess the difficulty level of cave tours. Some sites may offer self-guided cave tours, allowing you to take a slower pace and immerse yourself in the cave system.

For a serene destination, look for a beach to camp at. Swim in crystal clear water and lay on sandy shores. Beaches come in many forms, ranging from famous beach towns to isolated coastal stretches. Explore lively sea life through snorkeling, kayaking, or simply strolling on the shoreline.

Each terrain is a one-of-a-kind adventure, and no one is better than the other. You can find time to rejuvenate in all places while reveling in the summer breeze.

Nearby Attractions

If you want to check a specific activity off your bucket list, consider which terrain offers it. The mountains are great for ziplining, rock climbing, and fishing. A desert location offers dune buggy riding, sandboarding, and hot air ballooning. Cave camping is the only way to go cave diving, fossil hunting, and glowworm watching. At the beach, you can sunbathe, paddle board, and surf.

It might be hard to please everyone while camping with a group. Most travel destinations have similar attractions suitable for all ages. Look around for zoos, aquariums, museums, botanical gardens, and theme parks. Of course, remember classic camping games like board games, star gazing, corn hole, and scavenger hunts.

Campsite Rules

Once you’ve picked a terrain and general area, research campgrounds and follow the rules and regulations, some campgrounds have quiet hours, offer many amenities, and regulate tent camping versus RV camping.

Consider the pros and cons of each campsite before picking your final destination. You’ll need access to showers, bathrooms, and campfires if tent camping. A nearby supply store and laundry mat are handy for longer trips.

Climate

Avoid a location and terrain if you’ll be miserable with the summer climate. Some states have hot and dry summers, while others are hot and humid. Sticking north will keep you cooler, but southern coastal areas have the brightest sun. Some terrains experience a wide temperature range between the day and night.

If your heart is set on a specific place, there are ways around uncomfortable climates. Add an EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC to your packing list. This portable AC unit provides a cool breeze for 8 hours. It’s small and easy to pack, perfect for setting up in your tent or RV.

Distance

Some unique terrains might be closer to your home than others, making it more convenient to camp there. However, due to time constraints, budget, and tolerance, you can only travel so far on any trip. When picking your destination, consider your limitations and your goals.

The best trip is balanced between what you can and want to do. A summer camping trip should be relaxing, not a source of worry and stress. Consider how long a car ride they can handle if bringing furry friends.

Essential Summer Camping Gear & Equipment

Gathering equipment and gear is the foundation of a safe and comfortable camping trip. Remember to pack basics like clothes and hygiene products. Use this list to check off items you may have forgotten.

Cooking and Kitchen

Cooking utensils and pans: the right equipment is needed to prepare any meal. Compare your meal plan to the packed utensils and pans before heading out.
Trash bags: It’s best camping practice always to pack out what is packed in, including trash. Trash bags are convenient for separating trash from your stuff.
Camping stove: Some locations may not permit a campfire for cooking, and starting a campfire every night can be tedious for longer trips.
Matches, lighters, or fire starters: If campfires are allowed, bring enough supplies to start them. It’s also good to have on hand for an emergency.
Coffee maker: You can still enjoy a hot coffee while camping. Just plug your coffee maker into one of the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations and start brewing.

Sleeping

Tent: Sleeping in a tent is a classic choice. You can also opt to sleep in an RV or van. Regardless, plan to have a reliable shelter for overnight camping trips.
Sleeping mat: A sleeping mat adds an extra layer of cushioning no matter where you lay your head. If you have room, you should also pack extra blankets and pillows.
Sleeping mask and ear plugs: If you’re a light sleeper, an eye mask and ear plugs can help block light and sound pollution.
Ground cloth: Summer weather can be unpredictable in certain regions. A ground cloth will dry your tent if the ground is wet from a pop-up shower.
Rainfly: A rainfly goes on top of the tent to protect it from rain. They are handy for cool summer nights when dew might accumulate on the ground.

Technology

Camera: Take plenty of pictures to document your camping trip, especially if you’re checking off bucket list activities. Spend time in nature honing your photography skills. Remember, extra SD cards.
Chargers: Double-check that all devices—phones, speakers, cameras, laptops, tablets, kindles, flashlights, and remotes—have the corresponding charger.
Portable Powerstation: The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is the best option for charging those devices. It weighs only 13.4 lbs and has a battery storage capacity of 512 Wh, which is enough to keep your tech going all weekend.
GPS device: A portable GPS device is handy for long hikes in unfamiliar areas. Getting lost is never planned, so come prepared with a device that helps you find your way back.
Portable speaker: The sounds of nature are pleasant and relaxing, but you may want to stay updated on a podcast or listen to a few songs while riding in a dune buggy.

