Summer is a wonderful time to camp because the warm weather allows for many enjoyable outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. It does pose some challenges, however, because the most humid days leave you and your family feeling hot and sticky inside your tent. If you want to camp during the hottest months of the year, you can do so with greater ease by employing a few hacks and having some useful tools on hand.

Here are the best ways to stay cool during the hottest camping days of the year:

Make good use of the shade.

If possible, request a campsite in a wooded area. That way, the branches and leaves from the trees provide protection from the hot sun. Even if you don’t have access to a shady spot, you can use a tarp and suspend it over your tent to create a sort of canopy that blocks UV rays.

Wrap your cooler in a thermal insulated blanket.

A space blanket keeps the hot sun from pounding down on your food cooler, making the ice melt faster than it should. You can pick one up at a camping supply store or big box retailer for a couple of dollars. It’s ideal for preventing spoilage if you’re unable to access ice easily.

Invest in a fan for the tent.

It’s a great way to keep air circulating. Most models have a hook that allow you to place them at the top of the tent. It helps cool the air as the heat rises which makes a more comfortable experience for you and your family.

Keep your cool by staying cool. There are plenty of ways to beat the heat of summer while camping outdoors. By coming up with a plan that works best for you, you’re able to soak up the sun without it causing you a great deal of harm. You’ll feel calm and collected as you spend your vacation at the campsite enjoying everything that you intended to take part in.