Activities and Games

Deck of cards: There are so many games to play with a deck of cards. They’re small and lightweight, so they won’t take up much room. Play games like Go Fish, Speed, War, and Rummy.
Reference books: Grab some books that describe the birds, trees, mushrooms, and animals at your destination. Have fun on a hike while identifying what you see.
Portable watercolor paint set: Wake up to the sunrise over a lake or ocean and start painting it for a peaceful morning.
Journal: Pictures are great for memories, but so are journals. Solo camping trips are the best time for self-reflection and goal-setting. Bring a journal to effectively process all your thoughts.
Puzzles: Build a puzzle under campsite lights. Lay it on picnic tables, and work with fellow campers to finish it before sunset.

Hygiene

Sunscreen: A bad sunburn is no fun. Be proactive and wear plenty of sunscreen.
Medicine: Pain, allergy, and prescription medicine should be packed safely. If you’re bringing along your furry friend, pack their medicine as well.
First-aid kit: Always bring a well-stocked first-aid kit for every camping trip. You never know when you or someone else may need help.
Deodorant: Summer months are hot and sometimes humid. Make sure to leave home with some form of deodorant and body wash.

Planning Your Summer Camping Itinerary

Make the most of your summer camping trip by creating a thoughtful itinerary. A well-prepped itinerary helps everyone relax by setting expectations for activities, food, and travel.

Choose your destination: The first step in planning is to choose the destination. Start by deciding on must-see places or must-do activities. These non-negotiables will help guide the general location from a beach, caves, forest, desert, mountain, or grassland. Then, research campgrounds in the area. Find one that offers all the amenities and allows for tent, van, or RV camping.
Determine the length of the trip: Once the destination is decided, you can detail the start and end dates. Consider the time needed to travel from home to the destination. A short weekend trip can be fun, budget-friendly, and easy to work into a bust schedule. Meanwhile, week-long stays are great for fitting in more plans.
Create a daily itinerary: A general outline for each day is helpful. Some people prefer to travel without a fixed schedule, but knowing what to do daily is beneficial. When camping, you must have a meal plan to know what to pack and how much.
Pack accordingly: Make a packing list of equipment needed for each activity after making your itinerary. Some hobbies, like rock climbing, paddle boarding, and fishing, require specialized equipment that is difficult to replace. Consider what meals will be cooked at the campsite rather than eating out from a restaurant. Bring all the necessary cooking and food supplies. Remember clothes that match the destination’s climate.
Plan for safety and comfort: Planning a camping trip is exciting, but pay attention to safety precautions that could save a life. Ensure a fully stocked first aid kit is packed in your supplies. For food, consider an EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator to maintain food hygiene.
Research wildlife safety rules and tips: Look for advice on how to store food safely from wildlife and what wildlife you might encounter. Have a plan in case severe weather causes you to detour from the original plan. Always tell someone your plans and check in with them when you can.
Be flexible: At the end of the day, no amount of planning will prepare you for every possible encounter. Be open to changing plans based on weather, fatigue, or discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camping in the Summer a Good Idea?

Summer is the perfect time to go camping. With longer and warmer days, outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and stargazing are more enjoyable. You’ll have plenty of time to explore before it gets dark. Summer brings out vibrant plants and active wildlife, creating a lively trip.

What Do You Sleep in While Summer Camping?

The goal is to stay comfortable while sleeping. Lightweight materials like bed sheets, a light sleeping bag, or a sleeping pad help you stay cool. Wear breathable clothes made of cotton or linen. Ensure your tent has good ventilation for cooling airflow while sleeping.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re equipped with everything from choosing the right terrain to packing essential gear, you can start finalizing the perfect itinerary for your summer getaway. Whether you’re seeking new heights in a mountainous campsite, looking to sunbathe oceanside, or stargaze in the serene desert, there is the perfect location for you.

With your gear packed and an EcoFlow Portable Power Station to keep your devices charged, you’re all set for a summer camping adventure that’s both thrilling and convenient.